Communication method, terminal, network device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: a terminal determines a first random access channel (RACH) resource, wherein the terminal is a first-type terminal, the first-type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used for determining an RACH resource. The present disclosure determines the RACH resource of the first-type terminal, so that the appropriate RACH resource of the first-type terminal is determined, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

Description

Communication method, terminal, network device and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, there are many different types of terminals. For example, relatively low-complexity terminals can be used in scenarios such as industrial sensors and some wearable devices.

[0003] Typically, each type of terminal has its own applicable features, while a new type of terminal has one or more features.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] For a terminal that is suitable for one or more characteristics, how to select appropriate random access channel (RACH) resources is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0007] In a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, including: a terminal determining a first random access channel (RACH) resource, the terminal being a first type terminal, the first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics being used to determine the RACH resource.

[0008] In a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, comprising: sending first information to a terminal, where the first information indicates a priority order, where the priority order is used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource, where the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, where the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

[0009] In a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal, where the first information is used to indicate a priority order; the terminal determining a first random access channel (RACH) resource according to the priority order, where the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, where the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is proposed, including: a processing module, configured to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource by the terminal, wherein the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, configured to send first information to a terminal, where the first information indicates a priority order, and the priority order is used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource, where the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a network device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is used to execute the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0014] In an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0015] In a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, wherein the storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects.

[0016] In a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as in the second aspect and any one of the second aspects.

[0017] The present disclosure determines the RACH resources of the first type of terminal to achieve determination of suitable RACH resources for the first type of terminal, thereby improving communication efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG2 a is a schematic diagram showing interaction of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG2 b is a schematic diagram showing interaction of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG3 a is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG3 b is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG3 c is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG3 d is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG4 a is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG4 b is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG4 c is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing an interaction of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG6 a is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG6 b is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 7a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram showing a chip structure according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, and a storage medium.

[0035] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, the method including: a terminal determines a first random access channel (RACH) resource, the terminal being a first type terminal, the first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics being used to determine the RACH resource.

[0036] In the above implementation, by determining the RACH resources of terminals applicable to one or more characteristics, the terminals of this type can quickly determine the RACH resources and can also determine the most appropriate RACH resources, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0037] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with the second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource that is not associated with any characteristic.

[0038] In the above embodiment, for a terminal having one or more characteristics, the RACH resources corresponding to the characteristics associated with the terminal can be determined, so that the network device identifies the terminal as a first type terminal based on the RACH resources used by the terminal, thereby facilitating subsequent scheduling and configuration and improving communication efficiency.

[0039] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the terminal determines the first RACH resource according to a priority order.

[0040] In the above embodiment, since different RACH resources have different effects, the first RACH resource may be determined according to the order of priority to improve communication efficiency.

[0041] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources; RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources.

[0042] In the above embodiment, RACH resources with the first characteristic are preferentially used to facilitate subsequent scheduling and configuration, thereby improving communication efficiency. RACH resources with the second characteristic or universal RACH resources can be used secondarily, allowing for normal random access even when RACH resources with the first characteristic are not configured. RACH resources with the second characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources. Because universal RACH resources are not associated with any characteristic, they are less suitable for scheduling and configuration of network devices. Therefore, when RACH resources with the first characteristic are not configured, RACH resources with the second characteristic are preferentially used. If RACH resources with the second characteristic are not configured either, universal RACH resources are used. This maximizes communication efficiency and ensures that random access is possible.

[0043] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the priority order is determined in at least one of the following ways: based on first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to indicate the priority order; based on a protocol.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the priority order can be an instruction sent by the network device to the terminal. Different priority orders can be dynamically determined according to different situations, which is more flexible and free. The priority order can be specified by the protocol without the need for network device instructions, which can efficiently determine RACH resources and save signaling consumption.

[0045] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the first RACH resource is used to perform contention random access after non-contention random access fails.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the selected first RACH resource can be used for contention-based random access after non-contention-based random access fails, so as to improve communication efficiency in this scenario.

[0047] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending first information to a terminal, where the first information indicates a priority order, the priority order being used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource, the terminal being a first type terminal, the first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics being used to determine the RACH resource.

[0048] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with the second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource that is not associated with any characteristic.

[0049] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources; RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources.

[0050] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the first RACH resource is used to perform contention random access after non-contention random access fails.

