Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a communication method and apparatus, used for achieving flexible and rapid forwarding of data between low-cost repeaters. In the method, a first repeater can receive first information from a network device by means of a control link, wherein the first information can be used for determining a next-hop repeater when the first repeater forwards data, that is, the first information may be routing-related information. When the first repeater receives first data, it can be determined on the basis of the first information that the first data needs to be forwarded to a second repeater, such that flexible and rapid forwarding of the data between the repeaters, i.e., low-cost repeaters, can be achieved, or a multi-hop routing function between the repeaters can be achieved, thereby improving the communication efficiency.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on November 29, 2023, with application number 202311636546.1 and application name “Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Currently, low-cost relay equipment can have some digital processing functions and transparent forwarding functions. For example, a low-cost relay device can be a network controlled repeater (NCR). The NCR can relay communication between the base station and the terminal in a low-cost manner. For example, the NCR can access the base station or parent node as a terminal, decode the data transmitted on the control link, and amplify and forward the radio frequency signal, which can improve the coverage range, especially the coverage of blind spots.

[0004] However, how to achieve flexible and fast data forwarding between low-cost relay devices is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for realizing flexible and rapid forwarding of data between low-cost relay devices.

[0006] This application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first relay device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the first relay device, or by a logic module or software that implements all or part of the first relay device's functions. The first relay device can be the aforementioned low-cost relay device, such as an NCR. The method includes: the first relay device receives first information from a network device via a control link, receives first data, and forwards the first data to a second relay device. The first information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data; the second relay device is the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the first data.

[0008] Based on the method described in the first aspect, it can be seen that the first relay device can receive first information from the network device via a control link. The first information can be used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data. That is, the first information can be routing-related information. After receiving the first data, the first relay device can determine, based on the first information, that the first data needs to be forwarded to the second relay device. This can achieve flexible and rapid data forwarding between relay devices, that is, low-cost relay devices, or in other words, achieve multi-hop routing between relay devices to improve communication efficiency.

[0009] In one possible design, the first information indicates the destination relay device for forwarding data and the first path for forwarding the data, and the second relay device is the next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path. This allows the first relay device to quickly determine the next-hop relay device for forwarding data based on the destination relay device and the first path for forwarding data, simplifying the implementation process.

[0010] Optionally, the first information includes the address of the destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path. That is, the first information uses the address of the destination relay device and the first path identifier to indicate the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data. The first information may also carry other information or fields to indicate routing-related information, without limitation.

[0011] In one possible design scheme, the first information is information used when forwarding the first data. In other words, the first information is information used only when the first relay device forwards the first data. When the first relay device receives other data, such as data #a, the first information cannot be used as information used when the first relay device forwards the first data. That is, the first information can be information dynamically configured by the network device for the first relay device. Before the first relay device forwards data, it needs to determine the next-hop relay device based on the information sent to the network device through the control link, such as the above-mentioned first information and other routing-related information. Afterwards, the first relay device forwards the data to the determined next-hop relay device, which can achieve dynamic scheduling and greater flexibility.

[0012] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the destination relay device for data forwarded by the second relay device and the second path for forwarding the data. The relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device. In this way, the second relay device can quickly determine the next-hop relay device for forwarding the data based on the destination relay device and the second path for forwarding the data, simplifying the implementation process. It is understood that the first path and the second path can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0013] Optionally, the second information includes the address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path. That is, the second information uses the address of the destination relay device and the second path identifier to indicate the next-hop relay device to which the second relay device forwards the data. The second information may also carry other information or fields to indicate routing-related information, without limitation.

[0014] In one possible design, the first information is information used when forwarding data in a first data set, where the data in the first data set includes the first data. In other words, the first information can be information used by the first relay device when forwarding multiple data. Alternatively, the first information can be information semi-statically configured by the network device. Before the first information is updated or deactivated, the first relay device can use the first information to determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding data, thereby saving overhead.

[0015] Optionally, before the first relay device receives the first data, the method described in the first aspect further includes: the first relay device receives first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set. That is, when the network device requires the first relay device to use the first information to determine routing-related information, the network device indicates activation of the first information through the first indication information; when the network device requires the first relay device to use other information to determine routing-related information, the network device indicates deactivation of the first information through the first indication information, thereby achieving on-demand indication and flexibility.

[0016] In one possible design scheme, before the first relay device receives the first information through the control link, the method described in the first aspect further includes: the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address. The first address is the address assigned to the first relay device by the network device, and the second address is the address of the second relay device, which is used when the first relay device subsequently forwards data to improve the reliability of data forwarding. It can be understood that the first relay device can receive the first address and the second address from the network device through the control link, or the first relay device can receive the first address from the network device through the control link and receive the second address sent by the second relay device. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation method.

[0017] Optionally, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the method described in the first aspect further includes: the first relay device obtaining a first correspondence. The first correspondence includes a correspondence between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device, so that when the first relay device subsequently needs to forward data to the second relay device, the beam direction can be adjusted based on the physical location of the second relay device to avoid the second relay device failing to receive the forwarded data or receiving data of substandard quality, thereby further improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0018] Optionally, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the method described in the first aspect further includes: the first relay device obtaining a routing list. The routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each of the at least one path identifier, wherein the at least one path identifier includes a first path identifier, and the routing list may also include a second path identifier, without limitation. The first relay device obtains the routing list to determine the next-hop relay device when subsequently forwarding data by the first relay device, thereby improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0019] In one possible design, the first relay device includes a first functional entity and a second functional entity. The first functional entity is responsible for decoding information received via the control link, and the second functional entity is responsible for forwarding data. In other words, the first relay device can have partial digital processing capabilities and transparent forwarding capabilities, thereby improving coverage, especially in blind spots.

[0020] Optionally, before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device, the method described in the first aspect further includes: the first relay device decodes the first information through the first functional entity to determine the address and first path identifier of the destination relay device, and determines the second relay device based on the address, first path identifier, and routing list of the destination relay device. That is, the first relay device utilizes some physical layer decoding capabilities to determine routing-related information, namely, the address and first path identifier of the destination relay device, and queries the routing list to accurately determine the second relay device, thereby improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0021] Optionally, the first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device includes: the first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device based on the first correspondence. In this way, the first relay device can adjust the beam direction based on the physical location of the second relay device to avoid the second relay device failing to receive the forwarded data or receiving data of substandard quality, thereby further improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0022] Optionally, the first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device includes: the first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device via the second functional entity. That is, the first relay device transparently forwards the first data via the second functional entity. It is understood that the first relay device may also digitally regenerate and forward the data, i.e., decode the data portion and then generate the data before forwarding it, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the forwarded signal. This is not limited to this.

[0023] In one possible design, the first information further includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and that the first data is uplink data. In this way, the first relay device can clearly determine whether the first information is for uplink data transmission or downlink data transmission based on the second indication information, thereby avoiding misidentification or erroneous identification.

[0024] In one possible design scheme, the first information is carried in at least one of the following items: media access control-control unit MAC CE, radio resource control RRC message, or physical downlink control channel PDCCH, that is, it is carried in an existing information element to reduce the difficulty of implementation, or it can also be carried in a new information element to improve the flexibility of implementation, without limitation.

[0025] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the network device, or by a logic module or software that implements all or part of the network device's functions. The method includes: the network device sends first information to a first relay device via a control link, and sends first data to the first relay device. The first information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data.

[0026] In one possible design solution, the first information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding the data.

[0027] Optionally, the first information includes an address of a destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path.

[0028] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used when forwarding the first data.

[0029] Optionally, the method described in the second aspect further includes: the network device sending second information to a second relay device via a control link. The second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path, the second information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data, and the second information and the first information occupy different time-frequency resource locations.

[0030] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate a destination relay device to which the second relay device forwards data and a second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

[0031] Optionally, the second information includes an address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path.

[0032] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used for forwarding data in a first data set, and the data in the first data set includes the first data.

[0033] Optionally, before the network device sends the first data to the first relay device, the method described in the second aspect further includes: the network device sends first indication information to the first relay device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set.

[0034] In one possible design, before the network device sends the first information to the first relay device via the control link, the method described in the second aspect further includes: the network device sending the corresponding first address to the first relay device, and sending the corresponding second address to the second relay device. The second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path, and is used when the first relay device subsequently forwards data, thereby improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0035] Optionally, after the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the method according to the second aspect further includes: the network device sending a first correspondence to the first relay device, wherein the first correspondence includes a correspondence between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device.

[0036] Optionally, after the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the method described in the second aspect further includes: the network device sends a routing list to the first relay device and the second relay device. The routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each of the at least one path identifier, wherein the at least one path identifier includes a first path identifier. The routing list may also include a second path identifier, without limitation, for use in determining the next-hop relay device when the first relay device and the second relay device subsequently forward data, thereby improving the reliability of data forwarding.

[0037] In a possible design scheme, the first information also includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data is uplink data.

[0038] In a possible design scheme, the first information is carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-element MAC CE, a radio resource control RRC message, or a physical downlink control channel PDCCH.

[0039] Other technical effects of the communication method described in the second aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes modules for executing the method described in the first aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to indicate the transceiver function of the communication device, and the processing module is configured to perform functions other than the transceiver function of the communication device.

[0041] For example, a transceiver module is configured to receive first information from a network device via a control link, receive first data, and forward the first data to a second relay device. The first information is used to determine a next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data; the second relay device is the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the first data.

[0042] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding the data, and the second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path.

[0043] Optionally, the first information includes an address of a destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path.

[0044] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used when forwarding the first data.

[0045] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate a destination relay device to which the second relay device forwards data and a second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

[0046] Optionally, the second information includes an address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path.

[0047] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used for forwarding data in a first data set, and the data in the first data set includes the first data.

