Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: sending first indication information to a network device, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability of a terminal device is limited; and receiving a first configuration from the network device, wherein the first configuration is a default configuration determined on the basis of the first indication information. In the method, a network device receives first indication information and then sends a default configuration to a terminal device, thus avoiding, to the greatest extent, the problem of a configuration provided by the network device not matching the capability of the terminal device due to the network device being unclear about the specific limited temporary capability of the terminal device, and thereby improving the communication efficiency.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on September 26, 2023, with application number 202311258071.7 and invention name "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] In wireless communication systems, both communicating parties must negotiate capabilities, with the network device obtaining the capabilities supported by the terminal device to ensure correct data processing. Taking cellular communications as an example, the terminal device sends information to the network device regarding its supported multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capabilities, channel bandwidth, modulation order, and other capabilities. After receiving this information, the network device configures and schedules wireless resources and transmits and receives data based on the reported capabilities, ensuring that the wireless resources allocated or scheduled to the terminal device do not exceed the terminal device's capabilities.

[0005] A terminal device equipped with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) is called a multi-SIM terminal device. The capabilities of a multi-SIM terminal device may change, so the configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device may not match the capabilities of the terminal device, resulting in the terminal device being unable to use the configuration provided by the network device.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for solving the problem of mismatch between the configuration provided by a network device to a terminal device and the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0008] In a first aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including terminal device functions, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: sending first indication information to a network device, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities; receiving a first configuration from the network device, the first configuration being a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

[0009] Through the above method, when the network device receives the first indication information, it sends the default configuration to the terminal device, which can avoid to the greatest extent the problem that the configuration provided by the network device does not match the capabilities of the terminal device because the network device is not clear about the specific limited temporary capabilities of the terminal device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited, including: the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited relative to the second capability when the temporary capability is limited, and the second capability is all capabilities of the terminal device; or, the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited relative to the delay configuration provided by the network device.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the terminal device is a terminal device that supports multiple cards.

[0012] In a second aspect, a first communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a network device, or by another device including network device functions, or by a chip system (or chip) or other functional module. The chip system or functional module can implement the functions of the network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, provided in the network device. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a terminal device, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities; and sending a first configuration to the terminal device, the first configuration being a default configuration determined based on the first indication information.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited, including: the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited relative to the second capability when the temporary capability is limited, and the second capability is all capabilities of the terminal device; or, the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited relative to the delay configuration provided by the network device.

[0014] In a third aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including terminal device functions, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can implement the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: receiving a first configuration from a network device; when the first configuration does not match a first capability, entering a radio resource control RRC idle state, and the first capability is a temporary capability restricted by the terminal device.

[0015] Through the above method, when the terminal device determines that the first configuration does not match the first capability, it directly releases the RRC connection and enters the RRC idle state, which can improve the security of communication. For example, it avoids the situation where the terminal device does not actually report the first indication information but is tampered with to report the first indication information, resulting in the network device providing an incorrect first configuration, making the terminal device unable to use the incorrect first configuration, thereby improving the robustness of the system.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: setting a reason value for releasing the RRC connection, where the reason value indicates that the reason for releasing the RRC connection is RRC recovery failure.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method also includes: sending first indication information to the network device, the first indication information indicating temporary capability limitation; in one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried by an RRC recovery request message; the releasing of the radio resource control RRC connection with the network device includes: not stopping the T319 timer, the T319 timer is started after sending the RRC recovery request message; when the T319 timer times out, releasing the radio resource control RRC connection with the network device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the terminal device is a terminal device that supports multiple cards.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including the functions of a terminal device, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: sending a first indication message to a network device, the first indication message indicating that temporary capability is limited; sending a second indication message to the network device, the second indication message indicating that the first indication message is cancelled, or the first indication message is not effective, or the temporary capability limitation is not effective, or the temporary capability is not limited.

[0020] Through the above process, the terminal device determines that the capabilities within the capability range indicated by the filtering information are not limited, and can send a second indication information to the network device so that the configuration provided by the network device for the terminal device matches the capabilities of the terminal device, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the terminal device.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the second indication information is located in user equipment auxiliary information.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the second indication information indicates that temporary capabilities are not restricted, including: the second indication information indicates that capabilities within a capability range corresponding to filtering information are not restricted, the filtering information comes from the network device, and the filtering information is used to indicate the capability range.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second configuration from a network device, where the second configuration is determined based on the filtering information, and the second configuration is used to update a first configuration, where the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information.

[0024] In a fifth aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by other devices including network device functions, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can implement the functions of the network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the network device. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a terminal device, the first indication information indicating that the temporary capability is limited; receiving second indication information from the terminal device, the second indication information indicating that the first indication information is cancelled, or the first indication information is not effective, or the temporary capability limitation is not effective, or the temporary capability is not limited.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the second indication information is located in user equipment auxiliary information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending filtering information to the terminal device, the filtering information being used to indicate a capability range; the second indication information indicating that temporary capabilities are not restricted, including: the second indication information indicating that capabilities within the capability range corresponding to the filtering information are not restricted.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second configuration to the terminal device, where the second configuration is determined based on the filtering information, and the second configuration is used to update a first configuration, where the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information.

[0028] In a sixth aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including terminal device functions, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, arranged in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: receiving control information from a network device, the control information indicating that first indication information is allowed to be reported, the first indication information indicating that temporary capability is limited; during packet data transmission, determining that non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling has arrived, and sending user device auxiliary information to the network device; wherein the user device auxiliary information includes the first indication information.

[0029] Through the above method, during the small data transmission process, if the temporary capability limitation of the terminal device may change, for example, because the temporary capability is not limited but becomes temporarily limited, the terminal device can send a first indication information to the network device through a UAI message, so that the network device can determine the capability of the terminal device after the change, and thus provide the terminal device with a configuration that matches the capability of the terminal device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a first configuration from the network device; wherein, in the case where temporary capabilities are limited, the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information; in the case where temporary capabilities are not limited, the first configuration is determined based on a second capability, and the second capability is all the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by another device including network device functions, or by a chip system (or chip) or other functional module, wherein the chip system or functional module can implement the functions of the network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, provided in the network device. The method includes: sending control information to a terminal device, wherein the control information indicates that reporting of first indication information is allowed, wherein the first indication information indicates temporary capability limitation; and receiving user equipment auxiliary information from the terminal device; wherein the user equipment auxiliary information includes the first indication information.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first configuration to the terminal device; wherein, in the case where temporary capabilities are limited, the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information; in the case where temporary capabilities are not limited, the first configuration is determined based on a second capability, and the second capability is all the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0033] In an eighth aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including terminal device functions, or by a chip system (or, chip) or other functional module, which can realize the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: sending a user equipment auxiliary information UAI message to a network device, and starting or restarting a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; receiving a third configuration from the network device; and stopping the first timer when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0034] If the UAI message includes a desired first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration matches the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0035] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell;

[0036] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, the secondary cell group released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell group;

[0037] If the UAI message includes a first measurement interval requirement, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement;

[0038] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration conforms to the first bandwidth value;

[0039] If the UAI message includes the desired first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration conforms to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0040] Through the above method, the conditions for stopping the first timer of the terminal device are clearly defined, which can ensure that the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the conditions for stopping the first timer, and can synchronously maintain the first timer without misunderstandings that lead to inconsistent understanding of the temporary capabilities and usage configurations of the terminal device.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration is consistent with the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including: the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration is less than or equal to the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0042] Among them, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration includes: the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured bandwidth part BWP level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured service cell level, or one or more of the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured carrier level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers of all partial bandwidths corresponding to the configured service cell, or one or more of the maximum number of MIMO layers of all partial bandwidths corresponding to the configured carrier.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement, including:

