Intermediate device determination method, a-IOT device, network device, and intermediate device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an intermediate device determination method, an A-IOT device, a network device, and an intermediate device. The method comprises: on the basis of a measurement parameter, an A-IOT device measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device, to obtain a first measured value of the measurement parameter; and sending a measurement report to a network device, wherein the measurement report comprises the first measured value. Therefore, the A-IoT device sends the measurement report to the network device, and on the basis of the measurement report, the network device selects, for the A-IOT device, an intermediate device to which a connection needs to be established, thereby saving resources of the A-IoT device and improving network stability.

Description

Method for determining intermediate device, A-IOT device, network device, intermediate device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for determining an intermediate device, an ambient internet of things (A-IOT) device, a network device, and an intermediate device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communications, some IoT devices can be powered by harvesting ambient energy; for example, these IoT devices can typically be powered by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The method disclosed in the present invention can be used to solve the technical problem of "how to select an intermediate device".

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for determining an intermediate device, an A-IOT device, a network device, and an intermediate device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an intermediate device is proposed, which is performed by an A-IOT device. The method includes:

[0007] Measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter;

[0008] Sending a measurement report to a network device; wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement value.

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an intermediate device is provided, which is performed by a network device. The method includes:

[0010] Receiving a measurement report sent by an A-IOT device; wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement value of a measurement parameter of a signal sent by a first intermediate device;

[0011] A second intermediate device is determined from the first intermediate devices according to the measurement report.

[0012] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an intermediate device is proposed, which is performed by an A-IOT device. The method includes:

[0013] Measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter;

[0014] A second intermediate device is determined from among the first intermediate devices based on the first measurement value.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an intermediate device is provided, which is performed by a first intermediate device. The method includes:

[0016] Measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a third measurement value;

[0017] The third measurement value meets the second preset condition, and a first discovery signal is sent.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an A-IOT device is provided, including:

[0019] a processing module, configured to measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter;

[0020] The transceiver module is configured to send a measurement report to a network device; wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement value.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0022] a transceiver module, configured to receive a measurement report sent by an A-IOT device; wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement value of a measurement parameter of a signal sent by a first intermediate device;

[0023] A processing module is configured to determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices based on the measurement report.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an A-IOT device is provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0025] The processing module is configured to measure a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter; and determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device according to the first measurement value.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an intermediate device is provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0027] a processing module, configured to measure a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a third measurement value;

[0028] The transceiver module is configured to send a first discovery signal when the third measurement value meets a second preset condition.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an A-IOT device is provided, including:

[0030] one or more processors;

[0031] The A-IOT device is used to execute the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0032] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0033] one or more processors;

[0034] The network device is used to execute the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0035] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an A-IOT device is provided, including:

[0036] one or more processors;

[0037] