Communication method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a related device. The method comprises: acquiring first instruction information, wherein the first instruction information is used for instructing to activate a buffer status table, configuration information of a logic channel group using the buffer status table or control information of using the buffer status table to send buffer status information; and then sending the buffer status information. According to the method, when the first instruction information instructing to activate the buffer status table, the configuration information or the control information is acquired, the buffer status information is sent instead of performing activation when the configuration information is received, such that there is no need to release some fields by means of a message to activate the buffer status table, the configuration information or the control information, and it is guaranteed that a network side can update the use situation of new and old tables in a timely manner. Moreover, an increase in the load due to use of control information in a new format when the buffer status table which is not expected to be activated is activated is avoided.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 2, 2023, with application number 202311459445.1 and invention name “Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, electronic equipment, a communication system, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0003] With the development of mobile communication technologies, especially the fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), the capabilities of communication systems are continuously enhanced. Specifically, 5G communication systems can provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), with faster connections, higher throughput, and greater capacity, as well as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (uRLLC). This enables network applications in mission-critical scenarios that require uninterrupted and stable data links, such as extended reality (XR) and cloud gaming, meeting the ultra-high reliability and low latency requirements of wireless communication networks.

[0004] A communication system may include network equipment such as base stations. Each base station may support communication for multiple terminals, where each terminal may be a user equipment (UE). In many mission scenarios, the UE typically needs to cache service data and then report the amount of cached data. The UE may report the amount of cached data by submitting a Buffer Status Report (BSR). Each reported amount of cached data is associated with an index, which is associated with a data amount range. The larger the index value, the larger the data amount range represented by the BSR.

[0005] For services with large data volumes, such as XR and cloud gaming, consistently reporting BSR indices with a wide range of data volumes can lead to improper resource allocation by the network (e.g., base station). This can cause the UE to wait for resource scheduling, increasing data transmission latency or over-allocating resources. To address this, a more granular BSR table (also known as a new table) can be introduced for services with large data volumes.

[0006] How to manage BSR tables (such as new tables and old tables) to achieve efficient and reliable communication between devices has become a key issue of concern in the industry.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a communication method and related equipment, the purpose of which is to solve the problem of unreasonable resource allocation in the cache status reporting scenario causing increased data transmission delay or excessive resource allocation causing resource waste. By flexibly switching the cache status table and sending cache status information, efficient and reliable communication between devices can be achieved to meet business needs.

[0009] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0010] A first aspect of the present application provides a communication method. The method may be performed by a second device. The second device may be a terminal. In a specific implementation, first indication information is obtained, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation of a cache status table, configuration information of a logical channel group using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table, and then the cache status information is sent.

[0011] This method sends cache status information upon receiving the first indication message instructing activation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, rather than activating it upon receiving the configuration information. This eliminates the need to release fields in a message to deactivate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, ensuring that the network can promptly replace the old and new tables. Furthermore, this method avoids activating the cache status table in undesirable scenarios, which would increase the load caused by the use of the new format of control information.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is further used to indicate a logical channel group that uses a cache status table. Specifically, the first indication information may also indicate the logical channel group that uses the cache status table, in addition to indicating activation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information. That is, when the configuration indicates the logical channel group that uses the cache status table, the cache status table may be activated at the same time.

[0013] In this way, the logical channel group using the buffer status table and the activation of the buffer status table, configuration information or control information can be indicated at the same time through one interaction, thereby improving efficiency and reducing resource occupation.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the second device may further obtain second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the logical channel group using the cache status table. This decouples the configuration of the logical channel group using the cache status table from the activation of the cache status table, thereby improving reliability.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the second device may further activate a cache status table, configuration information, or control information. Specifically, the second device may activate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information in response to the first indication information. Activating the cache status table, configuration information, or control information may include making the cache status table, configuration information, or control information effective. Taking activation of the cache status table as an example, the second device may, in response to the first indication information, set the permissions of the cache status table to accessible, thereby activating the cache status table.

[0016] By activating the cache status table, configuration information or control information, the method enables the second device to use the activated cache status table, configuration information or control information to report cache status information when transmitting data streams, thereby improving resource utilization and avoiding resource waste.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second device may further obtain third indication information. The third indication information is used to instruct the deactivation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information. The method also supports deactivating the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, etc., using the third indication information. This enables timely switching between different cache status tables, avoiding scenarios where the use of a new cache status table does not require it and resulting in increased load.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the buffer status table includes a first buffer status table and a second buffer status table. When at least one logical channel group uses the first buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced buffer status report control element. When all logical channel groups use the second buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element. When all logical channel groups use the first buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element.

[0019] The method determines the format of the buffer status report control element used for sending buffer status information according to the distribution of the buffer status tables used by the logical channel group, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0020] In some possible implementations, when the buffer status report control element is identified by the first logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the second buffer status table. When the buffer status report control element is identified by the second logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the first buffer status table.

[0021] In this method, the cases where all logical channel groups use the first cache status table (such as the new table) and the cases where all logical channel groups use the second cache status table (such as the old table) can be distinguished by different logical channel identifiers. In both cases, the cache status information can be sent in the format of the original cache status report control element, which reduces the load and saves transmission overhead.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the enhanced cache status report control element includes a table indication field (also called a P field), which is used to indicate the cache status table used by each logical channel group, and the field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one logical channel group uses the first cache status table.

[0023] This method adds a P field in the enhanced cache status report control element and interprets that it cannot take all values ​​0 (P is used to indicate whether the new table is the old table), thereby restricting all logical channel groups from using the new format control information when using the old table. This further ensures that the original format control information is used when all logical channel groups use the old table, reducing the load and saving transmission overhead.

[0024] In some possible implementations, when using a buffer status report control element to send buffer status information, a decision may be made to use a long buffer status report or a short buffer status report based on the number of logical channel groups that include data to be transmitted. Specifically, when more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a long buffer status report for the logical channel groups that include the data to be transmitted. Alternatively, when one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a short buffer status report for the logical channel group that includes the data to be transmitted.

[0025] In this way, when only one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the load can be further reduced and the transmission overhead can be saved.