[0051] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal, where the first information is used to indicate a priority order; the terminal determining a first random access channel (RACH) resource according to the priority order, the terminal being a first type terminal, the first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics being used to determine the RACH resource.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module, configured to enable the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource, wherein the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, a network device is provided, including: a transceiver module, used to send first information to a terminal, the first information indicating a priority order, the priority order being used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel RACH resource, the terminal being a first type terminal, the first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics being used to determine the RACH resource.

[0054] In a sixth aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, a network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is used to execute the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0057] In the ninth aspect, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes a communication method such as the first aspect and any one of the first aspect or the second aspect and any one of the second aspect.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0059] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0061] It is understandable that the terminal, access network device, first network element, other network elements, core network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system involved in each embodiment of the present disclosure are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0062] The present disclosure provides communication methods, devices, equipment, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "communication device," "information processing device," and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0064] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and may be referenced by each other. The technical environments in different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0065] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0066] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0067] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0068] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0069] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0070] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0071] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and "the performance of each AI model" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0072] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0073] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0074] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0075] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0078] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0080] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0081] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0082] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0084] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0086] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0088] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0089] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0090] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0091] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0093] In some embodiments, a new type of terminal is provided, referred to as a reduced capability (Redcap) terminal, or simply an NR-lite terminal or Redcap terminal. Similar to IoT devices in LTE, 5G NR-lite-based terminals typically need to meet the following requirements: low cost and complexity; a certain degree of coverage enhancement; and power conservation. Unlike enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) terminals, Redcap terminals are widely applicable in certain scenarios, such as industrial sensor applications and some wearable applications.

[0094] In some embodiments, Redcap terminals require early notification because their scheduled time-frequency resources are limited. This allows the terminal type to be identified during the random access process to facilitate proper scheduling. Currently, early terminal identification is achieved through RACH partitioning. This involves partitioning RACH resources according to the feature combinations they need to support. Therefore, a feature combination preamble list (FCP) is allocated within the random access resources for use with specific feature combinations. These features can include Redcap, for example. RACH resources can be configured for use with feature combinations, while all other RACH resources are considered common RACH resources.

[0095] In some embodiments, for Redcap terminals, supported configurations include 2-step RACH (2step-RACH) resources and 2-step RACH (4step-RACH) resources for early indication.

[0096] In some embodiments, a new type of terminal is provided, called an enhanced reduced capability (eRedcap) terminal. The uplink and downlink data transmission bandwidth of the eRedcap terminal is limited to 5 MHz. For the eRedcap terminal, the 5 MHz baseband bandwidth is used only for the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Among them, PDSCH includes unicast and broadcast. 20 MHz RF bandwidth is used for uplink and downlink signals (5 MHz BB bandwidth only for PDSCH (for both unicast and broadcast) and PUSCH, with 20 MHz RF bandwidth for UL and DL). The other physical channels and signals are still allowed to use a BWP up to the 20 MHz maximum UE RF+BB bandwidth. Support additional separate early indication(s).

[0097] In some embodiments, during the random access process of the terminal, RACH resources are first selected, that is, available RACH resources are selected based on the characteristics currently applicable to the random access process initiated by the terminal. At present, the determination of characteristics is usually determined by the upper layer or the medium access control layer (MAC layer) itself, and this is used as the basis for subsequent RACH resource selection according to the feature priority level. Usually for a Redcap or eRedcap terminal: when the random access procedure is initiated, the applicability of (e)RedCap is also determined by the upper layers (The applicability of (e)RedCap is also determined by upper layers when Random Access procedure is initiated). For eRedcap, the upper layer, that is, the radio resource control (RRC) inactive, will notify MAC of its applicable characteristics. For example, the applicable characteristics are eRedcap and Redcap, that is, at this time, both characteristics are available to an eRedcap terminal.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fallback mechanism for contention free random access (CFRA) is specified as follows: if contention-free Random Access Resources have been provided for this Random Access procedure and RedCap is applicable for the current Random Access procedure and there is one set of Random Access resources available that is only configured with RedCap indication, select this set of Random Access resources for this Random Access procedure. Otherwise, select the set of Random Access resources that are not associated with any feature indication (as specified in clause 5.1.1c) for the current Random Access procedure. That is, after CFRA fails, the terminal will select CBRA resources, and will give priority to RACH resources associated only with Redcap (Redcap only). If no such resource is available, a RACH partition that is not associated with any feature combination (Featurecombination) will be selected.

[0099] In some embodiments, for eRedcap terminals, in the CFRA fallback scenario, there is no solution as to whether to give priority to RACH resources associated only with eRedcap (eRedcap only) or RACH resources associated only with Redcap (Redcap only).