[0048] Optionally, before the first relay device receives the first data, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set.

[0049] In one possible design, before the first relay device receives the first information via the control link, the processing module is configured to obtain a first address and a second address, wherein the first address is an address assigned by the network device to the first relay device, and the second address is an address of the second relay device.

[0050] Optionally, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the processing module is further configured to obtain a first corresponding relationship, wherein the first corresponding relationship includes a corresponding relationship between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device.

[0051] Optionally, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the processing module is further configured to obtain a routing list, wherein the routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each of the at least one path identifier, and the at least one path identifier includes the first path identifier.

[0052] In one possible design, the first relay device includes a first functional entity and a second functional entity. The first functional entity is used to decode information received through a control link, and the second functional entity is used to forward data.

[0053] Optionally, before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device, the processing module is also used to decode the first information through the first functional entity, determine the address and first path identifier of the destination relay device, and determine the second relay device based on the address of the destination relay device, the first path identifier and the routing list.

[0054] Optionally, the processing module is further configured to control the transceiver module to forward the first data to the second relay device according to the first corresponding relationship.

[0055] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to forward the first data to the second relay device through the second functional entity.

[0056] In a possible design scheme, the first information also includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data is uplink data.

[0057] In one possible design, the first information is carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-control element MAC CE, a radio resource control RRC message, or a physical downlink control channel PDCCH

[0058] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, wherein the sending module is used to implement the sending function of the communication device described in the third aspect, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device described in the third aspect.

[0059] Optionally, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the communication device may execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0060] It should be noted that the communication device described in the third aspect can be a relay device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the relay device, or a device that includes a relay device. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0061] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the third aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes modules for executing the method described in the second aspect, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to indicate the transceiver function of the communication device, and the processing module is configured to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver function.

[0063] For example, the transceiver module is configured to send first information to the first relay device via the control link and send first data to the first relay device, wherein the first information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data.

[0064] In one possible design solution, the first information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding the data.

[0065] Optionally, the first information includes an address of a destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path.

[0066] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used when forwarding the first data.

[0067] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to send second information to a second relay device via a control link. The second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path, and the second information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data. The second information and the first information occupy different time-frequency resource locations.

[0068] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate a destination relay device to which the second relay device forwards data and a second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

[0069] Optionally, the second information includes an address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path.

[0070] In a possible design solution, the first information is information used for forwarding data in a first data set, and the data in the first data set includes the first data.

[0071] Optionally, before the network device sends the first data to the first relay device, the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information to the first relay device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set.

[0072] In one possible design, before the network device sends the first information to the first relay device via the control link, the transceiver module is further configured to send the corresponding first address to the first relay device and the corresponding second address to the second relay device, where the second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path.

[0073] Optionally, after the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first correspondence to the first relay device, wherein the first correspondence includes a correspondence between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device.

[0074] Optionally, after the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the transceiver module is further configured to send a routing list to the first relay device and the second relay device. The routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each of the at least one path identifier, and the at least one path identifier includes the first path identifier.

[0075] In a possible design scheme, the first information also includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data is uplink data.

[0076] In a possible design scheme, the first information is carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-element MAC CE, a radio resource control RRC message, or a physical downlink control channel PDCCH.

[0077] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, wherein the sending module is used to implement the sending function of the communication device described in the fourth aspect, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device described in the fourth aspect.

[0078] Optionally, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the communication device can execute the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0079] It should be noted that the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device that includes a network device. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0080] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to execute the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0082] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the fifth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0083] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor or provided separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data involved in the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0084] In this embodiment, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may be a relay device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the relay device, or a device including the relay device; or, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device including the network device.

[0085] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor coupled to a memory, the processor configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

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

[0088] In this embodiment, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the terminal device, or a device including the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device including the network device.

[0089] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program, and when the processor executes the computer program, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0091] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the seventh aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the seventh aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0092] In this embodiment, the communication device described in the seventh aspect may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the terminal device, or a device including the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the seventh aspect may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device including the network device.

[0093] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the seventh aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0094] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to be coupled to a memory, and after reading a computer program in the memory, execute the communication method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect according to the computer program.

[0095] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the eighth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0096] In this embodiment, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the terminal device, or a device including the terminal device; or, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may be a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device including the network device.

[0097] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the eighth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0098] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the first relay device described in the first aspect and / or the network device described in the second aspect.

[0099] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the IAB network;

[0102] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the IAB architecture;

[0103] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the NCR architecture.

[0104] Figure 2b is a second schematic diagram of the NCR architecture;

[0105] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing that multi-hop routing is not supported between satellite NCRs;

[0106] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in this embodiment;

[0107] FIG5 is a second schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in this embodiment;

[0108] FIG6 is a third schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in this embodiment;

[0109] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0110] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of semi-static configuration of first information provided by this embodiment;

[0111] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a data structure of a time division multiplexing method provided in this embodiment;

[0112] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a data structure of a frequency division multiplexing method provided in this embodiment;

[0113] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a data structure of a combination of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing provided in this embodiment;

[0114] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided by this embodiment;

[0115] FIG13 is a second flow chart of the communication method provided in this embodiment;

[0116] FIG14 is a third flow chart of the communication method provided in this embodiment;

[0117] FIG15 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided in this embodiment;

[0118] FIG16 is a second structural diagram of the communication device provided in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in this embodiment are first introduced below.

[0120] 1. Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications

[0121] Currently, New Radio (NR) technology is evolving from Release 18 to Release 19. NR technology has also moved from standardization to commercial deployment. The original intention of the NR standard protocol was to design wireless communication technologies for terrestrial cellular network scenarios, providing users with wireless communication services with ultra-low latency, ultra-reliability, ultra-high speeds, and a large number of connections. However, cellular networks cannot achieve seamless global coverage. For example, in areas without terrestrial base stations, such as ocean surfaces, polar regions, and rainforests, voice and data services cannot be provided in these areas without cellular network coverage.

[0122] Compared to terrestrial communications, NTN communications boasts a wider coverage area and flexible networking, enabling seamless global network coverage. The NTN network not only complements existing terrestrial networks but can also be considered an independent communications system providing users with global high-speed network access. Currently, research institutes, communications organizations, and telecommunications companies worldwide are participating in the research and development of NTN communication technologies and standards, striving to build a unified network for space, air, and ground communications.

[0123] NTN communications utilize drones, high-altitude platforms, and satellites to form networks and provide data transmission, voice communication, and other services to user equipment (UE). High-altitude platform equipment typically operates at altitudes of 8 to 50 km above the ground. Satellite communication systems can be categorized into three types based on the satellite's orbital altitude: geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), also known as synchronous orbit; medium Earth orbit (MEO); and low Earth orbit (LEO).

[0124] Among them, GEO satellites have an orbital altitude of 35,786 km. Their main advantages are that they can remain stationary relative to the Earth and provide a large coverage area. However, GEO satellite communications also have significant disadvantages: 1) GEO satellite orbits are far from the Earth, resulting in high free-space propagation losses, which limits the communication link budget. To increase transmit / receive gain, satellites must be equipped with larger antennas; 2) Communication transmission latency is high, reaching a round-trip latency of approximately 500 ms, which cannot meet the needs of low-latency services; 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and coverage of the Earth's polar regions is impossible. MEO satellites have an orbital altitude between 2,000 and 35,786 km. Their advantage is that a relatively small number of satellites can achieve global coverage, but their orbital altitude is higher than that of LEO, and transmission latency is still higher than that of LEO satellite communications. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of MEO satellite communications, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation.

[0125] LEO satellites operate at orbital altitudes between 300 and 2000 km. LEO satellites are lower than MEO and GEO orbits and offer advantages such as reduced data transmission latency, minimal transmission loss, and low launch costs. Consequently, LEO satellite communications have garnered increasing attention in recent years.

[0126] 2. Integrated access backhaul (IAB)

[0127] IAB technology is designed to support wireless backhaul and relay links, enabling flexible and very dense deployment of NR cells without the need to proportionally intensify the wired transmission network. Key application scenarios for IAB include: high fiber deployment costs, site densification, street coverage extension and blind spot filling, and indoor coverage extension and blind spot filling.

[0128] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of an IAB network. As shown in Figure 1a, an IAB node (also known as a relay node) provides wireless access services for user equipment (UE). A UE can connect to an IAB node via an access link. The IAB node can connect to an IAB donor node via a backhaul link. A UE can also connect directly to an IAB donor via an access link. For example, a UE can send data to an IAB node via an access link. The IAB node then connects to an IAB donor via a backhaul link for data transmission. Similarly, an IAB donor can send data to an IAB node via a backhaul link. The IAB node then sends data to a UE via an access link. Alternatively, a UE can send data directly to an IAB donor via an access link. Similarly, an IAB donor can send data to a UE via an access link. Alternatively, a UE can send data directly to an IAB donor via an access link. Similarly, an IAB donor can send data directly to a UE via an access link.

[0129] Figure 1b shows the IAB architecture. As shown in Figure 1b, IAB supports wireless backhaul between base stations, which is achieved through the Uu interface. This architecture primarily includes the 5G core network (5GC) and the 5G access network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN includes gNodeBs (gNBs), IAB-donors, and IAB-nodes. Both gNodeBs and IAB-donors can establish connections with the 5GC via the NG interface.

[0130] An IAB-donor can be a gNodeB (also called a gNodeB-donor) that supports IAB additional functions. The IAB-donor can connect to the core network through non-IAB channels, such as fiber. The IAB-donor can include the IAB Donor Node Centralized Unit (IAB-donor-CU) and the IAB-donor-DU. The IAB-donor-CU provides connectivity for the IAB-donor-DU and IAB-node-DU; the IAB-donor-DU provides access for UEs or IAB-MTs.

