Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can improve the communication efficiency, can be applied to a communication system, and is applicable to fields such as low-power-consumption and low-complexity communications, Internet of Things, and environmental Internet of Things. The method comprises: a first-type apparatus sends first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating a first apparatus set, and the first apparatus set comprises a plurality of second-type apparatuses; the first-type apparatus sends M pieces of second indication information, wherein the M pieces of second indication information are used for determining access occasions of the second-type apparatuses in the first apparatus set, a time interval between two adjacent pieces of second indication information among the M pieces of second indication information is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold, the first duration threshold is determined on the basis of an allowed time interval between two adjacent pieces of second indication information, and M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; and the first-type apparatus receives at least one piece of third indication information from a third-type apparatus.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on August 31, 2023, with application number 202311129380.4 and application name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] In the process of performing inventory, perception and other services based on tags (TAGs), the TAG needs to first access a network device, such as a base station. In the process of TAG randomly accessing a network device, the TAG will select a time domain resource from the time domain resources specified by the network device to initiate random access. For example, the TAG determines a random value by itself, and the network device or communication device sends information for determining the access timing. The TAG initiates random access based on the amount of information received for determining the access timing and the random number determined by itself. For example, the TAG can reduce the count value of the counter based on the received information for determining the access timing until the count value of the counter is reduced from the random number determined by the TAG to 0, and then initiate random access. In such a scheme, the delay of random access is large, which will lead to low communication efficiency of services such as inventory and perception.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device, which can solve the problem of large random access delay, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a first type of device sends a first indication message. The first indication message is used to indicate a first device set. The first device set includes multiple second type devices. The first type of device sends M second indication messages. The M second indication messages are used to determine the access timing of the second type devices in the first device set, and the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages in the M second indication messages is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold. The first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages. M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The first type of device receives at least one third indication message from a third type of device. The third indication message is used to indicate a second type device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication message is fourth indication message received by the third type device from a second type device, and the fourth indication message is used for the second type device to randomly access the network.

[0008] Based on the communication method provided in the first aspect, the first type of device can indicate the first device set, such as the first indication information described above, and send M second indication information to determine the access timing of the second type of device in the first device set, wherein the time interval between two adjacent second indication information in the M second indication information is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold. The first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information. In other words, the first type of device can send the next second indication information after sending one second indication information and waiting for the first duration threshold, thereby reducing the waiting time for adjacent second indication information and reducing access latency.

[0009] The first category of devices can be second category terminals, or devices within second category terminals. The second category of devices can be first category terminals, or devices within first category terminals, such as tags. The third category of devices can be network equipment, such as base stations, or devices within network equipment. In this case, the first category of devices is used to receive data sent from the third category of devices to the second category of devices and transmit this data to the second category of devices. This means that the first category of devices is used to assist in downlink transmission. This scenario can also be described as a scenario where the second category of terminals assist in downlink transmission.

[0010] Alternatively, the first category of devices may be network equipment, such as a base station, or a device within a network device. The second category of devices may be a first category terminal, or a device within a first category terminal, such as a tag. The third category of devices may be a second category terminal, or a device within a second category terminal. In this case, the second category device is configured to receive data sent from the second category device to the first category device and transmit this data to the first category device. This means that the second category device is configured to assist in uplink transmission. This scenario can also be a scenario where the second category terminal assists in uplink transmission.

[0011] It is understood that when the first type of device is used to assist downlink, the third indication information is used to indicate a second type of device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network. When the third type of device is used to assist uplink, the third indication information is the fourth indication information received by the third type of device from a second type of device.

[0012] In one possible design, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages may be related to one or more of the following: the transmission delay between the second-category device and the first-category device, or the time it takes the second-category device to process the second indication messages. This can reduce the waiting time between two adjacent second indication messages, thereby further reducing latency.

[0013] Optionally, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages may be the sum of the transmission delay between the second-category device and the first-category device and the time it takes the second-category device to process the second indication messages. This can reduce the waiting time between two adjacent second indication messages, thereby further reducing the latency.

[0014] In one possible design, at least one set of adjacent second indication information exists among the M second indication information, and no third indication information exists between at least one set of adjacent second indication information. In this way, the first communication device can send the second indication information without receiving the third indication information, thereby further reducing latency.

[0015] In one possible design, at least one set of adjacent second indication information exists among the M second indication information. Third indication information received by the first type of device between adjacent second indication information sets does not correspond to fourth indication information reported by the second type of device between the adjacent second indication information sets. This allows for greater flexibility in the transmission timing of the third indication information. For example, the third indication information and the fourth indication information corresponding to the third indication information can be sent between different sets of second indication information sets, further reducing latency.

[0016] In one possible design, the first-category device receives at least one third indication message from a third-category device, including: after the first-category device sends M second indication messages, the first-category device receives at least one third indication message from the third-category device. This allows the first-category device to determine which device among the second-category devices has successfully resolved contention.

[0017] It is understood that the at least one third indication information can be carried in one message or in multiple messages. Carrying the at least one third indication information in one message can reduce resource overhead. Carrying the at least one third indication information in multiple messages can increase flexibility.

[0018] In one possible design, before the first-category device receives at least one third indication message from a third-category device, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first-category device sending fifth indication message to the third-category device. The fifth indication message is used to request contention resolution for access to a second-category device in the first device set. This allows for timely triggering of transmission of at least one third indication message after the second indication message indicating access timing for the second-category device in the first device set is sent, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0019] Optionally, sending the fifth indication information to the third category device may include: after sending the M second indication information, the first category device sending the fifth indication information to the third category device. In this way, the completion of sending the second indication information used to determine the access timing of the second category device in the first device set can be promptly indicated, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0020] In one possible design, after receiving at least one third indication message, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first category device sending at least one first feedback message. The first feedback message in the at least one first feedback message corresponds one-to-one with the third indication message in the at least one third indication message. In this manner, contention resolution can be achieved for the second category devices in the first device set.

[0021] Optionally, each of the at least one first feedback information may be carried in a different message. In this way, the first feedback information corresponding to the second type of device in the first device set may be sent separately to the second type of device in the first device set, reducing the processing complexity of the second type of device.

[0022] Optionally, the order in which each piece of first feedback information is sent in the at least one piece of first feedback information may be consistent with the order in which the third piece of indication information is sent in the at least one piece of third indication information. In this way, the first feedback information of all second-category devices that have successfully competed in the first set of devices may be sent together, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0023] In one possible design, the first device set is one of all device sets. The method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first-category device sending sixth indication information. The sixth indication information is used to indicate the total number of all device sets. In this way, the second-category device can determine the device set to which it belongs based on the total number of all device sets, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0024] Optionally, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first-category device receiving seventh indication information from the third-category device. The seventh indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: a second-category device to be connected to the network, time resources allocated for the second-category device to be connected to the network, or the first device set. The second-category device to be connected to the network includes the second-category device in the first device set. In this way, the seventh indication information can be used to indicate information about the second-category device of the network device to be connected, thereby enabling selection of the second-category device in the first device set based on actual needs, thereby improving adaptability.

[0025] In one possible design, the seventh indication information may also be used to indicate the total number of all device sets. In this way, the second-category device can determine its own device set based on the total number of all device sets, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0026] In one possible design, before the first category device sends the first indication information, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first category device sends eighth indication information to the third category device. The eighth indication information is used to indicate the start of receiving the fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to request access to the third category device. After the first category device sends at least one first feedback information, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first category device sends ninth indication information to the third category device. The ninth indication information is used to indicate the stop of receiving the fourth indication information from the second category device. In this way, by having the first category device indicate the start and end of receiving the fourth indication information, the detection time of the third category device can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the third category device.

[0027] In one possible design, before the first category device sends the first indication information, the method provided in the first aspect may further include: the first category device sending tenth indication information to the third category device, where the tenth indication information indicates a time period for receiving the fourth indication information from the second category device. In this manner, by having the first category device indicate the time period for receiving the fourth indication information, the detection time of the third category device can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the third category device.

[0028] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a third-category device receiving fourth indication information from a second-category device in a first-category device set. The fourth indication information is used to request access to the third-category device or the second-category device. The third-category device sends at least one third indication information to the first-category device. The third indication information is used to indicate a second-category device in the first-category device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication information is fourth indication information received by the third-category device from a second-category device, and the fourth indication information is used for the second-category device to randomly access the network.

[0029] It can be understood that when the first category of devices is a second category terminal, or a device within a second category terminal, and the third category of devices is a network device, or a device within a network device, that is, when the second category terminal assists in downlink, the third indication information is used to indicate a second category device in the first category of devices that is allowed to access the network. When the third category of devices is a terminal device, or a device within a terminal device, and the first category of devices is a network device, or a device within a network device, the third indication information is fourth indication information received by the third category device from a second category device.

[0030] In one possible design, the method provided in the second aspect may further include: the third-category device receiving fifth indication information from the first-category device. The fifth indication information is used to request contention resolution for a random access procedure of a second-category device in the first device set. The first device set includes multiple second-category devices.

[0031] In a possible design scheme, the method provided by the second aspect may further include: after receiving the fifth indication information, the third type of device sends at least one third indication information.

[0032] In a possible design scheme, the method provided by the second aspect may further include: after receiving the fourth indication information of the first device set, the third type of device sends at least one third indication information.

[0033] It can be understood that the at least one third indication information can be carried in one message or multiple messages.

[0034] In one possible design, the method provided in the second aspect may further include: the third-category apparatus sending seventh indication information to the first-category apparatus. The seventh indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: a second-category apparatus to be connected to the third-category apparatus, time resources allocated for the second-category apparatus to be connected to the third-category apparatus, and the first set of apparatuses. The second-category apparatus to be connected to the third-category apparatus includes the second-category apparatus in the first set of apparatuses.

[0035] In one possible design, the method provided in the second aspect may further include: the third category device receiving eighth indication information from the first category device. The eighth indication information is used to indicate the start of receiving the fourth indication information; and the fourth indication information is used to request access to the third category device. The method provided in the second aspect may further include: the third category device receiving ninth indication information from the first category device. The ninth indication information is used to indicate the cessation of receiving the fourth indication information from the second category device.

[0036] In a possible design solution, the method provided in the second aspect may further include: the third category apparatus receiving tenth indication information from the first category apparatus, wherein the tenth indication information is used to indicate a time period for receiving the fourth indication information from the second category apparatus.

[0037] In addition, the technical effects of the communication method of the second aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a second-category device receives a first indication message from a first-category device. The first indication message is used to indicate a first device set. The first device set includes multiple second-category devices. The second-category device receives N second indication messages from the first-category device. Each of the N second indication messages is used to determine the access timing of the second-category device in the first device set. Among the N second indication messages, the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold. The first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and N≤M.

[0039] In a possible design solution, the method provided in the third aspect may further include: the second-category apparatus sending fourth indication information to the first-category apparatus. The fourth indication information is used for the second-category apparatus to randomly access the network.

[0040] In one possible design solution, the method provided in the third aspect may further include: the second-category device receiving first feedback information from the first-category device, wherein the first feedback information is used to indicate that the second-category device is allowed to access the third-category device.

[0041] In one possible design, the first device set is one of all device sets, and the method provided in the third aspect may further include: the second type of device receiving sixth indication information from the first type of device, wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the total number of all device sets.

[0042] In addition, the technical effects of the communication method of the third aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is configured to send a first indication message through the receiving module. The first indication message is used to indicate a first device set. The first device set includes multiple second-category devices. The processing module is further configured to send M second indication messages through the receiving module. The M second indication messages are used to determine the access timing of the second-category devices in the first device set, and the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages in the M second indication messages is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold. The first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages. M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The communication device receives at least one third indication message from a third-category device. The third indication message is used to indicate a second-category device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication message is fourth indication message received by the third-category device from a second-category device, and the fourth indication message is used for the second-category device to randomly access the network.

[0044] In a possible design, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information may be related to one or more of the following: a transmission delay between the second category apparatus and the first category apparatus or a time duration for the second category apparatus to process the second indication information.

[0045] Optionally, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information may be: the sum of the transmission delay between the second type apparatus and the first type apparatus and the time duration for the second type apparatus to process the second indication information.

[0046] In a possible design scheme, there is at least one group of adjacent second indication information among the M second indication information, and there is no third indication information between the at least one group of adjacent second indication information.

[0047] In one possible design scheme, there is at least one group of adjacent second indication information among the M second indication information, and the third indication information received by the communication device between the group of adjacent second indication information does not correspond to the fourth indication information reported by the second type of device between the group of adjacent second indication information.

[0048] In a possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to receive at least one third indication information from a third type of device through the transceiver module.

[0049] It can be understood that the at least one third indication information can be carried in one message or multiple messages.

[0050] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to send fifth indication information to the third-category device via the transceiver module, wherein the fifth indication information is used to request contention resolution for access to the second-category device in the first device set.

[0051] Optionally, the transceiver module may be further configured to send fifth indication information to the third type of apparatus after sending the M second indication information.

[0052] In one possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to send at least one first feedback information through the transceiver module, wherein the first feedback information in the at least one first feedback information corresponds to the third indication information in the at least one third indication information.

[0053] Optionally, each piece of first feedback information in the at least one first feedback information may be carried in a different message.

[0054] Optionally, the sending order of each piece of first feedback information in the at least one piece of first feedback information may be consistent with the sending order of the third indication information in the at least one piece of third indication information.

[0055] In a possible design solution, the first device set is one of all device sets, and the processing module is further configured to send sixth indication information via the transceiver module, wherein the sixth indication information is configured to indicate the total number of all device sets.

[0056] Optionally, the processing module is further configured to receive, via the transceiver module, seventh indication information from the third-category device. The seventh indication information is configured to indicate one or more of the following: a second-category device to be connected to the network, time resources allocated for the second-category device to be connected to the network, or the first set of devices. The second-category device to be connected to the network includes the second-category device in the first set of devices.

[0057] In a possible design solution, the seventh indication information may also be used to indicate the total number of all device sets.