[0100] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a communication method, wherein a terminal determines a first RACH resource to facilitate selection of an appropriate RACH resource during a subsequent random access process, wherein the terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal is suitable for one or more characteristics.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource may be determined based on a priority order. Optionally, the priority order may be indicated by a network device or specified by a protocol. That is, the terminal may determine the first RACH resource based on the priority indicated by the network device. Alternatively, the terminal may determine the first RACH resource based on a priority order specified by a protocol.

[0102] FIG2a is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2a , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method for use in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0103] Step S2101 , the network device 102 sends second information to the terminal 101 .

[0104] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives second information sent by the network device 102 .

[0105] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate RACH resources.

[0106] It is understandable that some RACH resources do not have characteristics, such as common RACH resources, which can be used by any type of terminal for random access. However, some RACH resources have characteristics, and only terminals that are suitable for these characteristics can use these RACH resources.

[0107] Optionally, one or more applicable characteristics of terminal 101 may be determined based on the RACH resources indicated by the second information. That is, the one or more applicable characteristics of terminal 101 may be determined based on the configuration of the RACH resources. For example, if the RACH resources indicated by the second information are RACH resources with a first characteristic, the terminal may determine that the applicable characteristic of the terminal is the first characteristic. The first characteristic may be, for example, eRedcap. For another example, if the RACH resources indicated by the second information are only RACH resources with a second characteristic, the terminal may determine that the applicable characteristic of the terminal is the second characteristic. For another example, if the RACH resources indicated by the second information are RACH resources with a second characteristic, the terminal may determine that the applicable characteristic of the terminal is the second characteristic. For another example, if the RACH resources indicated by the second information are both RACH resources with a first characteristic and a RACH resource with a second characteristic, the terminal may determine that the applicable characteristics of the terminal are the first characteristic and the second characteristic. Of course, the above indications are examples, and the terminal may determine that one or more applicable characteristics are applicable. In this disclosure, terminals with one or more applicable characteristics are referred to as first-type terminals.

[0108] Optionally, the RRC of the terminal may notify the MAC of applicable features of the terminal 101. For example, the applicable features of the terminal 101 include the eRedcap feature and the Redcap feature.

[0109] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0110] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and it can be, for example, "instruction information", "instruction command", or "configuration information".

[0113] In step S2102, the terminal 101 determines a priority order based on the protocol.

[0114] In some embodiments, if the terminal is applicable to at least two characteristics, it may be determined which RACH resource to use preferentially for random access according to a priority order.

[0115] In some embodiments, terminal 101 is a first type terminal having one or more applicable characteristics. The one or more characteristics are used to determine a RACH resource. For example, if the first type terminal is an eRedcap terminal, the one or more characteristics of the first type terminal may be one or both of eRedcap and Redcap. The first RACH resource is used for random access. After determining the first RACH resource, the terminal may perform random access based on the first RACH resource.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource that is not associated with any characteristic.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource may be a RACH resource with a first characteristic. The first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal. That is, the first RACH resource determined by the first type of terminal may be a RACH resource with a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal. For example, if the first type of terminal is eRedcap, then the RACH resource with the first characteristic is a RACH resource for eRedcap. The terminal can perform random access using the RACH resource with the first characteristic, facilitating the network device's determination that the terminal is a first type of terminal, thereby enabling more efficient scheduling.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource may be a RACH resource with a second characteristic. The second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal. The second type of terminal may be understood as a terminal different from the first type of terminal. Alternatively, the second type of terminal may be understood as a terminal with a characteristic different from that associated with the first type of terminal. For example, a first type of terminal is associated with the first characteristic, and a second type of terminal is associated with the second characteristic. The characteristic applicable to the second type of terminal is the second characteristic. The characteristics applicable to the first type of terminal may include the first characteristic associated with the first type of terminal, and may also include the second characteristic associated with the second type of terminal. Therefore, the first type of terminal may determine that the first RACH resource is a RACH resource with the second characteristic. For example, when the first type of terminal is an eRedcap terminal, the second type of terminal may be a Redcap terminal, and the first RACH resource may be a Redcap RACH resource.

[0119] In some embodiments, the baseband processing bandwidth of the first type of terminals is lower than that of the second type of terminals.