[0026] In some possible implementations, when using an enhanced buffer status report control element to send buffer status information, a decision may be made to use either an enhanced long buffer status report or an enhanced short buffer status report based on the number of logical channel groups that include data to be transmitted. Specifically, when more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced long buffer status report for the logical channel groups that include the data to be transmitted. Alternatively, when one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced short BSR for the logical channel group that includes the data to be transmitted.

[0027] Similar to using the buffer status report control element to send the buffer status information, this method can further reduce the load and save transmission overhead when only one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted.

[0028] In some possible implementations, when using an enhanced buffer status report control element to send buffer status information, when at least one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

[0029] The enhanced buffer status reporting format includes buffer status formats for at least two logical channel groups. If only one logical channel group with cached data needs to be reported using this format, the enhanced buffer status reporting format will only include the buffer status information for that logical channel group. Although only one logical channel group is reported, this format does not differentiate between long and short formats based on the number of logical channel groups reported. This reduces the complexity of buffer status reporting.

[0030] A second aspect of the present application provides a communication method. The method can be performed by a second device. The second device can be a terminal. Specifically, when at least one logical channel group uses the first cache status table, the cache status information is sent using an enhanced cache status report control element; or, when all logical channel groups use the second cache status table, the cache status information is sent using a cache status report control element; or, when all logical channel groups use the first cache status table, the cache status information is sent using a cache status report control element.

[0031] The method determines the format of the buffer status report control element used for sending buffer status information according to the distribution of the buffer status tables used by the logical channel group, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0032] In some possible implementations, when the cache status report control element is identified by a first logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the cache status report control element use the second cache status table; when the cache status report control element is identified by a second logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the cache status report control element use the first cache status table.

[0033] In this method, the cases where all logical channel groups use the first cache status table (such as the new table) and the cases where all logical channel groups use the second cache status table (such as the old table) can be distinguished by different logical channel identifiers. In both cases, the cache status information can be sent in the format of the original cache status report control element, which reduces the load and saves transmission overhead.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the enhanced cache status report control element includes a table indication field, which is used to indicate the cache status table used by each logical channel group, and the field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one logical channel group uses the first cache status table.

[0035] The method adds a field explanation to the enhanced cache status report control element, thereby restricting all logical channel groups to use the new format control information when using the old table, further ensuring that the original format control information is used when all logical channel groups use the old table, reducing the load and saving transmission overhead.

[0036] In some possible implementations, when using a buffer status report control element to send buffer status information, a decision may be made to use a long buffer status report or a short buffer status report based on the number of logical channel groups that include data to be transmitted. Specifically, when more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a long buffer status report for the logical channel groups that include the data to be transmitted; or, when one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a short buffer status report for the logical channel group that includes the data to be transmitted.

[0037] In this way, when only one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the load can be further reduced and the transmission overhead can be saved.

[0038] In some possible implementations, when using the enhanced buffer status report control element to send buffer status information, a decision may be made to use either the enhanced long buffer status report or the enhanced short buffer status report based on the number of logical channel groups that include data to be transmitted. Specifically, when more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using the enhanced long buffer status report for the logical channel groups that include the data to be transmitted; or, when one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using the enhanced short buffer status report for the logical channel group that includes the data to be transmitted.

[0039] Similar to using the buffer status report control element to send the buffer status information, this method can further reduce the load and save transmission overhead when only one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted.

[0040] In some possible implementations, sending the cache status information using the enhanced cache status report control element may be: when at least one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, sending the cache status information using the enhanced cache status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

[0041] In this method, the enhanced buffer status reporting format includes buffer status formats for at least two logical channel groups. If only one logical channel group with cached data needs to report its corresponding buffer status information using this format, the enhanced buffer status reporting format only includes the buffer status information for that logical channel group. Although only one logical channel group is reported, this format does not differentiate between long and short formats based on the number of logical channel groups reported. This reduces the complexity of buffer status reporting.

[0042] A third aspect of the present application provides a communication method. The method may be performed by a first device. The first device may be a network device, such as a base station. Specifically, the first device may send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate activation of a buffer status table, configuration information of a logical channel group using the buffer status table, or control information for sending buffer status information using the buffer status table, and then the first device receives the buffer status information.

[0043] This method instructs the second device to activate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information by sending a first instruction message to the second device, rather than activating the cache status table, configuration information, or control information immediately upon receiving the configuration information. This eliminates the need to release fields in a message to deactivate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, ensuring that the network can promptly replace the old and new tables. Furthermore, this method avoids activating the cache status table in scenarios where activation is undesirable, thereby avoiding increased load caused by the use of control information in a new format.

[0044] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is further used to indicate a logical channel group using the cache status table. This can shorten the number of interactions required to activate the cache status table, improve efficiency, and reduce resource usage.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the first device may further send second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the logical channel group using the cache status table. This decouples the configuration of the logical channel group using the cache status table from the activation of the cache status table, thereby improving reliability.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the first device may further send third indication information, the third indication information indicating deactivation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information. This method also supports deactivating the cache status table, configuration information, or control information via the third indication information, enabling timely switching between different cache status tables and avoiding increased load caused by using a new cache status table when it is not needed.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the first device may send the third indication information when the deactivation condition is met, so as to achieve timely switching of different cache status tables and avoid additional overhead caused by untimely switching of cache status tables.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the deactivation condition includes at least one of the following: the target service is not running; a congestion event is detected; or the amount of historical cached data matches the original cache status table. This method detects whether the above deactivation conditions are met, thereby enabling timely switching between different cache status tables and avoiding the additional overhead caused by untimely cache status table switching.

[0049] A fourth aspect of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and at least one processor. The memory is used to store programs, and the at least one processor is used to run the programs, so that the electronic device implements the communication method provided in the first or second aspect of the present application.

[0050] A fifth aspect of the present application provides an electronic device comprising: a memory and at least one processor. The memory is used to store programs, and the at least one processor is used to run the programs, so that the electronic device implements the communication method provided in the first aspect or the third aspect of the present application.

[0051] The sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication system, comprising a first device and a second device. The first device is configured to execute the communication method provided in the first or second aspect of the present application, and the second device is configured to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect of the present application.

