Communication method, terminal, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method, a terminal, and a storage medium. The method is executed by a terminal, and comprises: on the basis of a configuration result of a random access channel (RACH) resource, determining the characteristics of random access to be executed, wherein the RACH resource comprises at least one of the following: a two-step random access resource, and a four-step random access resource. The communication mechanism of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to a newly introduced terminal type.

Description

Communication method, terminal 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, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communications technology, a new type of terminal has been proposed, called Reduced Capability UE (NR-lite) or Redcap terminal. Enhanced eRedcap terminals have also been introduced, where the bandwidth of eRedcap terminals is limited to 5 MHz.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] After different types of terminals are introduced, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

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

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, where the method is performed by a first type terminal, and the method includes:

[0007] Determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resource;

[0008] The RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

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

[0010] The processing module is configured to: determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resource;

[0011] The RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

[0012] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, wherein the terminal includes:

[0013] memory, including executable instructions;

[0014] one or more processors;

[0015] When the executable instruction is executed by the processor, the terminal executes the communication method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method provided by the first aspect.

[0017] The communication mechanism of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can adapt to newly introduced terminal types.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] FIG2a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] FIG3a is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] FIG3 b is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] FIG4a is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] FIG4b is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] FIG5a is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 5b is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, and a storage medium.

[0029] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by a first type terminal, and includes:

[0030] Determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resource;

[0031] The RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

[0032] In the above embodiment, since the characteristics of performing random access can be clearly determined according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources, subsequent resources can be reasonably selected based on the characteristics, thereby improving communication reliability and communication efficiency.

[0033] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access based on the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes:

[0034] According to the configuration result, the radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristic.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the characteristic may be determined according to the configuration result at the radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal.

[0036] In combination with the embodiment of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0037] The RRC layer sends first information to the media access control MAC layer of the terminal;

[0038] The first information indicates the characteristic.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the RRC layer may send the characteristic to the MAC layer through the first information.

[0040] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access based on the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0041] determining that a four-step random access resource configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature is a resource for random access, and determining that a two-step random access resource configured with a second type of terminal or a second feature is a resource for random access, where the determined features include: the first feature and the second feature;

[0042] determining that four-step random access resources configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determining that two-step random access resources configured for a second type of terminal or a second feature are resources for random access, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0043] Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured with the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources configured with the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access, and determine that the feature is the first feature or the second feature.

[0044] In the above embodiment, when the configured 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first characteristic, and the configured 2-step random access resources of the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are both used as resources for random access, it can be clearly determined that the characteristics are the first characteristic and the second characteristic, the first characteristic or the second characteristic, and the determination method is more flexible.

[0045] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic includes at least one of the following:

[0046] determining, according to a measured value of a reference signal, that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic;

[0047] The characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the characteristic may be determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to a measurement value of a measured reference signal or a characteristic priority.

[0049] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access based on the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0050] determining that four-step random access resources for terminals of the first type or the first feature are not configured for early indication of EI, and determining that random access resources for terminals of the second type or the second feature are configured for EI, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0051] Determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature is used for EI, and determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a second type of terminal or a second feature is used for EI, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0052] It is determined that only the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first feature are configured for EI, and the feature is determined to be the first feature.

[0053] In the above embodiment, whether the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic can be determined based on whether the configured 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first characteristic and the 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are used for EI.

[0054] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access based on the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0055] determining that four-step random access resources configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determining that four-step random access resources configured with a second type of terminal or a second feature are resources for random access, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0056] Determine that the 4-step random access resources that are not configured with the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources that are not configured with the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristics include the first feature and the second feature.

[0057] In the above embodiment, whether the first characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic may be determined according to whether the configured 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminals and the 4-step random access resources for the second type of terminals are used for random access.

[0058] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access based on the configuration results of the random access channel RACH resources of at least two types of terminals includes at least one of the following:

[0059] Determining that the configured random access resources of the first type of terminal are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0060] Determining that a random access resource of a configured first characteristic is used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0061] Determining that the configured 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal are used for EI, and determining the characteristic as the second characteristic;

[0062] Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the characteristic can be determined as the first characteristic or the second characteristic based on the configured first type of terminal or the random access resources of the first characteristic being used for EI, or the configured second type of terminal or the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second characteristic being used for EI.