[0120] In some embodiments, there is a third type of terminal, which has higher baseband processing capabilities than the first and second type terminals. For example, the first type of terminal may be an eRedcap terminal, the second type of terminal may be a Redcap terminal, and the third type of terminal may be a normal terminal or an eMBB terminal.

[0121] It should be understood that this disclosure uses multiple examples of first-type terminals being eRedcap terminals and second-type terminals being Redcap terminals. However, the first-type terminal can be any terminal having one or more characteristics, and the second-type terminal can be any type of terminal or terminals associated with different characteristics than the first-type terminal, and this disclosure does not limit this. Similarly, the use of eRedcap as the first characteristic and Redcap as the second characteristic is merely illustrative and is not a limitation in this disclosure.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource may be a common RACH resource, wherein the common RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristics, that is, any type of terminal may use the common RACH resource for random access.

[0123] In some embodiments, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources; RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources.

[0124] In some embodiments, RACH resources with the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources with the second characteristic. That is, when determining the first RACH resource based on the priority order, the first RACH resource is preferentially determined as the RACH resource with the first characteristic. When the network device is configured with a RACH resource with the first characteristic, the terminal may determine it as the first RACH resource and perform random access based on the first RACH resource. When the network device is not configured with a RACH resource with the first characteristic, the terminal may determine the first RACH resource as the RACH resource with the second characteristic.

[0125] In some embodiments, RACH resources with the first characteristic take precedence over common RACH resources. That is, when determining the first RACH resource based on the priority order, the first RACH resource is preferentially determined to be the RACH resource with the first characteristic. When the network device is configured with a RACH resource with the first characteristic, the terminal may determine it as the first RACH resource and perform random access based on the first RACH resource. When the network device is not configured with a RACH resource with the first characteristic, the terminal may determine the first RACH resource to be the common RACH resource.

[0126] In some embodiments, there may be no priority order between RACH resources with the second characteristic and common RACH resources. That is, the priority order simply includes that RACH resources with the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources with the second characteristic, and that RACH resources with the first characteristic take precedence over common RACH resources. Therefore, when the network device is not configured with RACH resources with the first characteristic, the terminal may determine that the first RACH resource is one or more of the RACH resources with the second characteristic and the common RACH resources. In this embodiment, the terminal only needs to determine whether the network device is configured with RACH resources with the first characteristic. If not, the terminal can arbitrarily determine the first RACH resource from the RACH resources with the second characteristic and the common RACH resources. In other words, only a single determination is required to determine the first RACH resource.

[0127] In some embodiments, a priority order may be established between RACH resources of the second characteristic and common RACH resources. Specifically, the priority order includes RACH resources of the first characteristic taking precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic, and RACH resources of the second characteristic taking precedence over common RACH resources. Therefore, when the network device is not configured with a RACH resource of the first characteristic, the first RACH resource is determined to be a RACH resource of the second characteristic, rather than a common RACH resource. When the network device is not configured with a RACH resource of the first characteristic and is not configured with a RACH resource of the second characteristic, the first RACH resource is determined to be a common RACH resource. In this embodiment, the terminal needs to determine whether the network device is configured with a RACH resource of the first characteristic. If so, it also needs to determine whether the network device is configured with a RACH resource of the second characteristic. In other words, two determinations may be required to determine the first RACH resource. However, the determined first RACH resource is preferably a characteristic RACH resource, avoiding direct determination of the first RACH resource as a common RACH resource, which is more conducive to subsequent reasonable scheduling.

[0128] Step S2103: Terminal 101 determines a first RACH resource.

[0129] In some embodiments, terminal 101 is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics. One or more characteristics are used to determine RACH resources.

[0130] In some embodiments, when a terminal is applicable to at least two characteristics, the terminal may determine the first RACH resource according to a priority order, wherein the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources; and RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over general RACH resources.

[0131] In some embodiments, the terminal determining the first RACH resource according to the priority order includes: the terminal determining the first RACH resource to be a RACH resource with a first characteristic.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terminal determining the first RACH resource according to the priority order includes: if the RACH resource of the first characteristic is not configured, the terminal determining the first RACH resource to be a RACH resource of the second characteristic.

[0133] In some embodiments, the terminal determining the first RACH resource according to the priority order includes: if the RACH resource with the first characteristic is not configured, the terminal determining the first RACH resource as a common RACH resource.

[0134] In some embodiments, the terminal determining the first RACH resource according to the priority order includes: if the RACH resource of the first characteristic is not configured, the terminal determining the first RACH resource to be any one or more of the RACH resource of the second characteristic and the common RACH resource.