[0044] The measurement configuration included in the third configuration includes a measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell requiring a measurement interval indicated by the first measurement interval, and a corresponding measurement interval.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration is consistent with the first bandwidth value, including:

[0046] The third configuration includes a bandwidth value that is less than or equal to the first bandwidth value.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration is consistent with the first SRS antenna switching capability, including: the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration is less than or equal to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0048] In a ninth aspect, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by another device including the functions of a terminal device, or by a chip system (or chip) or other functional module, wherein the chip system or functional module can implement the functions of the terminal device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, provided in the terminal device. The terminal device may include multiple user identification modules. The method includes: sending a user equipment auxiliary information (UAI) message to a network device, and starting or restarting a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; if the first timer times out, performing one or more of the following: if the UAI message includes a desired first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, setting the maximum number of MIMO layers to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at a bandwidth part (BWP) level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at a serving cell level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at a carrier level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the serving cell to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the carrier to the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0049] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, releasing the first secondary cell or deactivating the first secondary cell;

[0050] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, releasing the first secondary cell group or deactivating the first secondary cell group;

[0051] If the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement, for a measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell that requires a measurement interval but is not configured with a measurement interval, the measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell is not measured, or measurement without a measurement interval is not performed on the measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell;

[0052] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, setting the bandwidth value to the first bandwidth value, which includes setting the bandwidth value of the supported serving cell or the bandwidth value of the carrier to the first bandwidth value;

[0053] If the UAI message includes the desired first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability is set to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the UAI message is used to provide multi-card assistance information indicating limited capabilities.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the UAI message includes one or more of the following: the first maximum number of MIMO layers expected by the current serving cell, the affected first secondary cell, the affected first secondary cell group, the first measurement interval requirement, the first bandwidth value of the current serving cell, and the first SRS antenna switching capability under the current serving cell configuration.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device capable of implementing any of the methods provided in any of the first to ninth aspects. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in executing the corresponding functions of the network device or terminal device in the above-described method. The communication device may also include a memory, which may be coupled to the processor and stores program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device also includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and a device such as a terminal device or network device.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules for implementing the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0059] In one possible embodiment, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For details, please refer to the description of the method provided in any one of the first to ninth aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0060] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being used to implement the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to ninth aspects through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0061] In the twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being used to implement a functional module of the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to ninth aspects through a logic circuit or execution code instructions.

[0062] In the thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to ninth aspects is implemented.

[0063] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0064] In a fifteenth aspect, a circuit is provided for executing the method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the circuit may include a chip circuit. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory.

[0065] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor configured to implement the method of any possible implementation of any of the first to ninth aspects. Optionally, the chip may further comprise a memory. The chip may be composed of a single chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0066] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when read and executed by a computer, enables the method in any possible implementation of any of the aforementioned aspects from the first to the ninth aspect to be executed.

[0067] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a terminal device for implementing the method in the aforementioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; and a network device for implementing the method in the aforementioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a temporary capacity limitation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE), the fifth generation (5G) communication system, such as 5G new radio (NR), or various future communication systems, such as the sixth generation (6G) communication system. The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, vehicle networking, autonomous driving, assisted driving and other fields.

[0081] In particular, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication, Internet of Vehicles, autonomous driving, assisted driving and other fields. Among them, C-V2X is a V2X communication technology developed based on cellular systems. It utilizes and enhances the current cellular network functions and elements to achieve low-latency and high-reliability communication between various nodes in the vehicle network, including vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, and vehicle to network (V2N) communication. With the evolution of cellular systems from 4G LTE to 5G NR, C-V2X has also evolved from LTE-V2X to NR-V2X.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device may be a device in a wireless network, and the network device may also be referred to as a network apparatus. For example, the network device may be a radio access network (RAN) node that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and may also be referred to as an access network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to, a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system; or it may be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) module. The access network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, etc. The present application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device.

[0083] In some deployments, network equipment may include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). RAN equipment, including CU and DU nodes, splits the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while some or all of the remaining protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. Furthermore, the CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, primarily including radio resource control (RRC) and the control plane's corresponding packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) (i.e., PDCP-C). PDCP-C is primarily responsible for encryption, decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission of control plane data. The CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, primarily including the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the user plane's corresponding PDCP (i.e., PDCP-U). SDAP is primarily responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. The PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. The CU-CP represents the gNB's connection to the core network via the NG interface and to the DU via the F1 interface control plane (i.e., F1-C). The CU-UP connects to the DU via the F1 interface user plane (i.e., F1-U). Alternatively, the PDCP-C may also reside in the CU-UP.

[0084] It is understandable that in different systems, CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP) or DU may have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) 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, and CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP. For convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP and DU as examples. The network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services and implementing the functions of the RRC layer. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services and implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer and the physical (PHY) layer. In some deployments, the CU can be further divided into a Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) node and a Centralized Unit User Plane (CU-UP) node, where the CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions and the CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions.

[0085] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving scheduling and instruction information from a network device. The terminal device may be referred to as a terminal device, and may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device may be a device that includes wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to the user). For example, a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or an in-vehicle device, in-vehicle module, etc. Currently, some examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in the Internet of Vehicles, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, device-to-device (D2D) communication terminal devices, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminal devices, smart vehicles, telematics boxes (T-boxes), machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, Internet of Things (IoT) The IoT (Internet of Things) terminal devices, etc. For example, the terminal device can be an onboard device, complete vehicle equipment, an onboard module, a vehicle, an onboard unit (OBU), a roadside unit (RSU), a T-box, a chip, or a system on chip (SOC), etc. The above chip or SOC can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, etc. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be TVs, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, speakers, set-top boxes, etc.The terminal device can also be a V2X device, such as a smart car (or intelligent car), a digital car, an unmanned car (or driverless car or pilotless car or automobile), a self-driving car or autonomous car, a pure electric vehicle (or Battery EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a range extended EV (REEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a new energy vehicle (new energy vehicle), and a roadside unit (RSU). The terminal device can also be a device in device-to-device (D2D) communication, such as an electricity meter, a water meter, etc. In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0086] In this application, predefined content generally refers to information that is defined by standards and does not require additional device configuration. It is pre-recorded / written in the hardware and / or software of the terminal device itself, or it can be understood as not being modifiable by the network device or other terminal devices. Pre-configured content generally refers to information that is pre-recorded / written in the hardware and / or software of the terminal device itself, determined by the equipment manufacturer, and can be modified through software or hardware.

[0087] (Pre) configuration can be divided into network device (pre) configuration and terminal device (pre) configuration. If it is a network device (pre) configuration, it can be (pre) configured through a system information block (SIB) or RRC signaling; if it is a terminal device (pre) configuration, it can be (pre) configured according to PC5-RRC signaling.

[0088] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the base station may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes the base station functions. The control subsystem that includes the base station functions here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, and smart city. The functions of the terminal may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or modem) in the terminal, or by a device that includes the terminal functions.

[0089] In a wireless communication system, a terminal device reports its capabilities to a network device through UE capability information (UECapabilityInformation). For example, the capabilities of a terminal device may include the following parameters: the frequency bands and frequency band combinations supported by the terminal device, the maximum channel bandwidth capability of the carrier, the number of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layers, the modulation order, etc.

[0090] Generally speaking, terminal device capabilities are relatively static. However, in certain scenarios, terminal device capabilities may change. For example, for a multi-SIM terminal device, a terminal device is equipped with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) or universal subscriber identity modules (USIMs) or embedded subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) or multi-universal subscriber identity modules (MUSIMs). It should be understood that the multiple identity modules here can be physical phone cards or virtual or logical multiple identity modules. In the following text, multiple identity modules are also referred to as multiple SIMs. This type of terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal device that supports multiple SIMs.