[0052] The seventh aspect of the present application is a computer storage medium for storing a computer program, which, when executed, is used to implement the communication method provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] FIG1 is an example diagram of a scenario of communication between a base station and a terminal disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG2 is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG3 is an interactive flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG4 is an interactive flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG10 is a structural diagram of an electronic device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG11 is a structural diagram illustrating another electronic device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "one", "a kind of", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "one or more" refers to one, two or more; "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0065] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0066] The "multiple" involved in the embodiments of the present application means greater than or equal to two. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0067] The embodiments of the present application are applied to communication systems, which may be second-generation (2G) communication systems, third-generation (3G) communication systems, LTE systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, LTE and 5G hybrid architectures, 5G New Radio (5G NR) systems, and new communication systems that may emerge in future communication developments.

[0068] The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The first device can be a device on the network side for providing network communication functions, which is sometimes also called a network device or a network element. The network device can generally be a base station (including a functional unit of a base station, or a combination of functional units of a base station) or a core network unit, wherein the core network unit can be a functional unit in the core network, including but not limited to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) unit or a Session Management Function (SMF) unit. The second device can be a device for accessing the network, which can generally be a terminal. An example of a communication system is shown in Figure 1, which includes a base station 1 and a terminal 2.

[0069] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the base station can be any device with wireless transceiver functions, including but not limited to: an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutionary Node B) in long term evolution (LTE), a base station (gNodeB or gNB) or a transmission receiving point (TRP) in new radio (NR), a base station of subsequent evolution of 3GPP, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. The base station can be: a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small station, a relay station, or a balloon station, etc. The base station can include one or more co-site or non-co-site transmission points (Transmission Reception Point, TRP). The base station can also be a wireless controller, a centralized unit (CU), and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The base station can communicate with the terminal, or communicate with the terminal through a relay station. The terminal can communicate with multiple base stations of different technologies. For example, the terminal can communicate with a base station supporting the LTE network, and can also communicate with a base station supporting the 5G network. It can also establish dual connections with a base station supporting the LTE network and a base station supporting the 5G network.

[0070] In the embodiments provided herein, the terminal may be in various forms, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a wearable terminal device, etc. The terminal may also be sometimes referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), access terminal device, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, UE terminal device, terminal device, wireless communication device, UE agent or UE device, etc. The terminal may also be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal.

[0071] In a communication system, when uplink traffic arrives, a terminal (UE) can request uplink resources from a network device (e.g., a base station) to indicate whether it has uplink data to send. Typically, the UE can buffer uplink data and then report the amount of buffered data to the base station. The base station can then allocate uplink resources to the UE based on the buffered data amount. The UE can then send the buffered uplink data to the base station (e.g., a network device) based on the allocated uplink resources, thereby reducing the impact of network jitter.

[0072] Currently, the industry typically uses buffer status reports (BSRs) to report buffered data volumes. Each reported buffered data volume is associated with an index value, which is associated with a data volume range (represented by a buffer interval, such as the buffer size). BSRs are typically reported at the granularity of logical channel groups (LCGs). In other words, the BSR indicates the buffer size corresponding to at least one LCG.

[0073] The larger the index value (index), the larger the data volume range (buffer size) indicated by the BSR. Typically, when scheduling, the network performs scheduling based on the buffer range (e.g., the data volume range indicated by the buffer size). If the UE is performing data-intensive services such as XR and cloud gaming, it may cause the UE to continuously report a BSR index with a relatively large buffer range size. This may lead to improper resource allocation by the network, causing the UE to constantly wait for resource scheduling, increasing data transmission latency, or over-allocating resources.

[0074] Therefore, for services with large data volumes, such as XR and cloud gaming, it is usually necessary to introduce a more fine-grained BSR table (also called a new cache status table, or simply a new table). Currently, for the above-mentioned new table, the industry has also introduced a field for configuring the LCG using the new table. After this configuration, services with large data volumes, such as XR and cloud gaming, may not have been carried out yet, or the XR service may have been carried out, but the reported cache data volume is within the data volume range of the old table (also called the original cache status table), or the old table can be determined to meet the demand based on the usage of the new table over a period of time, or the network is in a congested scenario. At this time, the network side may not want to activate the new table. Because once the new table is activated, a new media access control (MAC) control element (CE) will be used. At this time, the MAC CE field will increase by 8 bits, and the load will increase. In this case, if some fields are released through a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to deactivate the new table, it may not be timely enough, so a more flexible way to use the new and old tables (such as the new cache status table and the original cache status table) is needed.

[0075] The present application proposes a communication method, which obtains first indication information, the first indication information indicates activating a cache status table (such as a new table), configuration information of a logical channel group (such as LCG) using the cache status table, or control information (such as MAC CE) for sending cache status information using the cache status table, and then sends the cache status information.

[0076] This method sends cache status information upon receiving the first indication information indicating activation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, rather than activating it upon receiving the configuration information. This eliminates the need to release fields via RRC messages to deactivate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, ensuring that the network can promptly replace the old and new tables. Furthermore, this method avoids activating the cache status table in scenarios where activation is undesirable, thereby preventing the use of new MAC CEs and resulting in increased load.

[0077] In order to make the technical solution of the present application clearer and easier to understand, the communication method of the present application is introduced below in conjunction with embodiments.

[0078] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG2 , the method includes:

[0079] S202: Obtain first indication information.

[0080] Specifically, the second device may obtain the first indication information. The second device may be a terminal, such as a UE, a mobile station, or a mobile station. In some examples, the second device may obtain the first indication information from the first device. The first device may be a network device, including but not limited to a base station or a core network unit. For example, the second device may receive the first indication information sent by the first device. In other examples, the second device may read a flag bit corresponding to the first indication information to obtain the first indication information.

[0081] The first indication information is used to indicate the activation of a cache status table (for example, a new table), the configuration information of the logical channel group LCG using the cache status table, or the control information (for example, MAC CE) of sending cache status information using the cache status table. The cache status table includes an index value (index) and a buffer interval (buffer size) associated with the index value. Different index values ​​are associated with different buffer intervals. When the LCG of the second device transmits a data stream (such as a media stream) to the network side, it can use the cache status table to send cache status information. The configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table may include an LCG identifier (ID) and an identifier of the cache status table used by the LCG. The cache status information may be information that characterizes the cache status. For example, the cache status information may be an index value, the index value corresponds to a cache interval of the cache status table, and the amount of cached data of the LCG falls into the above-mentioned cache interval.