[0135] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first RACH resource according to the priority order, including: if no RACH resource with the first characteristic is configured and no RACH resource with the second characteristic is configured, determining the first RACH resource to be a common RACH resource.

[0136] In some embodiments, the priority order is determined in at least one of the following ways: based on first information sent by the network device, where the first information is used to indicate the priority order; or based on a protocol.

[0137] In some embodiments, the priority order may be determined based on a protocol. For example, the protocol specifies the priority order, and the terminal may determine the priority order according to the protocol.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is used to perform contention-based random access after non-contention-based random access fails. That is, after the terminal fails in non-contention-based random access, it performs contention-based random access based on the first RACH resource.

[0139] Step S2104 : Terminal 101 initiates a first RACH to network device 102 .

[0140] In some embodiments, after determining the first RACH resource, the terminal 101 may perform contention-based random access based on the first RACH resource, that is, initiate the first RACH to the network device.

[0141] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, step S2101, step S2102, and step S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0143] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 a .

[0144] FIG2b is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2b , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method for use in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0145] Step S2201: The network device 102 sends second information to the terminal 101.

[0146] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives second information sent by the network device 102 .

[0147] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate to the terminal 101 that RACH resources with one or more characteristics are applicable.

[0148] The specific implementation of step S2201 can refer to the implementation of the above-mentioned step S2101, and this disclosure will not go into details here.

[0149] Step S2202 , the network device 102 sends first information to the terminal 101 .

[0150] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives first information sent by the network device 102 .

[0151] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate a priority order. The priority order refers to the order in which the terminal preferentially uses which RACH resources for random access. For examples of the priority order, please refer to the above embodiments, and this disclosure will not be repeated here.

[0152] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it can be, for example, "instruction information", "instruction command", or "configuration information".

[0153] Step S2203: Terminal 101 determines a first RACH resource.

[0154] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first RACH resource based on a priority order indicated by the first information.

[0155] In some embodiments, if a protocol specifies a priority order and the network device sends the priority order to the terminal, the terminal may determine the priority order by combining the priority order indicated by the network device and the priority order specified by the protocol. For example, if the protocol specifies that RACH resources with a first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources with a second characteristic, and the first information sent by the network device indicates that RACH resources with the second characteristic take precedence over common RACH resources, the terminal may use both as the priority order to determine the first RACH resource. Alternatively, if there is a conflict between the priority order specified by the protocol and the priority order indicated by the first information sent by the network device, the terminal may determine which priority order to use for determining the first RACH resource.

[0156] The implementation of step S2203 may refer to the implementation of step S2103, and this disclosure will not elaborate on it here.

[0157] Step S2204 : Terminal 101 initiates a first RACH to network device 102 .

[0158] In some embodiments, after determining the first RACH resource, the terminal 101 may perform contention-based random access based on the first RACH resource, that is, initiate the first RACH to the network device.

[0159] The implementation of step S2204 may refer to the implementation of step S2104, and this disclosure will not elaborate on it here.

[0160] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0161] In some embodiments, step S2201, step S2202, and step S2203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0162] FIG3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0163] Step S3101, obtain second information.

[0164] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0165] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the second information sent by the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0166] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains second information specified by the protocol.

[0167] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains the second information from upper layer(s).

[0168] In some embodiments, terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the second information.

[0169] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the second information, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0170] Step S3102: Determine the priority order based on the protocol.

[0171] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] Step S3103: Determine a first RACH resource.

[0173] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on a priority order determined by a protocol.

[0175] Step S3104: initiate a first RACH.

[0176] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0177] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 initiates a first RACH to the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also initiate a first RACH to other entities.

[0178] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, step S3101 and step S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0180] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 3 a .

[0181] FIG3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3b, the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0182] Step S3201, obtain second information.

[0183] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the second information sent by the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0185] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains second information specified by the protocol.

[0186] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains the second information from upper layer(s).

[0187] In some embodiments, terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the second information.

[0188] In some embodiments, step S3201 is omitted, and the terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the second information, or the above function is default or by default.

[0189] Step S3202, obtain first information.

[0190] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the first information sent by the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0192] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains first information specified by a protocol.

[0193] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains the first information from upper layer(s).

[0194] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the first information.

[0195] In some embodiments, step S3202 is omitted, and the terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is default or by default.

[0196] Step S3203: Determine a first RACH resource.

[0197] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on a priority order indicated by the first information.