[0091] Terminal devices that support multiple SIM cards can register with different networks, such as different access network devices and / or core network devices, or they can access the same network device through multiple SIM cards. For multi-SIM terminals, the multiple SIM cards share the terminal's hardware resources. Therefore, the terminal's capabilities may change dynamically when operating with only one SIM card or when multiple SIM cards are used together. When multiple SIM cards are configured differently for different network devices, the resources and processing power occupied by each card vary, which can also cause the terminal's capabilities to change dynamically.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1, the number of multiple universal user identity modules is two. These two universal user identity modules specifically include universal user identity module A and universal user identity module B. There is no actual limit on the number of universal user identity modules in terminal device 110. Universal user identity module A can also be referred to as a first universal user identity module, and universal user identity module B can also be referred to as a second universal user identity module. The universal user identity module can be considered a logical concept and can be, for example, a SIM, an eSIM, or other information module or identification module that can identify terminal device 110.

[0093] The universal subscriber identity module A and the universal subscriber identity module B may be provided by the same operator, and accordingly, the first network 120 and the second network 130 may also correspond to the same operator. The universal subscriber identity module A and the universal subscriber identity module B may also be provided by different operators, and accordingly, the first network 120 and the second network 130 may also correspond to different operators.

[0094] The first network 120 can be used to provide services for the universal user identity module A, and can also be described as the first network 120 corresponding to the universal user identity module A in the terminal device 110. The first network 120 may include one or more devices for providing communication services for the terminal device 110. For example, the first network 120 includes a first network device 121, which is used to provide services for the universal user identity module A in the terminal device 110, and can also be described as the first network device 121 corresponding to the universal user identity module A in the terminal device 110. Since the first network device 121 belongs to the first network 120, the first network device 121 in the embodiment of the present application can also be replaced by the first network 120. The first network device 121 is, for example, an access network device or a core network device.

[0095] The second network 130 can be used to provide services for the universal user identity module B, and can also be described as corresponding to the universal user identity module B in the terminal device 110. The second network 130 may include one or more devices for providing communication services for the terminal device 110. For example, the second network 130 includes a second network device 131, which is used to provide services for the universal user identity module B in the terminal device 110, and can also be described as corresponding to the universal user identity module B in the terminal device 110. Since the second network device 131 belongs to the second network 130, the second network device 131 in the embodiment of the present application can also be replaced by the second network 130. The second network device 131 is, for example, an access network device or a core network device.

[0096] Combined with the above description, it can be seen that from the perspective of the network side, one universal user identity module corresponds to an independent terminal device, and two universal user identity modules correspond to two different terminal devices; however, for the terminal device, from the perspective of cost and resource utilization efficiency, the two universal user identity modules generally share the hardware resources within the terminal device, such as radio frequency resources and baseband processing resources. In other words, the resources occupied by the two universal user identity modules are not hard-split, but dynamically shared. Therefore, for one of the universal user identity modules (for example, universal user identity module A), the capabilities that universal user identity module A can support when only a single card is working, that is, when only universal user identity module A is working, are different from the capabilities that the terminal device can support when two cards are working simultaneously (for example, universal user identity module A and universal user identity module B are both in the RRC connected state).

[0097] For example, as shown in Figure 2, SIM-1 of the terminal device is in the RRC connected state in network A to send and receive data, and SIM-2 of the terminal device is in the RRC non-connected state (such as RRC idle state or RRC inactive state) in network B. If SIM-2 of the terminal device has downlink or uplink traffic arriving on network B and is about to enter the RRC connected state, since SIM-2 will occupy part of the terminal device's resources, in this case, the terminal device needs to inform network A of a temporary change or temporary suppression of its capabilities to ensure that the configuration and scheduling issued by the network can match the current actual capabilities of the terminal device, and avoid the network configuration or scheduling exceeding the actual terminal device capabilities, resulting in the terminal device being unable to receive data correctly.

[0098] For example, a terminal device's radio resources include three radio links. In network A, corresponding to SIM-1, the three configured CCs include a primary carrier component (PCC) on band A, secondary carrier component (SCC) 1 on band B, and SCC2 on band X. The PCC is associated with the terminal device's radio link 1, SCC1 is associated with the terminal device's radio link 2, and SCC2 is associated with the terminal device's radio link 3. In network B, corresponding to SIM-2, one configured CC is a PCC, associated with the terminal device's radio link 3. Because radio link 3 is associated with two CCs simultaneously but can only provide services to one of them at a time, the radio resources used by the terminal device in both CCs will conflict when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state. When network A schedules the terminal device for data transmission on both CCs simultaneously, the terminal device can only transmit data on one CC and cannot transmit data on the other CC.

[0099] As can be seen from the previous description, the configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device may not match the capabilities of the terminal device, resulting in the terminal device being unable to use the configuration provided by the network device. To this end, this application provides a method that can report the changed capabilities to the network when the capabilities of the terminal device change, and use the default configuration when the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited.

[0100] 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. Ordinary technicians in this field will know 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.

[0101] It is understandable that this application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiment of this application. The method executed by the terminal device can be applied to the terminal device or a module in the terminal device, and the method executed by the network device can be applied to the network device or a module in the network device. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiment of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiment of this application. In the following processes of this application, the terminal device can be a terminal device that supports multiple cards.

[0102] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0103] Step 301: The terminal device sends first indication information to the network device, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited.

[0104] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first indication information.

[0105] The first indication information may also have other names, such as multi-card early indication. Temporary capability restriction may be replaced by capability restriction, temporary capability restriction, or temporary capability change.

[0106] This application does not specify under what circumstances the terminal device's capabilities may be temporarily restricted. For example, if the terminal device supports dual SIM cards, the terminal device may be temporarily restricted when it is in dual SIM concurrent state. Dual SIM concurrent state can be replaced with / understood as dual SIM cards working simultaneously, dual SIM cards being in RRC connected state simultaneously, dual SIM cards having services simultaneously, or dual-SIM dual active (DSDA).

[0107] The first indication information indicates that the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited, which can be understood as: the first indication information indicates that the first capability of the terminal device is limited relative to the second capability when the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited; or, the first indication information indicates that the first capability of the terminal device is limited relative to the delay configuration provided by the network device; or, the first indication information indicates that the current capability of the terminal device is less than the previously reported capability.

[0108] Among them, the second capability is all the capabilities of the terminal device, or the static capability of the terminal device, or the full capability reported to the network, or the capability of the terminal device stored in the core network device. For example, the terminal device is a multi-card terminal device. When the multi-card terminal device currently has only one SIM card in the RRC connected state, the SIM card can occupy all the hardware resources in the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device reports all the current capabilities to the access network device corresponding to the SIM card, and the access network device sends all these capabilities to the core network device and stores them in the core network device. At this time, all these capabilities are the second capability. The delay configuration (suspendConfig) is the configuration provided in the RRC release message when the network device releases the terminal device from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state. When the terminal device enters the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state through the RRC recovery process, the configuration information in the delay configuration can be directly used.

[0109] This application does not limit the circumstances under which the terminal device sends the first indication information. For example, in a first implementation, the terminal device may carry the first indication information via an RRC setup complete message during an RRC setup process.

[0110] In the second implementation, the terminal device may carry the first indication information through an RRC resume request message during the RRC resume process. For example, when the network device releases the terminal device from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state, the delay configuration is provided in the RRC release message based on the second capability of the terminal device. When the terminal device enters the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state through the RRC resume process, the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited, that is, the second capability is no longer supported, and the delay configuration may also no longer be supported. The terminal device may carry the first indication information through the RRC resume request message.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is further used to indicate that the terminal device only supports a default configuration, or the first indication information is used to determine that the communication parameters of the terminal device are default values.

[0112] Step 302: The network device sends a first configuration to the terminal device, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

[0113] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration from the network device.