[0058] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to send, via the transceiver module, eighth indication information to the third category device. The eighth indication information is configured to indicate the start of receiving the fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is configured to request access to the third category device. The processing module is further configured to send, via the transceiver module, ninth indication information to the third category device. The ninth indication information is configured to indicate the cessation of receiving the fourth indication information from the second category device.

[0059] In one possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to send tenth indication information to the third category apparatus through the transceiver module, where the tenth indication information is used to indicate a time period for receiving the fourth indication information from the second category apparatus.

[0060] In addition, the technical effects of the communication method of the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is configured to receive, via the transceiver module, fourth indication information from a second-category device in a first device set. The fourth indication information is used to request access to the communication device or the second-category device. The processing module is further configured to send, via the transceiver module, at least one third indication information to the first-category device. The third indication information is used to indicate a second-category device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication information is fourth indication information received by the communication device from a second-category device, and the fourth indication information is used to allow the second-category device to randomly access the network.

[0062] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to receive, via the transceiver module, fifth indication information from the first category device. The fifth indication information is configured to request contention resolution for a random access procedure for a second category device in the first device set. The first device set includes multiple second category devices.

[0063] In a possible design scheme, the processing module is further used to send at least one third indication information through the transceiver module after receiving the fifth indication information.

[0064] In a possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to send at least one third indication information through the transceiver module after receiving the fourth indication information from the first device set.

[0065] It can be understood that the at least one third indication information can be carried in one message or multiple messages.

[0066] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to send seventh indication information to the first-category device via the transceiver module. The seventh indication information is configured to indicate one or more of the following: a second-category device of the communication class to be connected, time resources allocated for the second-category device of the communication class to be connected, and the first device set. The second-category device of the communication class to be connected includes the second-category device in the first device set.

[0067] In addition, the technical effects of the communication method of the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is used to receive a first indication message from a first type of device through the transceiver module. The first indication message is used to indicate a first device set. The first device set includes one or more communication devices. The processing module is also used to receive N second indication messages from the first type of device through the transceiver module. Each of the N second indication messages is used to determine the access timing of the communication type device in the first device set. Among the N second indication messages, the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold. The first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0069] In one possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to send fourth indication information to the first type of device via the transceiver module. The fourth indication information is used for the communication device to randomly access the network.

[0070] In one possible design solution, the processing module is further configured to receive, via the transceiver module, first feedback information from the first category device, wherein the first feedback information is used to indicate that the communication device is allowed to access the third category device.

[0071] In one possible design, the first device set is one of all device sets, and the processing module is further configured to receive sixth indication information from the first type of devices via the transceiver module, wherein the sixth indication information is configured to indicate the total number of all device sets.

[0072] In addition, the technical effects of the communication method of the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the implementations of the first to third aspects. Alternatively, the communication device includes a module or unit configured to implement any one of the implementations of the first to third aspects.

[0074] In the present application, the communication device described in the seventh aspect may be a first-category device, a second-category device, or a third-category device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device, or a device that includes the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device.

[0075] It should be understood that the communication device described in the seventh aspect includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects above. The module, unit, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units for performing the functions involved in the above-mentioned communication method.

[0076] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to execute the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0077] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the eighth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0078] In one possible design, the communication device described in aspect 8 may further include a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor or provided separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data involved in the communication method described in any one of aspects 1 to 3.

[0079] In the present application, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may be a first-category device, a second-category device, or a third-category device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device, or a device that includes the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device.

[0080] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processor coupled to a memory, the processor configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0081] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in aspect 9 may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in aspect 9 to communicate with other communication devices.

[0082] In the present application, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may be a first-category device, a second-category device, or a third-category device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device, or a device that includes the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device.

[0083] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of the implementation methods of the first to third aspects.

[0084] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the tenth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0085] In the present application, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may be a first-category device, a second-category device, or a third-category device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device, or a device that includes the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device.

[0086] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is used to couple with a memory, and after reading a computer program in the memory, execute the communication method as described in any one of the implementation methods of the first to third aspects according to the computer program.

[0087] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the eleventh aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0088] In the present application, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may be a first-category device, a second-category device, or a third-category device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device, or a device that includes the first-category device, the second-category device, or the third-category device.

[0089] In a twelfth aspect, a processor is provided, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method described in any possible implementation manner of the first to third aspects.

[0090] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes one or more terminal devices and one or more network devices.

[0091] In the fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method described in any possible implementation method of the first to fourth aspects.

[0092] In the fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0093] In addition, the technical effects of the communication devices described in the seventh to fifteenth aspects above can refer to the technical effects of the communication methods described in the first to fourth aspects above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the communication system under the A-IoT direct connection architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG2 is a flow chart of a communication method in a direct connection architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a split architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG5 is a second schematic diagram of a split architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] FIG6 is a third schematic diagram of a split architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG7 is a fourth schematic diagram of a split architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG9 is a second flow chart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG10 is a third flow chart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG11 is a fourth flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the information interaction timing provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG13 is a fifth flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG14 is a sixth flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG15 is a seventh flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG16 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG17 is a ninth flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG18 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG19 is a second structural diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] To facilitate understanding, the following first introduces the technologies involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can identify specific targets and read and write data through radio signals.

[0115] The system using RFID technology (hereinafter referred to as RFID system) includes a reader and a tag device. It is understood that the tag device can be a passive tag device (passive tag), a semi-passive tag device (semi-passive tag), or an active tag device (active tag).

[0116] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined the ambient internet of things (A-IoT) technology.

[0117] The A-IoT in A-IoT technology includes network devices and first-class terminal devices. Alternatively, an A-IoT-based communication system includes network devices and first-class terminal devices. The first-class terminal devices can function as tag devices. In this case, both the reader / writer and the tag device can be implemented based on the infrastructure of a cellular network. In other words, both the reader / writer and the tag device can be devices within the cellular network. For example, the reader / writer functionality can be implemented by a network device, such as a base station. The tag device can be implemented by a terminal within the cellular network, such as an extremely low-power, low-complexity IoT terminal (i.e., a first-class terminal). Contactless data communication can be performed between the network device and the first-class terminal, allowing the device to read information from the first-class terminal and / or write information to the first-class terminal. A-IoT technology can be used to implement one or more of the following services: inventory, positioning, sensing, and command services. It is understood that command services can implement write or lock processes. In terms of application scope, A-IoT technology can be applied in scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, and environmental monitoring.

[0118] The write process may be that the network device sends a downlink instruction and data to instruct the first type of terminal to write the data into its own storage area (memory).

[0119] The locking process may be that the network device sends a downlink instruction to let the first type of terminal lock the location of the specified address in the storage area, and the content of the locked location in the storage area cannot be changed or read.

[0120] The architecture of the A-IoT-based communication system can include a direct connection architecture and a separate architecture.

[0121] In a direct-connect architecture, uplink and downlink data between the network device and the first-category terminal can be transmitted over the same link. In this scenario, uplink and downlink data are exchanged directly between the network device and the first-category terminal, with a third-party device, such as a terminal, providing carriers for the first-category terminal. The following illustrates the workflow of the A-IoT system in a direct-connect architecture, using Figure 1.

[0122] As shown in Figure 1, the workflow of the communication system under the A-IoT direct connection architecture includes:

[0123] S101: A network device sends indication information #1. Correspondingly, a first type of terminal receives the indication information #1 from the network device.

[0124] Among them, indication information #1 is used to indicate at least one first-category terminal. In one implementation, after receiving indication information #1, the first-category terminal can initiate random access or wait for access opportunity to initiate random access according to the at least one first-category terminal indicated by indication information #1. In another implementation, the first-category terminal among the at least one first-category terminal indicated by indication information #1 can receive downlink data / signaling from the network device or send uplink data / signaling to the network device. In yet another implementation, indication information #1 can trigger the first-category terminal among the at least one first-category terminal to process the pending service. Exemplarily, the pending service can be an inventory service, a paging service, a positioning service, a data reporting service (such as information collected by a sensor), or a command service. It can be understood that the services in the embodiments of the present application are only used as examples. In actual implementation, the pending service can also be other possible services, which will not be repeated here.

[0125] In one possible design scheme, indication information #1 can be used to indicate multiple first-class terminals, that is, a first-class terminal set. For example, indication information #1 may include a first-class terminal identifier and / or an identifier of a first-class terminal set. It can be understood that the first-class terminal identifier can be used to identify at least one first-class terminal, and the identifier of the set of first-class terminals can be used to identify the set of first-class terminals, such as a unique identifier of a first-class terminal supporting a specified service. Exemplarily, the first-class terminal identifier can be a user identifier UE_ID, such as a new generation-5th generation temporary mobile subscriber identity (NG-5G-TMSI), a system architecture evolution (SAE) temporary mobile subscriber identity (SAE-temporary mobile subscriber identity, S-TMSI), etc. The identifier of the set of first-class terminals can be a group identifier group ID, such as a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI), a mask, etc., and the name is not limited. The identifier of the first-class terminal set used to implement the service to be processed can be a field that exists in the identifier of the first-class terminal used to implement the service to be processed. In this case, the identifier of the first type of terminal set used to implement the service to be processed can also be called a mask. The UE-ID and group ID can be implemented using multiple bits.

[0126] It should be understood that the terminal set can also be understood as a group of first-category terminals, and the identifier of the first-category terminal set is the group identifier of the group of first-category terminals.

[0127] For example, if the service to be processed is an inventory service, and the first-category terminals that need to be inventoried include first-category terminals 1 to N, then the first-category terminal set for the service to be processed includes first-category terminals 1 to N. Assuming that the identifiers of first-category terminals 1 to N all include "00110011," the mask can be "00110011." For another example, the first-category terminal identifier can be an identifier that identifies a first-category terminal, and indication information #1 can include one or more first-terminal identifiers. For example, if indication information #1 carries the terminal identifiers "0001" and "0010," then first-category terminals with terminal identifiers "0001" and "0010" can respond to indication information #1. The identifier of the set of first-category terminals can be a group identifier. The group identifiers of multiple first-category terminals can be the same. For example, if the group identifier is "1000," then all first-category terminals with the group identifier "1000" can respond to indication information #1. The so-called response indication information #1 can be understood as indicating that receiving indication information #1 can trigger S102 or the process after S102, such as continuing to listen for messages from the network device, initiating random access, or waiting for an access opportunity to initiate random access. The first type of terminal that does not respond to indication information #1 does not participate in subsequent related processes, such as not continuing to listen for messages from the network device, not initiating random access, or waiting for an access opportunity to initiate random access. This application does not limit the principles of the identifier design.

[0128] It is understandable that in some possible embodiments, indication information #1 may also be called other possible names. Indication information #1 may be carried in a select message, a broadcast message (such as a system information (SI), a system information block (SIB1) or a master information block (MIB)), a paging message, a low-power wake-up signal, or a paging early indication (PEI). It is understandable that the information, signal, message or signaling listed here that carries indication information #1 is only for example. In actual implementation, indication information #1 may also be carried in other possible information, signals, messages or signaling.

[0129] S102: The network device sends indication information #2. Correspondingly, the first type of terminal receives indication information #2.

[0130] The indication information #2 is used to indicate the time resources allocated by the network device to the first type of terminals, such as the time slot resources allocated to the first type of terminals to implement the services to be processed.

[0131] In one implementation, the allocated time resources may be the number of time slots. For example, indication information #2 may indicate the total number of time slot resources allocated to all first-category terminals.

[0132] It should be understood that the time unit can also be divided according to other granularities besides time slots, such as time units can also be divided according to frames. The time unit in the embodiment of the present application can be variable, and the time unit is determined according to the following indication information #3.

[0133] It is understandable that indication information #2 may also be called other possible names, which will not be repeated here.

[0134] Indication information #2 may be carried in a query message, a broadcast message (such as SI, SIB1, or MIB), a paging message, a beacon message, or a synchronization message (such as a synchronization signal block (SSB)). It will be understood that the information, signal, message, or signaling listed here that carries indication information #2 is for example only. In actual implementation, indication information #2 may also be carried in other possible information, signals, messages, or signaling.

[0135] S103: The first type of terminal selects an access opportunity according to the time resource indicated by the indication information #2.

[0136] The access opportunity refers to the time resource for the first type of terminal to access the network. In one implementation, the first type of terminal can randomly select a time resource from the time resources indicated by indication information #2 as the access opportunity. In other words, the access opportunity selected by the first type of terminal can be one of the time resources allocated by indication information #2. Exemplarily, indication information #2 is used to indicate the total number of time resources allocated for the first type of terminal. The first type of terminal can determine a value that is less than the total number of time resources based on indication information #2 and set the count value of the counter based on the value. For example, if the total number of allocated time resources is 5, the access opportunity selected by the first type of terminal can be one of the 5 time resources, such as the third time resource. In this case, the initial count value of the counter of the first type of terminal is 3.

[0137] It is understood that the first-category terminal executing S103 may be a first-category terminal among the at least one first-category terminal indicated by indication information #1. Alternatively, indication information #2 may carry an identifier of a first-category terminal, in which case the first-category terminal executing S103 may be the first-category terminal indicated by indication information #2. Alternatively, the first-category terminal executing S103 may be all first-category terminals that received indication information #2.

[0138] In one implementation, in order to disperse the first-class terminals into different time resources for access, the first-class terminals can randomly select time resources as their access timings, or can calculate according to preset calculation rules. For example, the first-class terminals calculate based on their own device identifiers, such as n = UE_ID mod K, where n is the number of time resources corresponding to the access timing, UE_ID can be a unique identifier of the first-class terminal or an identifier temporarily assigned by the network to represent the first-class terminal, and K is the total number of allocated time resources. Exemplarily, the first-class terminal can indicate the update of time resources by updating a counter. For example, if the third time resource is selected and the counter is updated three times, it means that the current time resource is the third time resource. There is no restriction on the rules for determining the counter update. For example, the counter is updated when triggered by receiving specific signaling, and the update can be the count value of the counter plus or minus 1.