[0082] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is further used to indicate a logical channel group that uses the buffer status table. In other words, the first indication information, in addition to indicating activation of the buffer status table, configuration information, or control information, may also simultaneously indicate the logical channel group that uses the buffer status table. That is, when the configuration indicates the logical channel group that uses the buffer status table, the buffer status table may be activated simultaneously.

[0083] In some other possible implementations, the second device may also obtain second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the logical channel group (such as LCG) that uses the cache status table. The cache status table indicated by the second indication information may be a more fine-grained cache status table, also referred to as a new table. For ease of description, the coarse-grained cache status table is also referred to as the old table. Assuming that a UE includes n LCGs, the first indication information may include an n-bit field, each bit corresponds to an LCG, and when the bit value is 1, it indicates that the corresponding LCG uses the cache status table (such as the new table). Alternatively, the first indication information may include the LCG ID of the LCG that uses the cache status table. For example, the LCG IDs of n LCGs are 0, 1, 2, 3...n-1, respectively, and the first indication information may include fields with values ​​of 2, 3, n-1, respectively.

[0084] It should be noted that the second device may first obtain the second indication information and then obtain the first indication information, or the second device may obtain the first indication information and the second indication information at the same time, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0085] In some possible implementations, for the first indication information indicating both activation and use of an LCG (also referred to as an LCG configuration) for a cache status table, the first indication information may be provided or issued by a first device (e.g., a network device) when detecting that an activation condition is satisfied. The activation condition refers to a triggering condition for activating a cache status table (e.g., a new table), configuration information for a logical channel group using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table.

[0086] In some other possible implementations, for the first indication information indicating activation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information (not indicating use of the LCG of the cache status table), the first indication information may be provided or issued by the first device when detecting that the activation condition is met. For the second indication information indicating use of the LCG of the cache status table, since the second indication information is actually configuration information (LCG configuration), the first device may issue the second indication information to the second device regardless of whether the activation condition is met.

[0087] The activation condition can be at least one of the following: the target service is in operation; the amount of allocable resources (available resources) is greater than the set amount of resources. The target service can be a service with a large data volume, such as a service with a data volume greater than a set threshold, including but not limited to XR, cloud gaming, and other services.

[0088] S204: Send cache status information.

[0089] Specifically, the second device (such as UE) can use the (activated) cache status table to send cache status information. The cache status information may be information that characterizes the cache status. Specifically, the second device can obtain the cache data volume of the LCG, determine the cache status table used by the LCG, query the cache status table based on the cache data volume, and obtain an index value corresponding to the cache data volume. The index value is associated with an index interval, and the cache data volume falls into the cache interval. The cache status information may include an index value corresponding to the cache data volume. The second device can send (or report) the index value to the first device, thereby sending the cache status information.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the second device may also activate a cache status table, configuration information, or control information. For example, in response to the first indication information, the second device activates the cache status table, the configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or the control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table. The second device then sends the cache status information. The activation granularity may be at the table level, the field level, or the message level (such as MAC CE). For ease of understanding, the example of activating the cache status table is used. For example, the second device may activate the cache status table by setting the permission of the cache status table to accessible.

[0091] The communication method of the embodiment of the present application sends cache status information upon obtaining the first indication information indicating activation of the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, rather than activating the cache status table upon receiving the configuration information. Therefore, there is no need to release certain fields through RRC messages to deactivate the cache status table, configuration information, or control information, thereby ensuring that the network side can promptly replace the usage of the old and new tables. Furthermore, this method avoids activating the cache status table in scenarios where activation is not desired, thereby avoiding the use of a new MAC CE that results in an increased load.

[0092] In order to make the technical solution of the present application clearer and easier to understand, the communication method is explained below using the first indication information to simultaneously indicate the use of the LCG of the cache status table, the first indication information to activate the cache status table, the configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or the control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table.

[0093] First, referring to the interactive flow chart of a communication method shown in FIG3 , the method may be collaboratively performed by a first device and a second device, where the first device may be a gNB and the second device may be a UE. The method includes the following steps:

[0094] S302: The first device sends first indication information to the second device.

[0095] The first indication information is used to indicate the activation of the cache status table, the configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or the use of the cache status table. Furthermore, the first indication information is also used to indicate the LCG using the cache status table. FIG3 illustrates an example of the first indication information indicating the activation of the cache status table and the LCG using the cache status table.

[0096] In some possible implementations, the first indication information may be configured by the first device on the network side and provided to the second device. For example, upon detecting that the activation condition is met, the first device may configure the first indication information and send the first indication information to the second device. In other possible implementations, the first indication information may be configured by the second device itself, and the second device may read the self-configured first indication information without executing S302 to receive the first indication information sent by the first device.

[0097] S304: The second device obtains the first indication information and activates the cache status table.

[0098] In this embodiment, since the first indication information also indicates activation of the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table, when the second device obtains the first indication information, it indicates that the activation condition is met, and the second device can activate the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table. Figure 3 illustrates the example of activating the cache status table. Specifically, activating the cache status table specifically means making the cache status table effective. The second device can set the permission of the cache status table to accessible in response to the first indication information, thereby activating the cache status table.

[0099] The above S304 is an optional step of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication method of the present application may not execute S304. For example, when the second device obtains the first indication information, it may directly use the cache status table to send the cache status information.

[0100] S305: The second device sends cache status information to the first device.

[0101] The second device can obtain the cache data volume of the LCG, query the cache status table used by the LCG (e.g., the activated cache status table) based on the cache data volume, and obtain an index value corresponding to the cache data volume. The cache status information includes the index value corresponding to the cache data volume. The second device can then send the cache status information to the first device.

[0102] S306. The first device sends third indication information to the second device.

[0103] The third indication information is used to indicate deactivation of the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information (e.g., MAC CE) for sending cache status information using the cache status table. The third indication information may be provided by the first device when it detects that a deactivation condition is met. For example, when the first device detects that the deactivation condition is met, the first device may send the third indication information to the second device, thereby deactivating the cache status table, configuration information, or control information in the second device.