[0131] An IAB-node supports access and backhaul functions, including an IAB-node mobile terminal (IAB-node-MT) and an IAB-node distributed unit (IAB-node-DU, also known as DU). An IAB-node-MT can function as a normal UE connected to its parent node's DU or IAB-donor-DU as a wireless transmission backhaul link. An IAB-node-DU can be a pole-site cell on the access side of an IAB-node, providing blind spot coverage and access for normal UEs or lower-level IAB-node-MTs.

[0132] It can be understood that a connection can be established between the IAB-donor-CU and the gNodeB through the Xn-C interface; a connection can be established between the IAB-node-DU and the IAB-donor-CU through the F1 interface, which can be a completely inherited F1 interface of the DU and CU; a connection can be established between the parent node IAB-donor-DU and the IAB-node-MT through the Uu interface.

[0133] The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the gNodeB and is used to control the operation of one or more DUs. The DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC), medium access control-control (MAC), and physical layer (PHY) of the gNodeB. The CU and the DUs it controls are connected via the F1 interface. The F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) is used to transfer radio bearer configuration information between the CU and DU, and to establish the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) between the DU and CU for each radio bearer.

[0134] 3. Network control repeater

[0135] NCRs are a type of network device similar to IABs. They provide low-cost relay communication between base stations and terminals. For example, NCRs can access base stations or parent nodes as terminals. They also amplify and forward radio frequency (RF) signals, improving coverage, especially in blind spots. Therefore, NCRs can also be referred to as network-controlled relays, directionally amplified signal relays, intelligent relays, network-assisted relays, controllable relays, and other similar terms, without limitation.

[0136] The NCR may include: an NCR mobile termination unit (NCR mobile termination, NCR-MT) and an NCR forwarding unit (NCR forwarding, NCR-Fwd). The NCR-MT has the function of establishing a connection with the parent node. The established connection may be a connection based on the Uu interface (the connection between the gNB and the UE), that is, the NCR-MT accesses the parent node as a UE. Optionally, the NCR has the function of establishing a connection with a child node. For example, as shown in Figure 2a, NCR#a may establish a connection with the parent node gNB / gateway (GW) as a child node. NCR#a may establish a connection with the gNB as a UE through the NCR-MT functional entity. NCR#b may establish a connection with the parent node NCR#1 or gNB as a child node. NCR#b may establish a connection with NCR#1 or gNB as a UE through the NCR-MT functional entity.

[0137] As you can understand, the connection established between the NCR-MT and the parent node is called a control link (C-link). The parent and child nodes can decode the data transmitted on this link, which means they have digital processing capabilities. Control information, or side control information (SCI), is sent or received over the control link. SCI can be used to control behaviors on the backhaul link, control link, and access link, such as beam direction, relay device switching, and power control.

[0138] NCR-Fwd can be used to amplify and forward uplink and downlink radio frequency signals between the gNB / GW and the UE via the backhaul link and access link. It can be understood that the edge control information transmitted on the control link is used to control the behavior of the NCR-Fwd. For example, as shown in Figure 2b, the architecture mainly includes: 5GC, NG-RAN, and UE. The NG-RAN can include gNodeB, gNodeB-donor, and NCR. The gNodeB and gNodeB-donor can establish connections with the 5GC via the NG interface.

[0139] The gNodeB-donor may include a donor-CU and a donor-DU, and a connection may be established between the donor-CU and the donor-DU via an F1 interface.

[0140] NCRs can include NCR-MTs and NCR-Fwds. Figure 2b uses NCR#1, NCR#2, and NCR#3 as examples. NCR#1 can include NCR-MT#1 and NCR-Fwd#1. NCR-Fwd#1 can transparently transmit gNB data. A connection can be established between the donor-DU and NCR-MT# via the Uu interface. In this case, NCR#1 can establish a connection with the donor-DU as a UE through NCR-MT#1.

[0141] NCR#2 is a child node of NCR#1 and includes NCR-MT#2 and NCR-Fwd#2. NCR-Fwd#2 forwards data sent by NCR-Fwd#1 for transparent transmission. A connection can be established between NCR-MT#2 and the gNB via the Uu interface, meaning that NCR-Fwd#1 transparently forwards data between the gNB and NCR-MT#2. In this case, NCR#2 can establish a connection with the gNB as a UE through NCR-MT#2.

[0142] NCR#3 is a child node of NCR#2. NCR#3 includes NCR-MT#3 and NCR-Fwd#3. NCR-Fwd#3 can establish a connection with the gNB for transparent data transmission. NCR-MT#3 and the gNB can establish a connection via the Uu interface. That is, NCR-Fwd#1 and NCR-Fwd#2 can transparently forward data between the gNB and NCR-MT#3. In this case, NCR#3 can establish a connection with the gNB as a UE through NCR-MT#3.

[0143] A connection can be established between the UE and the gNB through the Uu interface. At this time, data between the UE and the gNB is transparently forwarded through NCR-Fwd#1, NCR-Fwd#2 and NCR-Fwd#3.

[0144] It can be understood that the above-mentioned control link and return link are differences in logical concepts and will not be elaborated on later.

[0145] Currently, low-cost relay devices can have some digital processing functions and transparent forwarding functions. For example, low-cost relay devices can be NCRs. However, low-cost relay devices cannot support current multi-hop routing functions. In other words, data cannot be flexibly and quickly forwarded between low-cost relay devices. How to achieve flexible and fast data forwarding between low-cost relay devices is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0146] For example, regenerative satellites are complex and expensive. To reduce costs and target future large-scale constellations, low-cost satellites are becoming a trend. For example, a low-cost relay device, such as a satellite NCR, can provide NCR functionality. It's understandable that the gNB / GW cannot guarantee coverage / connectivity for every satellite NCR (satellite NCR). Therefore, multi-hop routing requires inter-satellite forwarding. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the gNB / GW establishes a connection for satellite NCR#1 but cannot provide connections for satellite NCR#2 or NCR#3. Data between the gNB / GW and the UE must be forwarded between satellite NCRs. However, the SCI carried in the control link between the gNB / GW and satellite NCR#1 does not contain routing information. Therefore, satellite NCR#1 does not know whether to forward data to satellite NCR#2 or NCR#3, making flexible and fast data forwarding between satellite NCRs impossible. Furthermore, the high-speed movement of satellites causes the topology between relay devices to change dynamically, requiring a dynamic routing mechanism to achieve flexible and fast data forwarding.

[0147] In response to the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application propose the following technical solutions to achieve flexible and fast data forwarding between low-cost relay devices.

[0148] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0149] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, 4G, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0150] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0151] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0152] In the embodiments of the present application, "information", "signal", "message", "channel" and "signaling" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are matched. "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are matched. In addition, the " / " mentioned in the present application can be used to represent an "or" relationship. It can be understood that in the present application, "indication" can include direct indication, indirect indication, explicit indication and implicit indication. When describing a certain indication information as being used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0153] In this application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc., or the information to be indicated can be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved with the help of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0154] The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. The transmission period and / or transmission timing of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific transmission method is not limited in this application. The transmission period and / or transmission timing of these sub-information can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting device through sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0155] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0156] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is first described in detail using the communication system shown in Figure 4 as an example. For example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0157] As shown in Figure 4, the communication system mainly includes: network equipment, relay equipment. Optionally, the communication system also includes terminal equipment.

[0158] There may be multiple network devices, such as a first network device, a second network device, etc. The network device may be a device with wireless transceiver functions, or may be a chip or chip system provided in the device, located in the access network (AN) of the communication system, and used to provide access services to the terminal. For example, the network device may be called a radio access network (RAN) device, and may specifically be an access network device in a future mobile communication system, such as a base station in a future mobile communication system, or in a future mobile communication system, the network device may also have other naming methods, all of which are covered within the protection scope of this embodiment, and this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this. Alternatively, the network device may include 5G, such as a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in 5G, or a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission and reception point (TRP or TP), or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), an RSU with base station functions, a wired access gateway, or a 5G core network element. Alternatively, the network device may include an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, various types of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, and the like.

[0159] Among them, the CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be divided into a network device in the access network RAN, or the CU can be divided into a network device in the core network CN, and there is no limitation here.

[0160] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this embodiment can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0161] In this embodiment, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device; it can also be a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0162] The relay device may be a low-cost relay device with partial digital processing functions and transparent forwarding functions, wherein the transparent forwarding function may refer to the function of amplifying and forwarding RF signals and frequency shifting. For example, the relay device may be a satellite NCR, or a terrestrial NCR, etc., without limitation. Optionally, the relay device may also be a relay device with strong regenerative forwarding (or digital forwarding) capabilities, providing a regenerative forwarding function, which has data processing capabilities (coding, reassembly, retransmission, etc.), and has the functions of a base station or partial base station (such as IAB node, gNB-DU, or UE-relay, etc.) functions, without limitation. There may be multiple relay devices, such as a first relay device and a second relay device. For a specific introduction, please refer to the relevant introduction in the above technical terminology section, which will not be described in detail. It should be noted that the relay devices referred to in the embodiments of the present application are all low-cost relay devices, which will not be described in detail later.

[0163] The terminal device may be one or more, such as a first terminal device, a second terminal device, a third terminal device, etc. The terminal device may be a terminal device with transceiver functions, or may be a chip or chip system provided in the terminal device. The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal device, subscriber unit (subscriber unit), user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, user terminal device, terminal device, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a handheld device (handset), a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal device, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a smart home device (for example, a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), an intelligent robot, a robotic arm, a workshop equipment, a wireless terminal device in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical care, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a smart home, etc. The terminal device of the present application may also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device may also be other devices with terminal device functions, for example, the terminal device may also be a device that functions as a terminal device in D2D communication.