[0114] In one implementation, it may be predefined (eg, specified by a protocol) or preconfigured, and when the network device receives the first indication information, a default configuration is used as the first configuration.

[0115] Optionally, the method further includes step 303: the network device determines, based on the first indication information, that the first configuration corresponding to the terminal device is the default configuration.

[0116] The first configuration includes parameter information for the terminal device to communicate with the network device. For example, when the first configuration is the default configuration, the default configuration includes at least one of the following: default layer 1 (layer 1, L1) parameters, default signaling radio bearer (signaling radio bearer, SRB) configuration, and default MAC cell group configuration. Among them, the default layer 1 parameters are the default layer 1 parameters predefined in the physical layer protocol, and those parameters with values ​​provided in SIB1 (default L1 parameter values ​​as specified in corresponding physical layer specifications, except for the parameters for which values ​​are provided in SIB1); the specific content of the default SRB configuration is not limited in this application, for example, the default SRB configuration can be the relevant content predefined in Section 9.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331; the specific content of the default MAC cell group configuration is not limited in this application, for example, the default MAC cell group configuration can be the relevant content predefined in Section 9.2.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331.

[0117] The network device may carry the first configuration via an RRC recovery message or an RRC reconfiguration message, and this application does not limit this. When the terminal device receives the first configuration, it may use the first configuration to communicate with the network device; similarly, the network device also uses the first configuration to communicate with the terminal device.

[0118] Through the above method, when the network device receives the first indication information, it sends the default configuration to the terminal device, which can avoid to the greatest extent the problem that the configuration provided by the network device does not match the capabilities of the terminal device because the network device is not clear about the specific limited temporary capabilities of the terminal device.

[0119] In the above method, when the terminal device is temporarily limited in capability, the network device explicitly provides a default configuration. This application also provides a method that can also provide a default configuration implicitly when the terminal device is temporarily limited in capability, which is described in detail below.

[0120] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0121] Step 401: The terminal device sends first indication information to the network device, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited.

[0122] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first indication information.

[0123] The specific content of step 401 can be referred to the description in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0124] Step 402: The network device sends a first configuration to the terminal device.

[0125] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration from the network device.

[0126] The network device may carry the first configuration through an RRC recovery message, or may carry the first configuration through an RRC reconfiguration message, which is not limited in this application.

[0127] In this process, the first configuration sent by the network device can be determined based on the first indication information or other information, which is not limited in this application.

[0128] In this process, it can be predefined (eg, specified by the protocol) or preconfigured. When the terminal device is temporarily limited in capability, the network device and the terminal device use the default configuration regardless of the first configuration sent by the network device, which also includes the following steps.

[0129] Step 403: The terminal device ignores the first configuration and replaces the first configuration with a default configuration.

[0130] Step 404: The network device ignores the first configuration and replaces the first configuration with a default configuration.

[0131] Ignoring the first configuration may also be understood as not taking effect on the first configuration. The network device and the terminal device communicate using the default configuration.

[0132] Through the above method, when the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited, both the terminal device and the network device ignore the first configuration and use the default configuration. This can minimize the problem of the network device not knowing the specific temporary limited capabilities of the terminal device, resulting in the configuration provided by the network device not matching the capabilities of the terminal device. In this method, the network device still provides the configuration according to the existing process, but still uses the default configuration, which can improve system compatibility. For the terminal device, when the terminal device receives the first configuration, it can directly use the default configuration instead of matching the capabilities of the terminal device, reducing the implementation complexity of the terminal device.

[0133] The present application also provides a method by which, when the configuration of a network device does not match the capabilities of a terminal device, the terminal device can handle the abnormal situation and still continue to implement a reasonable process to ensure communication, which is described in detail below.

[0134] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0135] Optionally, step 501: the terminal device sends first indication information to the network device, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities.

[0136] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first indication information.

[0137] The specific content of step 501 can be referred to the description in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0138] The terminal device may or may not send the first indication information, which is not limited in this process. For example, if the terminal device is temporarily limited in capability, the first indication information is sent; if the terminal device is not temporarily limited in capability, the first indication information is not sent.

[0139] Step 502: The network device sends a first configuration to the terminal device.

[0140] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration from the network device.

[0141] In this process, the first configuration sent by the network device can be determined based on the first indication information or other information, which is not limited by this application. The first configuration includes parameter information used for communication between the terminal device and the network device. For example, the first configuration includes at least one of the following: layer 1 parameters, SRB configuration, MAC cell group configuration.

[0142] In this process, it can be predefined (eg, specified by the protocol) or preconfigured. When the terminal device is temporarily limited in capability, the network device and the terminal device use the default configuration regardless of the first configuration sent by the network device, which also includes the following steps.

[0143] Step 503: When the first configuration does not match the first capability, the terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0144] Wherein, when the terminal device determines that the first configuration does not match the first capability, the terminal device's behavior is: entering the RRC idle state. In one implementation, during the RRC recovery process, the terminal device sets the cause value of releasing the RRC connection (release cause) to RRC resume failure (RRC Resume failure).

[0145] Implementation method 1: When the terminal device determines that the first configuration does not match the first capability, the terminal device can enter the RRC idle state and set the reason value for releasing the RRC connection.

[0146] Implementation method two: if the terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message before receiving the first configuration, the terminal device can start the T319 timer, wherein the RRC recovery request message may include the first indication information. The terminal device receives the RRC recovery message from the network device and determines that the first configuration included in the RRC recovery message does not match the first capability, then the T319 timer is not stopped; when the T319 timer times out, the terminal device enters the RRC idle state and sets the reason value for releasing the RRC connection to RRC recovery failure. Optionally, it also includes: the terminal device receives the RRC recovery message from the network device and determines that the first configuration included in the RRC recovery message matches the first capability, then the T319 timer is stopped.

[0147] Among them, the first configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device does not match the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device. It can be understood that the first configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device exceeds the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device, or is higher than the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device; for example, the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device is to support one service cell, and the first configuration provided by the network device configures two service cells for the terminal device, then the terminal device cannot communicate in the two cells.

[0148] Among them, the first configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device matches the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device. It can be understood that the first configuration provided by the network device to the terminal device does not exceed the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device, or is not higher than the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device; for example, the restricted temporary capability of the terminal device is to support two service cells, and the first configuration provided by the network device configures the terminal device with two service cells or only one service cell, then the terminal device can communicate.

[0149] Optionally, the terminal device must perform the above-mentioned behavior, that is, the terminal device must enter the RRC idle state, or must not stop the T319 timer; or, the terminal device may optionally perform the above-mentioned behavior, that is, allow the terminal device to enter the RRC idle state, or allow the T319 timer not to be stopped. If the terminal device believes that the first configuration that does not match the first capability seriously affects the performance of data transmission, the terminal device may enter the RRC idle state, or not stop the T319 timer; if the terminal device believes that the first configuration that does not match the first capability affects the performance of data transmission to an acceptable extent, it may not enter the RRC idle state, or stop the T319 timer, which provides greater flexibility for the terminal device implementation.

[0150] After the terminal device enters the RRC idle state, it can also re-establish the RRC connection. The specific process will not be repeated here.

[0151] Through the above process, when the terminal device determines that the first configuration does not match the first capability, it directly releases the RRC connection and enters the RRC idle state, which can improve the security of communication. For example, it avoids the situation where the terminal device does not actually report the first indication information but is tampered with to report the first indication information, resulting in the network device providing an incorrect first configuration, making the terminal device unable to use the incorrect first configuration, thereby improving the robustness of the system.