[0139] It should be understood that the access timings for different Class I terminals may be different or the same. A network device allows access to one or more Class I terminals within a time resource. For example, for Class I terminals with simple encoding methods that cannot support frequency division, code division, or transmit other orthogonal signals, such as passive tags, the network device only allows access to one Class I terminal within a time resource. For example, for Class I terminals that support frequency division, code division, or transmit other orthogonal signals, such as active tags, the network device may allow access to multiple Class I terminals within a time resource.

[0140] The name of the counter may also be the name of a variable used by the first type of terminal to determine its own access resources, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0141] Exemplarily, the time length of the time resource is not fixed. For example, the time length corresponding to the time resource when no first-category terminal initiates access may be smaller than the time length corresponding to the time resource when a first-category terminal initiates access.

[0142] For example, for the first type of terminal accessing asynchronously, the indication of accessing time resources may not depend on information indications such as time slot number or frame number, and may determine entry into the next time resource through received signaling, such as the following indication information #3.

[0143] It is understandable that in the embodiment of the present application, the initial count value of the counter is only used as an example. In actual implementation, the initial count value of the counter can also be other possible values, such as a negative number, which will not be repeated here.

[0144] S104: The network device sends at least one indication information #3. Correspondingly, the first type of terminal receives the indication information #3.

[0145] Each indication information #3 corresponds to a time resource and is used to determine an access timing.

[0146] Indication information #3 may also be other possible names, which will not be repeated here. It is understandable that in some possible design schemes, indication information #3 may be carried in a QueryRep message. The QueryRep message may be a broadcast message. In one possible design scheme, the QueryRep message may be a reconfiguration message, such as a radio resource control reconfiguration (RRC reconfiguration) message, or the QueryRep message may be a connection release message, such as a release message or an RRC release message. It is understandable that the information, signal, message or signaling listed here that carries indication information #3 is only for example. In actual implementation, indication information #3 may also be carried in other possible information, signals, messages or signaling.

[0147] The QueryRep message is located between the end time of the first time resource and the start time of the second time resource of two consecutive time resources.

[0148] S105: The first type of terminal determines whether the time resource after the indication information #3 is the access timing of the first type of terminal according to the received indication information #3 and the selected access timing.

[0149] For example, each time a first-category terminal receives indication information #3, the counter value of the first-category terminal is decremented by 1, i.e., the counter value is updated. If the first-category terminal receives indication information #3 and updates the counter value, and the counter value is equal to 0, then the time resource between the most recently received indication information #3 and the next received indication information #3 is the access opportunity for the first-category terminal. If the first-category terminal receives indication information #3 and updates the counter value, and the counter value is greater than 0, then the time resource between the most recently received indication information #3 and the next received indication information #3 is not the access opportunity for the first-category terminal.

[0150] It will be appreciated that the scheme for determining the access timing herein is for illustrative purposes only. In actual implementation, the access timing may be determined based on the initial count value of the counter, with the specific principle being similar to that when the initial count value of the counter is 3. Alternatively, the access timing may be determined based on a preset update rule. For example, the initial value of the counter is 0, and the counter value is incremented by 1 each time the first type terminal receives indication information #3 until the counter value reaches a pre-set value, such as 3. In this case, the third time slot may be determined as the access timing. This will not be further described here.

[0151] S106: The first type of terminal sends a random access request to the network device within the access opportunity. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access request.

[0152] Among them, the random access request is used to request access to the network. It is understandable that the random access request may include a random number (RN) or temporary identifier generated by the first-class terminal. The random number or temporary identifier is used for contention resolution, such as distinguishing random access requests from different first-class terminals. If the contention resolution is determined to be successful, a contention resolution message can be fed back to the first-class terminal based on the random number or temporary identifier, such as carrying the same random number or temporary identifier in the contention resolution message. The random number can be a 16-bit random number (RN16) or a random number of other bits.

[0153] S107: The network device sends a contention resolution message. Correspondingly, the first type of terminal receives the contention resolution message from the network device.

[0154] The contention resolution message is used to indicate that contention for the first type of terminal is successfully resolved, that is, the contention resolution message is used to indicate that the first type of terminal can transmit uplink data and / or receive downlink data from the network device.

[0155] In one possible design, the contention resolution message may carry a random number received by the network device from a random access response sent by a first-class terminal. For example, the random access request sent by the first-class terminal includes a 16-bit random number, 11111111000000000. If the contention resolution for the first-class terminal is successful, it can be understood that the network device successfully decodes the random access request message sent by the first-class terminal. In this case, the contention resolution message sent by the network device may include 11111111000000000, indicating that the contention resolution for the first-class terminal is successful.

[0156] S108: The first type of terminal sends uplink data to the network device, and / or the first type of terminal receives downlink data from the network device.

[0157] Exemplarily, the uplink data may be service data, which is data used to implement service-related data.

[0158] Optionally, in the inventory service, the first type of terminal sends uplink data to the network device. The uplink data may be identification information of the first type of terminal, such as an electronic product code (EPC), or a unique identifier for identifying the first type of terminal.

[0159] Optionally, in the positioning service, the first type of terminal sends uplink data to the network device. The uplink data may be information related to the location of the first type of terminal or information used to determine the location of the first type of terminal.

[0160] Optionally, in the sensing service, the first type of terminal sends uplink data to the network device. The uplink data may be data collected by the first type of terminal.

[0161] Optionally, in the positioning service, the first type of terminal receives downlink data from the network device. The downlink data may include a downlink positioning signal.

[0162] Optionally, in a command service, the first type of terminal receives downlink data from the network device, wherein the downlink data may be a command, such as a write command, a lock command, a read command, or other possible commands.

[0163] In this way, services such as inventory, positioning, or sensing can be implemented. In a separated architecture, uplink data and downlink data between the network device and the first type of terminal can be transmitted through different links.

[0164] For example, the network device and the first type of terminal can directly exchange uplink data, and the network device and the first type of terminal can exchange downlink data through a third-party device. In this case, the third-party device, such as the second type of terminal, can provide the carrier for the first type of terminal, or the network device can provide the carrier.

[0165] For another example, the network device and the first type of terminal can directly exchange downlink data, and the network device and the first type of terminal can exchange uplink data through a third-party device. In this case, the third-party device, such as the terminal, can provide the carrier for the first type of terminal, or the network device can provide the carrier.

[0166] In scenarios where uplink and downlink data between a network device and a first-category terminal are transmitted over different links, the order of information exchanged is similar to that in Figure 1 , differing in that the transmission path for the uplink or downlink data during the exchange process changes. For ease of understanding, the following example uses a third-party device, such as a second-category terminal, in a separate architecture to assist in downlink transmission.

[0167] Assume that the IoT includes Category 1 Terminal 1, Category 1 Terminal 2, Category 2 Terminal, and network devices. The interaction flow in the IoT is shown in Figure 2. It should be understood that Figure 2 only uses two Category 1 Terminals as an example. In actual implementation, there can be three or more Category 1 Terminals, and this is not detailed here.

[0168] S201: A network device sends first information to a second-category terminal. Correspondingly, the second-category terminal receives the first information from the network device.

[0169] The first information is used to trigger assisted uplink transmission or assisted downlink transmission. The first information includes information indicating one or more of the following: a first type of terminal to be connected to the network, and time resources allocated for the first type of terminal to be connected to the network. For example, the first information may carry indication information #1 to indicate the first type of terminal to be connected to the network, and may carry indication information #2 to indicate the time resources allocated for the first type of terminal to be connected to the network.

[0170] In one possible design, in an inventory scenario, the first information may be an inventory command. In a positioning scenario, the first information may be a message for triggering positioning. It is understood that the first information may also be other types of messages, which will not be described in detail here.

[0171] S202: The second type terminal sends indication information #1. Correspondingly, the first type terminal 1 and the first type terminal 2 receive the indication information #1.

[0172] For example, the first type of terminals for implementing the service to be processed indicated by indication information #1 include first type terminal 1 and first type terminal 2.

[0173] For the implementation principle of indication information #1, please refer to the relevant introduction in S101. For the implementation principle of S202, please refer to the relevant introduction in S101, which will not be repeated here.

[0174] S203: The second type terminal sends indication information #2. Correspondingly, the first type terminal 1 receives indication information #2, and the first type terminal 2 receives indication information #2.

[0175] For example, indication information #2 is used to indicate the number of time resources configured for the first type terminal 1 and the first type terminal 2. For example, indication information #2 indicates that the number of time resources configured for the first type terminal 1 and the first type terminal 2 is 2.

[0176] For the implementation principle of indication information #2, please refer to the relevant introduction in S102. For the implementation principle of S203, please refer to the implementation principle of S102, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] It is understandable that indication information #1 and indication information #2 can be carried in the same message or in different messages.

[0178] S204: The first type terminal 1 selects an access opportunity according to the time resource indicated by the indication information #2. The first type terminal 2 selects an access opportunity according to the time resource indicated by the indication information #2.

[0179] For example, the access timing selected by the first type terminal 2 is the second time resource, and the access timing selected by the first type terminal 1 is the first time resource.

[0180] For the implementation principle of the access timing, please refer to the relevant introduction of S103. For the implementation principle of S204, please refer to the relevant introduction of S103, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] S205: The second type terminal sends the first indication information #3. Correspondingly, the first type terminal 1 receives the first indication information #3, and the first type terminal 2 receives the first indication information #3.

[0182] For the implementation principle of the first indication information #3, please refer to the relevant introduction of indication information #3 in S104. For the implementation principle of S205, please refer to the relevant introduction of S104, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] S206 : The first type terminal 1 determines whether the time resource after the first indication information # 3 is an access opportunity for the first type terminal 1 .

[0184] For example, the first type terminal 1 determines whether the time resource after the first indication information #3 is the access timing of the first type terminal 1 according to the received first indication information #3 and the access timing selected by the first type terminal 1.

[0185] Assume that indication information #2 indicates that the number of time resources configured for first-category terminal 1 and first-category terminal 2 is 2, the access timing selected by first-category terminal 2 is the second time resource, and the access timing selected by first-category terminal 1 is the first time resource. After receiving the first indication information #3, first-category terminal 1 updates the count value of the counter to 0. The time resource after the first indication information #3 is the access timing of first-category terminal 1.

[0186] For the implementation principle of S206, please refer to the relevant introduction of S105, which will not be repeated here.

[0187] S207 : The first type terminal 2 determines whether the time resource after the first indication information # 3 is an access opportunity for the first type terminal 2 .

[0188] For example, the first type terminal 2 determines whether the time resource after the first indication information # 3 is the access timing of the first type terminal 2 according to the received first indication information # 3 and the access timing selected by the first type terminal 2 .

[0189] Assume that indication information #2 indicates that the number of time resources configured for first-category terminal 1 and first-category terminal 2 is 2, the access opportunity selected by first-category terminal 2 is the second time slot resource, and the count value of the update counter of first-category terminal 2 is 1. The time resource after the first indication information #3 is not the access opportunity for first-category terminal 2.

[0190] For the implementation principle of S207, please refer to the relevant introduction of S105, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] S208: The first type terminal 1 sends a random access request of the first type terminal 1 to the network device.

[0192] Regarding the implementation principle of the random access request of the first type of terminal 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S106. Regarding the implementation principle of S208, reference may be made to the implementation principle of S106, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] S209: The network device sends a contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 1 to the second-category terminal. Correspondingly, the second-category terminal receives the contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 1.

[0194] For the contention resolution message for the first type of terminal 1, reference may be made to the contention resolution message in S107, which will not be described in detail here.

[0195] S210: The second-category terminal sends a contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 1 to the first-category terminal 1. Correspondingly, the first-category terminal 1 receives the contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 1 from the second-category terminal.

[0196] S211: The first type terminal 1 sends uplink data of the first type terminal 1 to the network device. And / or, the first type terminal receives downlink data from the network device.

[0197] For the uplink data corresponding to the first type of terminal 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of uplink data in S108. For the downlink data, please refer to the relevant introduction of downlink data in S108. For the implementation principle of S211, please refer to the implementation principle of S108, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] S212: The network device sends the second indication information #3. Correspondingly, the first type terminal 2 receives the second indication information #3.

[0199] For the implementation principle of the second indication information #3, please refer to the relevant introduction of indication information #3 in S104. For the implementation principle of S212, please refer to the relevant introduction of S104, which will not be repeated here.

[0200] S213 : The first type terminal 2 determines that the time resource after the second indication information # 3 is the access opportunity of the first type terminal 2 .

[0201] For example, the first type terminal 2 determines that the time resource after the second indication information # 3 is the access timing of the first type terminal 2 according to the received second indication information # 3 and the access timing selected by the first type terminal 2 .

[0202] Assume that the number of time resources configured for the first category terminal 1 and the first category terminal 2 indicated in the indication information #2 is 2, the access timing selected by the first category terminal 2 is the second time resource, and the access timing selected by the first category terminal 1 is the first time resource. After receiving the second indication information #3, the first category terminal 2 updates the count value of the counter to 0. In this case, the time resource after the second indication information #3 is the access timing of the first category terminal 2.

[0203] For the implementation principle of S213, please refer to the relevant introduction of S105, which will not be repeated here.

[0204] S214: The first type terminal 2 sends a random access request of the first type terminal 2 to the network device.

[0205] Regarding the implementation principle of the random access request of the first type of terminal 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S106 , and regarding the implementation principle of S214 , reference may be made to the implementation principle of S106 , which will not be repeated here.

[0206] S215: The network device sends a contention resolution message for the first type terminal 2 to the second type terminal. Correspondingly, the second type terminal receives the contention resolution message for the first type terminal 2 from the network device.

[0207] S216: The second-category terminal sends a contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 2 to the first-category terminal 2. Correspondingly, the first-category terminal 2 receives the contention resolution message for the first-category terminal 2 from the second-category terminal.

[0208] The contention resolution message for the first type of terminal 2 can refer to the contention resolution message in S107, which will not be described in detail here.

[0209] S217: The first type terminal 2 sends uplink data corresponding to the first type terminal 2 to the network device. And / or, the first type terminal 2 receives downlink data from the network device.