[0199] Step S3204: initiate a first RACH.

[0200] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2204 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0201] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 initiates a first RACH to the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also initiate a first RACH to other entities.

[0202] FIG3c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0203] Step S3301: Determine a first RACH resource.

[0204] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on the first information.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on a protocol.

[0207] Step S3302: Initiate a first RACH.

[0208] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 initiates a first RACH to the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also initiate a first RACH to other entities.

[0210] FIG3 d is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 d , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by terminal 101 and includes:

[0211] Step S3401: Determine a first RACH resource.

[0212] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on a priority order indicated by the first information.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is determined based on a priority order determined by a protocol.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristic.

[0216] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first RACH resource according to a priority order.

[0217] In some embodiments, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources; and RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources.

[0218] In some embodiments, the priority order is determined in at least one of the following ways: based on first information sent by the network device, where the first information is used to indicate the priority order; or based on a protocol.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is used for contention-based random access after non-contention-based random access fails.

[0220] FIG4a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0221] Step S4101, sending the second information.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In some embodiments, the network device 102 sends the second information to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second information to other entities.

[0224] Step S4102: Acquire the first RACH.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] In some embodiments, the network device 102 receives the first RACH sent by the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first RACH sent by other entities.

[0227] In some embodiments, network device 102 acquires a first RACH specified by the protocol.

[0228] In some embodiments, the network device 102 obtains the first RACH from upper layer(s).

[0229] In some embodiments, the network device 102 performs processing to obtain the first RACH.

[0230] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the network device 102 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first RACH, or the above function is default or by default.

[0231] FIG4b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0232] Step S4201, sending the second information.

[0233] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] In some embodiments, the network device 102 sends the second information to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the second information to other entities.

[0235] Step S4202, sending the first information.

[0236] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In some embodiments, the network device 102 sends the first information to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0238] Step S4203: Acquire the first RACH.

[0239] The optional implementation of step S4203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] In some embodiments, the network device 102 receives the first RACH sent by the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first RACH sent by other entities.

[0241] In some embodiments, network device 102 acquires a first RACH specified by the protocol.

[0242] In some embodiments, the network device 102 obtains the first RACH from upper layer(s).

[0243] In some embodiments, the network device 102 performs processing to obtain the first RACH.

[0244] In some embodiments, step S4203 is omitted, and the network device 102 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first RACH, or the above function is default or by default.

[0245] Figure 4c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0246] Step S4301, sending the first information.

[0247] The optional implementation of step S4301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2b and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2b, which will not be repeated here.

[0248] In some embodiments, the network device 102 sends the first information to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0249] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0250] Step S5101: The network device 102 sends first information to the terminal 101.

[0251] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in S2101 of FIG. 2 a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0252] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method of the above embodiments related to the communication system 100, the terminal 101, the network device 102, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0253] Step S5102: Terminal 101 determines a first random access channel (RACH) resource according to a priority order.

[0254] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in S2102 of FIG. 2 a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0255] The present disclosure also provides a communication method as follows:

[0256] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal is an enhanced eRedcap terminal of R18, which is different from the second type of terminal, which is a Redcap terminal of R17, and the third type of terminal, which is a normal terminal or an eMBB terminal.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal has a smaller baseband processing bandwidth than the second type of terminal and the third type of terminal.

[0258] In some embodiments, a higher layer of the first type of terminal, i.e., an RRC layer, indicates to the MAC layer of the first type of terminal that at least two characteristics are applicable to resource selection during random access. For example, both the first characteristic and the second characteristic are applicable to resource selection during random access.

[0259] In some embodiments, a higher layer of the first type of terminal, i.e., an RRC layer, indicates to the MAC layer of the first type of terminal that a feature is applicable to resource selection during random access, for example, a first feature, such as eRedcap, is applicable to resource selection during random access.

[0260] In some embodiments, a higher layer of the first type of terminal, i.e., the RRC layer, indicates to the MAC layer of the first type of terminal that a feature is applicable to resource selection during random access, such as a second feature, which may be Redcap applicable to resource selection during random access.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first terminal type, such as the first characteristic being eRedcap.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with the second terminal type, for example, the second characteristic is Redcap.

[0263] In some embodiments, the protocol stipulates that for the first type of terminal, if the CFRA fails and the fallback occurs, the priority criteria for selecting resources is which characteristic is selected first.