[0152] If the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited, after the terminal device enters the RRC connection state through the RRC setup process or the RRC resume process, the specific limited terminal device capabilities can be reported through the UE assistance information (UAI) message. When the terminal device reports the specific limited terminal device capabilities through the UAI message, it can specifically include proactive and reactive methods. Among them, the proactive method: the terminal device reports the limited capabilities in advance so that the current or future configuration of the network device meets the limited capabilities; the reactive method: when the current configuration of the network device exceeds the limited capabilities, the terminal device reports the unsupported configuration, and the network device re-provides the configuration for the terminal device.

[0153] If the proactive method is used, the network device will send a filter to indicate the range of temporary capabilities reported by the terminal device. To this end, this application provides a method that, when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are limited but the limited capabilities are not within the range of the filter information, the terminal device can indicate that the capabilities are no longer limited, thereby allowing the network device to provide a higher configuration for the terminal device.

[0154] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0155] Step 601: The terminal device sends first indication information to the network device, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited.

[0156] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first indication information.

[0157] The specific content of step 601 can be referred to the description in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0158] Step 602: The network device sends a first configuration to the terminal device.

[0159] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration from the network device.

[0160] In this process, the first configuration sent by the network device can be determined based on the first indication information or other information, which is not limited in this application.

[0161] Optionally, step 603: the network device sends filtering information to the terminal device, where the filtering information is used to indicate a capability range.

[0162] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives filtering information from the network device.

[0163] The capability range indicated by the filtering information can be used by the terminal device to report temporarily restricted capabilities. For example, the terminal device reports temporarily restricted capabilities within the capability range. The network device may also not send filtering information. Whether the network device sends filtering information is not limited by this application.

[0164] In one implementation, the network device further sends an enable / configure UAI message-based temporary capability reporting mechanism, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device can perform temporary capability reporting based on the UAI message.

[0165] Step 604: The terminal device sends second indication information to the network device, where the second indication information indicates that the first indication information is cancelled, or the first indication information is invalid, or the temporary capability restriction is invalid, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

[0166] Correspondingly, the network device receives the second indication information.

[0167] Optionally, when the terminal device determines that the capabilities within the capability range indicated by the filtering information are not restricted, the terminal device sends the second indication information. In this case, the second indication information indicates that the temporary capabilities are not restricted, which can also be understood as: the second indication information indicates that the capabilities within the capability range corresponding to the filtering information are not restricted.

[0168] The terminal device may report the second indication information through a UAI message. Optionally, the UAI message may indicate the second indication information in an explicit manner, for example, by adding one bit to the UAI message as the second indication information, for example, the one bit being 0 indicates cancellation of the first indication information or temporary unlimited capability. Alternatively, the UAI message may indicate the second indication information in an implicit manner, for example, by setting the field for indicating temporary capability restriction to empty, thereby indicating cancellation of the first indication information or temporary unlimited capability.

[0169] After receiving the second indication information, the network device can re-provide the configuration to the terminal device according to the full capabilities of the terminal device. For example, the network device sends a second configuration to the terminal device, and the second configuration is used to update the first configuration. The second configuration includes parameter information used for the terminal device to communicate with the network device. For example, the second configuration includes at least one of the following: layer 1 parameters, SRB configuration, MAC cell group configuration. The second configuration can also be understood as being determined according to the filtering information, that is, the network device determines that the capabilities of the terminal device within the capability range indicated by the filtering information are not restricted according to the second indication information, and thus can determine that the capabilities of the terminal device within the capability range indicated by the filtering information are full capabilities. For the specific meaning of full capabilities, please refer to the description in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0170] Through the above process, the terminal device determines that the capabilities within the capability range indicated by the filtering information are not limited, and can send a second indication information to the network device so that the configuration provided by the network device for the terminal device matches the capabilities of the terminal device, thereby improving the communication efficiency of the terminal device.

[0171] The terminal device can perform small data transmission (SDT) during the RRC recovery process, that is, if the terminal device only has small data transmission, it can perform small data transmission during the RRC recovery process without entering the RRC connection state. When non-small data appears during the small data transmission process, the terminal device needs to enter the RRC connection state for normal data transmission. If the terminal device receives non-small data, the terminal device can enter the RRC connection state from the small data transmission process. If the network device receives non-small data, the network device can trigger the terminal device to enter the RRC connection state from the small data transmission process. The terminal device first sends an RRC recovery request message and indicates SDT in the RRC recovery request message. The terminal device can perform small data transmission during the RRC recovery process. If it is necessary to enter the RRC connection state due to non-small data, the terminal device receives the RRC recovery message, thereby restoring the RRC connection. Among them, small data can also be called small data packet or small packet data or small packet, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0172] If the terminal device initiates small data transmission, the current temporary capability may be restricted (i.e., the terminal device sends the first indication information through the RRC recovery request message) or unrestricted (i.e., the terminal device does not send the first indication information through the RRC recovery request message), and then the terminal device performs small data transmission for a period of time, and then enters the RRC connection state due to non-small data. However, when entering the RRC connection state, the temporary capability restriction of the terminal device may change, for example, from temporary capability restriction to temporary capability unrestricted, or from temporary capability unrestricted to temporary capability restriction. At this time, the configuration provided by the network device for the terminal device may not match the capability of the terminal device, resulting in the terminal device being unable to use the configuration provided by the network device for the terminal device.

[0173] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0174] Step 701: The network device sends control information to the terminal device.

[0175] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives control information from the network device, wherein the control information indicates whether the terminal device is allowed to report first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities.

[0176] Optionally, the network device sends control information to the terminal device through SIB1, that is, SIB1 includes the control information.

[0177] In this application, if a terminal device has small data arriving, the terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message and indicates SDT in the RRC recovery request message, then the terminal device can perform small data transmission during the RRC recovery process. The specific process of small data transmission is not limited in this application and will not be repeated here.

[0178] Step 702: During the small data transmission process, the terminal device determines that non-small packet data and / or non-small packet signaling has arrived, and the terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device.

[0179] Correspondingly, the network device receives the UAI message.

[0180] In a first implementation, the UAI message indicates the arrival of non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling and includes first indication information. For example, when the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities, the UAI message includes the first indication information.

[0181] Optionally, during the RRC recovery process, it can be pre-agreed or pre-configured that the UAI message can include the first indication information only when non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling arrives.

[0182] In a second implementation, the UAI message indicates the arrival of non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling. For example, when the temporary capability of the terminal device is not limited, the UAI message does not include the first indication information.

[0183] The network device can send a first configuration to the terminal device; in this process, when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are limited, the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information; when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are not limited, the first configuration is determined based on the second capabilities, and the second capabilities are all the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0184] Through the above method, during the small data transmission process, if the temporary capability limitation of the terminal device may change, for example, because the temporary capability is not limited but becomes temporarily limited, the terminal device can send a first indication information to the network device through a UAI message, so that the network device can determine the capability of the terminal device after the change, and thus provide the terminal device with a configuration that matches the capability of the terminal device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0185] The above process uses the scenario where the terminal device receives non-small packet data and / or non-small packet signaling as an example. In another scenario, the network device may receive non-small packet data and / or non-small packet signaling. In this case, the terminal device directly receives the RRC recovery message and cannot send the UAI message, thus unable to indicate whether the temporary capability restriction has changed. How the network device detects whether the temporary capability restriction of the terminal device has changed is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0186] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0187] Step 801: The terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message to the network device.

[0188] Correspondingly, the network device receives an RRC recovery request message, wherein the RRC recovery request message includes first indication information, the RRC recovery request message indicates packet data transmission or the RRC recovery request message indicates SDT, and the first indication information indicates that the terminal device has temporarily limited capabilities.

[0189] Among them, the terminal device is a multi-card terminal or the terminal device supports reporting a UAI message for indicating temporary capability limitation.

[0190] When the terminal device determines that small data has arrived, it sends an RRC recovery request message. In this process, regardless of whether the terminal device is currently temporarily limited in capacity, the RRC recovery request message carries the first indication information. It can be understood that if the terminal device may be temporarily limited in capacity in the future, the first indication information is carried in the RRC recovery request message in advance.