[0210] For the uplink data corresponding to the first type of terminal 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of uplink data in S108. For the downlink data, please refer to the relevant introduction of downlink data in S108. For the implementation principle of S217, please refer to the implementation principle of S108, which will not be repeated here.

[0211] It will be appreciated that in the scheme where the second-category terminal assists downlink, the process is similar to the process where the second-category terminal assists uplink, except that the network device executes steps S202 to S217 performed by the second-category terminal. The second-category terminal executes the steps S202 to S217 performed by the network device, and these steps are not further described here. Furthermore, before sending indication information #1, the network device may also send a start listening indication to the second-category terminal.

[0212] After the network device sends the instruction information #3, the network device may also send an end-listening instruction to the second type of terminal.

[0213] It is understood that information between the network device and the first type of terminal can be transmitted via the Uu interface. Information between the network device and the second type of terminal can be transmitted via the Uu interface. Information between the first type of terminal and the second type of terminal can be transmitted via a sidelink (SL).

[0214] In addition, after S211 , the network device may also send feedback information # 1 to the second type of terminal. The feedback information # 1 is used to indicate that the network device has successfully received the uplink data of the first type of terminal 1 .

[0215] After S217 , the network device may further send feedback information # 2 to the second type of terminal. The feedback information # 2 is used to indicate that the network device has successfully received the uplink data of the first type of terminal 2 .

[0216] It is understandable that the above process is only used as an example. In actual implementation, after S217, the second type of terminal may continue to send indication information #3.

[0217] It is understandable that the first type of terminal in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may also be other extremely low power consumption, extremely low complexity devices or devices in extremely low power consumption, extremely low complexity devices, that is, the first type of terminal.

[0218] However, in the scheme shown in Figure 2 above, the device that sends indication information #3 needs to receive a contention resolution message or wait for a time longer than the actual time it can take to receive the contention resolution message before it can continue to send the next indication information #3. This will result in a long delay in random access of the first type of terminal, thereby resulting in low service processing efficiency.

[0219] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0220] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Vehicles communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems.

[0221] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0222] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as an "exemplary" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0223] First, in this application, "used to indicate" can include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing a certain "information" as being used to indicate A, it can include whether the information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but it does not necessarily mean that the information contains A.

[0224] The information indicated by a message is called information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each piece of information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of each piece of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the indication overhead caused by indicating the same information separately.

[0225] In addition, the specific indication method can also be various existing indication methods, such as but not limited to the above-mentioned indication methods and various combinations thereof. As can be seen from the above, for example, when it is necessary to indicate multiple pieces of information of the same type, different indication methods may be used for different pieces of information. During the specific implementation process, the desired indication method can be selected according to specific needs. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the selected indication method. As such, the indication methods involved in the embodiments of the present application should be understood to cover various methods that can enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0226] The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole, or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application. Among them, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be predefined, for example, predefined according to the protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. Among them, the configuration information can, for example, but not limited to, include one or a combination of at least two of RRC signaling, medium access control (MAC) layer signaling and physical layer signaling. Among them, MAC layer signaling, for example, includes MAC control element (CE); physical (PHY) layer signaling, for example, includes downlink control information (DCI).

[0227] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the first, second, and various numerical numbers are only used for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0228] Third, "predefinition" or "preconfiguration" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, including a terminal device and a network device), and this application does not limit its specific implementation method. Among them, "saving" can mean saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be set separately or integrated in an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially set separately and partially integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit it.

[0229] Fourth, the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include an LTE protocol, an NR protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, which is not limited in this application.

[0230] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the communication system shown in FIG3 is first used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. For example, FIG3 is an architectural diagram of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable.

[0231] As shown in FIG3 , the communication system includes a network device (network device 301 a ), a plurality of first-type terminals (first-type terminal 302 a and first-type terminal 302 b ), and a second-type terminal (second-type terminal 303 a ).

[0232] It is understood that the communication system shown in FIG3 may further include other network devices, such as network device 301b and / or network device 301c; the communication system shown in FIG3 may further include other second-category terminals, such as second-category terminal 303b. In addition, the communication system shown in FIG3 may further include other first-category terminals.

[0233] In the communication system provided in FIG3 , a communication connection can be established between the network device and the first type terminal. For example, a communication connection can be established between the network device 301a and the first type terminal 302a, or between the network device 301a and the first type terminal 302b, or between the network device 301c and the first type terminal 302b.

[0234] A communication connection may also be established between the network device and the second type terminal. For example, the network device 301a may establish a communication connection with the second type terminal 303a.

[0235] A communication connection may also be established between the first type terminal and the second type terminal. For example, a communication connection may be established between the first type terminal 302a and the second type terminal 303b, or between the first type terminal 302b and the second type terminal 303b.

[0236] Different network devices may also establish communication connections. For example, network device 301b may establish a communication connection with network device 301c.

[0237] Different second-category terminals may also establish communication connections. For example, a second-category terminal 303a may establish a communication connection with a second-category terminal 303b.

[0238] The second type of terminal and the first type of terminal can both be terminals with transceiver functions, or can also be a chip or chip system provided in the terminal. The second type of terminal can also be called user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit (subscriber unit), user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. The terminal in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a smart home device (for example, a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), an intelligent robot, a robotic arm, a workshop equipment, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a roadside unit with terminal function, or a wireless terminal in a smart city. The terminal device of the present application may also be an onboard module, onboard module, onboard component, onboard chip or onboard unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device may also be other devices with terminal functions, for example, the terminal device may also be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication.

[0239] The first type of terminal is an extremely low-power, extremely low-complexity device or a device in an extremely low-power, extremely low-complexity device, such as a tag or a tag device.

[0240] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device forms of the second type of terminal and the first type of terminal. The device for realizing the function of the first type of terminal may be a terminal device; or it may be a device that can support the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system. The device may be installed in the terminal device or used in combination with the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices. The device for realizing the function of the second type of terminal may be a terminal device; or it may be a device that can support the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system. The device may be installed in the terminal device or used in combination with the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0241] There may be multiple network devices, such as a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, and the like. The network device may be a device with wireless transceiver functions, or may be a chip or chip system provided on the device, located in the access network (AN) of the communication system, for providing access services to the terminal. For example, the network device may be referred to as a radio access network device (RAN), which may specifically be a next-generation mobile communication system, such as a 6G access network device, such as a 6G base station, or in the next-generation mobile communication system, the network device may also have other naming methods, which are all covered within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application, and this application does not impose any limitation on this. Alternatively, the network device may include 5G, such as a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in 5G, or a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission and reception point (TRP or TP), or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), an RSU with base station functions, a wired access gateway, or a 5G core network element. Alternatively, the network device may include an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, various types of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, and the like.

[0242] Among them, the CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be divided into a network device in the access network RAN, or the CU can be divided into a network device in the core network CN, and there is no limitation here.

[0243] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0244] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be a network device; it can also be a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0245] It is understood that in Figure 3, the roles of the network device and the second type of terminal may be relative, and the second type of terminal may be configured as a network device. For example, the second type of terminal in Figure 3 may be configured as a mobile base station.

[0246] In the communication system shown in FIG3 , the network device can be used to implement the read / write functions of the reader / writer, and the second-type terminal can be used to assist the network device in implementing the read / write functions of the reader / writer. It is understood that in the communication system provided in FIG3 , any network device can be used to assist other network devices in the communication system in implementing the read / write functions of the reader / writer. For example, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) device can be used to assist a base station in implementing the functions of the reader / writer. Alternatively, any second-type terminal in the communication system provided in FIG3 can be used to assist other second-type terminals in implementing the read / write functions of the reader / writer.

[0247] For ease of understanding, the following describes the architecture and signals associated with network devices and second-class terminals implementing reader / writer read / write functions, using the example of a second-class terminal used to assist a network device in implementing reader / writer read / write functions. In the communication system shown in Figure 3 , if any network device is used to assist other network devices in the communication system in implementing reader / writer read / write functions, or if any second-class terminal in the communication system shown in Figure 3 is used to assist other second-class terminals in implementing reader / writer read / write functions, the principles are similar to those used when a second-class terminal can be used to assist a network device in implementing reader / writer read / write functions, and will not be further described here.

[0248] In the following examples, the network device 301a, the first type of terminal 302a and the second type of terminal 303a are described.

[0249] In one possible design scheme, the second type of terminal is used to assist the network device in sending downlink data, that is, the second type of terminal assisted downlink. When the second type of terminal is a UE, it can also be called UE assisted downlink.

[0250] In this case, as shown in Figure 4, network device 301a can provide a carrier for first-type terminal 302a. Network device 301a can also receive uplink data from first-type terminal 302a and send downlink data to second-type terminal 303b, which then sends the downlink data to first-type terminal 302a.

[0251] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the second type terminal 303b can provide a carrier for the first type terminal 302a. The network device 301a can receive uplink data from the first type terminal 302a, and the network device 301a can also send downlink data to the second type terminal 303b, and the second type terminal 303b can then send the downlink data to the first type terminal 302a.

[0252] In one possible design, the second-type terminal 303b is used to assist the network device 301a in receiving uplink data, that is, second-type terminal-assisted uplink. When the second-type terminal is a UE, it can also be called UE-assisted uplink.

[0253] In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the network device 301a can provide a carrier for the first type terminal 302a, the network device 301a sends downlink data to the first type terminal 302a, the first type terminal 302a sends uplink data to the second type terminal 303b, and the second type terminal 303b then sends the uplink data to the network device 301a.

[0254] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the second type terminal 303b can provide a carrier for the first type terminal 302a, the network device 301a sends downlink data to the first type terminal 302a, the first type terminal 302a sends uplink data to the second type terminal 303b, and the second type terminal 303b then sends the uplink data to the network device 301a.

[0255] The network device 301a and the first type terminal 302a can communicate via the Uu interface, the network device 301a and the second type terminal 303b can communicate via the Uu interface, and the second type terminal 303b and the first type terminal 302a can communicate via a sidelink.

[0256] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied between the first type terminal shown in Figure 3 and any of the following devices: network devices, or second type terminals. The specific implementation can refer to the following method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0257] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0258] It should be understood that FIG3 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system may also include other network devices and / or other terminal devices, which are not shown in FIG3 .

[0259] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to Figures 8-17.

[0260] For example, Figure 8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication method can be applied to communication between the first-class terminal, the second-class terminal, and the network device shown in Figure 3, or the communication method can be applied to communication between the first-class terminal and two network devices shown in Figure 3, or the communication method can be applied to communication between the first-class terminal and any two second-class terminals shown in Figure 3.

[0261] As shown in FIG8 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0262] S801: A first type of device sends first indication information. Correspondingly, a second type of device receives the first indication information from the first type of device.

[0263] The first indication information indicates a first device set. The first device set includes multiple second-category devices. Alternatively, the second-category devices are devices in the first device set. Furthermore, the first indication information can also be used to implement the functionality of indication information #2 described above. For specific implementation details, please refer to the description of indication information #2.

[0264] In the assisted downlink scenario, the first category of devices may be second category terminals, or devices within the second category of terminals. The first category of devices is configured to receive information sent from a third category of devices to the second category of devices and transmit the information to the second category of devices. The second category of devices may be first category terminals, or devices within the first category of terminals, such as tags. The third category of devices may be network equipment, or devices within network equipment.

[0265] Alternatively, in a scenario where a second-category terminal assists in uplink transmission, the first-category device may be a network device, such as a base station, or a device within the network device. The second-category device is configured to receive data sent from a third-category device to the first-category device and transmit the data to the first-category device. The second-category device may be a first-category terminal, or a device within the first-category terminal, such as a tag. The third-category device may be a second-category terminal (such as a mobile phone), or a device within the second-category terminal.

[0266] The first device set may be a set of second-category devices related to the current business, and the current business may be a business that needs to be processed after S801 is executed, or a business that needs to be processed after the first indication information is sent. It is understandable that the first device set may be one device set among multiple device sets. Multiple device sets are sets of second-category devices corresponding to all businesses that need to be processed. Each device set in the multiple device sets corresponds to one first indication information. The current business may include one or more businesses, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of current businesses. In the first device set, different second-category devices may execute the same business or different businesses. The same second-category device may execute one business in the current business or multiple businesses in the current business. For example, the second-category device in the first device set may execute an inventory business and / or a positioning business. For another example, the second-category device in the first device set may execute a paging business and / or a sensing business.

[0267] In a possible design solution, the first indication information may carry an identifier of the first device set, where the identifier of the first device set may be a common field in the identifier of each second-category device in the first device set.

[0268] The following describes the first indication information in conjunction with an inventory scenario. For example, a mobile phone seller needs to take inventory of the mobile phones in stock. The inventory includes three brands of mobile phones, namely brand A, brand B, and brand C. There are 5 brand A mobile phones, 8 brand B mobile phones, and 9 brand C mobile phones. The identifiers of brand A mobile phones all include the field "0001", the identifiers of brand B mobile phones all include the field "0010", and the identifiers of brand C mobile phones all include the field "0011". Then, the first indication information for indicating brand A may include the field "0001", the first indication information for indicating brand B may include the field "0010", and the first indication information for indicating brand C may include the field "0011".

[0269] Alternatively, the identifier of the first device set may be the serial number of the first device set. For details, please refer to the relevant introduction in the following Design 2.1, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] It is understandable that the identification of the first device set may be implemented in other ways, which will not be described here.

[0271] In this case, each second-category device among all second-category devices can determine the device set to which the second-category device belongs. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant introduction in the following design 2.1.

[0272] In a possible design solution, after a second-category device receives the first indication information, the device set to which the second-category device belongs can be determined based on the identifier of the second-category device. For example, the identifier of the device set to which the second-category device belongs satisfies the relationship shown in the following formula (1): m = x mod K; (1)

[0273] Among them, m is the identifier of the device set to which the second category device belongs (such as the value of the identifier of the device set to which the second category device belongs), x is the identifier of the second category device or a part of the identifier of the second category device (such as the identifier of the second category device or the value of a part of the identifier of the second category device), mod represents the modulus, and K is the number of all device sets.