[0064] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect above, in some embodiments, the first type of terminal is an enhanced reduced capability terminal eRedcap; and the second type of terminal is a reduced capability terminal Redcap.

[0065] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, the terminal including:

[0066] The processing module is configured to: determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resource;

[0067] The RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

[0068] In combination with the embodiment of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to:

[0069] The radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristic according to the configuration result.

[0070] In conjunction with the embodiment of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the terminal further includes:

[0071] a transceiver module, configured to enable the RRC layer to send first information to the media access control MAC layer of the terminal;

[0072] The first information indicates the characteristic.

[0073] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0074] determining that a four-step random access resource configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature is a resource for random access, and determining that a two-step random access resource configured with a second type of terminal or a second feature is a resource for random access, where the determined features include: the first feature and the second feature;

[0075] determining that four-step random access resources configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determining that two-step random access resources configured for a second type of terminal or a second feature are resources for random access, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0076] Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured with the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources configured with the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access, and determine that the feature is the first feature or the second feature.

[0077] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0078] determining, according to a measured value of a reference signal, that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic;

[0079] The characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0081] determining that four-step random access resources for terminals of the first type or the first feature are not configured for early indication of EI, and determining that random access resources for terminals of the second type or the second feature are configured for EI, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0082] Determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature is used for EI, and determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a second type of terminal is used for EI, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0083] It is determined that only the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first feature are configured for EI, and the feature is determined to be the first feature.

[0084] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0085] Determining that a four-step random access resource configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature is a resource for random access, and determining that a four-step random access resource configured with a second type of terminal is a resource for random access, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0086] Determine that 4-step random access resources that are not configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determine that 4-step random access resources that are not configured with a second type of terminal are resources for random access, and determine that the features include the first feature and the second feature.

[0087] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect above, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0088] Determining that the configured random access resources of the first type of terminal are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0089] Determining that the random access resources of the configured first characteristic are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic; determining that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second type of terminal are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the second characteristic;

[0090] Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

[0091] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, the terminal including:

[0092] one or more processors;

[0093] The terminal is used to execute the communication method provided by the first aspect.

[0094] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, which, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0095] In a fifth 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.

[0096] In a sixth 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 manner of the first aspect.

[0097] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, which includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0098] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0099] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, information transmission method, etc. can be used interchangeably, and the terms communication system, information processing system, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0100] 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.

[0101] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0105] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0117] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0118] 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.

[0119] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 1 a , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0121] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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).

[0127] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0128] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1a are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or a portion of the entities shown in FIG1a, or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1a. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0129] 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).

[0130] In some embodiments, Redcap terminals, similar to IoT devices in LTE, typically need to meet the following requirements: 1. Low cost and complexity; 2. A certain degree of coverage enhancement; and 3. Power conservation. After the introduction of Redcap users, unlike conventional enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) users, Redcap users are used in certain scenarios, such as industrial sensor scenarios and some wearable devices.

[0131] In some embodiments, Redcap users may have limited time-frequency domain resources for scheduling, and therefore need to provide early indication, that is, send information that can identify the type of terminal during the random access process to facilitate reasonable scheduling.

[0132] In some embodiments, terminal-based early identification is performed through Random Access Channel (RACH) partitioning. Specifically, the random access resources are divided according to the feature combinations to be supported. Therefore, a portion of the FeatureCombinationPreamblesList within the random access resources is allocated for use by specific feature combinations (such as RedCap). The portion of the random access resources allocated for use by the feature combination can be considered common random access (RACH) resources.

[0133] In some embodiments, for Redcap users, configuration includes 2-step random access (2step-RACH) resources and 4-step random access (4step-RACH) resources for early indication.

[0134] In some embodiments, after the introduction of the eRedcap terminal, the corresponding uplink and downlink data transmission bandwidth is limited to 5Mhz.

[0135] In some embodiments, separate resources for early indication are configured for eRedcap users with 4-step RACH, adding a new, specific feature set to eRedcap. Thus, if the network configures separate resources for early indication for eRedcap users with 4-step RACH, they will be preferred. If the network does not configure separate resources for early indication for eRedcap users with 4-step RACH, R18 eRedcap users can share the 4-step RACH resources of R17 Redcap users.