[0104] It should be noted that S306 is only one implementation method of the first device providing the third indication information to the second device. In other possible implementation methods of the embodiment of the present application, the first device can also provide the third indication information to the second device in other ways, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0105] S308. The second device deactivates the cache status table according to the third instruction information.

[0106] Deactivating the cache status table may mean invalidating the cache status table. The second device may, in response to the third indication information, set the permissions of the cache status table to inaccessible or restricted, or delete the cache status table, thereby deactivating the cache status table. Furthermore, FIG3 illustrates an example of deactivating the cache status table. In other possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the second device may also, based on the third indication information, deactivate the configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table or the control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table.

[0107] Similar to the activation step S304, S308 may also be an optional step in the embodiment of the present application, and S308 may not be executed when executing the communication method of the present application.

[0108] S310. The second device retains the first indication information.

[0109] Specifically, the second device retains the first indication information so as to facilitate subsequent reactivation based on the first indication information, thereby meeting business needs.

[0110] S310 is an optional step in the embodiment of the present application, and the communication method of the present application may not execute S310. For example, when the second device deactivates the cache status table by deleting it, the second device may also discard the first indication information.

[0111] S312. The first device sends second indication information to the second device.

[0112] The second indication information is used to indicate activation of the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table. The second indication information may be provided by the first device when it detects that the activation condition is met.

[0113] S312 is an optional step in the embodiment of the present application, and the method of the embodiment of the present application may not execute the above S312. For example, if the original cache status table can meet the business needs, the above S312 may not be executed.

[0114] S314. The second device activates the cache status table according to the second indication information.

[0115] Specifically, the second device obtains the second indication information indicating that the activation condition is met, and can activate the cache status table indicated by the first indication information in combination with the retained first indication information. It should be noted that FIG3 uses the example of activating the cache status table for illustration. In other possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the second device can also activate the configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table or use the cache status table to send control information of the cache status information.

[0116] Similar to the activation step S304, S314 may also be an optional step in the embodiment of the present application, and S314 may not be executed when executing the communication method of the present application.

[0117] Next, referring to the interactive flow chart of a communication method shown in FIG4 , the method may be collaboratively performed by a first device and a second device. The first device may be a gNB, and the second device may be a UE. The method includes the following steps:

[0118] S402: The first device sends second indication information to the second device.

[0119] The second indication information is used to indicate the use of the LCG of the cache status table. Specifically, the second indication information can be configured by the first device on the network side and provided to the second device. In some possible implementations, the second indication information can also be configured by the second device itself. In this case, the above S402 may not be performed.

[0120] S404: The second device retains the second indication information.

[0121] Specifically, the second device may store the second indication information, thereby retaining the second indication information for subsequent switching to different cache status tables.

[0122] It should be noted that S404 is an optional step in the embodiment of the present application, and the communication method of the present application may be executed without executing the above S404.

[0123] S406. The first device sends first indication information to the second device.

[0124] The first indication information is used to indicate activation of the cache status table, configuration information for an LCG using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table. The first indication information may be provided or issued by the first device when it detects that an activation condition is met. The activation condition can be described with reference to the relevant content of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and is not further described here.

[0125] S408: The second device obtains the first indication information and activates the cache status table.

[0126] In this embodiment, because the first indication information indicates activation of the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table, the second device obtains the first indication information, indicating that the activation condition is met. The second device can activate the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table. Figure 4 illustrates activation of the cache status table as an example.

[0127] The above S408 is an optional step of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication method of the embodiment of the present application may not execute S408. For example, when the second device obtains the first indication information, it can directly use the cache status table to send the cache status information.

[0128] S409: The second device sends cache status information to the first device.

[0129] The specific implementation of the second device sending the cache status information can be found in the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , and will not be repeated here.

[0130] S410. The first device sends third indication information to the second device.

[0131] The third indication information is used to indicate deactivation of the cache status table, configuration information of an LCG using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table. The third indication information may be provided by the first device when it detects that a deactivation condition is met. For example, when the first device detects that the deactivation condition is met, the first device may send the third indication information to the second device.

[0132] It should be noted that S410 is only one implementation method of the first device providing the third indication information to the second device. In other possible implementation methods of the embodiment of the present application, the first device can also provide the third indication information to the second device in other ways, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0133] S412: The second device deactivates the cache status table according to the third instruction information.

[0134] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the above S410 and S412 can refer to the relevant content description of S306 and S308 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and S410 and S412 are optional steps of the embodiment of this application. The communication method of the embodiment of this application may not execute the above S410 and S412.

[0135] Considering that the cache status tables used by the LCG are distributed differently, the second device can send the cache status information via control information (such as MAC CE) in different formats. The specific implementation of sending the cache status information is described below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0136] The first indication information or the second indication information may indicate an LCG that uses the first cache status table (new table), and an LCG that does not use the new table may use the second cache status table (old table). Based on this, the use of the cache status table by the LCG can be divided into the following situations:

[0137] Case 1: All LCGs use the second cache status table.

[0138] The second situation: a part of LCGs uses the first cache status table, and another part of LCGs uses the second cache status table.

[0139] The third case: all LCGs use the first cache status table.

[0140] It should be noted that the second case and the third case can also be combined into one case: at least one LCG uses the first cache status table.

[0141] The specific implementation of the first case is described below.

[0142] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG5 , the method includes the following steps:

[0143] S502: Determine the cache status table used by the LCG. If all LCGs use the second cache status table, execute S504.

[0144] Specifically, the second device can determine the cache status table used by the LCG by identifying the first indication information (indication information indicating both activation and LCG configuration) or the second indication information. For example, when the first indication information or the second indication information indicates the cache status table used by different LCGs through the values ​​of different bits in a field, if the values ​​of each bit in the field are all the first value (for example, 0), it means that all LCGs use the second cache status table. During data transmission, if all LCGs use the second cache status table, S504 is executed.

[0145] S504: Use the BSR control element to send buffer status information.

[0146] The BSR control element, also known as the BSR MAC CE, is also known as the legacy BSR MAC CE to distinguish it from the enhanced BSR CE (also known as the enhanced BSR MAC CE or the new MAC CE). The enhanced BSR MAC CE (or the new MAC CE) adds at least one field to the legacy BSR MAC CE, such as a table indication field that indicates the cache status table corresponding to each LCG or indicates the LCG using the new table.