[0274] For another example, the identifier of the device set to which the second type of device belongs satisfies the relationship shown in the following formula (2) and formula (3): y = x mod 1024; (2) m = y mod K; (3)

[0275] Among them, y is an intermediate variable determined according to x.

[0276] In one possible design, the first indication information may implicitly indicate the first device set. For example, there is a correspondence between the time resource carrying the first indication information and the first device set. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant introduction in the following design 2.2.

[0277] In one possible design, the implementation principle of the first indication information can be referenced to the description of indication information #2 above and will not be repeated here. In the assisted downlink scenario, the third-category device can trigger the execution process of S801 by exchanging information with the first-category device. The implementation principle of the third-category device triggering S801 by exchanging information with the first-category device can be referenced to the description of design 2 below and will not be repeated here.

[0278] In the auxiliary uplink scenario, the second type of device can trigger the execution process of S801 after sending the sixth indication information. The implementation principle of the second type of device triggering S801 can be referred to the relevant introduction of the following Design 6 and Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0279] It is understandable that the first type of device can send the first indication information in a broadcast, multicast or unicast manner, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0280] S802: The first type of apparatus sends M second indication information. Correspondingly, the second type of apparatus receives N second indication information from the first type of apparatus.

[0281] The M second indication information is used to determine an access timing for a second type of device in the first device set; in the M second indication information, the time interval between two adjacent second indication information is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold; each of the N second indication information is used to determine an access timing for a second type of device in the first device set; in the N second indication information, the time interval between two adjacent second indication information is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold; wherein the first duration threshold is determined based on the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0282] It can be understood that when N=0, it can also be understood that the second type of device does not execute S802-S805.

[0283] Where N≤M, and the N second indication information is a portion of the M second indication information. It can be understood that the N second indication information is N consecutive second indication information of the M indication information. In other words, the second indication information received by the second type of device includes: the first to the Nth second indication information sent in sequence among the M second indication information.

[0284] For the implementation principle of the second indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of indication information #3 in Figure 1 or Figure 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0285] The number (N) of second indication information received by a second-category device may be determined according to the access timing selected by the second-category device.

[0286] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first indication information, the second type of device may select access resources according to the first indication information, thereby determining the amount of second indication information that the second type of device needs to receive.

[0287] For example, the access opportunity selected by the second type of device is the fifth time resource, then the number of second indication information received by the second device may be 5, that is, N=5.

[0288] The access timing of a second-category device is a time resource in which the second-category device can send an access request. In embodiments of the present application, to reduce collisions between different second-category devices, the second-category devices can be assigned different time resources to initiate access. In other words, when different second-category devices select random access timings, the time resources selected as access timings by the different second-category devices are as diverse as possible.

[0289] There is a time resource between the two second indication information. If the second type of device does not support synchronous access, such as an active tag or a semi-active tag, the starting position of the access opportunity is the time when the second indication information is received.

[0290] In one possible design, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication messages may be related to one or more of the following: the transmission delay between the second-category device and the first-category device, or the time it takes the second-category device to process the second indication messages. This can reduce the waiting time between two adjacent second indication messages, thereby further reducing latency.

[0291] Optionally, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information may be: the sum of the time durations for the second type of apparatus to process the second indication information.

[0292] Alternatively, optionally, the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information may be: the sum of the transmission delay between the second type apparatus and the first type apparatus and the time duration for the second type apparatus to process the second indication information.

[0293] In this way, the waiting time between two adjacent second indication information can be reduced, thereby further reducing the delay.

[0294] It is understandable that in some possible design solutions, the time intervals between two adjacent second indication information may be the same or different.

[0295] When the time intervals between two adjacent second indication information are the same, the implementation complexity can be reduced.

[0296] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages is less than or equal to the second duration threshold. The second duration threshold is greater than the first duration threshold. The second duration threshold can be determined based on the scenario in FIG. 2 , where, after the second type device sends an indication message #3, the second type device does not receive a random access request and then waits for the next indication message #3 to be sent.

[0297] Two adjacent second indication information refer to two second indication information that are sent in an adjacent order.

[0298] In the assisted uplink scenario, the second duration threshold is related to one or more of the following: the transmission delay between the first-category device (network device) and the second-category device (first-category terminal), the time it takes for the second-category device to process the second indication information, the transmission delay between the second-category device and the third-category device (second-category terminal), or the transmission delay between the third-category device and the second-category device. For example, the second duration threshold is the sum of the transmission delay between the first-category device (network device) and the second-category device, the time it takes for the second-category device (first-category terminal) to process the second indication information, the transmission delay between the second-category device and the third-category device (second-category terminal), and the transmission delay between the third-category device and the second-category device.

[0299] In the assisted downlink scenario, the second duration threshold is related to one or more of the following: the transmission delay between the first-category device (second-category terminal) and the second-category device (first-category terminal), the delay for the second-category device to process the second indication information, the transmission delay between the second-category device and the third-category device (network device), or the transmission delay between the third-category device and the second-category device. For example, the second duration threshold may be the sum of the transmission delay between the first-category device and the second-category device, the delay for the second-category device to process the second indication information, the transmission delay between the second-category device and the third-category device (network device), and the transmission delay between the third-category device and the second-category device.

[0300] In one possible design, at least one set of adjacent second indication information exists among the M second indication information, and no third indication information exists between at least one set of adjacent second indication information. In other words, the second type of device does not need to wait for receipt of the third indication information before sending the next second indication information. This allows the first communications device to send the second indication information even without receiving the third indication information, further reducing latency.

[0301] It is understood that among the M second indication information, there are a total of M-1 groups of adjacent second indication information. Each group of adjacent second indication information includes two second indication information, and there is no other second indication information between the two second indication information. The at least one group of adjacent second indication information can be any one of the groups between one group of adjacent second indication information and M-1 groups of adjacent second indication information.

[0302] For the implementation of the third indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction in the following embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] In an embodiment of the present application, after a first type of device has sent a second indication message, if it receives a fourth indication message from a second type of device within a first time threshold, it may then send the next second indication message. Alternatively, after a first type of device has sent a second indication message, if it has not received a second indication message within the first time threshold, it may send the next second indication message when the time interval between the last completed second indication message reaches the first time threshold. This can shorten the time interval between two adjacent second indication messages, reduce the waiting time for sending the second indication message, and thus reduce access latency.

[0304] It is understandable that the first type of device can send the Mth second indication information in a broadcast or multicast manner, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0305] S803: The second-category device in the first device set sends fourth indication information to the third-category device. Accordingly, the third-category device receives the fourth indication information from the second-category device in the first device set. In the assisted downlink scenario, the third-category device may be a network device, such as a base station, or a device within the network device. In this case, the fourth indication information indicates a second-category device in the first device set that is permitted to access the network.

[0306] In the assisted uplink scenario, the third type of device may be a second type of terminal, or a device in the second type of terminal. The fourth indication information is used by the second type of device to request random access to the network.

[0307] For the implementation principle of the fourth indication information, reference may be made to the relevant introduction to the random access request in S106, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] The second-category device in the first device set sending the fourth indication information to the first-category device may include: after receiving N second indication information, the second-category device sends the fourth indication information to the first-category device. The implementation principle of S803 can be referred to the relevant description of S208 and S214 and is not repeated here.

[0309] It should be understood that the second-category devices that send the fourth indication information in S803 are all second-category devices in the first device set.

[0310] S804: The third type of apparatus sends at least one third indication information to the first type of apparatus. Correspondingly, the first type of apparatus receives at least one third indication information from the third type of apparatus.

[0311] The third indication information is used to indicate a second-category device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication information is fourth indication information received by the third-category device from a second-category device, and the fourth indication information is used for a second-category device to randomly access the network.

[0312] Regarding the principle of the third indication information, reference may be made to the related introduction of the contention resolution message in S107 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] For example, if the first category of devices is a second category terminal, or a device within a second category terminal, and the third category of devices is a network device, or a device within a network device, that is, if the first category of devices is used for downlink assistance, the third indication information is used to indicate a second category device in the first category of devices that is allowed to access the network. If the third category of devices is a terminal device, or a device within a terminal device, and the first category of devices is a network device, or a device within a network device, that is, if the third category of devices is used for uplink assistance, the third indication information is a random access request received by the third category device from a second category device.

[0314] In the embodiment of the present application, S804 can be implemented in the following manners 1 to 4.

[0315] Method 1, S804 can also be triggered by the information interacted between the first type of device and the third type of device. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 1 below, which will not be repeated here.

[0316] Mode 2: S804 may be triggered by each fourth indication message sent by the second type of device in the first device set. In this case, each time the third type of device receives a fourth indication message, it may send a third indication message to the first type of device.

[0317] Mode 3: S804 may be triggered by the last fourth indication information sent by the second type of device in the first device set.

[0318] In this case, S804 may include: after receiving the fourth indication information from the first device set, the third type of device sends at least one third indication information to the first type of device. Correspondingly, the first type of device receives at least one third indication information from the third type of device.

[0319] For example, whether the third category device has fully received the fourth indication information from the first category device set can be determined based on the end time of sending the second indication information. For example, if a third duration threshold has elapsed since the end time of sending the second indication information, then the fourth indication information from the first category device set has been fully received. If a third duration threshold has elapsed since the end time of sending the second indication information, then the fourth indication information from the first category device set has not been fully received. The third duration threshold can be implemented using a timer and will not be further described here.

[0320] Mode 4: S804 may be executed after the third type device receives information related to access to other first type devices, such as the second indication information, the first indication information, or the fourth indication information.

[0321] In this case, in a possible design scheme, there is at least one group of adjacent second indication information among the M second indication information, and the third indication information received by the first type of device between the group of adjacent second indication information does not correspond to the fourth indication information reported by the second type of device between the group of adjacent second indication information.

[0322] In this way, the transmission time of the third indication information can be made more flexible. For example, the third indication information and the fourth indication information corresponding to the third indication information can be sent between the second indication information of different first device sets, thereby further reducing the delay.

[0323] It should be understood that the fourth indication information does not correspond to the third indication information, which means that the second-category device that sent the fourth indication information and the second-category device for which the third indication information indicates successful contention resolution are not the same second-category device. For example, the third indication information received by the first-category device between adjacent second indication information within the group may be the third indication information corresponding to other fourth indication information preceding the group of adjacent second indication information, or the third indication information corresponding to fourth indication information in another set of first devices.

[0324] The fourth indication information corresponds to the third indication information, indicating that the second-category device that sent the fourth indication information and the second-category device for which the third indication information indicates successful contention resolution are the same second-category device. It is understood that the third indication information corresponding to a fourth indication information can be used to indicate whether contention resolution was successful for the second-category device that sent the fourth indication information.

[0325] It is understood that in any of the above-mentioned methods 1, 3, and 4, the first-category device receiving at least one third indication message from the third-category device may include: after the first-category device sends M second indication messages, it receives at least one third indication message from the third-category device. This allows the first-category device to determine which device among the second-category devices has successfully resolved contention. In this case, no third indication message corresponding to any two of the M second indication messages exists between them.

[0326] In the above methods 1 to 4, the at least one third indication information can be carried in one message or in multiple messages. Carrying the at least one third indication information in one message can reduce resource overhead. Carrying the at least one third indication information in multiple messages can increase flexibility.

[0327] S805: The first type of device sends at least one first feedback information. Correspondingly, the second type of device receives the first feedback information corresponding to the second type of device.

[0328] The first feedback information is used to indicate that the second category device is allowed to access the third category device.

[0329] In one possible design, the first category device sending at least one first feedback message may include: after receiving at least one third indication message, the first category device sending at least one first feedback message. The first feedback information in the at least one first feedback message corresponds to the third indication information in the at least one third indication message. That is, the number of first feedback information in the at least one first feedback message is equal to the number of third indication information in the at least one third indication message, and each third indication message corresponds to one first feedback message. In this manner, contention resolution for the second category device in the first device set can be achieved.

[0330] Each piece of the at least one first feedback information can be carried in a different message or in the same message. Each piece of the at least one first feedback information can be carried in a different message. This allows the first feedback information corresponding to the second category of devices in the first device set to be sent separately, reducing processing complexity for the second category of devices. The at least one piece of first feedback information can be carried in the same message. This reduces the number of messages sent by the first category of devices, thereby reducing resource overhead and latency.

[0331] For example, after receiving any one piece of the at least one piece of third indication information, the first type of apparatus may send first feedback information corresponding to the any one piece of the third indication information to the second type of apparatus corresponding to the any one piece of the third indication information.

[0332] In one possible design scheme, the third indication information corresponds one-to-one to the first feedback information. At this time, in S805, the first type of device can send the first feedback information corresponding to the third indication information after receiving each third indication information in at least one third indication information.

[0333] The first feedback information corresponding to the third indication information refers to the second category device indicated by the first feedback information as being allowed to access the third category device, which is the same as the second category device indicated by the third indication information as being allowed to access the third category device.

[0334] It is understood that the order in which each piece of first feedback information in the at least one piece of first feedback information is sent may be consistent with the order in which the third indication information in the at least one piece of third indication information is sent. In other words, the second category device corresponding to the kth piece of first feedback information sent in the at least one piece of first feedback information and the second category device corresponding to the kth piece of third indication information sent in the at least one piece of third indication information are the same second category device in the first device set.

[0335] In this way, the first feedback information of all second-category devices that have successfully competed in the first device set can be sent together, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0336] Based on the communication method provided in Figure 8, the first type of device can indicate the first device set, such as the above-mentioned first indication information, and send M second indication information to determine the access timing of the second type of device in the first device set, wherein, among the M second indication information, the time interval between two adjacent second indication information is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold; the first duration threshold is determined according to the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information, that is, the first type of device can send the next second indication information after sending one second indication information and waiting for the first duration threshold, thereby reducing the waiting time of adjacent second indication information and reducing the access delay.

[0337] Based on the above S801 to S805 , the communication method provided in FIG8 may further include the following design solutions.

[0338] Design 1: The first type of device sends the fifth indication information to the third type of device. Correspondingly, the third type of device receives the fifth indication information from the first type of device.