[0164] The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0165] In this communication system, a first relay device can receive first information from a network device via a control link. The first information can be used to determine a next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data. That is, the first information can be routing-related information. After receiving the first data, the first relay device can determine, based on the first information, that the first data needs to be forwarded to a second relay device. This enables flexible and rapid data forwarding between relay devices, specifically, low-cost relay devices. In other words, it implements multi-hop routing between relay devices, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0166] For example, FIG5 is a second schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the communication method provided in this embodiment. As shown in FIG5 , the communication system is a satellite communication system, which primarily includes: terminal equipment, gateway stations (also known as ground stations or signal gateways), and satellites (also known as satellite base stations), such as Satellite 1 and Satellite 2. It should be noted that the satellites shown in FIG5 may be low-cost NCR satellites, which have some digital processing and transparent forwarding functions.

[0167] The link between a satellite and a terminal device is called a service link, the link between a satellite and a gateway is called a feeder link, and the link between satellites is called an inter-satellite link. Satellites can be divided into transparent and regenerative modes based on their operating mode. When operating in transparent mode, the satellite only performs signal transparent forwarding, and the gateway (GW) performs gNB functions or partial gNB functions. In this case, the GW can be considered a base station. When operating in regenerative mode, the satellite has the ability to process digital signals and performs gNB functions or partial gNB functions. In this case, the satellite can be considered a base station. In addition, the gNB (base station) is connected to the core network. Multiple satellites collaborate to provide services to terminal devices in overlapping coverage areas. As shown in Figure 5, the GW cannot provide coverage / connectivity for satellite 2. Therefore, the GW needs to forward data via satellite 1 to satellite 2, which then sends it to the terminal device. Alternatively, the UE needs to send data via satellite 2 to satellite 1, which then sends it to the GW, to achieve multi-hop routing between satellites.

[0168] For example, FIG6 is a third schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the communication method provided in this embodiment. As shown in FIG6 , the communication system is an air-to-ground (ATG) communication system, which primarily includes network equipment and terminal equipment. The network equipment may include ground base stations, satellites, and the terminal equipment may include high-altitude aircraft, onboard handheld terminals, and the like. It should be noted that the network equipment in FIG6 may be a low-cost relay device with partial digital processing and transparent forwarding capabilities. Furthermore, some of the network equipment in FIG6 may also be relay devices with strong regenerative forwarding (or digital forwarding) capabilities. For example, relay device 3 in FIG6 may be a relay device with strong regenerative forwarding capabilities, providing regenerative forwarding functionality. The regenerative forwarding function has data processing capabilities (encoding, reassembly, and retransmission) and has base station functions or partial base station functions (e.g., IAB node, gNB-DU, or UE-relay). As shown in Figure 6, base station 1 cannot provide coverage / connectivity for high-altitude aircraft. Therefore, base station 1 needs to forward data to the high-altitude aircraft through satellite 2 and relay device 3, and the high-altitude aircraft also needs to forward data to base station 1 through relay device 3 and satellite 2 to achieve multi-hop routing function.

[0169] It should be understood that the height of 6 to 12 km between the base station and the terminal equipment and the coverage diameter of 100 to 300 km of the base station shown in FIG6 are merely examples and should not be understood as limitations on this embodiment.

[0170] It should be noted that the network architecture and business scenarios described in this embodiment are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this embodiment, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by this embodiment. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided in this embodiment is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0171] It can be understood that Figures 4 to 6 are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding. The communication system may also include other network devices, relay devices, or terminal devices, which are not shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0172] For ease of understanding, the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 7 to 14.

[0173] For example, Figure 7 is a flow chart diagram 1 of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to communication between a network device, a first relay device, and a second relay device in the above-mentioned communication system. It is understood that the communication system may also include a terminal device or other relay devices, such as a third relay device and a fourth relay device. For ease of understanding, this embodiment of the present application uses the first relay device and the second relay device as an example for description, and no further details are given below.

[0174] Specifically, as shown in FIG7 , the process of the communication method is as follows:

[0175] S701: A network device sends first information to a first relay device via a control link. Correspondingly, the first relay device receives the first information from the network device via the control link.

[0176] S702: The network device sends first data to the first relay device. Correspondingly, the first relay device receives the first data from the network device.

[0177] S703: The first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device.

[0178] The following is a detailed introduction to steps S701-S703.

[0179] The above step S701 is introduced.

[0180] The first relay device may be a low-cost relay device with partial digital processing and transparent forwarding functions, such as the aforementioned NCR (satellite NCR or terrestrial NCR, etc.), without limitation. For ease of understanding, the first relay device is referred to as NCR#1 and will not be described in detail later.

[0181] The first relay device may include a first functional entity and a second functional entity. The first functional entity may be configured to decode information received via a control link, and the second functional entity may be configured to forward data. For example, the second functional entity may transparently forward data via a backhaul link or an access link. For example, the first functional entity may be an NCR-MT, denoted as NCR-MT#1. Satellite NCR-MT#1 may access the network device as a UE via a Uu port. The second functional entity may be an NCR-Fwd, denoted as NCR-Fwd#1.

[0182] The control link can be a connection established between NCR-MT and the parent node, for example, a connection established between NCR-MT#1 and a network device. The control link can be used to carry or send control information, and the control information can be the first information. For a specific introduction to the first relay device, please refer to the relevant introduction in the above technical terminology section and will not be repeated here.

[0183] Before specifically introducing the first information, the steps before the network device sends the first information to the first relay device through the control link are first introduced.

[0184] In one possible design solution, before the network device sends the first information to the first relay device through the control link, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0185] The network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device. The network device sends the corresponding second address to the second relay device.

[0186] The first address is the address assigned by the network device to the first relay device. The network device can send the first address to the first relay device via the control link. That is, the first address can be the address (NCR address) assigned by the network device to the first relay device, recorded as address#1. The first address can be understood as an identifier of the first relay device and can be used to identify the first relay device. In other words, the first address corresponds one-to-one with the first relay device. It can be understood that the first address can be represented by a bit value. For example, address#1 can be represented by an 8-bit value, such as 00000001 can be used to represent address#1.

[0187] It should be noted that the above 8 bits are only examples. Address#1 can also occupy other numbers of bits. For example, Address#1 can be represented by 2 bits, 4 bits, etc., without limitation. The above naming of the first address is only an example. The first address can also be any other possible naming, such as the first identifier, without limitation.

[0188] The second address is the address assigned by the network device to the second relay device, wherein the second relay device may be a low-cost relay device with some digital processing functions and transparent forwarding functions, such as the above-mentioned NCR (satellite NCR, or ground NCR, etc.), without limitation. For ease of understanding, the second relay device is recorded as NCR#2 and will not be described in detail later. The second relay device may include a first functional entity and a second functional entity. The first functional entity may be NCR-MT, recorded as NCR-MT#2, and NCR-MT#2 may access NCR#1 as a UE through the Uu port; the second functional entity may be NCR-Fwd, recorded as NCR-Fwd#2. It can be understood that the specific introduction of the second relay device can refer to the relevant introduction of the above-mentioned first relay device and will not be described in detail.

[0189] The second address can be an address (NCR address) assigned by the network device to the second relay device, denoted as address#2. The second address can be understood as an identifier of the second relay device and can be used to identify the second relay device. In other words, the second address has a one-to-one correspondence with the second relay device. It is understood that the second address can be represented by a bit value. For example, address#2 can be represented by an 8-bit value, such as 00000002, which can be used to represent address#2.

[0190] It should be noted that the 8 bits described above are merely examples. Address#2 may also occupy other numbers of bits. For example, Address#2 may be represented by 2 bits, 4 bits, or other values, without limitation. The naming of the second address described above is merely an example. The second address may also be named in any other manner, such as a second identifier, without limitation.

[0191] It should be understood that the above-mentioned second relay device can be a child node of the first relay device, that is, the second relay device can be the next hop or next relay device of the first relay device, or, the first relay device can be the parent node of the second relay device, that is, the first relay device can be the previous line or previous relay device of the second relay device.

[0192] In this case, the first relay device acquires the first address and the second address.

[0193] It can be understood that the first relay device can receive the first address from the network device through the control link.

[0194] The following two methods are used as examples to specifically introduce how the first relay device obtains the second address.

[0195] Mode 1: The network device sends the second address to the first relay device through the control link.

[0196] That is, the network device may directly send the address of the corresponding child node (second relay device) to each parent node (first relay device).

[0197] Mode 2: The second relay device sends or reports the second address allocated by the network device to the first relay device.

[0198] That is, the child node (second relay device) can send or report the address assigned by the network device, ie, the second address, to its parent node (first relay device). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the manner in which the first relay device obtains the second address.

[0199] It should be understood that the network device allocating the first address to the second relay device, the network device allocating the second address to the second relay device, and the second relay device reporting its second address to the second relay device are all carried through the control link.

[0200] It should be noted that the network device allocates the first address to the first relay device and allocates the second address to the second relay device after the network device authorizes / authenticates the first relay device and the second relay device. The purpose of the network device authorizing / authenticating the first relay device and the second relay device is that the network device determines that the first relay device and the second relay device are relay devices with partial digital processing functions and transparent forwarding functions, rather than just ordinary terminal devices. For example, the operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) function on the RAN side can identify and authorize / authenticate NCR#1 and NCR#2. For another example, the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element of the core network can identify and authorize / authenticate NCR#1 and NCR#2. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation process.

[0201] In one possible design solution, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0202] The first relay device obtains the first corresponding relationship. The second relay device obtains the second corresponding relationship.