[0147] In this embodiment, all LCGs use the old table, so the second device can use the original BSR MAC CE to report the cache status information, which can save at least one byte and reduce transmission overhead.

[0148] In some possible implementations, the enhanced BSR MAC CE includes a table indication field (also referred to as a P field). The table indication field is used to indicate the cache status table used by each LCG. The field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one LCG uses the first cache status table (new table). By adding the P field to the enhanced BSR MAC CE field description, it is explained that not all values ​​can be 0 (P is used to indicate whether the new table is the old table), thereby restricting the use of the new MAC CE to the case where all LCGs use the old table (the first case). The granularity of the new table can be smaller than that of the old table.

[0149] Furthermore, when using the original BSR MAC CE to report cache status information (the amount of cached data in the LCG falls within the value range of the old table), a decision can be made to use a long or short BSR based on the number of LCGs containing data to be transmitted. BSRs are generally divided into short BSRs (also known as short truncated BSRs) and long BSRs (also known as long truncated BSRs). The field length of the index field of a short BSR is typically smaller than the field length of the index field of a long BSR. For example, the field length of the index field of a short BSR can be 5 bits, while the field length of the index field of a long BSR can be 8 bits.

[0150] The index table of BS with a field length of 5 bits is as follows:

[0151] Table 1

[0152] The index table of BS with a field length of 8 bits is as follows:

[0153] Table 2

[0154] Among them, index represents the index, which can be 5 bits or 8 bits in length, and buffer size represents the cache range associated with the index.

[0155] When more than one LCG includes data to be transmitted, the second device may use a long BSR to send buffer status information for the LCGs including the data to be transmitted. When one LCG includes data to be transmitted, the second device may use a short BSR to send buffer status information for the LCGs including the data to be transmitted.

[0156] Next, the second case or the third case will be described.

[0157] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG6 , the method includes the following steps:

[0158] S602: Determine the cache status table used by the LCG. If at least one LCG uses the first cache status table, execute S604.

[0159] Specifically, the second device can determine the cache status table used by the LCG by identifying the first indication information (indication information that indicates activation and LCG configuration at the same time) or the second indication information. For example, when the first indication information or the second indication information indicates the cache status table used by different LCGs through the values ​​of different bits in a field, if the values ​​of each bit of the field are all the second value (for example, 1) or there are both bits with the first value (for example, 0) and bits with the second value, it means that at least one LCG can use the first cache status table. When data is transmitted, if at least one LCG uses the first cache status table, S604 is executed.

[0160] S604: Use the enhanced BSR control element to send buffer status information.

[0161] The enhanced BSR MAC CE includes a table indication field (eg, a P field), wherein a field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one LCG uses the first cache status table (new table).

[0162] Furthermore, when using enhanced BSR MAC CE (or new MAC CE) to send cache status information (the amount of cached data in LCG falls within the value range of the new table), it is also possible to decide whether to use enhanced long BSR or enhanced short BSR based on the number of LCGs including data to be transmitted.

[0163] In a specific implementation, when more than one LCG includes data to be transmitted, the second device may use an enhanced long BSR to send the buffer status information for the LCG including the data to be transmitted. When one LCG includes data to be transmitted, the second device may use an enhanced short BSR to send the buffer status information for the LCG including the data to be transmitted.

[0164] In some possible implementations, the enhanced BSR has only one format. Specifically, when at least one LCG includes data to be transmitted, the second device may use the enhanced BSR to send buffer status information for the LCG including the data to be transmitted.

[0165] In one implementation, the long BSR format or enhanced long BSR format described above means that the format includes cache status information of at least two LCGs, and the short BSR format or enhanced short BSR format means that the format includes cache status information of one LCG.

[0166] In one implementation, the enhanced BSR format includes the cache status formats of at least two LCGs. When the cache status information corresponding to only one LCG with cached data needs to be reported using this format, the enhanced BSR format only includes the cache status information of that LCG. Although only one LCG is reporting, this format does not distinguish between long and short formats based on the number of LCGs reported.

[0167] For the third situation, this application also provides another implementation method.

[0168] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG7 , the method includes:

[0169] S702: Determine the cache status table used by the LCG. If all LCGs use the first cache status table, execute S704.

[0170] Specifically, the second device can identify the first indication information (indication information indicating both activation and LCG configuration) or the second indication information to determine the cache status table used by the LCG. For example, when the first indication information indicates the cache status table used by different LCGs through different bit values ​​in a field, if the values ​​of each bit in the field are all the second value (for example, 1), it means that all LCGs use the first cache status table. During data transmission, if all LCGs use the first cache status table, S704 is executed.

[0171] S704: Use the BSR control element to send buffer status information.

[0172] In this embodiment, different logical channel identifiers (LCIDs) can be used to distinguish whether all LCGs use the first cache status table or the second cache status table. When a BSR control element is identified by a first logical channel identifier (such as a first LCID), all logical channel groups of the BSR control element (such as a BSR MAC CE) use the second cache status table. When a BSR control element is identified by a second logical channel identifier (such as a second LCID), all logical channel groups of the BSR control element use the first cache status table.

[0173] In this embodiment, all LCGs use the new table, and the second device uses the original BSR MAC CE format to report the buffer status information. The original BSR MAC CE format only includes the logical channel group and buffer status information, which can save at least one byte and reduce transmission overhead.

[0174] In the embodiments of Figures 5 to 7, the cache status table used by the LCG is determined by identifying the first indication information or the second indication information. In other possible implementation methods of the embodiments of the present application, it can also be determined by other methods that all LCGs use the old table or there is at least one LCG using the new table (such as all LCGs use the new table, or some LCGs use the old table and some LCGs use the new table).

[0175] In order to make the technical solution of the present application clearer and easier to understand, the communication method of the present application is described below in conjunction with an embodiment.

[0176] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG8 , the method includes:

[0177] S802: Obtain first indication information.

[0178] S804: Activate the first cache status table according to the first instruction information.

[0179] S805: Determine the cache status table used by the LCG. If at least one LCG uses the first cache status table, execute S806; if all LCGs use the second cache status table, execute S808; if all LCGs use the first cache status table, execute S810.