[0264] In some embodiments, CBRA resources for a first characteristic are preferentially selected, that is, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal, for example, the first characteristic is eRedcap, and the first type of terminal is an eRedcap terminal.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the CBRA resource network for the first feature is not configured, the terminal selects a CBRA resource for the second feature, such as the second feature is Redcap;

[0266] In some embodiments, if the network does not have a CBRA resource configured for the first feature, the terminal selects a CBRA resource that is not associated with any feature.

[0267] In some embodiments, for a first type of terminal, if at least two characteristics are applicable to resource selection during random access, for example, if both the first characteristic and the second characteristic are applicable to resource selection during random access, CBRA resources for the first characteristic are preferentially selected. Specifically, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal, such as eRedcap. If the network does not configure a CBRA resource for the first characteristic, the terminal selects a CBRA resource for the second characteristic, such as Redcap. Otherwise, if the network does not configure a CBRA resource for the second characteristic, the terminal selects a CBRA resource not associated with any characteristic.

[0268] In some embodiments, for a first type of terminal, if at least two characteristics are applicable to resource selection during random access, for example, if both the first characteristic and the second characteristic are applicable to resource selection during random access, CBRA resources for the first characteristic are preferentially selected. Specifically, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal, such as eRedcap. Otherwise, if the network does not configure a CBRA resource for the first characteristic, the terminal selects a CBRA resource not associated with any characteristic.

[0269] In some embodiments, for a first type of terminal, if only one characteristic, such as the first characteristic, is applicable to resource selection during random access (e.g., if the first characteristic is applicable to resource selection during random access), CBRA resources for the first characteristic are preferentially selected. Otherwise, if the network does not configure CBRA resources for the first characteristic, the terminal selects CBRA resources not associated with any characteristic.

[0270] In some embodiments, for a first type of terminal, if only one characteristic, such as the first characteristic, is applicable to resource selection during random access, for example, if the first characteristic is applicable to resource selection during random access, CBRA resources for the first characteristic are preferentially selected. Otherwise, if the network does not configure CBRA resources for the first characteristic, the terminal selects CBRA resources for a second characteristic, such as Redcap. Otherwise, if the network does not configure CBRA resources for the second characteristic, the terminal selects CBRA resources not associated with any characteristic.

[0271] Therefore, the terminal can select appropriate CBRA resources associated with the characteristics according to the priority level based on the currently applicable characteristics, which is conducive to the base station to promptly identify the terminal type and perform reasonable scheduling after receiving the CBRA request.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terminal may try a priority feature according to the currently applicable feature and the priority level, and select a suitable CBRA resource associated with the feature. The priority feature may be a protocol agreement.

[0273] In some embodiments, CBRA resources for the first characteristic are preferentially selected, that is, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal, for example, the first characteristic is eRedcap; and the first type of terminal is an eRedcap terminal.

[0274] In some embodiments, the priority characteristic may be a network configuration.

[0275] In some embodiments, the network configures a priority characteristic for prioritizing CBRA resources for the first characteristic.

[0276] In some embodiments, the priority characteristic may be determined based on a feature priority level configured in the network.

[0277] In some embodiments, for a first type of terminal, if CFRA fails and the fallback occurs, the priority criteria for selecting resources are based on the feature priority level. If the network configures a first feature to have a higher priority level than a second feature, the terminal considers the priority feature to be the first feature and will prioritize CBRA resources for the first feature.

[0278] The following is an example:

[0279] If contention-free Random Access Resources have been provided for this Random Access procedure and for a eRedcap UE for which both Redcap and eRedcap applicable and there is one set of Random Access resources available that is only configured with eRedCap indication: select this set of Random Access resources for this Random Access procedure.

[0280] Otherwise, if contention-free Random Access Resources have been provided for this Random Access procedure and eRedCap is applicable for the current Random Access procedure and there is one set of Random Access resources available that is only configured with eRedCap indication: select this set of Random Access resources for this Random Access procedure.

[0281] Otherwise, if contention-free Random Access Resources have been provided for this Random Access procedure and RedCap is applicable for the current Random Access procedure and there is one set of Random Access resources available that is only configured with RedCap indication: select this set of Random Access resources for this Random Access procedure.

[0282] Otherwise, select the set of Random Access resources that are not associated with any feature indication (as specified in clause 5.1.1c) for the current Random Access procedure.

[0283] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, terminal 6100 may include a processing module 6101. In some embodiments, processing module 6101 is used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource. The terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, which are used to determine the RACH resource. In some embodiments, 6100 may include a transceiver module 6102, which is used to perform the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristic.