[0136] 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 characteristics currently applicable to the random access process initiated by the terminal.

[0137] In some embodiments, the characteristics are typically determined by an upper layer or a media access control (MAC) layer itself, and are used as a basis for subsequent RACH resource selection according to the characteristics priority level.

[0138] In some embodiments, generally for a Redcap or eRedcap user: when initiating the random access procedure, the applicability of (e)RedCap is also determined by upper layers. For eRedcap, in case 2 (4-step random access. In case 2 (4-step PRACH eRedCap + 2-step PRACH RedCap), the R18 eRedCap UE is allowed to select 2-step random access. If the R18 eRedCap UE selects 2-step random access, the R18 eRedCap UE performs 2-step random access by using 2-step PRACH RedCap resources. In this case, if fallback from 2-step random access to 4-step random access is required (according to relevant specifications), the R18 eRedCap UE initiates 4-step random access by using 4-step PRACH RedCap resources.

[0139] However, the relevant protocols only state that if the R18 eRedcap 4-step Early Indication (EI) is not configured, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) indicates that Redcap is available. In this case, less than 2-step random access resources are selected for case 2. The present embodiment provides a solution that facilitates the terminal to confirm the currently applicable features and make reasonable resource selections for subsequent random access processes.

[0140] FIG2a is an interactive diagram 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 a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0141] Step S2101: The network device sends configuration information to the first type of terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first type terminal receives configuration information sent by the network device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to determine a configuration result.

[0144] In some embodiments, the configuration result is used to indicate at least one of the following: the RACH resource is configured as a random access resource; the RACH resource is configured to be used for early indication EI.

[0145] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that 4-step random access resources for a first type of terminal or a first feature and 2-step random access resources for a second type of terminal or a second feature are used for random access resources.

[0146] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that: the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminals or the first feature are not configured for early indication of EI, and the random access resources for the second type of terminals or the second feature are configured for EI.

[0147] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminals or the first feature are used for EI, and the 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminals or the second feature are used for EI.

[0148] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that only the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminals or the first characteristics are configured for EI.

[0149] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and the 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access.

[0150] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources not used for random access, and the 4-step random access resources for the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources not used for random access.

[0151] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that the random access resources of the first type of terminal or the second characteristic are used for EI.

[0152] In some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are used for EI.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first characteristic may be a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second characteristic may be a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal.

[0155] In some embodiments, the bandwidth supported by the first type of terminal is less than a bandwidth threshold (eg, 5 MHz).

[0156] In some embodiments, the bandwidth supported by the first type of terminals is smaller than the bandwidth supported by the second type of terminals.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal is an enhanced reduced capability eRedcap terminal, and the second type of terminal is a Redcap terminal.

[0158] Step S2102: The first type terminal determines characteristics.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines characteristics for performing random access.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal determines the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal determines the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration results of the random access channel RACH resources of at least two types of terminals.

[0162] In some embodiments, the characteristic is a characteristic associated with at least one type of terminal.

[0163] In some embodiments, the characteristic is a characteristic associated with at least one type of terminal of the at least two types of terminals.

[0164] In some embodiments, the characteristic associated with the first type of terminal is a first characteristic.

[0165] In some embodiments, the characteristic associated with the second type of terminal is a second characteristic.

[0166] In some embodiments, the configuration result indicates at least one of the following: the RACH resource is configured as a random access resource; the RACH resource is configured to be used for early indication EI.

[0167] In some embodiments, the RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

[0168] In some embodiments, based on the configuration result, a radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristic.

[0169] In some embodiments, the RRC layer sends first information to a medium access control MAC layer of the terminal.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first information is indicative of the characteristic.

[0171] In some embodiments, a first type of terminal determines that a 4-step random access resource configured with a first type of terminal or a first characteristic is a resource for random access, and determines that a 2-step random access resource configured with a second type of terminal or a second characteristic is a resource for random access, and the determination of the characteristics includes: a first characteristic associated with the first type of terminal and a second characteristic associated with the second type of terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the 4-step random access resources configured with the first type terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determines that the 2-step random access resources configured with the second type terminal or the second characteristic are resources for random access, and determines that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the 4-step random access resources configured with the first type terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determines that the 2-step random access resources configured with the second type terminal or the second characteristic are resources for random access, and determines that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines whether the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to a measurement value of a measured reference signal.