[0180] The specific implementation of S802 and S804 can be found in the description of the embodiments shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , and will not be repeated here.

[0181] S806: Use enhanced BSR MAC CE to send buffer status information.

[0182] S808: Use the original BSR MAC CE to send buffer status information.

[0183] S810: Use the original BSR MAC CE to send buffer status information.

[0184] Among them, the original BSR MAC CE in S808 and S810 can be identified by different LCIDs. Specifically, the original BSR MAC CE in S808 can be identified by the first LCID, and the original BSR MAC CE in S810 can be identified by the second LCID. When the original BSR MAC CE is identified by the first LCID, all logical channel groups of the original BSR MAC CE use the second cache status table; when the original BSR MAC CE is identified by the second LCID, all logical channel groups of the original BSR MAC CE use the first cache status table.

[0185] The specific implementation of S805 to S810 can be found in the description of the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7 and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that at least one LCG using the first cache status table may include all LCGs using the first cache status table. Therefore, when all LCGs use the first cache status table, either S806 or S810 can be executed. Executing S810 can reduce transmission overhead.

[0186] The communication method of the present application will be introduced below from the perspective of the network side (first device).

[0187] Referring to the flowchart of a communication method shown in FIG9 , the method includes:

[0188] S902: Send first indication information.

[0189] The first indication information is used to indicate activation of the buffer status table, configuration information of a logical channel group using the buffer status table, or control information for sending buffer status information using the buffer status table. The first device may send the first indication information to the second device.

[0190] Specifically, the first device may send a first indication message to the second device when the activation condition is met. The activation condition refers to a trigger condition for activating a cache status table (such as a new table), configuration information of an LCG using a cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using a cache status table. The activation condition may be at least one of the following: the target service is in operation; the allocatable resources (available resources) are greater than the set resource amount. The target service may be a service with a large amount of data, such as a service with a data volume greater than a set threshold, including but not limited to XR, cloud game and other services.

[0191] The first device can detect currently running services to determine whether the currently running services include the target service, thereby determining whether the activation condition is met. For example, if the currently running services include the target service, the first device can determine that the condition is met. Alternatively, the first device can read the amount of allocatable resources and determine that the activation condition is met when the amount of allocatable resources is greater than a set amount.

[0192] S904: Receive cache status information.

[0193] The cache status information may include an index value corresponding to the cache data amount obtained by querying the cache status table according to the cache data amount. The index value is associated with a cache interval in the cache status table, and the cache data amount falls into the cache interval.

[0194] Specifically, the first device receives cache status information sent by the second device to perform resource scheduling based on the cache status information. The cache status information can be encapsulated in control information (e.g., MAC CE) to implement cache status information reporting. Depending on the cache status table distribution used by the LCG, the second device can receive cache status information in different formats.

[0195] For example, when all LCGs use the second cache status table (such as the old table), the first device can receive the original BSR MAC CE, which includes the logical channel group and cache status information. For another example, when there is at least one LCG using the first cache status table (such as the new table), the first device can receive the enhanced BSR MAC CE, which includes not only the logical channel group and cache status information but also a P field, which is used to indicate the cache status table used by each LCG.

[0196] Among them, at least one LCG using the first cache status table may include the case where all LCGs use the first cache status table. In this case, the first device can also receive the original BSR MAC CE, which is different from the case where all LCGs use the second cache status table. When all LCGs use the first cache status table, the original BSR MAC CE sent by the second device is identified by the new LCID. Using the new LCID can instruct all LCGs to use the first cache status table.

[0197] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is further used to indicate an LCG to use a cache status table. In this implementation, the first device may send the first indication information when an activation condition is met. Accordingly, the second device may activate upon receiving the first indication information, such as configuration information for activating the cache status table, LCG to use the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table.

[0198] In some other possible implementations, the first indication information is independent of the indication information indicating the use of the LCG of the cache status table. Specifically, the first device may also send second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the use of the LCG of the cache status table. Based on this, the first device may first send the second indication information, where the second indication information indicates the use of the LCG of the cache status table, and then the first device may send the second indication information when the activation condition is met. Alternatively, the first device may send the first indication information and the second indication information at the same time. For example, the first device may send the above-mentioned first indication information and the second indication information when the activation condition is met.

[0199] In some possible implementations, the first device may also send a third indication message. The third indication message is used to indicate deactivation of the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table. Accordingly, the second device may, based on the third indication message, deactivate the cache status table, configuration information of the LCG using the cache status table, or control information of sending the cache status information using the cache status table. It should be noted that the third indication message may also indicate retention of the second indication message. In this way, when the cache status table needs to be activated again, the first device does not need to send the second indication message again.

[0200] When sending the third indication information, the first device may determine whether a deactivation condition is met. When the deactivation condition is met, the first device sends the third indication information. The deactivation condition may include at least one of the following: the target service is not in operation; or a congestion event is detected; or the historical cache data volume is matched in the original cache status table (e.g., the second cache status table).

[0201] Based on the aforementioned communication method, the present application also provides an electronic device for executing the aforementioned communication method, which will be described below in conjunction with embodiments.

[0202] Figure 10 is an example of the composition of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device may be a first device, including but not limited to a base station and a core network unit. Figure 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the base station structure. The base station includes parts 1010, 1020, and 1030. Part 1010 is mainly used for baseband processing, controlling the base station, etc.; Part 1010 is usually the control center of the base station, which can usually be called a processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the first device side in the above method embodiment. Part 1020 is mainly used to store computer program code and data. Part 1030 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals; Part 1030 can usually be called a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc. The transceiver module of part 1030, which can also be called a transceiver or a transceiver, etc., includes an antenna 1033 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), wherein the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Alternatively, the device for implementing the receiving function in section 1030 may be considered a receiver, and the device for implementing the transmitting function may be considered a transmitter, that is, section 1030 includes a receiver 1032 and a transmitter 1031. A receiver may also be referred to as a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, and a transmitter may be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit.

[0203] Sections 1010 and 1020 may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple boards are present, the boards may be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0204] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in part 1030 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes executed by the base station (first device) in the aforementioned method embodiment. The processor in part 1010 is used to execute the processing-related processes executed by the base station in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0205] It should be understood that FIG10 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device including the processor, memory, and transceiver may not rely on the structure shown in FIG10 .