[0339] The fifth indication information is used to request contention resolution for access by the second type of device in the first device set. Alternatively, the fifth indication information can be understood as triggering the first type of device to send at least one third indication information to the third type of device. This allows for timely triggering of the transmission of at least one third indication information after the second indication information, indicating the access timing for the second type of device in the first device set, is sent, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0340] It is understandable that the fifth indication information can be used to indicate that the second indication information corresponding to the first device set has been sent successfully. In other words, the fifth indication information can be used to indicate that the second indication information for the second type of terminal device in the first device set to access the network has been sent successfully.

[0341] Optionally, the first type of apparatus sending the fifth indication information to the third type of apparatus may include: after the first type of apparatus sends M pieces of second indication information, the first type of apparatus sends the fifth indication information to the third type of apparatus.

[0342] In this way, it is possible to timely indicate that the second indication information used to determine the access timing of the second type of device in the first device set has been sent, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0343] In this case, the third type of device executes S804 according to the fifth instruction information.

[0344] Design 2: Before S801, the method provided in FIG8 may further include: the first type of apparatus sends sixth indication information. Correspondingly, the second type of apparatus receives the sixth indication information from the first type of apparatus.

[0345] Design 2.1: The sixth indication information is used to indicate the total number of all device sets. In this case, the first device set is one of all device sets.

[0346] The first indication information, the second indication information, and the fourth indication information may also carry an identifier of the first device set. For example, if the first indication information carries the identifier of the first device set, then, among all second-category devices capable of receiving the first indication information, the second-category devices in the first device set will respond to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0347] The second type of device can select the device set to which it belongs based on the total number of all device sets indicated by the sixth indication information. Taking the total number of all device sets as 3, TAG determines the device set to which TAG belongs based on the total number of all device sets 3. For example, all TAGs include TAG0 to TAG4. TAG can randomly select a value from 1 to 3 as the device set to which the TAG belongs. Assuming that the identifier of the device set selected by TAG0 to TAG2 is "1", the identifier of the device set selected by TAG3 is "2", and the identifier of the device set selected by TAG4 is "3", then, if the identifier of the first device set carried by the first indication information is 1, then the first device set includes TAG0 to TAG2. At this time, among TAG0 to TAG4, TAG0 to TAG2 can respond to the first indication information (such as updating the count value of TAG) to implement the service. TAG3 and TAG4 do not respond to the first indication information (such as not updating the count value of TAG).

[0348] In this way, by selecting the identifier of the device set of the second category devices and carrying the identifier of the first device set in the first indication information, different second category devices can be divided into different groups for access or service implementation.

[0349] In addition, when the second indication information carries the identifier of the first device set, the second category devices in the first device set may respond to the second indication information, and the second category devices other than the first device set do not respond to the second indication information.

[0350] Design 2.2, the sixth indication information can indicate multiple time resource sets, each of which can include at least one time resource. Among them, each second-category device can select a time resource set from multiple time resource sets, and then this terminal device belongs to the time resource set. The time resources indicated by the first indication information include the time resources of one time resource set in multiple time resource sets. That is to say, the first indication information can implicitly indicate the first device set through the indicated time resources. The second-category device that selects the time resource indicated by the first indication information can respond to the first indication information and respond to sending the second indication information (such as updating the count value) on the time resource indicated by the first indication information.

[0351] For example, the sixth indication information indicates three time resource sets. Assuming each time resource set includes 10 time resources, the first time resource set includes time resources 1 through 10, the second time resource set includes time resources 11 through 20, and the third time resource set includes time resources 21 through 30. Based on the time resource sets indicated by the sixth indication information, the tags select their own time resources. Taking random selection as an example (the method for selecting time resources is not limited), assuming that tags 0 through 2 select the first time resource set, tags 0 through 2 detect the first indication information and the second indication information within the first time resource set (i.e., time resources 1 through 10). That is, during the time corresponding to the first time resource set, the first device set includes tags 0 through 2. Assuming that tags 3 and 4 select the second time resource set, tags 0 through 2 detect the first indication information and the second indication information within the second time resource set (i.e., time resources 1 through 10). That is, during the time corresponding to the second time resource set, the first device set includes tags 3 and 4.

[0352] Design 3, the method provided in FIG8 may further include: the first category apparatus sending eleventh indication information. The eleventh indication information is used to instruct the second category apparatus in the first apparatus set to respond to the first indication information and the second indication information (e.g., update its own count value based on the first indication information and / or the second indication information) after receiving the current eleventh indication information and before receiving the next eleventh indication information.

[0353] Design 4, in the scenario where the first type of device is used to assist in downlink, the method provided in Figure 8 may also include: the third type of device sends seventh indication information to the first type of device. Correspondingly, the first type of device receives the seventh indication information from the third type of device. In this case, combined with Design 3, the first type of device sends the sixth indication information after receiving the seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the second type of device to be connected to the network, the time resources allocated to the second type of device to be connected to the network, or the first device set. The second type of device to be connected to the network includes the second type of device in the first device set.

[0354] In this embodiment of the present application, the seventh indication information may indicate the second type of device by indicating identification information of the second type of device to be connected to the network, such as the identification (ID) of the second type of device. In this case, the implementation principle of the seventh indication information can refer to the first information in S201 and will not be repeated here.

[0355] In addition, when the first type of device is a terminal device and the second type of device is a network device, the seventh indication information can also be used to indicate the first type of device used for assisting transmission. For example, the seventh indication information can carry an identifier of the first type of device used for assisting transmission.

[0356] In this way, the seventh indication information can be used to indicate the information of the second type of device to be connected to the network equipment, so that the second type of device in the first device set can be indicated according to actual needs, thereby improving adaptability.

[0357] Furthermore, the second-category device can determine its own device set based on the total number of all device sets, thereby reducing resource overhead. Furthermore, the seventh information can also be used to indicate the total number of all device sets. In this case, the total number of all device sets indicated by the sixth indication information is determined based on the seventh information. That is, the total number of all device sets indicated by the sixth indication information is the same as the total number of all device sets indicated by the seventh information.

[0358] In one possible design scheme, when the sixth indication information is used to indicate the total number of all device sets, the seventh indication information can also be used to indicate the total number of all device sets. In this way, the second type of device can determine the second type of device's own device set based on the total number of all device sets, thereby reducing resource overhead. Design 5, in the scenario where the third type of device is used for auxiliary uplink, before S801, the method provided in Figure 8 may also include: the first type of device can send an eighth indication information to the third type of device. Accordingly, the third type of device receives the eighth indication information from the first type of device. The eighth indication information is used to indicate the start of receiving the fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to request access to the network.

[0359] It is understood that after the first type of device sends at least one first feedback information, the method provided in FIG8 may further include: the first type of device sends ninth indication information to the third type of device. Correspondingly, the third type of device receives the ninth indication information from the first type of device.

[0360] The ninth indication information is used to instruct to stop receiving the fourth indication information from the second category device.

[0361] In this case, combined with Design 3, the first type of device can send sixth indication information.

[0362] In this way, by the first type of device instructing the start and end of receiving the fourth indication information, the detection time of the third type of device can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the third type of device.

[0363] Design 6: In a scenario where the third-category device is used for assisting uplink, before the first-category device sends the first indication information, the method provided in FIG8 may further include: the first-category device sending tenth indication information to the third-category device. Accordingly, the third-category device receives the tenth indication information from the first-category device. The tenth indication information indicates a time period for receiving the fourth indication information from the second-category device.

[0364] In this case, combined with Design 3, the first type of device can send sixth indication information.

[0365] In this way, by having the first type of device indicate the time period for receiving the fourth indication information, the detection time of the third type of device can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the third type of device.

[0366] In this case, S801 may be executed after the first type of apparatus sends the tenth indication information to the third type of apparatus.

[0367] It is understandable that each second-category device in the first device set can execute the steps performed by the second-category device in the communication method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0368] In addition, each of the multiple device sets may be the first device set in different situations. It should be understood that the M corresponding to different device sets may be the same or different, and the N corresponding to different device sets may be the same or different.

[0369] Design 7: It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the second type of device can also send uplink data to the third type of device based on the received first feedback information. For the implementation of the uplink data, please refer to the relevant introduction of S108, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] In addition, the third category device may also send second feedback information (feedback) to the second category device, where the second feedback information is used to indicate that the third category device has successfully received the service information sent by the second category device.

[0371] Each piece of second feedback information corresponds to uplink data of a second type device.

[0372] In the embodiment of the present application, in the scenario of terminal device-assisted downlink, information exchanged between the first category device and the third category device, and information exchanged between the second category device and the third category device can be transmitted via the Uu interface. Information exchanged between the first category device and the second category device can be transmitted via the sidelink.

[0373] In an embodiment of the present application, in a terminal device-assisted downlink scenario, when the first-category device is a network device, the third-category device is a second-category terminal, and the second-category device is a first-category terminal, information exchanged between the first-category device and the third-category device, and information exchanged between the second-category device and the first-category device, can be transmitted via the Uu interface. When the first-category device is a second-category terminal, the third-category device is a network device, and the second-category device is a first-category terminal, information exchanged between the third-category device and the second-category device can be transmitted via a sidelink.

[0374] It can be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, when there is no second-category device that has successfully accessed the network in the first device set, the above S803 and S804 are not executed. In this case, in one possible design scheme, the third-category device can send a twelfth indication message to the first-category device. The twelfth indication message is used to indicate that there is no second-category device that has successfully accessed the network in the first device set. After the first-category device receives the twelfth indication message, it can determine that there is no second-category device that has successfully accessed the network in the first device set. In another possible design scheme, the third-category device may not feedback the twelfth indication message. At this time, after the first-category device sends the second indication message, if it does not receive at least one third indication message within the fourth time threshold, it determines that there is no second-category device that has successfully accessed the network in the first device set.

[0375] The method provided in FIG8 can adopt different execution processes in different scenarios. The following further illustrates the method in combination with FIG9 to FIG17 .

[0376] In the following embodiments, the second type of device is used as a tag (TAG), and all tags include TAG0-TAG4, which will not be described later. It is understood that the number of tags here is only for example. In actual implementation, the number of tags can be more or less, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] In the second-category device-assisted downlink scenario, assuming the first-category device is a UE, the third-category device is a gNB, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4, in this case, it is assumed that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, the first feedback information and uplink data can be sent after the second indication information corresponding to all device sets has been sent. The communication method shown in Figure 9 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 9.

[0378] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the communication method includes:

[0379] S901: The gNB sends seventh indication information 0 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0380] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S901, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] S902, the UE sends sixth indication information.

[0382] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S902, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] It is understandable that the UE can send the sixth indication information by broadcasting or multicasting, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0384] S903, the UE sends first indication information 0.

[0385] Regarding the implementation principle of the first indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] For the implementation principle of S903, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0387] S904, the UE sends second indication information 0.

[0388] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0389] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0390] S905: TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0391] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S905, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] S906, the UE sends second indication information 1.

[0393] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0394] For the implementation principle of S906, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] S907: TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0396] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S907, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] S908: The UE sends fifth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fifth indication information 0 from the UE.

[0398] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S908 can refer to the relevant introduction in Design 1 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] S909: The gNB sends at least one third indication message to the UE. In response, the UE receives at least one third indication message from the gNB.

[0400] For example, the at least one third indication information includes third indication information 0 and third indication information 1.

[0401] For the implementation principle of S909, please refer to the relevant introduction of S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] S910: The gNB sends seventh indication information 1 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0403] Among them, the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 1 can refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and the implementation principle of S910 can refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0404] S911, UE sends first indication information 1.

[0405] For the implementation principle of the first indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] For the implementation principle of S911, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in Design 1 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] S912, the UE sends second indication information 2.

[0408] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0409] For the implementation principle of S912, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0410] S913: TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0411] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S913, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0412] S914, the UE sends second indication information 3.

[0413] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0414] For the implementation principle of S914, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] S915: TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0416] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S915, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0417] S916: The UE sends fifth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fifth indication information 1 from the UE.

[0418] For the implementation principle of the fifth indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S916, reference may be made to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0419] S917: The gNB sends at least one third indication message to the UE. In response, the UE receives at least one third indication message from the gNB.

[0420] For example, the at least one third indication information includes third indication information 2 and third indication information 3.

[0421] For the implementation principle of S917, please refer to the relevant introduction of S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] S918, the UE sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0423] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S918, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] At step S919, TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0425] For the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S919, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0426] S920: The gNB sends the second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0427] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S920, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0428] S921, the UE sends first feedback information 1 to TAG1. Correspondingly, TAG1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0429] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S921, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0430] At step S922, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0431] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S922, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0432] S923: The gNB sends the second feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0433] For the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. For the implementation principle of S923, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] S924, the UE sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0435] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S924, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0436] At step S925 , TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0437] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S925, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0438] S926: The gNB sends the second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0439] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S926, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0440] S927, the UE sends first feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0441] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S927, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0442] At step S928, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0443] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S928, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0444] S929: The gNB sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0445] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S929, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In Figure 9, S904 and S906 together, or S912 and S914 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 9, S918 and S921 together, or S924 and S927 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0447] In the second-category device-assisted uplink scenario, assume that the first-category device is a gNB, the third-category device is a UE, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4. In this case, assume that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, feedback information and uplink data can be sent after the second indication information corresponding to all device sets has been sent. The communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 10.

[0448] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the communication method includes:

[0449] S1001: The gNB sends eighth indication information to a UE. In response, the UE receives the eighth indication information from the gNB.

[0450] Among them, for the implementation principle of the eighth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the eighth indication information in Design 5 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation of S1001, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 5 of the method provided in 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] S1002: The gNB sends sixth indication information.

[0452] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1002, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0453] It is understandable that the gNB can send the sixth indication information through broadcast or multicast, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0454] S1003: gNB sends the first indication information 0.

[0455] Regarding the implementation principle of the first indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0456] For the implementation principle of S1003, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0457] S1004: gNB sends the second indication information 0.

[0458] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0459] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0460] S1005, TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0461] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1005, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0462] S1006. The gNB sends the second indication information 1.

[0463] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0464] For the implementation principle of S1006, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1004, which will not be repeated here.