[0203] Among them, the first correspondence may include a correspondence between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device. That is, the parent node needs to obtain the correspondence between the address and the physical location of its child node for subsequent sending of information or data to the second relay device, such as the second information or first data described below. The physical location of the second relay device can also be referred to as a geographical location, which can be represented by absolute coordinates or relative coordinates, for example, longitude and latitude range, ephemeris information, etc. It is understandable that the network device can send the first correspondence to the first relay device through the control link, or the second relay device can send the first correspondence to the first relay device, without limitation.

[0204] The second correspondence may include a correspondence between the first address and the physical location of the first relay device. That is, the child node needs to obtain the correspondence between the address and the physical location of its parent node for subsequent reception of information or data from the first relay device, such as the second information or first data described below. The physical location of the first relay device may also be referred to as a geographic location, which may be represented by absolute coordinates or relative coordinates, for example, a latitude and longitude range, ephemeris information, etc., without limitation. It is understood that the network device may send the second correspondence to the second relay device via a control link, or the first relay device may send the second correspondence to the second relay device, without limitation.

[0205] In one possible design solution, after the first relay device obtains the first address and the second address, the method embodiment described above may further include:

[0206] The network device sends the routing list to the first relay device, and the first relay device obtains the routing list accordingly.

[0207] The network device sends the routing list to the second relay device, and the second relay device obtains the routing list accordingly.

[0208] The network device can configure a routing list for each relay device, such as a first relay device and a second relay device, through a control link. The routing list may include at least one path identifier (ID) and a path corresponding to each of the at least one path identifier. Each path identifier corresponds to a specific path for forwarding data, which is used when the first relay device and the second relay device forward data. It is understood that the routing list in the embodiment of the present application may include at least the following first path identifier and the following second path identifier.

[0209] It is understood that the path identifier can be replaced with any other possible name, such as a path index, without limitation. For example, taking the routing list shown in Table 1 as an example, the routing list may include: Path ID#1, Path ID#2, etc. The specific path corresponding to Path ID#1 may be: NCR#1→NCR#2; the specific path corresponding to Path ID#2 may be: NCR#1→NCR#2→NCR#3. NCR#3 may be another NCR in the communication system, and NCR#3 may be a child node of NCR#2.

[0210] Table 1

[0211] It is understood that the above Table 1 is only an example, and the routing list may also include any possible path ID and specific path without limitation.

[0212] The first information can be used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data. The next-hop relay device can be a child node of the first relay device. That is, the first information can be understood as routing-related information. In conjunction with the above steps, the content of the first information is specifically described below using the following three cases as examples.

[0213] Case 1: The first information may be used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding data.

[0214] The first information may indicate the address of the destination relay device and the first path of relay devices that the forwarded data passes through / traverses, so as to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data. In other words, the first relay device may determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding the data based on the address of the destination relay device and the first path. The second relay device may be the next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path. That is, the first relay device may determine that the next-hop relay device when forwarding the data is the second relay device based on the address of the destination relay device and the first path.

[0215] Optionally, the first information may include the address of the destination relay device and a first path identifier, and the first path identifier may be used to indicate the first path. The first relay device may determine whether it is the destination relay device based on the first address and the address of the destination relay device. If the first relay device determines that it is not the destination relay device, the first relay device may query the first path corresponding to the first path identifier based on the first path identifier and a pre-configured routing list; the first relay device may determine the next-hop relay device to which the first relay device forwards data based on the first path. It will be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, if the first relay device is not the destination relay device, the first relay device needs to forward data to other relay devices.

[0216] For example, as shown in Table 1 above, assuming that the first path identifier is path ID#1 and the address of the destination relay device is address#2, NCR#1 can determine that the next-hop relay device for forwarding data is NCR#2 based on path ID#1, so that NCR#1 can subsequently forward data to NCR#2 (such as the first data mentioned below).

[0217] Case 2: The first information may be used to indicate the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data.

[0218] The first relay device may directly determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding the data based on the first information. For example, the first information may directly indicate that the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the data is the second relay device, or the first information may directly instruct the first relay device to forward the data to the second relay device.

[0219] Optionally, the first information may include the address of the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data, such as the address of the second relay device, that is, the second address. The first relay device can determine to forward data to the second relay device based on the second address (such as the first data described below). It can be understood that if the address of the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data included in the first information is the first address, or the first information does not include the address of any relay device, it can be characterized as the address of the destination relay device, that is, the first relay device is the destination relay device for forwarding data. It can be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, it is assumed that the first relay device is not the destination relay device, and the first relay device needs to forward data to other relay devices. For example, the first information includes address#2, and NCR#1 can determine that the next-hop relay device for forwarding data is NCR#2 based on the first information.

[0220] Case 3: The first information may be used to indicate the destination relay device.

[0221] The first information may directly indicate the destination relay device, for example, the first information may include the address of the destination relay device. The first relay device needs to determine the next hop relay device when forwarding data based on the address of the destination relay device and the routing list.

[0222] Exemplarily, the first relay device needs to determine one or more paths in the routing list that include the first relay device and the destination relay device based on the first address and the address of the destination relay device, and on the one or more paths, the first relay device is located ahead of the destination relay device, or in other words, the first relay device is before the destination relay device, and the first relay device needs to forward data to the destination relay device.

[0223] It is understood that if the first address is the same as the address of the destination relay device, it can be indicated that the first relay device is the destination relay device, and the first relay device does not need to continue forwarding data to other relay devices. In the embodiment of the present application, assume that the first relay device is not the destination relay device and the first relay device needs to forward data to other relay devices.

[0224] If the first relay device only selects one path that meets the conditions, the first relay device directly determines the next-hop relay device when forwarding data based on the path; if the first relay device selects multiple paths that meet the conditions, the first relay device can select a target path from the multiple paths to determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding data. For example, the first relay device can select a shorter path between the first relay device and the destination relay device as the target path; for another example, the first relay device can determine the one with a higher priority as the target path based on the priority corresponding to each path, without limitation.

[0225] For example, the first information includes address#2, and NCR#1 can determine path ID#1 and path ID#2 based on address#2 and the routing list shown in Table 1 above, and the path between NCR#1 and NCR#2 in path ID#1 is shorter. Therefore, NCR#1 can select the path indicated by path ID#1 to determine whether to forward data to NCR#2; or, assuming that the priority of path ID#1 is greater than the priority of path ID#2, NCR#1 can select the path indicated by path ID#1 to determine whether to forward data to NCR#2.

[0226] It can be understood that, in combination with the above situations 1 to 3, the first information can be dynamically configured by the network device for the first relay device, or the first information can be semi-statically configured by the network device. The following two situations are used as examples for detailed introduction.

[0227] Case a: the first information is information used when forwarding the first data.

[0228] That is, the first information is information used only when the first relay device forwards the first data. When the first relay device receives other data, such as data #a, the first information cannot be used as the information used by the first relay device to forward the first data. That is, the first information may be information dynamically configured by the network device for the first relay device. Before the first relay device forwards data each time, it is necessary to determine the next-hop relay device based on the information sent by the network device through the control link, such as the above-mentioned first information and other routing-related information. Then, the first relay device forwards the data to the next-hop relay device. The forwarded data may include: routing-related information configured by the network device for the next-hop relay device (such as the second information described below), which is used when the next-hop relay device forwards data, thereby achieving dynamic scheduling and greater flexibility.

[0229] It should be noted that, for a detailed introduction to the second information, reference may be made to the relevant content in the following introduction to step S702 and step S703, which will not be elaborated on herein.

[0230] Case b: the first information is information used for forwarding data in the first data set. The data in the first data set includes the first data.

[0231] That is, the first information can be information used by the first relay device when forwarding multiple data, or the first information can be information semi-statically configured by the network device, or pre-configured information. Before the first information is updated or deactivated, the first relay device can use the first information to determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding data. It should be understood that before the first information is updated or deactivated, the first relay device uses the first information to determine that the data to be forwarded is the data in the first data set, and the data in the first data set can be one or more data, without limitation.

[0232] For example, as shown in Figure 8, taking the first information including address#2 and path ID#1 as an example, before the first information is updated or deactivated, the first relay device can use address#2 and path #1 indicated by path ID#1 to forward data; when the first information is updated to first information #1, assuming that the first information #1 includes address#3 and path ID#2, the first relay device can continue to forward data using address#3 and path #2 indicated by path ID#2.

[0233] It can be understood that the network device can pre-configure routing-related information for each relay device through the control link. Afterwards, when data is transmitted between the network device and the terminal device, the data may not include routing-related information. For example, when the first relay device forwards data to the second relay device, the forwarded data may not include routing-related information configured by the network device for the second relay device. The second relay device can directly forward the data according to the routing-related information pre-configured by the network device to save overhead.

[0234] In the above situation b, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0235] The network device sends the first indication information to the first relay device via the control link. Correspondingly, the first relay device receives the first indication information (via the control link).

[0236] The first indication information may be used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set. That is, after the network device activates the first information through the first indication information, the first relay device may use the first information to forward data until the first information is updated or deactivated.

[0237] The first indication information may be carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-control element (MAC CE), a radio resource control (RRC) message, or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), without limitation. It is understood that the PDCCH may carry downlink control information (DCI), that is, the first indication information may be carried in a MAC CE, an RRC message, or a DCI.

[0238] Optionally, the network device may also send the address and routing list of each relay device to each relay device via the control link. Subsequently, the network device may further send instruction information, such as instruction information #a, to each control link via the control link to instruct each relay device to activate or determine which path in the routing list to use. When each relay device forwards data, it may use this path to determine the next-hop relay device to which the data is forwarded. It should be noted that the path activated by the network device includes the destination relay device for the forwarded data.

[0239] For example, the network device can send the address and routing list of each relay device to each relay device through an RRC message. Then, the network device can activate which path in the routing list to use through MAC CE or DCI to determine the next-hop relay device when each relay device forwards data.