[0206] Figure 11 is an example of the composition of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device can be a second device, which can be a terminal, including but not limited to mobile phones, smart wearable devices (such as smart watches), and other electronic devices. Taking a mobile phone as an example, the electronic device can include a processor 310, an external memory interface 320, an internal memory 321, a display 330, a camera 340, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 350, and a wireless communication module 360, etc.

[0207] It should be understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device. In other embodiments, the electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown, or some components may be combined or separated, or the components may be arranged differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0208] The processor 310 may include one or more processing units. For example, the processor 310 may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU). The different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0209] It is understood that the interface connection relationship between the modules illustrated in this embodiment is only a schematic illustration and does not constitute a structural limitation of the electronic device. In other embodiments of the present application, the electronic device may also adopt different interface connection methods in the above embodiments, or a combination of multiple interface connection methods.

[0210] External memory interface 320 can be used to connect an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the electronic device. The external memory card communicates with processor 310 via external memory interface 320 to implement data storage functions. For example, files such as music and videos can be stored on the external memory card.

[0211] The internal memory 321 can be used to store computer executable program code, and the executable program code includes instructions. The processor 310 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 321. The internal memory 321 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area can store an operating system, an application required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), etc. The data storage area can store data created during the use of the electronic device (such as audio data, a phone book, etc.), etc. In addition, the internal memory 321 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, a universal flash storage (UFS), etc. The processor 310 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 321, and / or the instructions stored in the memory provided in the processor.

[0212] The wireless communication function of the electronic device can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 350, wireless communication module 360, modem processor and baseband processor.

[0213] Antenna 1 and Antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in an electronic device can be used to cover a single or multiple communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be reused to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be reused as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch.

[0214] The mobile communication module 350 can provide solutions for wireless communications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G applied to electronic devices. The mobile communication module 350 may include at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 350 can receive electromagnetic waves from the antenna 1, and filter, amplify, and process the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit them to the modulation and demodulation processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 350 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modulation and demodulation processor, and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation through the antenna 1. In some embodiments, at least some of the functional modules of the mobile communication module 350 can be set in the processor 310. In some embodiments, at least some of the functional modules of the mobile communication module 350 can be set in the same device as at least some of the modules of the processor 310.

[0215] In some embodiments, the electronic device initiates or receives a call request via the mobile communication module 350 and the antenna 1 .

[0216] Furthermore, an operating system runs on the aforementioned components, such as the iOS operating system, the Android operating system, and the Windows operating system. Application programs can be installed and run on the operating system. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for ease of description and brevity, the explanation and beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned electronic devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be further elaborated here.

[0217] The present application also provides a communication system, which may include a first device as shown in FIG10 (for example, a network device such as a base station) and a second device as shown in FIG11 (for example, a terminal such as a mobile phone).

[0218] In this application, a terminal or network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system of the operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as the Linux operating system, Unix operating system, Android operating system, iOS operating system, or Windows operating system. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices and modules can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0220] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or module, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0221] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment according to actual needs.

[0222] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing module, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The above-mentioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules.

[0223] If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the process of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0224] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation of a cache status table, configuration information of a logical channel group using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table; The cache status information is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information is further used to indicate a logical channel group using the buffer status table.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a logical channel group using the cache status table.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The cache status table, the configuration information or the control information is activated.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Acquire third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate deactivation of the cache status table, the configuration information, or the control information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cache status table includes a first cache status table and a second cache status table, and sending the cache status information includes: When there is at least one logical channel group using the first buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced buffer status report control element; or, When all logical channel groups use the second buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element; or, When all logical channel groups use the first buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the buffer status report control element is identified by the first logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the second buffer status table; When the buffer status report control element is identified by a second logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the first buffer status table.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The enhanced buffer status report control element includes a table indication field, where the table indication field is used to indicate the buffer status table used by each logical channel group, and a field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one logical channel group uses the first buffer status table.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The sending of the cache status information using a cache status report control element includes: When more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a long buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted; or, When a logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a short buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The using an enhanced cache status report control element to send the cache status information includes: When more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced long buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted; or, When a logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using enhanced short buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The using an enhanced cache status report control element to send the cache status information includes: When at least one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using enhanced buffer status reporting for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: When there is at least one logical channel group using the first buffer status table, using the enhanced buffer status report control element to send buffer status information; or, When all logical channel groups use the second buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element; or, When all logical channel groups use the first buffer status table, the buffer status information is sent using a buffer status report control element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the buffer status report control element is identified by the first logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the second buffer status table; When the buffer status report control element is identified by a second logical channel identifier, all logical channel groups of the buffer status report control element use the first buffer status table.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The enhanced buffer status report control element includes a table indication field, where the table indication field is used to indicate the buffer status table used by each logical channel group, and a field value of the table indication field indicates that at least one logical channel group uses the first buffer status table.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The sending of the cache status information using a cache status report control element includes: When more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a long buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted; or, When a logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using a short buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The using an enhanced BSR control element to send the buffer status information includes: When more than one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using an enhanced long buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted; or, When a logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using enhanced short buffer status report for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The using an enhanced BSR control element to send the buffer status information includes: When at least one logical channel group includes data to be transmitted, the buffer status information is sent using enhanced buffer status reporting for the logical channel group including the data to be transmitted.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate activation of a cache status table, configuration information of a logical channel group using the cache status table, or control information for sending cache status information using the cache status table; The cache status information is received.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first indication information is further used to indicate a logical channel group using the buffer status table.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a logical channel group using the cache status table.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send third indication information, where the third indication information indicates to deactivate the cache status table, the configuration information or the control information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The sending of the third indication information includes: When the deactivation condition is met, third indication information is sent.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The deactivation condition includes at least one of the following: The target service is not running; or, A congestion event is detected; or, The amount of historical cache data hits the original cache status table.

24. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: Memory for storing computer programs or computer instructions; A processor, configured to execute a computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory, so that the electronic device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

25. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: Memory for storing computer programs or computer instructions; A processor, configured to execute a computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory, so that the electronic device executes the method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: The system includes a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and the second device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

27. A computer storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed, it is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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