[0191] In another implementation method, as long as the terminal device determines to initiate an RRC recovery request process for small packet data transmission, and the terminal device is a multi-card terminal or the terminal device supports reporting a UAI message for indicating temporary capability restriction, regardless of whether the terminal device currently has temporary capability restriction, the first indication information is carried in the RRC recovery request message.

[0192] Step 802: During the small data transmission process, the network device determines that non-small packet data and / or non-small packet signaling has arrived, and the network device sends an RRC recovery message to the terminal device.

[0193] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC recovery message.

[0194] Step 803: The terminal device sends an RRC recovery completion message to the network device.

[0195] Correspondingly, the network device receives an RRC recovery completion message from the terminal device.

[0196] The network device can schedule the RRC recovery complete message according to the configuration of the temporary limited capability of the terminal device

[0197] In one implementation, when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are not restricted, the terminal device sends a third indication message, and the third indication message indicates that the first indication message is cancelled, or the first indication message is not effective, or the temporary capability restriction of the terminal device is not effective, or the temporary capability of the terminal device is not restricted.

[0198] In another implementation, when the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited, the terminal device does not send the third indication information.

[0199] Optionally, the third indication information may be carried in a UAI message or an RRC recovery complete message.

[0200] Furthermore, the network device can send a first configuration to the terminal device; in this process, when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are limited, the first configuration is determined based on the first indication information; when the temporary capabilities of the terminal device are not limited, the first configuration is determined based on the second capabilities, and the second capabilities are all the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0201] Through the above method, when the network device reaches a scenario where non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling is received and the temporary capability restriction of the terminal device changes, the terminal device carries the third indication information through the RRC recovery completion message, so that the network device determines that the temporary capability restriction of the terminal device has changed based on the third indication information, thereby providing the terminal device with a configuration that matches the capability of the terminal device and improving communication efficiency.

[0202] In the present application, after the terminal device enters the RRC connection state, it can report specific restricted capabilities through a UAI message, and the network device can reconfigure the terminal device according to the restricted capabilities of the terminal device, such as sending an RRC reconfiguration message to provide a new configuration to the terminal device. In order to deal with a special situation, that is, the network device has not responded to the restricted terminal device capabilities reported in the UAI message of the terminal device for a long time, because the terminal device needs to communicate with the network corresponding to another user identification module card, it cannot always wait for the configuration of the network device to change its temporary capabilities to restricted capabilities. Therefore, a first timer is introduced. When the terminal device reports the specific restricted terminal device capabilities through a UAI message, the first timer is started or restarted. If no response from the network device has been received during the operation of the first timer, when the first timer times out, the terminal device can automatically change the terminal device capabilities to restricted capabilities. If a response from the network device is received during the operation of the first timer, the terminal device stops the first timer.

[0203] However, it is not clear how to determine "received a response from the network device", and it is also not clear how "the terminal device changes to restricted capabilities" after the first timer expires. These are issues that need to be urgently resolved.

[0204] To solve the above problem, the present application provides a condition for a terminal device to stop the first timer: if the configuration information or activation / deactivation information indicated by the network device meets the restricted capabilities reported by the terminal device, the condition for stopping the first timer.

[0205] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0206] Step 901: The terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device and starts or restarts a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate limited capabilities, that is, the UAI message is used to provide multi-card auxiliary information indicating limited capabilities.

[0207] Correspondingly, the network device receives the UAI message.

[0208] The terminal device may start or restart the first timer immediately after sending the UAI message; or, the terminal device may start or restart the first timer when sending the UAI message.

[0209] Optionally, step 902: the network device sends a third configuration to the terminal device. The third configuration may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or a medium access control control element (MAC CE), if the third configuration is carried in a MAC CE. As an example, the third configuration may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration message, and the third configuration may be used to configure at least one parameter, and / or indicate the release of a secondary cell, and / or indicate the release of a secondary cell group. As another example, if the third configuration is carried in a MAC CE, the third configuration may be used to indicate the activation or deactivation of a secondary cell, and / or indicate the activation or deactivation of a secondary cell group.

[0210] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third configuration. Optionally, the terminal device stops the first timer.

[0211] Step 902 is an optional step. If the network device receives the UAI message and the network configuration can satisfy the restricted capabilities indicated in the UAI message, the network device may send the third configuration to the terminal device. If the network device configuration cannot satisfy the restricted capabilities indicated in the UAI message or the network device currently does not want to satisfy the restricted capabilities indicated in the UAI message, the network device may not send the third configuration to the terminal device.

[0212] Specifically, the restricted capabilities reported by the terminal device through the UAI message may include one or more of the following: the maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, the affected secondary cells (Scells), the affected secondary cell groups (SCGs), the measurement gap requirements, the bandwidth, and the channel sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching capability. For example, the maximum number of MIMO layers includes one or more of the "maximum number of uplink MIMO layers" and the "maximum number of downlink MIMO layers"; the affected secondary cells include one or more of the "secondary cells expected or requested to be released" and the "secondary cells expected or requested to be deactivated"; the affected secondary cell groups include one or more of the "secondary cell groups expected or requested to be released" and the "secondary cell groups expected or requested to be deactivated".

[0213] In conjunction with the previous process, there are multiple implementations of the conditions under which the terminal device stops the first timer. In one implementation, the conditions under which the terminal device stops the first timer include one or more of the following (that is, when one or more of the following conditions are met, the terminal device stops the first timer):

[0214] If the UAI message includes an expected first maximum number of MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration conforms to the first maximum number of MIMO layers (that is, the maximum number of MIMO layers configured by the network device is less than or equal to the first maximum number of MIMO layers), wherein the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration may include one or more of the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured bandwidth part (BWP) level, the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured serving cell level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured carrier level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the configured serving cell, or the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the configured carrier;

[0215] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell (Scell), the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device meets the first secondary cell (i.e., the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell);

[0216] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group (SCG), the secondary cell group released or deactivated by the network device conforms to the first secondary cell group (i.e., the secondary cell group released or deactivated by the network device is the first secondary cell group);

[0217] If the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement (i.e., in the measurement configuration included in the third configuration, a measurement interval is configured for the measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell requiring a measurement interval indicated by the first measurement interval);

[0218] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration conforms to the first bandwidth value (i.e., the bandwidth value configured by the network device is less than or equal to the first bandwidth value), wherein the bandwidth value included in the third configuration may include a serving cell bandwidth value or a carrier bandwidth value;

[0219] If the UAI message includes the expected first SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration meets the first SRS antenna switching capability (ie, the SRS antenna switching capability configured by the network device is less than or equal to the first SRS antenna switching capability).

[0220] In one implementation, when a UAI message is sent in a passive manner, the terminal device starts or restarts the first timer; when a UAI message is sent in an active manner, the terminal device does not start or restart the first timer. For example, sending a UAI message in a passive manner is specifically: the UAI message includes one or more of the following: the first maximum MIMO layer number of the current serving cell, the affected first secondary cell, the affected first secondary cell group, the first measurement interval (gap) requirement, the first bandwidth value of the current serving cell, and the first SRS antenna switching capability under the current serving cell configuration.

[0221] In one implementation, the terminal device sends the UAI message to the network device when one or more of the following conditions are met: when the network device configures the terminal device to allow the UAI message to be sent, the capability of the terminal device is limited, the terminal device needs to indicate the limited capability to the network device, and the first timer is not running.