[0240] The network device can also use multi-level indication to instruct each relay device to activate or determine which path in the routing list to use. For example, the network device can send indication information to each relay device through a control link, such as indication information #a1 to instruct each relay device to activate or determine which path in the routing list to use. Afterwards, the network device can send indication information to each relay device through a control link, such as indication information #a2 to instruct each relay device to activate or determine which specific path in the routing list to use.

[0241] For example, (1) the network device can configure routing list #1 to each relay device through an RRC message. The routing list #1 can include 20 path identifiers, recorded as path ID#a1-path ID#a20, and the 20 path identifiers correspond to 20 different paths respectively; (2) the network device can send indication information #a1 to each relay device through a MAC CE to activate or determine that each relay device uses part of the paths in the routing list, such as indication information #a1 indicates the activation of path ID#a5-path ID#a10 among the 20 path identifiers; (3) the network device can send indication information #a2 to each relay device through a DCI to indicate the activation or determination of which specific path in the routing list each relay device uses. For example, indication information #a2 indicates the activation of path ID#a8. When each relay device forwards data, it can use the path corresponding to path ID#a8 to determine the next-hop relay device to forward the data.

[0242] It should be noted that the forwarding paths activated by the network device for each relay device can be the same or different, without limitation. When the forwarding paths activated by the network device for each relay device are not exactly the same, it is only necessary to ensure that the forwarding path activated for each relay device can forward data to the desired destination relay device. This embodiment of the application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0243] Optionally, the first information also includes second indication information.

[0244] The second indication information can be used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data belongs to uplink data. In this way, the first relay device can clearly determine whether the first information is for data transmission or downlink data transmission based on the second indication information to avoid misidentification or erroneous identification.

[0245] In one possible design, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following: a MAC CE, an RRC message, or a PDCCH (such as a DCI), that is, carried in an existing information element to reduce implementation difficulty. The first information may also be carried in a new information element, such as a newly defined MAC CE, an RRC message, or a PDCCH (such as a DCI), to increase implementation flexibility, without limitation.

[0246] For example, taking the above-mentioned case 1 as an example, assume that a new PDCCH format (format) is newly defined, or in other words, a new DCI format is newly defined, as shown in Table 2. The DCI format may include at least the following fields: DCI format identifier (identifier for DCI formats), destination NCR address (destination NCR address), and path ID (path ID). Among them, the DCI format identifier can be used to indicate that the DCI format is a routing-related configuration for DL ​​or UL, that is, the DCI format identifier (i.e., the above-mentioned second indication information) can indicate that the DCI format is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and can occupy 1 bit; the address of the destination relay device can indicate the address of the destination relay device when forwarding data, and can occupy 8 bits; the path ID can be used to indicate the path ID when forwarding data, and can occupy 4 bits. It should be understood that the number of bits occupied by each field in the DCI format is not limited to the values ​​in Table 2. In addition, the DCI format may also include any other possible fields without limitation.

[0247] Table 2

[0248] It can be understood that the naming of the first information is only an example, and the first information can also be named by any other possible means, such as first control information, etc., without limitation.

[0249] The above step S702 is introduced.

[0250] The first data may be data that the first relay device needs to forward. The first data may include data transmitted between the network device and the terminal device, such as service-related data, and the like, which will not be described in detail here. The network device may send the first data to the first relay device via a backhaul link. It will be understood that step S702 corresponds to downlink transmission. During uplink transmission, the terminal device may send data to a relay device, such as the first relay device, via an access link. The implementation principle is similar to that of downlink transmission and can be referred to for understanding, so this will not be described here in detail.

[0251] As can be seen above, network devices can send routing-related information to each relay device via a control link, and send downlink data to relay devices via a backhaul link. Relay devices can then forward this downlink data to terminal devices via the backhaul link. Terminal devices can also send uplink data to relay devices via an access link, and relay devices can forward this downlink data to network devices via the backhaul link. Regarding scenario a above, the control link and the backhaul / access link can use time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or a combination of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing to transmit information or data. This is described in detail below.

[0252] (1) Time division multiplexing method.

[0253] As shown in Figure 9, the control link occupies different time domain resources than the backhaul link / access link and is distributed in a time-division manner. The time-frequency resources occupied by the control link precede those of the backhaul link / access link. The control link can carry routing-related information, such as the address and path ID of the destination relay device, while the backhaul link / access link can carry forwarded data. Taking the NCR as an example, the NCR-MT can decode the control link portion to obtain the destination NCR address and path ID. Based on this destination NCR address and path ID, the NCR can forward the data in the backhaul link / access link to the next-hop NCR, network device (uplink transmission, if the NCR is the destination NCR), or terminal device (downlink transmission, if the NCR is the destination NCR) via NCR-Fwd, without limitation.

[0254] For example, using NCR#1 as an example, assume that the first information occupies slot #i and the first data occupies slot #i+k+1. NCR-MT#1 can decode the first information in slot #i to obtain address #2 and path ID #1. Then, based on address #2 and path ID #1, NCR-Fwd#1 can forward the data corresponding to slot #i+k+1 to NCR#2. k represents a timing offset value, which can be used to indicate the offset between the time slot containing the routing-related information and the time slot of the forwarding resource, and is measured in time slots.

[0255] (2) Frequency division multiplexing method.

[0256] As shown in Figure 10, the control link occupies different frequency domain resources than the backhaul link / access link, and both are distributed in a frequency-division manner. The control link can carry routing-related information, such as the address and path ID of the destination relay device, while the backhaul link / access link can carry forwarded data. Taking the NCR as an example, the NCR-MT can decode the frequency domain resources corresponding to the control link to obtain the destination NCR address and path ID. Based on this destination NCR address and path ID, the NCR can forward the data in the backhaul link / access link via the NCR-Fwd to the next-hop NCR, network device (for uplink transmission, if the NCR is the destination NCR), or terminal device (for downlink transmission, if the NCR is the destination NCR), without limitation.

[0257] For example, taking the above-mentioned NCR#1 as an example, assuming that the first information occupies frequency band #x and the first data occupies frequency band #y, NCR-MT#1 can decode the first information in frequency band #x to obtain address#2 and path ID#1. After that, NCR can forward the corresponding data in frequency band #y to NCR#2 through NCR-Fwd#1 based on address#2 and path ID#1.

[0258] (3) Combination of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing.

[0259] As shown in Figure 11, the control link and the backhaul / access link can use a combination of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing to achieve multi-path simultaneous data transmission. It is understood that the multiple data paths sent via frequency division multiplexing can be configured with different routing information, such as different destination relay device addresses and path IDs, to achieve multi-hop routing with different NCR addresses and different paths for multiple data packets.

[0260] It can be understood that its implementation principle is similar to the above-mentioned time division multiplexing method and frequency division multiplexing method, which can be used as a reference for understanding and will not be elaborated on.

[0261] In the above case a, the first data may also include routing information of subsequent relay network devices in the forwarding path of the network device being the first relay device. Exemplarily, the first data may also include second information. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant content in the introduction to step S703 below, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] It can be understood that the naming of the first data is only an example, and the first data can also be any other possible name, such as data #1, etc., without limitation.

[0263] The above step S703 is introduced.

[0264] Among them, the first relay device can transparently forward the first data, or the first relay device can also digitally regenerate and forward the data part of the first data, that is, decode the data part, and then encode it to generate data before forwarding it, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the forwarded signal. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0265] In one possible design scheme, for the above-mentioned situation a, the first data may include the second information, and the second information may be used to determine the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards the data. The second information and the first information occupy different time-frequency resource positions, or in other words, after the network device sends the first information to the first relay device via the control link, the network device then sends the second information to the second relay device via the control link. The first relay device may determine to forward the first data to the second relay device based on the first information; the second relay device receives the first data and, based on the second information in the first data, determines to forward the data other than the second information in the first data (recorded as the second data) to the next-hop destination relay device, until the destination relay device is reached.

[0266] The following three situations are used as examples to specifically introduce the content of the second information.

[0267] Case 4: the second information is used to indicate the destination relay device to which the second relay device forwards data and the second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

[0268] Optionally, the second information can indicate the address of the destination relay device and the second path of the relay devices that the forwarded data experiences / traverses, which is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards the data, or in other words, the second relay device can determine the next-hop relay device when forwarding the data based on the address of the destination relay device and the second path.

[0269] Optionally, the second information may include the address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, and the second path identifier may be used to indicate the second path. The second relay device may determine whether it is the destination relay device based on the second address and the address of the destination relay device. If the second relay device determines that it is not the destination relay device, the second relay device may query the second path corresponding to the second path identifier based on the second path identifier and the pre-configured routing list; the second relay device may determine the next-hop relay device to which the second relay device forwards the data based on the second path, and forward the second data to the next-hop relay device, for example, the third relay device; if the second relay device is the destination relay device, the second relay device forwards the second data to the corresponding terminal device. That is, the second relay device may act as an end node to establish a connection with the terminal device, or the second relay device may act as an intermediate node, and the second relay device may receive the first data from the first relay device and forward the second data to the third relay device based on the second information, without limitation.

[0270] Case 5: The second information may be used to indicate the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data.

[0271] The second relay device directly determines the next-hop relay device when forwarding the data based on the first information. For example, the second information can directly indicate that the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards the data is the third relay device, or the second information can directly instruct the second relay device to forward the data to the third relay device.

[0272] Optionally, the second information may include the address of the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data, such as the address of the third relay device, recorded as the third address. The first relay device can determine to forward data, such as the second data, to the third relay device based on the third address.