[0175] Exemplarily, the RRC layer of the first type of terminal determines whether the characteristic applicable to triggering the random access procedure is the first characteristic (e.g., eRedcap) or the second characteristic (e.g., Redcap) based on the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and notifies the MAC layer of the first type of terminal of the characteristic. For example, if the signal quality of the synchronization signal block (SSB, Synchronization Signal and PBCH block) measured by the current first type of terminal is higher than the threshold, the characteristic is determined to be Redcap; otherwise, the characteristic is determined to be eRedcap.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines whether the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

[0177] In some embodiments, the RRC layer of the first type of terminal determines whether the feature applicable to triggering the random access procedure is Redcap or eRedcap based on the feature priority, and notifies the MAC layer of the first type of terminal of the feature. For example, if the network configures the second feature (e.g., Redcap) to have a higher priority than the first feature (e.g., eRedcap), the feature is determined to be Redcap; otherwise, the feature is determined to be eRedcap.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the 4-step random access resources of the first type terminal or the first feature are not configured for early indication of EI, and determines that the random access resources of the second type terminal or the second feature are configured for EI, and determines that the feature is the second feature.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the configured first type terminal or 4-step random access resources of the first feature are used for EI, and determines that the configured second type terminal or 4-step random access resources of the second feature are used for EI, and determines that the feature is the first feature.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines to configure only the first type terminal or the 4-step random access resource of the first characteristic for EI, and determines that the characteristic is the first characteristic.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the configured first type terminal or the four-step random access resources of the first characteristic are resources for random access, and the configured second type terminal or the four-step random access resources of the second characteristic are resources for random access, and determines that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0182] In some embodiments, a first type of terminal determines that a 4-step random access resource that is not configured with a first type of terminal or a first characteristic is a resource for random access, and determines that a 4-step random access resource that is not configured with a second type of terminal or a second characteristic is a resource for random access, and determines that the characteristics include the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the configured first type terminal or random access resource of the first characteristic is used for EI, and determines the characteristic to be the first characteristic.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first type terminal determines that the configured second type terminal or 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second characteristic are used for EI, and determines the characteristic to be the second characteristic.

[0185] Step S2103: The first type terminal performs random access based on characteristics.

[0186] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be interchangeable with terms such as "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", and "data".

[0187] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be interchanged with terms such as "transmit", "report", and "transmit".

[0188] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 combined with step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2102 combined with step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0189] Figure 3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a first type of terminal, and the method includes:

[0190] Step S3101: Obtain configuration information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first type terminal receives configuration information sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto and may also receive configuration signals sent by other entities.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first type terminal obtains configuration information specified by the protocol.

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

[0195] Step S3102: Determine characteristics.

[0196] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] Step S3103: Perform random access based on the characteristics.

[0198] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0199] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3101 combined with step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3102 combined with step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0200] Figure 3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a first type of terminal, and the method includes:

[0201] Step S3201: Determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources.

[0202] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0203] In some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes:

[0204] According to the configuration result, the radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristic.

[0205] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0206] The RRC layer sends first information to the media access control MAC layer of the terminal;

[0207] The first information indicates the characteristic.

[0208] In some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0209] determining that a four-step random access resource configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature is a resource for random access, and determining that a two-step random access resource configured with a second type of terminal or a second feature is a resource for random access, where the determined features include: the first feature and the second feature;

[0210] determining that four-step random access resources configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determining that two-step random access resources configured for a second type of terminal or a second feature are resources for random access, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0211] Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured with the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources configured with the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access, and determine that the feature is the first feature or the second feature.

[0212] In some embodiments, determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic includes at least one of the following:

[0213] determining, according to a measured value of a reference signal, that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic;

[0214] The characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

[0215] In some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0216] determining that four-step random access resources for terminals of the first type or the first feature are not configured for early indication of EI, and determining that random access resources for terminals of the second type or the second feature are configured for EI, and determining that the feature is the second feature;

[0217] Determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a first type of terminal or a first feature is used for EI, and determining that a four-step random access resource configured for a second type of terminal or a second feature is used for EI, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0218] It is determined that only the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminal or the first feature are configured for EI, and the feature is determined to be the first feature.