[0222] In conjunction with the previous process, if the first timer times out, the terminal device may also change to a limited capability. In one implementation, if the first timer times out, the terminal device performs one or more of the following:

[0223] If the UAI message includes the expected first maximum number of MIMO layers, the terminal device automatically sets the maximum number of MIMO layers to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including automatically setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the BWP level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the serving cell level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the carrier level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the serving cell to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the carrier to the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0224] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell (Scell), the terminal device automatically releases the first secondary cell or deactivates the first secondary cell;

[0225] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group (SCG), the terminal device automatically releases the first secondary cell group or deactivates the first secondary cell group;

[0226] If the UAI message includes a first measurement interval requirement, for a measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell that requires a measurement interval but is not configured by the network device, the terminal device automatically does not measure the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell, or the terminal device may not perform measurement without a measurement interval on the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell;

[0227] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, the terminal device automatically sets the bandwidth value to the first bandwidth value, which includes automatically setting the bandwidth value of the supported serving cell or the bandwidth value of the carrier to the first bandwidth value;

[0228] If the UAI message includes the desired first SRS antenna switching capability, the terminal device automatically sets the SRS antenna switching capability to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0229] In one implementation, if the terminal device does not receive the third configuration, for example, the network device does not send the third configuration, the terminal device may execute one or more of the above items when the first timer times out.

[0230] Through the above method, the conditions for stopping the first timer on the terminal device are clearly defined, ensuring that the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the conditions for stopping the first timer. This allows for synchronous maintenance of the first timer, preventing miscommunication that could lead to inconsistent understanding of the terminal device's temporary capabilities and usage configuration. Furthermore, the terminal device's behavior after the first timer expires is clearly defined, ensuring that the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the processing after the first timer expires, preventing miscommunication that could lead to inconsistent understanding of the terminal device's temporary capabilities and usage configuration.

[0231] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the network devices and terminal devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0232] The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments.

[0233] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a communication unit 1020. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiment shown above.

[0234] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 :

[0235] a processing unit, configured to send first indication information to the network device through the communication unit, where the first indication information indicates that the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited;

[0236] The processing unit is configured to receive a first configuration from the network device through the communication unit, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

[0237] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 :

[0238] a processing unit, configured to receive first indication information from a terminal device through a communication unit, where the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability of the terminal device is limited;

[0239] The processing unit is used to send a first configuration to the terminal device through the communication unit, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

[0240] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 :

[0241] a communication unit, configured to receive a first configuration from a network device;

[0242] A processing unit is used to enter the radio resource control RRC idle state when the first configuration does not match the first capability, and the first capability is a temporary capability restricted by the terminal device.

[0243] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 :

[0244] a processing unit, configured to send first indication information to the network device through the communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited;

[0245] The processing unit is used to send second indication information to the network device through the communication unit, where the second indication information indicates that the first indication information is cancelled, or the first indication information is not effective, or the temporary capability restriction is not effective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

[0246] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 :

[0247] a processing unit, configured to receive first indication information from a terminal device through a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited;

[0248] The processing unit is used to receive second indication information from the terminal device through the communication unit, and the second indication information indicates that the first indication information is cancelled, or the first indication information is not effective, or the temporary capability restriction is not effective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

[0249] In one implementation, when the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0250] a processing unit, configured to receive control information from a network device through a communication unit, wherein the control information indicates that reporting of first indication information is permitted, and the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited;

[0251] A processing unit is used to determine the arrival of non-packet data and / or non-packet signaling during packet data transmission through a communication unit, and send user equipment auxiliary information to the network device; wherein the user equipment auxiliary information includes the first indication information.

[0252] In one implementation, when the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of a network device:

[0253] a processing unit, configured to send control information to the terminal device through the communication unit, where the control information indicates that reporting of first indication information is permitted, where the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited;

[0254] A processing unit is configured to receive user equipment auxiliary information from a terminal device through a communication unit; wherein the user equipment auxiliary information includes the first indication information.

[0255] In one implementation, when the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0256] A communication unit, configured to send a user equipment assistance information (UAI) message to a network device and start or restart a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; and receive a third configuration from the network device;

[0257] a processing unit, configured to stop the first timer when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0258] If the UAI message includes a desired first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration matches the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0259] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell;

[0260] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, the secondary cell group released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell group;

[0261] If the UAI message includes a first measurement interval requirement, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement;

[0262] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration conforms to the first bandwidth value;

[0263] If the UAI message includes the desired first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration conforms to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0264] In one implementation, when the communication apparatus 1000 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0265] A communication unit, configured to send a user equipment assistance information (UAI) message to a network device and start or restart a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability;

[0266] The processing unit is configured to, if the first timer times out, perform one or more of the following:

[0267] If the UAI message includes the expected first maximum number of MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers is set to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the BWP level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the serving cell level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the carrier level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the serving cell to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the carrier to the first maximum number of MIMO layers;

[0268] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, releasing the first secondary cell or deactivating the first secondary cell;

[0269] If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, releasing the first secondary cell group or deactivating the first secondary cell group;

[0270] If the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement, for a measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell that requires a measurement interval but is not configured with a measurement interval, the measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell is not measured, or measurement without a measurement interval is not performed on the measurement target, measurement frequency, or measurement serving cell;

[0271] If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, setting the bandwidth value to the first bandwidth value, which includes setting the bandwidth value of the supported serving cell or the bandwidth value of the carrier to the first bandwidth value;

[0272] If the UAI message includes the desired first SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability is set to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

[0273] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1010 and the communication unit 1020 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant descriptions in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Moreover, the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements; or they can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some units can be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory in the form of a program, called by a certain processing element of the device and execute the function of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can also be a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each operation of the above method or each unit above can be implemented by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor element or in the form of software calling through the processing element.

[0275] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital singnal processors (DSPs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For another example, when the unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processor that can call a program. For another example, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0276] The above-mentioned receiving unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to receive signals from other chips or devices. The above-mentioned sending unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the sending unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0277] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 11, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1100 includes a processor 1101 and a transceiver 1102. The communication device 1100 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1100 can be a network device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 11 only shows the main components of the communication device 1100. In addition to the processor 1101 and the transceiver 1102, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1103, and an input and output device (not shown in the figure).

[0278] Optionally, the processor 1101 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 1103 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1102 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0279] Optionally, the processor 1101 , the transceiver 1102 , and the memory 1103 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0280] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1101 can read the software program in the memory 1103, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1101 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1101. The processor 1101 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0281] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0282] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 1000 may take the form of the communication device 1100 shown in FIG. 11 .

[0283] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 in FIG10 may be implemented by the processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 shown in FIG11 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 in FIG10 may be implemented by the transceiver 1102 in the communication device 1100 shown in FIG11.

[0284] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device in the present application may adopt the structure shown in Figure 12, or include the components shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1200 provided in the present application.

[0285] As shown in FIG12 , the communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1201. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 1202.

[0286] When the program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1201, the apparatus 1200 may implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof. Alternatively, the processor 1201 may implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0287] The communication interface 1202 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 1202 can be used for the communication device 1200 to communicate with other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1202 can be used to receive signals from devices other than the communication device 1200 and transmit them to the processor 1201, or to send signals from the processor 1201 to other communication devices other than the communication device 1200.

[0288] Optionally, the communication interface 1202 may be a code and / or data read and write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1202 may be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0289] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include at least one memory 1203, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data. It should be noted that the memory 1203 may exist independently of the processor 1201 or may be integrated with the processor 1201. The memory 1203 may be located within or outside the communication device 1200, without limitation.

[0290] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a power supply circuit 1204, which may be used to supply power to the processor 1201. The power supply circuit 1204 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1201, or in another chip other than the chip where the processor 1201 is located.

[0291] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a bus, and various parts of the communication device 1200 may be interconnected via the bus.

[0292] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may take the form of the communication device 1200 shown in FIG. 12 .

[0293] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 in FIG10 may be implemented by the processor 1201 in the communication device 1200 shown in FIG12 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1203. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 in FIG10 may be implemented by the communication interface 1202 in the communication device 1200 shown in FIG12.