[0285] In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 determines the first RACH resource in the following manner: the terminal determines the first RACH resource according to a priority order.

[0286] In some embodiments, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources; and RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources.

[0287] In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 determines the priority order in at least one of the following ways: determining based on first information sent by the network device, where the first information is used to indicate the priority order; determining based on a protocol.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is used for contention-based random access after non-contention-based random access fails.

[0289] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, network device 6200 may include a transceiver module 6201. The transceiver module 6201 is configured to send first information to a terminal, where the first information indicates a priority order, which is used by the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource. The terminal is a first type terminal, and the first type terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, which are used to determine the RACH resource. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, and will not be further described here.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a RACH resource with a first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal; a RACH resource with a second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal; and a universal RACH resource, where the universal RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristic.

[0291] In some embodiments, the priority order includes at least one of the following: RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over RACH resources of the second characteristic; RACH resources of the first characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources; and RACH resources of the second characteristic take precedence over universal RACH resources.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first RACH resource is used for contention-based random access after non-contention-based random access fails.

[0293] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device, a terminal, a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. Optionally, the network device can be an access network device, a core network device, or the like. Optionally, the terminal can be a user equipment, or the like. Communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0294] As shown in Figure 7a, communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. Processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute programs, and process program data. Communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the communication device can be a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or CU, etc.

[0295] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0296] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceiver 7103 performs the communication step S2101 such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7101 performs other steps.

[0297] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0298] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuit 7104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 may read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0299] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0300] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7 b , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0301] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201 , and the chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0302] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to the memory 7203. The interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in the memory 7203 and send the instructions to the processor 7201.

[0303] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 executes the communication step S2101 of sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7201 executes other steps.

[0304] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0305] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside the chip 7200.

[0306] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0307] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0308] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, the method includes: A terminal determines a first random access channel (RACH) resource. The terminal is a first type of terminal, and the first type of terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: The RACH resource of the first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal; The RACH resource of the second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with the second type of terminal; A general RACH resource, where the general RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristic.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, the terminal determines the first RACH resource according to the priority order.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, the priority order includes at least one of the following: The RACH resource of the first characteristic has a higher priority than the RACH resource of the second characteristic; The RACH resource of the first characteristic has a higher priority than the general RACH resource; The RACH resource of the second characteristic has a higher priority than the general RACH resource.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, the priority order is determined by using at least one of the following methods: Determined based on the first information sent by the network device, where the first information is used to indicate the priority order; Determined based on the protocol.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, the first RACH resource is used for contention-based random access after non-contention random access fails.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, the method includes: Sending first information to a terminal, where the first information indicates a priority order, and the priority order is used for the terminal to determine a first random access channel (RACH) resource. The terminal is a first type of terminal, and the first type of terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resource.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, the first RACH resource includes at least one of the following: The RACH resource of the first characteristic, where the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with the first type of terminal; The RACH resource of the second characteristic, where the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with the second type of terminal; A general RACH resource, where the general RACH resource is a RACH resource not associated with any characteristic.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, the priority order includes at least one of the following: The RACH resource of the first characteristic has a higher priority than the RACH resource of the second characteristic; The RACH resource of the first characteristic has a higher priority than the general RACH resource; The RACH resource of the second characteristic has a higher priority than the general RACH resource.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, the first RACH resource is used for contention-based random access after non-contention random access fails.

11. A communication method, It is characterized in that The method includes: A network device sends first information to a terminal, and the first information is used to indicate a priority order; The terminal determines first random access channel (RACH) resources according to the priority order. The terminal is a first type of terminal, and the first type of terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resources.

12. A terminal It is characterized in that It includes: A processing module is used for the terminal to determine first random access channel (RACH) resources. The terminal is a first type of terminal, and the first type of terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resources.

13. A network device It is characterized in that It includes: A transceiver module is used to send first information to a terminal. The first information indicates a priority order, and the priority order is used for the terminal to determine first random access channel (RACH) resources. The terminal is a first type of terminal, and the first type of terminal has one or more applicable characteristics, and the one or more characteristics are used to determine the RACH resources.

14. A terminal It is characterized in that It includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6.

15. A network device It is characterized in that It includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 7-10.

16. A communication system It is characterized in that It includes a terminal and a network device. Among them, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 7-10.

17. A storage medium, the storage medium stores instructions It is characterized in that When the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device is made to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-6 or 7-10.

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