[0219] In some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0220] determining that four-step random access resources configured with a first type of terminal or a first feature are resources for random access, and determining that four-step random access resources configured with a second type of terminal or a second feature are resources for random access, and determining that the feature is the first feature;

[0221] Determine that the 4-step random access resources that are not configured with the first type of terminal or the first feature are resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources that are not configured with the second type of terminal or the second feature are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristics include the first feature and the second feature.

[0222] In some embodiments, determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following:

[0223] Determining that the configured random access resources of the first type of terminal are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0224] Determining that a random access resource of a configured first characteristic is used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0225] Determining that the configured 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal are used for EI, and determining the characteristic as the second characteristic;

[0226] Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal is an enhanced reduced capability terminal eRedcap; and the second type of terminal is a reduced capability terminal Redcap.

[0228] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical solution of the present disclosure is further described below through exemplary embodiments:

[0229] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for a specific type of terminal (corresponding to a first type of terminal) to select resources in a random access process.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal is an enhanced eRedcap terminal of Release 18 (R18) (different from R17 Redcap (corresponding to the second type of terminal) and the third type of terminal (eg, a normal terminal or an eMBB terminal)).

[0231] 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.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first characteristic is a characteristic associated with a first type of terminal, such as eRedcap.

[0233] In some embodiments, the second characteristic is a characteristic associated with a second type of terminal, such as Redcap.

[0234] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer the characteristics applicable to triggering the random access procedure.

[0235] In some embodiments, the RRC layer determines the characteristics suitable for triggering the random access procedure according to the RACH resource configuration, and notifies the MAC layer.

[0236] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, if the network device configures R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 2-step resources for random access resources (case 1), the RRC layer will indicate to the MAC layer that the characteristics applicable to triggering the random access process are Redcap and eRedcap available.

[0237] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, if the network device is configured with R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 2-step resources for random access resources (case 1, R17 Redcap 4-step resources may also be configured for random access resources at this time), the RRC layer will indicate to the MAC layer that the feature suitable for triggering the random access process is Redcap available.

[0238] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, if the network device configures R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 2-step resources for random access resources (case 1), the RRC layer will indicate to the MAC layer that the feature applicable to triggering the random access process is Redcap or eRedcap available.

[0239] In some embodiments, the RRC layer determines whether the feature applicable to triggering the random access process is Redcap or eRedcap available based on the RSRP threshold or feature priority, and notifies the MAC layer.

[0240] In some embodiments, the RRC layer determines whether the characteristic applicable to triggering the random access procedure is Redcap or eRedcap available based on the RSRP threshold, and notifies the MAC layer. For example, if the signal quality of the SSB measured by the current first type terminal is higher than the threshold, Redcap available is selected, otherwise eRedcap available is selected.

[0241] In some embodiments, the RRC layer determines whether the feature applicable to triggering the random access procedure is Redcap or eRedcap available based on the feature priority, and notifies the MAC layer. For example, if the network device configures the Redcap feature with a higher priority than eRedcap, Redcap available is selected; otherwise, eRedcap available is selected.

[0242] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, if the network device configures R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 2-step resources for situations other than random access resources (case 1), the RRC layer will indicate to the MAC layer that the feature applicable to triggering the random access process is Redcap or eRedcap available.

[0243] Exemplarily, if R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are not configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that Redcap is available.

[0244] Exemplarily, if R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are configured for EI and R17 Redcap 4-step resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that eRedcap is available.

[0245] Exemplarily, if only R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that eRedcap is available.

[0246] In some embodiments, for the first type of terminal, if the network device is configured with R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 4-step resources for random access resources, the RRC layer will indicate to the MAC layer that the characteristic applicable to triggering the random access process is eRedcap. In all other cases, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that the characteristics are Redcap and eRedcap available. That is, if R18 eRedcap 4-step and R17 Redcap 4-step resources are configured for random access resources, then the RRC layer indicates that eRedcap is available, and the others can indicate that both characteristics are available at the same time. Exemplarily, other scenarios may include at least one of the following:

[0247] Exemplarily, if R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are not configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that both features are available;

[0248] Exemplarily, if R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are configured for EI and R17 Redcap 2-step resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that both features are available;