[0294] It should be noted that the structure shown in FIG12 does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device or network device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the terminal device or network device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine or split some components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0295] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0296] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0297] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0298] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of the present application are performed. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes; optical media, such as digital video disks; or semiconductor media, such as solid-state drives. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0299] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0300] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0301] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0302] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0303] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending first indication information to the network device, wherein the first indication information indicates that the temporary capability of the terminal device is limited; A first configuration is received from the network device, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited, including: The first indication information indicates that the first capability when the temporary capability is limited is limited relative to the second capability, and the second capability is all capabilities of the terminal device; Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited in providing a delay configuration relative to the network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The terminal device is a terminal device supporting multiple cards.

4. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving first indication information from a terminal device, where the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability of the terminal device is limited; A first configuration is sent to the terminal device, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited, including: The first indication information indicates that the first capability when the temporary capability is limited is limited relative to the second capability, and the second capability is all capabilities of the terminal device; Alternatively, the first indication information indicates that the first capability is limited in providing a delay configuration relative to the network device.

6. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving a first configuration from a network device; When the first configuration does not match the first capability, the wireless resource control RRC idle state is entered, and the first capability is a temporary capability restricted by the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further includes: setting a reason value for releasing the RRC connection, wherein the reason value indicates that the reason for releasing the RRC connection is RRC recovery failure.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending first indication information to the network device, wherein the first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited; Sending second indication information to the network device, wherein the second indication information indicates that the first indication information is cancelled, or the first indication information is ineffective, or the temporary capability restriction is ineffective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving first indication information from a terminal device, wherein the first indication information indicates that temporary capability is limited; Receive second indication information from the terminal device, where the second indication information indicates cancellation of the first indication information, or the first indication information is ineffective, or the temporary capability restriction is ineffective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a user equipment assistance information UAI message to a network device, and starting or restarting a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; receiving a third configuration from the network device; When one or more of the following conditions are met, the first timer is stopped: If the UAI message includes a desired first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration conforms to the first maximum number of MIMO layers; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, the secondary cell group released or the deactivated secondary cell group by the network device includes the first secondary cell group; If the UAI message includes a first measurement interval requirement, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement; If the UAI message includes an expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration conforms to the first bandwidth value; If the UAI message includes the expected first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration conforms to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The third configuration includes a maximum number of MIMO layers that conforms to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including: The maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration is less than or equal to the first maximum number of MIMO layers; Among them, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration includes: one or more of the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured bandwidth part BWP level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured service cell level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers at the configured carrier level, or the maximum number of MIMO layers of all partial bandwidths corresponding to the configured service cell, or one or more of the maximum number of MIMO layers of all partial bandwidths corresponding to the configured carrier.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration meets the first measurement interval requirement, including: The measurement configuration included in the third configuration includes a measurement target or a measurement frequency or a measurement serving cell requiring a measurement interval indicated by the first measurement interval, and a corresponding measurement interval.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The bandwidth value included in the third configuration is consistent with the first bandwidth value, including: The third configuration includes a bandwidth value that is less than or equal to the first bandwidth value.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration complies with the first SRS antenna switching capability, including: The third configuration includes an SRS antenna switching capability that is less than or equal to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a user equipment assistance information UAI message to a network device, and starting or restarting a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; If the first timer times out, perform one or more of the following: If the UAI message includes an expected first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers is set to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the bandwidth part BWP level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the serving cell level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the carrier level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the serving cell to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the carrier to the first maximum number of MIMO layers; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, releasing the first secondary cell or deactivating the first secondary cell; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, releasing the first secondary cell group or deactivating the first secondary cell group; If the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement, for a measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell that requires a measurement interval but is not configured with a measurement interval, the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell is not measured, or measurement without a measurement interval is not performed on the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell; If the UAI message includes an expected first bandwidth value, setting the bandwidth value to the first bandwidth value, including setting the bandwidth value of a supported serving cell or the bandwidth value of a carrier to the first bandwidth value; If the UAI message includes the expected first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability is set to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The UAI message is used to provide multi-card assistance information indicating limited capabilities.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The UAI message includes one or more of the following: the first maximum number of MIMO layers expected by the current serving cell, the affected first secondary cell, the affected first secondary cell group, the first measurement interval requirement, the first bandwidth value of the current serving cell, and the first SRS antenna switching capability under the current serving cell configuration.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing unit, configured to send first indication information to a network device through a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability of a terminal device is limited; The processing unit is used to receive a first configuration from the network device through the communication unit, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing unit, configured to receive first indication information from a terminal device through a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability of the terminal device is limited; The processing unit is used to send a first configuration to the terminal device through the communication unit, where the first configuration is a default configuration determined according to the first indication information.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to receive a first configuration from a network device; A processing unit is used to enter a radio resource control RRC idle state when the first configuration does not match the first capability, and the first capability is a temporary capability restricted by the terminal device.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing unit, configured to send first indication information to a network device through a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited; The processing unit is used to send second indication information to the network device through the communication unit, wherein the second indication information indicates cancellation of the first indication information, or the first indication information is not effective, or the temporary capability restriction is not effective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing unit, configured to receive first indication information from a terminal device through a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates that a temporary capability is limited; The processing unit is used to receive second indication information from the terminal device through the communication unit, and the second indication information indicates cancellation of the first indication information, or the first indication information is not effective, or the temporary capability restriction is not effective, or the temporary capability is not restricted.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to send a user equipment auxiliary information UAI message to a network device, and start or restart a first timer; The UAI message is used to indicate a limited capability; receiving a third configuration from the network device; A processing unit, configured to stop the first timer when one or more of the following conditions are met: If the UAI message includes a desired first maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers included in the third configuration conforms to the first maximum number of MIMO layers; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, the secondary cell released or deactivated by the network device includes the first secondary cell; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, the secondary cell group released or the deactivated secondary cell group by the network device includes the first secondary cell group; If the UAI message includes a first measurement interval requirement, the measurement interval requirement included in the third configuration complies with the first measurement interval requirement; If the UAI message includes an expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value included in the third configuration conforms to the first bandwidth value; If the UAI message includes the expected first channel sounding reference signal SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability included in the third configuration conforms to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to send a user equipment auxiliary information UAI message to a network device, and start or restart a first timer; the UAI message is used to indicate a restricted capability; The processing unit is configured to execute one or more of the following if the first timer times out: If the UAI message includes the expected first maximum number of MIMO layers, the maximum number of MIMO layers is set to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, including setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the BWP level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the serving cell level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers at the carrier level to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the serving cell to the first maximum number of MIMO layers, or setting the maximum number of MIMO layers of all BWPs corresponding to the carrier to the first maximum number of MIMO layers; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell, releasing the first secondary cell or deactivating the first secondary cell; If the UAI message includes the affected first secondary cell group, releasing the first secondary cell group or deactivating the first secondary cell group; If the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement, for a measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell that requires a measurement interval but is not configured with a measurement interval, the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell is not measured, or measurement without a measurement interval is not performed on the measurement target or measurement frequency or measurement serving cell; If the UAI message includes the expected first bandwidth value, the bandwidth value is set to the first bandwidth value, including the supported The bandwidth value of the serving cell or the bandwidth value of the carrier is set to the first bandwidth value; If the UAI message includes the expected first SRS antenna switching capability, the SRS antenna switching capability is set to the first SRS antenna switching capability.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, and a computer program is stored in the memory; the processor is used to call the computer program in the memory so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is executed.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is executed.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is executed.

29. A chip, characterized in that: The chip comprises a processor, which is coupled to a memory and is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory, so that the chip implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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