[0465] S1007, TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0466] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1007, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0467] S1008: The gNB sends fifth indication information 0 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the fifth indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0468] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1008 can refer to the relevant introduction in Design 1 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0469] S1009: The UE sends at least one third indication message to the gNB. In response, the gNB receives the at least one third indication message from the UE.

[0470] For example, the at least one third indication information includes third indication information 0 and third indication information 1.

[0471] For the implementation principle of S1009, please refer to the relevant introduction of S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0472] S1010: gNB sends first indication information 1.

[0473] For the implementation principle of the first indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0474] For the implementation principle of S1010, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0475] S1011, gNB sends second indication information 2.

[0476] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0477] For the implementation principle of S1011, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1004, which will not be repeated here.

[0478] S1012, TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0479] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1012, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0480] S1013, gNB sends second indication information 3.

[0481] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0482] For the implementation principle of S1013, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1004, which will not be repeated here.

[0483] S1014, TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0484] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1014, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0485] S1015: The gNB sends fifth indication information 1 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the fifth indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0486] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 1 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in Design 1 of the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1015 can refer to the relevant introduction in Design 1 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] S1016: The UE sends at least one third indication message to the gNB. In response, the gNB receives the at least one third indication message from the UE.

[0488] For example, the at least one third indication information includes third indication information 2 and third indication information 3.

[0489] For the implementation principle of S1016, please refer to the relevant introduction of S804, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] S1017: The gNB sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0491] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1017, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] S1018, TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0493] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1018, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0494] S1019: The UE sends second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0495] S1020: The gNB sends first feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0496] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1020, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0497] S1021, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0498] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1021, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0499] S1022: The UE sends second feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0500] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1022, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0501] S1023: The gNB sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0502] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1023, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0503] S1024, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0504] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1024, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0505] S1025, the UE sends second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0506] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1025, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] S1026: The gNB sends first feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0508] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1026, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0509] S1027, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0510] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1027, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0511] S1028, the UE sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0512] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1028, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0513] S1029: The gNB sends ninth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the ninth indication information from the gNB.

[0514] For the implementation of the ninth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the ninth indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0515] In Figure 10, S1004, S1006, S1011 and S1013 together can realize the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 10, S1017, S1020, S1023 and S1026 together can realize the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0516] In the second-category device-assisted downlink scenario, assuming the first-category device is a UE, the third-category device is a gNB, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4, it is assumed that TAG0 and TAG1 are TAGs in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are TAGs in first device set 1. In this case, to further improve access efficiency, first feedback information and uplink data corresponding to TAGs in different device sets can be sent between first and second indication information corresponding to TAGs in other device sets, and between second indication information and second indication information. The communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 11.

[0517] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11, the communication method includes:

[0518] S1101: The gNB sends seventh indication information 0 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0519] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1101, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0520] S1102, the UE sends sixth indication information.

[0521] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1102, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0522] It is understandable that the UE can send the sixth indication information by broadcasting or multicasting, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0523] S1103, UE sends first indication information 0.

[0524] Regarding the implementation principle of the first indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0525] For the implementation principle of S1103, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0526] S1104, UE sends second indication information 0.

[0527] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0528] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0529] In step S1105, TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives fourth indication information 0 from TAG0. For the implementation of fourth indication information 0, refer to the implementation principles of the fourth indication information in the method provided in FIG8 . For the implementation of step S1105, refer to the implementation principles of steps S208 and S214 in FIG2 , or S803 in FIG8 , and are not further described here.

[0530] S1106, UE sends second indication information 1.

[0531] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0532] For the implementation principle of S1106, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1104, which will not be repeated here.

[0533] S1107: TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0534] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1107, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0535] S1108: The UE sends fifth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fifth indication information 0 from the UE.

[0536] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1108 can refer to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0537] S1109: The gNB sends seventh indication information 1 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0538] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1109, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0539] S1110, UE sends first indication information 1.

[0540] For the implementation principle of the first indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0541] For the implementation principle of S1110, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0542] S1111: The gNB sends third indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the third indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0543] For the implementation of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0544] S1112, the UE sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0545] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1112, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0546] S1113: TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0547] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1113, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0548] S1114: The gNB sends the second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0549] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1114, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0550] S1115, UE sends second indication information 2.

[0551] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0552] For the implementation principle of S1115, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1104, which will not be repeated here.

[0553] S1116: TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0554] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1116, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0555] S1117: The gNB sends third indication information 1 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0556] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0557] S1118: The UE sends first feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0558] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1118, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0559] At step S1119, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0560] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1119, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0561] S1120: The gNB sends second feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0562] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1120, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0563] S1121, UE sends second indication information 3.

[0564] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1121, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0565] S1122: TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0566] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1122, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0567] S1123: The UE sends fifth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fifth indication information 1 from the UE.

[0568] For the implementation principle of the fifth indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1123, reference may be made to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0569] S1124: The gNB sends third indication information 2 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 2 from the gNB.

[0570] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0571] S1125, the UE sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0572] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1125, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0573] At step S1126, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0574] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1126, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0575] S1127: The gNB sends the second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0576] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1127, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0577] S1128: The gNB sends third indication information 3 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 3 from the gNB.

[0578] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0579] S1129: The UE sends first feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0580] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1129, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0581] S1130: TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0582] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1130, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0583] S1131: The gNB sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0584] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1131, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0585] In Figure 11, S1104 and S1106 together, or S1115 and S1121 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 11, S1112 and S1118 together, or S1125 and S1129 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0586] For the timing of the information exchanged between the gNB, UE, and TAG0 to TAG4 in Figure 11, please refer to Figure 12.

[0587] In the second-category device-assisted uplink scenario, assuming the first-category device is a gNB, the third-category device is a UE, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4, it is assumed that TAG0 and TAG1 are TAGs in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are TAGs in first device set 1. In this case, to further improve access efficiency, first feedback information and uplink data corresponding to TAGs in different device sets can be sent between first indication information and second indication information, and between second indication information and second indication information, corresponding to TAGs in other device sets. The communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 13.

[0588] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, the communication method includes:

[0589] S1301: The gNB sends eighth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the eighth indication information from the gNB.

[0590] Among them, the implementation principle of the eighth indication information can be referred to the relevant introduction of the eighth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0591] S1302: The gNB sends sixth indication information.

[0592] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1302, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0593] It is understandable that the gNB can send the sixth indication information through broadcast or multicast, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0594] S1303: gNB sends the first indication information 0.

[0595] Regarding the implementation principle of the first indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0596] For the implementation principle of S1303, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0597] S1304: gNB sends the second indication information 0.

[0598] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0599] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0600] S1305, TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0601] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1305, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0602] S1306: gNB sends second indication information 1.

[0603] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1306, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1304, which will not be repeated here.

[0604] S1307, TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0605] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1305, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0606] S1308: The gNB sends fifth indication information 0 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the fifth indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0607] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1008 can refer to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0608] S1309: The UE sends seventh indication information 1 to the gNB. In response, the gNB receives the seventh indication information 1 from the UE.

[0609] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1109, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0610] S1310: gNB sends first indication information 1.

[0611] For the implementation principle of the first indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0612] For the implementation principle of S1310, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0613] S1311: The UE sends third indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 0 from the UE.

[0614] For the implementation of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0615] S1312: The gNB sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0616] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1312, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0617] S1313, TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0618] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1313, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0619] S1314: The UE sends second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0620] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1314, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0621] S1315: gNB sends second indication information 2.

[0622] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0623] For the implementation principle of S1315, please refer to the relevant introduction of S1304, which will not be repeated here.

[0624] S1316, TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0625] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1316, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0626] S1317: The UE sends third indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 1 from the UE.

[0627] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0628] S1318: The gNB sends first feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0629] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1318, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0630] S1319, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0631] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1319, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0632] S1320: The UE sends second feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0633] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1320, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0634] S1321, gNB sends second indication information 3.

[0635] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1321, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0636] S1322, TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0637] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1322, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0638] S1323: The gNB sends fifth indication information 1 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the fifth indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0639] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 1 can be referred to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1323 can be referred to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0640] S1324: The UE sends third indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 2 from the UE.

[0641] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0642] S1325: The gNB sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0643] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1325, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0644] S1326, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0645] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1326, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0646] S1327, the UE sends second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0647] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1327, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0648] S1328: The UE sends third indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 3 from the gNB.

[0649] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0650] S1329: The gNB sends the first feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0651] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1329, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0652] S1330, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0653] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1330, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0654] S1331, the UE sends second feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0655] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1331, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0656] S1332: The gNB sends ninth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the ninth indication information from the gNB.

[0657] For the implementation of the ninth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the ninth indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0658] In Figure 13, S1304 and S1306 together, or S1315 and S1321 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 13, S1312 and S1318 together, or S1325 and S1329 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0659] In the second-category device-assisted downlink scenario, assume that the first-category device is a UE, the third-category device is a gNB, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4. In this case, assume that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, the communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 14.

[0660] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the communication method includes:

[0661] S1401: The gNB sends seventh indication information 0 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0662] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1401, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0663] S1402. The UE sends sixth indication information.

[0664] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1402, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0665] It is understandable that the UE can send the sixth indication information by broadcasting or multicasting, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0666] S1403, UE sends first indication information 0.

[0667] The implementation principle of the first indication information 0 can be referred to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here. The implementation principle of S1403 can be referred to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0668] S1404, UE sends second indication information 0.

[0669] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0670] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0671] S1405: TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0672] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1405, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0673] S1406: The gNB sends third indication information 0 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0674] For the implementation of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0675] S1407, UE sends first indication information 1.

[0676] For the implementation principle of the first indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0677] For the implementation principle of S1407, please refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0678] S1408: TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0679] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1408, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0680] S1409: The gNB sends third indication information 1 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0681] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0682] S1410, the UE sends second indication information 2. For the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , and no further details will be given here.

[0683] S1411: TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0684] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1411, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0685] S1412: The gNB sends third indication information 2 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 2 from the gNB.

[0686] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0687] S1413, UE sends second indication information 3.

[0688] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1421, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0689] S1414: TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0690] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1422, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0691] S1415: The gNB sends third indication information 3 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 3 from the gNB.

[0692] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0693] S1416: The UE sends fifth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fifth indication information 0 from the UE.

[0694] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 can refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1408 can refer to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0695] S1417, the UE sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0696] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1417, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0697] S1418: TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0698] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1418, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0699] S1419: The gNB sends the second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0700] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1419, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0701] S1420: The UE sends first feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0702] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1420, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0703] At step S1421, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0704] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1421, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0705] S1422: The gNB sends second feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0706] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1422, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0707] S1423, the UE sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0708] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1423, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0709] At step S1424, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0710] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1424, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0711] S1425: The gNB sends the second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0712] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1425, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0713] S1426, the UE sends first feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0714] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1426, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0715] At step S1427, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0716] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1427, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0717] S1428: The gNB sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0718] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1428, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0719] In Figure 14, S1404 and S1407 together, or S1410 and S1413 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 14, S1417 and S1420 together, or S1423 and S1426 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0720] In the second-category device-assisted downlink scenario, assume that the first-category device is a gNB, the third-category device is a UE, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4. In this case, assume that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, the communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 15.

[0721] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the communication method includes:

[0722] S1501: The gNB sends sixth indication information.

[0723] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1501, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0724] It is understandable that the gNB can send the sixth indication information through broadcast or multicast, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0725] S1502: The gNB sends eighth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the eighth indication information from the gNB.

[0726] Among them, the implementation principle of the eighth indication information can be referred to the relevant introduction of the eighth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0727] S1503: gNB sends the first indication information 0.

[0728] The implementation principle of the first indication information 0 can refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here. The implementation principle of S1503 can refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0729] S1504: gNB sends the second indication information 0.

[0730] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0731] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0732] S1505, TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0733] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1505, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0734] S1506. The UE sends third indication information 0 to the gNB.

[0735] For the implementation principle of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0736] S1507: gNB sends second indication information 1.

[0737] For the implementation principle of the second indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0738] S1508, TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0739] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1508, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0740] S1509: The UE sends third indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 1 from the UE.

[0741] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0742] S1510: gNB sends second indication information 2.

[0743] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0744] S1511, TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0745] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1511, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0746] S1512: The UE sends third indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 2 from the UE.

[0747] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0748] S1513, gNB sends second indication information 3.

[0749] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1513, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0750] S1514, TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0751] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1122, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0752] S1515: The UE sends third indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 3 from the UE.

[0753] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0754] S1516: The gNB sends fifth indication information 0 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the fifth indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0755] The implementation principle of the fifth indication information 0 may refer to the implementation principle of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. The implementation principle of S1116 may refer to the relevant introduction in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0756] S1517: The gNB sends the first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0757] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1517, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0758] S1518, TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0759] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1518, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0760] S1519: The UE sends the second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0761] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1519, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0762] S1520: The gNB sends first feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0763] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1520, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0764] S1521, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0765] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1521, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0766] S1522: The UE sends second feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0767] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1522, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0768] S1523: The gNB sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0769] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1523, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0770] S1524, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0771] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1524, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0772] S1525, the UE sends second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0773] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1525, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0774] S1526: The gNB sends the first feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0775] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1526, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0776] S1527, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0777] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1527, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0778] S1528, the UE sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0779] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1528, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0780] S1529: The gNB sends ninth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the ninth indication information from the gNB.

[0781] For the implementation of the ninth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the ninth indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0782] In Figure 15, S1504 and S1507 together, or S1510 and S1513 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 15, S1517 and S1520 together, or S1523 and S1526 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0783] In the second-category device-assisted downlink scenario, assume that the first-category device is a UE, the third-category device is a gNB, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4. In this case, assume that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, the communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 16.

[0784] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 16. As shown in Figure 16, the communication method includes:

[0785] S1601: The gNB sends seventh indication information 0 to the UE. In response, the UE receives the seventh indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0786] Among them, for the implementation principle of the seventh indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the seventh indication information in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1601, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 4 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0787] S1602, the UE sends sixth indication information.