[0249] For example, if only R18 eRedcap 4-step resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that both features are available.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first type terminal makes a separate decision, and the RRC layer performs at least one of the following:

[0251] If R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that eRedcap is available;

[0252] If R17 Redcap resources are configured for EI (at least one of 2-step or 4-step configurations), the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that Redcap is available; or, if R17 Redcap resources are configured for EI 2-step RA, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that Redcap is available; or, if R17 Redcap resources are configured for EI 4-step RA, the RRC layer indicates to the MAC layer that Redcap is available or not (for example, if R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI, no indication is given, otherwise indication is given).

[0253] In some embodiments, if R18 eRedcap resources are not configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates that Redcap is available;

[0254] otherwise:

[0255] If R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI and R17 Redcap 2-step resources are configured for EI (optionally, R17 Redcap 4-step resources are configured for EI), then:

[0256] Method 1: The RRC layer indicates that Redcap and eRedcap are available or indicates that Redcap is available;

[0257] Method 2: RRC layer makes a pre-determination:

[0258] Make decisions based on RSRP or priority;

[0259] The RRC layer indicates Redcap or indicates that Redcap is available;

[0260] If R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI and R17 Redcap 4-step resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates that eRedcap is available;

[0261] If R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates that eRedcap is available.

[0262] In some embodiments, if R18 eRedcap resources are not configured for EI, the RRC layer indicates that Redcap is available; otherwise, if R18 eRedcap resources are configured for EI and R17 Redcap 2-step resources are configured for EI (optionally, R17 Redcap 4-step resources are configured for EI), the RRC layer indicates that Redcap and eRedcap are available, or indicates that Redcap is available; in other cases, the RRC layer indicates that eRedcap is available.

[0263] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0264] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0265] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0266] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 4100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101 and a processing module 4102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is configured to receive configuration information. Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here.

[0267] In some embodiments, the terminal includes:

[0268] The processing module 4102 is configured to: determine the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources;

[0269] The characteristic is a characteristic associated with at least one type of terminal; the RACH resource includes at least one of the following: a 2-step random access resource; or a 4-step random access resource.

[0270] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is further configured to:

[0271] The radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristic according to the configuration result.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terminal further includes:

[0273] The transceiver module 4101 is configured to send first information from the RRC layer to the media access control MAC layer of the terminal;

[0274] The first information indicates the characteristic.

[0275] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0276] determining that both four-step random access resources configured for a first type of terminal and two-step random access resources configured for a second type of terminal are used for random access, wherein the characteristics determined include: a first characteristic associated with the first type of terminal and a second characteristic associated with the second type of terminal;

[0277] determining that both the configured four-step random access resources for the first type of terminal and the configured two-step random access resources for the second type of terminal are used for random access, and determining that the characteristic is the second characteristic;

[0278] It is determined that the configured 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal and the 2-step random access resources for the second type of terminal are both used for random access resources, and the characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic.

[0279] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0280] determining, according to a measured value of a reference signal, that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic;

[0281] The characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

[0282] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0283] determining that four-step random access resources of the first type of terminal are not configured for early indication of EI and random access resources of the second type of terminal are configured for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the second characteristic;

[0284] Determining that the configured four-step random access resources of the first type of terminals and the configured four-step random access resources of the second type of terminals are both used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0285] It is determined that only the 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminals are configured for EI, and the characteristic is determined to be the first characteristic.

[0286] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0287] Determining that the configured four-step random access resources for the first type of terminals and the configured four-step random access resources for the second type of terminals are both resources used for random access, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0288] It is determined that the configured 4-step random access resources of the first type of terminals and the configured 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminals are not resources used for random access, and the determined characteristics include the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

[0289] In some embodiments, the processing module 4102 is further configured to do at least one of the following:

[0290] Determining that the configured random access resources of the first type of terminal are used for EI, and determining that the characteristic is the first characteristic;

[0291] It is determined that the configured 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal are used for EI, and the characteristic is determined to be the second characteristic.

[0292] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device 4200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the network device 4200 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to send configuration information. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, and the sending module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 may be interchangeable with the transceiver. Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0294] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 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.

[0295] As shown in Figure 5a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 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, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0296] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0297] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0298] 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.