[0273] It is understood that the third address is the address configured by the network device for the third relay device via the control link. The implementation principle is similar to the allocation of the first address and the second address by the network device described above, and is not further described. If the second information includes the address of the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards the data as the second address, or if the second information does not include the address of any relay device, then the second address can be represented as the address of the destination relay device, that is, the second relay device is the destination relay device for forwarding the data, without limitation.

[0274] Case 6: The second information may be used to indicate the destination relay device.

[0275] The second information may directly indicate the destination relay device, for example, the second information may include the address of the destination relay device. The second relay device needs to determine the next hop relay device when forwarding data based on the address of the destination relay device and the routing list.

[0276] Exemplarily, the second relay device needs to determine one or more paths in the routing list that include the second relay device and the destination relay device based on the second address and the address of the destination relay device, and on the one or more paths, the second relay device is located ahead of the destination relay device, or in other words, the second relay device is before the destination relay device, and the second relay device needs to forward data to the destination relay device.

[0277] It can be understood that if the second address is the same as the address of the destination relay device, it can be characterized as the destination relay device, and the second relay device does not need to continue forwarding data to other relay devices; if the second address is different from the address of the destination relay device, the second relay device can determine the next-hop relay device to which the second relay device forwards the data based on the selected one or more paths and the address of the destination relay device, without limitation.

[0278] It can be understood that the relevant introduction of the second information is similar to the above-mentioned first information, and can be used as a reference for understanding without further elaboration.

[0279] Before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device, the first relay device may determine, based on the first information, that the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the first data is the second relay device.

[0280] In a possible design solution, corresponding to the above situation 1, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0281] The first relay device decodes the first information through the first functional entity to determine the address of the destination relay device and the first path identifier;

[0282] The first relay device determines the second relay device according to the address of the destination relay device, the first path identifier, and the routing list.

[0283] For example, if the first information includes address#2 and path ID#1, NCR-MT#1 can determine address#2 and path ID#1 based on the first information, and determine that the next hop device of NCR#1 is NCR#2 based on address#2, path ID#1 and the routing list shown in Table 1 above.

[0284] In one possible design, corresponding to the above scenario 2, before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device through the backhaul link, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0285] The first relay device decodes the first information through the first functional entity to determine the second address;

[0286] The first relay device determines the second relay device according to the second address.

[0287] For example, if the first information includes address#2, NCR-MT#1 may determine address#2 according to the first information, and determine, according to address#2, that the next-hop device of NCR#1 is NCR#2.

[0288] In one possible design, corresponding to the above scenario 3, before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device through the backhaul link, the above method embodiment may further include:

[0289] The first relay device decodes the first information through the first functional entity to determine the address of the destination relay device.

[0290] The first relay device determines the second relay device according to the address of the destination relay device and the routing list.

[0291] For example, if the first information includes address#2, NCR-MT#1 can determine address#2 based on the first information, and determine that the next-hop relay device of NCR#1 is NCR#2 based on address#2 and the routing list shown in Table 1.

[0292] The following specifically introduces the forwarding of the first data by the first relay device to the second relay device.

[0293] In one possible design, the first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device includes:

[0294] The first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device through the second functional entity.

[0295] Exemplarily, NCR-MT#1 may send the first data to NCR#2 via a backhaul link.

[0296] Optionally, the first relay device transparently forwards the first data to the second relay device according to the first corresponding relationship.

[0297] That is, the first relay device can adjust the beam direction according to the physical location of the second relay device to avoid the second relay device not receiving the forwarded first data or the quality of the received first data not meeting the requirements, which can further improve the reliability of data forwarding.

[0298] In summary, the first relay device can receive first information from the network device via a control link. The first information can be used to determine the next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data. That is, the first information can be routing-related information. After receiving the first data, the first relay device can determine, based on the first information, that the first data needs to be forwarded to the second relay device. This can achieve flexible and rapid data forwarding between relay devices, that is, low-cost relay devices, or in other words, implement multi-hop routing between relay devices to improve communication efficiency.

[0299] It is understood that the above method embodiment is described by taking downlink transmission as an example. Optionally, for uplink transmission, the first relay device and the second relay device may use the same forwarding path as the downlink transmission, but in opposite directions.

[0300] Optionally, for uplink transmission, the first relay device and the second relay device may use a forwarding path different from the uplink transmission, and the network device may configure the routing information for the uplink transmission (similar to the downlink transmission routing configuration, which will not be repeated here), or the terminal device may also configure the routing information for the uplink transmission, such as the address and path ID of the destination relay device may be carried through the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) / uplink control information (UCI). This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0301] The above is combined with the method embodiments to comprehensively introduce the process of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application. For ease of understanding, the above method is introduced below using the following two scenarios as examples.

[0302] As shown in Figure 12, the communication system may include a gNB, satellite NCR#A, terrestrial NCR#B, satellite NCR#C, UE#a, and UE#b. UE#a establishes a connection with the gNB through terrestrial NCR#B, and UE#b establishes a connection with the gNB through satellite NCR#C. The gNB cannot provide coverage for terrestrial NCR#B and satellite NCR#C.

[0303] Scenario 1, for Case 1 in step S701 above, as shown in FIG13 , the method may include:

[0304] S1301: The NCR and UE establish a Uu interface connection with the gNB.

[0305] NCR can access the parent node as a UE through the Uu port. For example, satellite NCR#A can access the gNB as a UE through the Uu port, terrestrial NCR#B can access satellite NCR#A or gNB as a UE through the Uu port, and satellite NCR#C can access terrestrial satellite NCR#B or gNB as a UE through the Uu port.

[0306] It can be understood that UE#a can establish a Uu port and connection with the gNB through the ground NCR#B; UE#b can establish a Uu port and connection with the gNB through the satellite NCR#C.

[0307] S1302: The gNB allocates an NCR address to the NCR through a control link.

[0308] After the gNB or core network identifies and authorizes / authenticates satellite NCR#A, terrestrial NCR#B, and satellite NCR#C, the gNB can assign NCR addresses to each NCR. For example, the gNB can assign address#A to satellite NCR#A, address#B to terrestrial NCR#B, and address#C to satellite NCR#C via a control link.

[0309] S1303, satellite NCR#A obtains address#B.

[0310] The terrestrial NCR#B can send the address#B of the terrestrial NCR#B to the satellite NCR#A; alternatively, the gNB can send the address#B of the terrestrial NCR#B to the satellite NCR#A.

[0311] S1304, ground NCR#B obtains address#C.

[0312] Satellite NCR#C can send the address#C of satellite NCR#C to ground NCR#B; alternatively, gNB can send the address#C of satellite NCR#C to ground NCR#B.

[0313] S1305: The gNB configures routing list #1 to the NCR via the control link.

[0314] The gNB can distribute routing list #1 to satellite NCR#A, terrestrial NCR#B, and satellite NCR#C via the control link. As shown in Table 3, routing list #1 can include ID#1 and ID#2. The path corresponding to ID#1 is: satellite NCR#A → terrestrial NCR#B; the path corresponding to ID#2 is: satellite NCR#A → terrestrial NCR#B → satellite NCR#C.

[0315] Table 3

[0316] S1306: When the gNB transmits data with UE#a, the gNB sends information #1 to satellite NCR#A via the control link.

[0317] For example, if the gNB needs to send data to UE#b, Message#1 can be the routing information configured by the gNB for satellite NCR#A. Message#1 can carry address#B (i.e., the address of the destination relay device) and ID#1.

[0318] S1307, satellite NCR#A decodes information #1 and determines the next hop NCR.

[0319] Satellite NCR#A can decode information #1 through NCR-MT#A to obtain address#B and ID#1. Satellite NCR#A can determine the next-hop NCR is terrestrial NCR#B based on address#B, ID#1, and routing list #1.

[0320] S1308, the network device sends data #1 to satellite NCR#A via the backhaul link.

[0321] The network device may send data #1 to NCR-Fwd#A of satellite NCR#A via a backhaul link.

[0322] S1309, satellite NCR#A sends data #1 to ground NCR#B via the backhaul link.

[0323] Based on the decoding result of NCR-MT#A, satellite NCR#A can transparently transmit data #1 to NCR-Fwd#B of ground NCR#B via NCR-Fwd#A. It can be understood that data #1 includes information #2 and data #2. Information #2 can be the routing-related information configured by the network device for ground NCR#B. Information #2 can carry address#C (i.e., the address of the destination relay device) and ID#1.

[0324] S1310, ground NCR#B decodes information #2 and determines the next-hop NCR.

[0325] Satellite NCR#B can receive information #2 through the control link and use NCR-MT#B to decode information #2 to obtain address#B and ID#1. At this time, ground NCR#B can determine that ground NCR#B is the destination relay device based on address#B, ID#1 and routing list #1.

[0326] S1311, satellite NCR#B sends data #2 to UE#a via the access link.

[0327] Satellite NCR#B sends data #2 to UE#a via NCR-Fwd#B.

[0328] It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the order in which the UE establishes a Uu port connection with the NCR and the NCR establishes a Uu port connection with the gNB in ​​the above step S1301; the embodiment of the present application does not limit the order of step S1303 and step S1304.

[0329] Scenario 2: For scenario 2 in step S701 above, as shown in FIG14 , the method may include:

[0330] S1401: The NCR and UE establish a Uu interface connection with the gNB.

[0331] S1402: The gNB allocates an NCR address to the NCR through a control link.

[0332] S1403, satellite NCR#A obtains address#B.

[0333] S1404, ground NCR#B obtains address#C.

[0334] S1405: The gNB configures routing list #1 to the NCR via the control link.

[0335] It can be understood that the implementation process of step S1401 to step S1405 is similar to the above-mentioned step S1301 to step S1305, which can be used as a reference for understanding and will not be described in detail.

[0336] S1406, the gNB sends information #1 to each NCR via the control link.