[0788] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. For the implementation principle of S1602, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 2 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0789] S1603, UE sends first indication information 0.

[0790] The implementation principle of the first indication information 0 can refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here. The implementation principle of S1603 can refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0791] S1604, UE sends second indication information 0.

[0792] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0793] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0794] S1605: TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0795] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1605, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0796] S1606: The gNB sends third indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the third indication information 0 from the gNB.

[0797] For the implementation of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0798] S1607: The UE sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0799] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1607, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0800] S1608: TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0801] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1608, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0802] S1609: The gNB sends the second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0803] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1609, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0804] S1610, UE sends second indication information 1.

[0805] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0806] For the implementation principle of S1610, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0807] S1611: TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0808] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1611, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0809] S1612: The gNB sends third indication information 1 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 1 from the gNB.

[0810] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0811] S1613: The UE sends first feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Correspondingly, TAG 1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the UE.

[0812] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1613, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0813] At step S1614, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0814] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1614, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0815] S1615: The gNB sends the second feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the second feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0816] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1615, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0817] S1616, UE sends second indication information 2.

[0818] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0819] S1617: TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0820] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1617, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0821] S1618: The gNB sends third indication information 2 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 2 from the gNB.

[0822] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0823] S1619: The UE sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0824] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1619, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0825] S1620: TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0826] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1620, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0827] S1621: The gNB sends second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0828] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1621, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0829] S1622, UE sends second indication information 3.

[0830] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1622, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0831] S1623: TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0832] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1623, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0833] S1624: The gNB sends third indication information 3 to the UE. Accordingly, the UE receives the third indication information 3 from the gNB.

[0834] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0835] S1625, the UE sends first feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0836] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1625, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0837] At step S1626, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0838] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1626, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0839] S1627: The gNB sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0840] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1627, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0841] S1628: The UE sends fifth indication information to the gNB.

[0842] In Figure 16, S1604 and S1610 together, or S1616 and S1622 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 16, S1607 and S1613 together, or S1621 and S1625 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0843] In the second-category device-assisted uplink scenario, assume that the first-category device is a gNB, the third-category device is a UE, and the second-category device is any TAG from TAG0 to TAG4. In this case, assume that TAG0 and TAG1 are tags in first device set 0, and TAG3 and TAG4 are tags in first device set 1. In this case, the communication method shown in Figure 8 can be executed according to the process shown in Figure 17.

[0844] For the implementation of the fifth indication information, please refer to the relevant introduction of the fifth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0845] The following is explained in conjunction with Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the communication method includes:

[0846] S1701, UE sends sixth indication information.

[0847] For the sixth indication information, please refer to the relevant description of the sixth indication information in Design 2 of the method provided in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1701, please refer to the relevant description in Design 2 of the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here. It is understood that the UE can send the sixth indication information via broadcast or multicast, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0848] S1702: The gNB sends eighth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the eighth indication information from the gNB.

[0849] Among them, the implementation principle of the eighth indication information can be referred to the relevant introduction of the eighth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0850] S1703: gNB sends the first indication information 0.

[0851] The implementation principle of the first indication information 0 can refer to the relevant introduction of the first indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. The implementation principle of S1703 can refer to the relevant introduction of S801 in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0852] S1704: gNB sends the second indication information 0.

[0853] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 0, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0854] The second indication information 0 may be sent alone or together with other information.

[0855] S1705, TAG0 sends fourth indication information 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 0 from TAG0.

[0856] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 0, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1705, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0857] S1706: The UE sends third indication information 0 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 0 from the UE.

[0858] For the implementation of the third indication information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0859] S1707: The gNB sends first feedback information 0 to TAG0. Accordingly, TAG0 receives the first feedback information 0 from the gNB.

[0860] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1707, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0861] S1708, TAG0 sends uplink data 0 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 0 from TAG0.

[0862] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 0, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1708, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0863] S1709: The UE sends second feedback information 0 to TAG0. Correspondingly, TAG0 receives the second feedback information 0 from the UE.

[0864] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 0, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1709, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0865] S1710: gNB sends second indication information 1.

[0866] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 1, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0867] For the implementation principle of S1710, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0868] S1711, TAG1 sends fourth indication information 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 1 from TAG1.

[0869] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 1, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1711, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0870] S1712: The UE sends third indication information 1 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 1 from the UE.

[0871] For the implementation of the third indication information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0872] S1713: The gNB sends first feedback information 1 to TAG1. Accordingly, TAG1 receives the first feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0873] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 1, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG8 . For the implementation principle of S1713, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0874] S1714, TAG1 sends uplink data 1 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 1 from TAG1.

[0875] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 1, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1714, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0876] S1715: The UE sends second feedback information 1 to TAG 1. Accordingly, the UE receives the second feedback information 1 from the gNB.

[0877] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 1, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1715, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0878] S1716: gNB sends second indication information 2.

[0879] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 2, reference may be made to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0880] S1717, TAG3 sends fourth indication information 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 2 from TAG3.

[0881] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 2, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1717, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0882] S1718: The UE sends third indication information 2 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 2 from the UE.

[0883] For the implementation of the third indication information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0884] S1719: The gNB sends first feedback information 2 to TAG3. Accordingly, TAG3 receives the first feedback information 2 from the gNB.

[0885] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805 in Figure 8, and for the implementation principle of S1719, please refer to the relevant introduction of S805, which will not be repeated here.

[0886] S1720, TAG3 sends uplink data 2 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 2 from TAG3.

[0887] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 2, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1720, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0888] S1721, the UE sends second feedback information 2 to TAG3. Correspondingly, TAG3 receives the second feedback information 2 from the UE.

[0889] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 2, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1721, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0890] S1722, gNB sends second indication information 3.

[0891] Regarding the implementation of the second indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the second indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the implementation principle of S1722, please refer to the relevant introduction of S904, which will not be repeated here.

[0892] S1723, TAG4 sends fourth indication information 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth indication information 3 from TAG4.

[0893] Regarding the implementation of the fourth indication information 3, please refer to the implementation principle of the fourth indication information in the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation of S1723, please refer to the implementation principle of S208 in Figure 2, S214 in Figure 2 or S803 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0894] S1724: The UE sends third indication information 3 to the gNB. Accordingly, the gNB receives the third indication information 3 from the UE.

[0895] For the implementation of the third indication information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the third indication information in the method provided in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0896] S1725: The gNB sends the first feedback information 3 to TAG4. Accordingly, TAG4 receives the first feedback information 3 from the gNB.

[0897] For the implementation principle of the first feedback information 3, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 in FIG. 8 , and for the implementation principle of S1725, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of S805 , which will not be repeated here.

[0898] S1726, TAG4 sends uplink data 3 to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives uplink data 3 from TAG4.

[0899] Regarding the implementation of uplink data 3, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. Regarding the implementation principle of S1726, please refer to the relevant introduction in Design 7 of the method provided in Figure 8. No further details will be given here.

[0900] S1727, the UE sends the second feedback information 3 to TAG 4. Correspondingly, TAG 4 receives the second feedback information 3 from the UE.

[0901] Regarding the implementation principle of the second feedback information 3, please refer to the relevant introduction of the second feedback information in Design 7. Regarding the implementation principle of S1727, please refer to the relevant introduction of Design 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0902] S1728: The gNB sends ninth indication information to the UE. In response, the UE receives the ninth indication information from the gNB.

[0903] In Figure 17, S1704 and S1710 together, or S1717 and S1722 together, can implement the function of S802 in the method provided in Figure 8. In Figure 17, S1707 and S1713 together, or S1721 and S1725 together, can implement the function of S805 in the method provided in Figure 8.

[0904] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first type of device, the second type of device, or the third type of device in the above method embodiment, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiment. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device can be a first type terminal, a second type terminal, or a network device as shown in Figure 3, or a module and / or device (such as a chip or integrated circuit, etc.) applied to the first type terminal, the second type terminal, or the network device.

[0905] As shown in Figure 18, the communication device 1800 includes a processing module 1801 and a transceiver module 1802. The communication device 1800 is used to implement the functions of the first type of device, the second type of device, or the third type of device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8 above.

[0906] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement the functions of the first type of device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8, or any one of Figures 9-11, or any one of Figures 12-17: the processing module 1801 is used to perform the data processing and logical judgment functions of the first type of device; the transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the information transceiver function of the first type of device.

[0907] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement the function of the second type of device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8, or any one of Figures 9-11, or any one of Figures 12-17: the processing module 1801 is used to perform the data processing and logical judgment functions of the second type of device; the transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the information transceiver function of the second type of device.

[0908] A more detailed description of the above-mentioned processing module 1801 and the transceiver module 1802 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8, or any one of Figures 9-11, or any one of Figures 12-17, and will not be repeated here.

[0909] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement the functions of the third type of device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8, or any one of Figures 9-11, or any one of Figures 12-17: the processing module 1801 is used to perform the data processing and logical judgment functions of the third type of device in Figure 3; the transceiver module 1802 is used to perform the information transceiver function of the third type of device.

[0910] A more detailed description of the above-mentioned processing module 1801 and the transceiver module 1802 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 8, or any one of Figures 9-11, or any one of Figures 12-17, and will not be repeated here.

[0911] For example, FIG19 is a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a second-class terminal, a first-class terminal, or a network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in a second-class terminal, a first-class terminal, or a network device. As shown in FIG19 , the communication device 1900 may include a processor 1901. Optionally, the communication device 1900 may further include a memory 1902 and / or a transceiver 1903. The processor 1901 is coupled to the memory 1902 and the transceiver 1903, such as by a communication bus.

[0912] The following is a detailed introduction to the various components of the communication device 1900 with reference to FIG19 :

[0913] Processor 1901 is the control center of communication device 1900 and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1901 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0914] Optionally, the processor 1901 may execute various functions of the communication device 1900 by running or executing a software program stored in the memory 1902 and calling data stored in the memory 1902 .

[0915] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1901 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 19 .

[0916] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 1900 may also include multiple processors, such as the processor 1901 and the processor 1904 shown in FIG19 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0917] Among them, the memory 1902 is used to store the software program for executing the solution of this application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 1901. The specific implementation method can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0918] Alternatively, the memory 1902 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage (including a compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 1902 may be integrated with the processor 1901 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1901 via an interface circuit (not shown in FIG. 19 ) of the communication device 1900, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0919] Transceiver 1903 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1900 is a terminal device, transceiver 1903 can be used to communicate with a network device or another terminal device. For another example, if communication device 1900 is a network device, transceiver 1903 can be used to communicate with a terminal device or another network device.

[0920] Optionally, the transceiver 1903 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in FIG19 ), wherein the receiver is used to implement a receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement a sending function.

[0921] Optionally, the transceiver 1903 can be integrated with the processor 1901, or can exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1901 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1900 (not shown in Figure 19). This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0922] It should be noted that the structure of the communication device 1900 shown in FIG19 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. The actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0923] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1900 can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0924] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a CPU, but may also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0925] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a ROM, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an EEPROM, or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0926] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0927] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0928] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0929] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0930] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0931] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0932] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0933] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0934] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0935] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0936] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the first type of device, the method comprises: Sending first indication information; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first device set; the first device set includes a plurality of second-category devices; Sending M second indication information; the M second indication information is used to determine the access timing of the second type of device in the first device set, and the time interval between two adjacent second indication information in the M second indication information is greater than or equal to a first duration threshold; wherein the first duration threshold is determined according to the time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; Receive at least one third indication information from a third category device; the third indication information is used to indicate a second category device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication information is fourth indication information received by the third category device from a second category device, and the fourth indication information is used for the second category device to randomly access the network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information is related to one or more of the following: a transmission delay between the second category apparatus and the first category apparatus or a time length for the second category apparatus to process the second indication information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The time interval allowed between two adjacent second indication information is: the sum of the transmission delay between the second type of device and the first type of device and the time length for the second type of device to process the second indication information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that There is at least one group of adjacent second indication information among the M second indication information, and there is no third indication information between the at least one group of adjacent second indication information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Receiving at least one third indication information from a third category device includes: After sending the M second indication information, receiving at least one third indication information from the third category device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Before receiving at least one third indication information from a third category device, the method further includes: Sending fifth indication information to the third type of device, wherein the fifth indication information is used to request contention resolution for an access process of the second type of device in the first device set.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sending fifth indication information to the third-category device includes: After sending the M second indication information, sending the fifth indication information to the third type device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that After receiving the at least one third indication information, the method further includes: Send at least one first feedback information; wherein the first feedback information in the at least one first feedback information corresponds one-to-one to the third indication information in the at least one third indication information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first device set is a device set in all device sets, and the method further includes: Send sixth indication information; wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the total number of all the device sets.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive seventh indication information from the third category device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the second category device to be accessed to the network, the time resources allocated to the second category device to be accessed to the network, or the first category device set; wherein the second category device to be accessed to the network includes the second category device in the first category device set.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the third type of device, the method comprises: receiving fourth indication information from a second-category device in the first device set; the fourth indication information is used to request access to the third-category device or the second-category device; Send at least one third indication message to the first category device; wherein the third indication message is used to indicate a second category device in the first device set that is allowed to access the network, or the third indication message is fourth indication message received by the third category device from a second category device, and the fourth indication message is used for the second category device to randomly access the network.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving fifth indication information from the first type of device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to request the first device set The random access process of the second category device performs contention resolution; the first device set includes multiple second category devices.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: After receiving the fifth indication information, the at least one third indication information is sent.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: After receiving the fourth indication information of the first device set, the at least one third indication information is sent.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending seventh indication information to the first category device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the second category device to be connected to the third category device, the time resources allocated to the second category device to be connected to the third category device, and the first device set; the second category device to be connected to the third category device includes the second category device in the first device set.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: a processor; wherein, The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The device also includes a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor and interface circuit; wherein, The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to execute the code instructions to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver is used for information exchange between the communication device and other communication devices, and the processor executes program instructions to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-15.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or an instruction. When the computer program or the instruction is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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