[0299] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0300] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 5a. 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.

[0301] FIG5b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG5b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0302] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0303] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0304] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2101, step S3101, but not limited to this), and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2101, step S2102, but not limited to this).

[0305] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0306] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0307] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but 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.

[0308] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0309] 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 is executed by a first type of terminal, and the method includes: determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel (RACH) resource; wherein, the RACH resource includes at least one of the following: two-step random access resource; four-step random access resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel (RACH) resource includes: the radio resource control (RRC) layer of the terminal determines the characteristics according to the configuration result.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, the method further includes: the RRC layer sends first information to the media access control (MAC) layer of the terminal; wherein, the first information indicates the characteristics.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, the determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel (RACH) resource includes at least one of the following: determining that the four-step random access resource configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining that the two-step random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining the characteristics includes: the first characteristic and the second characteristic; determining that the four-step random access resource configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining that the two-step random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining the characteristics as the second characteristic; determining that the four-step random access resource configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining that the two-step random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic is the resource for random access, and determining the characteristics as the first characteristic or the second characteristic.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, the determining the characteristics as the first characteristic or the second characteristic includes at least one of the following: determining the characteristics as the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the measured value of the reference signal; determining the characteristics as the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, the determining the characteristics of performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel (RACH) resource includes at least one of the following: determining that the four-step random access resource not configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic is used for early indication (EI), and determining that the random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic is used for EI, and determining the characteristics as the second characteristic; determining that the four-step random access resource configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic is used for EI, and determining that the four-step random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic is used for EI, and determining the characteristics as the first characteristic; Determine that only the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein, determining the characteristic for performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following: Determine that the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic that have been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic that have been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic that have not been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic that have not been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic includes the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

8. The method according to claim 3, wherein, determining the characteristic for performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources includes at least one of the following: Determine that the random access resources of the first type of terminal that have been configured are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the random access resources of the first characteristic that have been configured are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second type of terminal that have been configured are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic; Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the second characteristic that have been configured are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, the first type of terminal is an enhanced capability reduced terminal eRedcap; the second type of terminal is a capability reduced terminal Redcap.

10. A terminal, wherein, the terminal includes: a processing module configured to: determine the characteristic for performing random access according to the configuration result of the random access channel RACH resources; wherein, the RACH resources include at least one of the following: 2-step random access resources; 4-step random access resources.

11. The terminal according to claim 10, wherein, the processing module is further configured to: the radio resource control RRC layer of the terminal determines the characteristic according to the configuration result.

12. The terminal according to claim 11, wherein, the terminal further includes: a transceiver module configured to send first information from the RRC layer to the media access control MAC layer of the terminal; wherein, the first information indicates the characteristic.

13. The terminal according to claim 12, wherein, the processing module is further configured to at least one of the following: Determine that the 4-step random access resources for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic that have been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic that have been configured are the resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic includes: the first characteristic and the second characteristic; Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic; Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the 2-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic.

14. The terminal according to claim 13, wherein, The processing module is further configured to at least one of the following: Determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the measured value of the measured reference signal; Determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic or the second characteristic according to the priority of the first characteristic and the characteristic priority of the second characteristic.

15. The terminal according to claim 12, wherein, The processing module is further configured to at least one of the following: Determine that the 4-step random access resources not configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are used for early indication EI, and determine that the random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic; Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that only the 4-step random access resources configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic.

16. The terminal according to claim 12, wherein, The processing module is further configured to at least one of the following: Determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the 4-step random access resources not configured for the first type of terminal or the first characteristic are resources for random access, and determine that the 4-step random access resources not configured for the second type of terminal are resources for random access, and determine that the characteristic includes the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

17. The terminal according to claim 12, wherein, The processing module is further configured to at least one of the following: Determine that the random access resources of the configured first type of terminal are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the random access resources of the configured first characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the first characteristic; Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second type of terminal are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic; Determine that the 2-step and / or 4-step random access resources of the configured second characteristic are used for EI, and determine that the characteristic is the second characteristic.

18. A terminal, wherein, The terminal includes: A memory, including executable instructions; One or more processors; Wherein, when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the terminal is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

19. A storage medium, wherein, the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images