[0337] The gNB can send information #1 to satellite NCR#A, ground NCR#B and satellite NCR#C in advance through the control link, which can carry address#B (i.e., the address of the destination relay device) and ID#1.

[0338] S1407: The gNB sends activation information #1 to each NCR via the control link.

[0339] The gNB may send activation information #1 to satellite NCR#A, terrestrial NCR#B, and satellite NCR#C via a control link to activate information #1, so that satellite NCR#A, terrestrial NCR#B, and satellite NCR#C use information #1 to determine the next-hop NCR when forwarding data.

[0340] It should be noted that before information #1 is updated or deactivated, satellite NCR #A, ground NCR #B and satellite NCR #C all use information #1 to forward data.

[0341] S1408: When the gNB needs to send data to UE#b, the network device sends data#a to the satellite NCR#A via the backhaul link.

[0342] Data #a may be data that the gNB needs to send to UE #a and does not include any routing related information.

[0343] S1409, satellite NCR#A decodes information #1 and determines the next hop NCR.

[0344] Satellite NCR#A can decode information #1 through NCR-MT#A to obtain address#B and ID#1. Satellite NCR#A can determine that the next-hop relay device is ground NCR#B based on address#B, ID#1 and routing list #1.

[0345] S1410, satellite NCR#A sends data #a to ground NCR#B via a backhaul link.

[0346] Satellite NCR#A can transparently transmit data#a to NCR-Fwd#B of ground NCR#B via NCR-Fwd#A based on the decoding result of NCR-MT#A.

[0347] S1411, ground NCR#B decodes information #1 and determines the next-hop NCR.

[0348] Satellite NCR#B can use NCR-MT#B to decode information #2 to obtain address#B and ID#1. At this time, ground NCR#B can determine that ground NCR#B is the destination relay device based on address#, ID#1 and routing list #1.

[0349] S1412, satellite NCR#B sends data #a to UE#a via the access link.

[0350] It should be understood that the present embodiment does not limit the order in which the UE establishes a Uu interface connection with the NCR and the NCR establishes a Uu interface connection with the gNB in ​​step S1401. The present embodiment does not limit the order in which steps S1403 and S1404 are performed. The present embodiment does not limit the order in which steps S1410 and S1411 are performed. That is, satellite NCR#A and terrestrial NCR#B may first decode information #1 to determine the next-hop NCR. Thereafter, satellite NCR#A and terrestrial NCR#B execute steps S1410 and S1412.

[0351] It can be understood that in the above scenarios 1 and 2, information #1 and / or information #2 can be carried in at least one of the following: MAC CE, RRC message, or PDCCH (such as DCI), without limitation.

[0352] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 7 to 14. The communication device for executing the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 15 and 16.

[0353] Figure 15 is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 15 , the communication device 1500 includes a transceiver module 1501 and a processing module 1502. For ease of illustration, Figure 15 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0354] The transceiver module 1501 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in FIG. 7 , and the processing module 1502 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in FIG. 7 except the transceiver function.

[0355] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may include a sending module (not shown in FIG15 ) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG15 ). The sending module is used to implement the sending function of the communication device 1500 , and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1500 .

[0356] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 15 ) storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 1502 executes the program or instruction, the communication device 1500 may perform the functions of the first relay device and / or the network device in the method shown in FIG. 7 in the above method.

[0357] It can be understood that the communication device 1500 can be a relay device or a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the relay device or network device, or a device that includes a relay device or a network device. This application does not limit this.

[0358] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1500 can refer to the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0359] For example, FIG16 is a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a relay device or a network device, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be provided in a relay device or a network device. As shown in FIG16 , the communication device 1600 may include a processor 1601. Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a memory 1602 and / or a transceiver 1603. The processor 1601 is coupled to the memory 1602 and the transceiver 1603, such as by a communication bus.

[0360] The following is a detailed introduction to the various components of the communication device 1600 with reference to FIG16 :

[0361] The processor 1601 is the control center of the communication device 1600 and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1601 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0362] Optionally, the processor 1601 can execute various functions of the communication device 1600 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1602 and calling data stored in the memory 1602, such as executing the communication methods shown in Figures 6 to 11 above.

[0363] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1601 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG16 .

[0364] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 1600 may also include multiple processors, such as the processor 1601 and the processor 1604 shown in FIG16 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0365] Among them, the memory 1602 is used to store the software program for executing the solution of this application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 1601. The specific implementation method can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0366] Alternatively, the memory 1602 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage (including a compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 1602 may be integrated with the processor 1601 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1601 via an interface circuit (not shown in FIG16 ) of the communication device 1600, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0367] Transceiver 1603 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1600 is a relay device, transceiver 1603 can be used to communicate with a network device / terminal device, or with another relay device. For another example, if communication device 1600 is a network device, transceiver 1603 can be used to communicate with a relay device, or with another network device.

[0368] Optionally, the transceiver 1603 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in FIG16 ), wherein the receiver is used to implement a receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement a sending function.

[0369] Optionally, the transceiver 1603 can be integrated with the processor 1601, or can exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1601 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1600 (not shown in Figure 16). This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0370] It should be noted that the structure of the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. An actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0371] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1600 can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0372] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system may include: a first relay device and a network device. Optionally, the communication system may also include a second relay device and a terminal device.

[0373] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0374] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0375] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0376] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0377] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0378] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0379] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0380] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0381] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0382] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0383] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0384] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0385] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first relay device receives first information from a network device through a control link; wherein the first information is used to determine a next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data; The first relay device receives first data; The first relay device forwards the first data to a second relay device; wherein the second relay device is a next-hop relay device when the first relay device forwards the first data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding data, and the second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first information includes the address of the destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first information is information used when the first data is forwarded.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first data includes second information, where the second information is used to determine a next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data, and the time-frequency resource location occupied by the second information and the first information is different.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data by the second relay device and a second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second information includes the address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first information is information used for forwarding data in a first data set, and the data in the first data set includes the first data.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Before the first relay device receives the first data, the method further includes: The first relay device receives first indication information; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set.

10. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that: Before the first relay device receives the first information through the control link, the method further includes: The first relay device obtains a first address and a second address, wherein the first address is an address assigned to the first relay device by the network device, and the second address is an address of the second relay device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that After the first relay device acquires the first address and the second address, the method further includes: The first relay device acquires a first corresponding relationship; wherein the first corresponding relationship includes a corresponding relationship between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: After the first relay device acquires the first address and the second address, the method further includes: The first relay device obtains a routing list; wherein the routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each path identifier in the at least one path identifier, and the at least one path identifier includes the first path identifier.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The routing list may further include a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate a second path for forwarding data.

14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that: The first relay device includes a first functional entity and a second functional entity, the first functional entity is used to decode information received through a control link, and the second functional entity is used to forward data.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that Before the first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device, the method further includes: The first relay device decodes the first information through the first functional entity to determine the address of the destination relay device and the first path identifier; The first relay device determines the second relay device according to the address of the destination relay device and the first path identifier.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device includes: The first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device according to a first corresponding relationship; wherein the first corresponding relationship includes a corresponding relationship between a second address and a physical location of the second relay device, and the second address is the address of the second relay device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first relay device forwarding the first data to the second relay device includes: The first relay device forwards the first data to the second relay device through the second functional entity.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The first information also includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data is uplink data.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The first information is carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-control element MAC CE, a radio resource control RRC message, or a physical downlink control channel PDCCH.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The network device sends first information to the first relay device through the control link; wherein the first information is used to determine the next hop relay device when the first relay device forwards data; The network device sends first data to the first relay device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data and a first path for forwarding data.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first information includes the address of the destination relay device and a first path identifier, where the first path identifier is used to indicate the first path.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The first information is information used when the first data is forwarded.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device sends second information to a second relay device through a control link; wherein the second relay device is the next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path, the second information is used to determine the next-hop relay device when the second relay device forwards data, and the time-frequency resource positions occupied by the second information and the first information are different.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate a destination relay device for forwarding data by the second relay device and a second path for forwarding the data, and the relay devices indicated by the second path include the second relay device.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The second information includes the address of the destination relay device and a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate the second path.

27. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The first information is information used for forwarding data in a first data set, and the data in the first data set includes the first data.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that Before the network device sends the first data to the first relay device, the method further includes: The network device sends first indication information to the first relay device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate activation of the first information, and the activated first information is used when forwarding data in the first data set.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that Before the network device sends the first information to the first relay device through the control link, the method further includes: The network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device; The network device sends the corresponding second address to a second relay device; wherein the second relay device is a next-hop relay device of the first relay device in the first path.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that After the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the method further includes: The network device sends a first corresponding relationship to the first relay device; wherein the first corresponding relationship includes a corresponding relationship between the second address and the physical location of the second relay device.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that After the network device sends the corresponding first address to the first relay device, the method further includes: The network device sends a routing list to the first relay device and the second relay device; wherein the routing list includes at least one path identifier and a path corresponding to each path identifier in the at least one path identifier, and the at least one path identifier includes the first path identifier.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The routing list may further include a second path identifier, where the second path identifier is used to indicate a second path for forwarding data.

33. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 32, characterized in that The first information also includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first information is information used for uplink data transmission and / or downlink data transmission, and the first data is uplink data.

34. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 33, characterized in that The first information is carried in at least one of the following: a medium access control-control element MAC CE, a radio resource control RRC message, or a physical downlink control channel PDCCH.

35. A communication device, characterized in that: The apparatus comprises: a module for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-34.

36. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises: a processor; when the processor executes computer instructions, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-34.

37. A communication chip, characterized in that: Instructions are stored therein, and when the chip runs on a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 is implemented.

38. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium comprises a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

39. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 34 is executed.

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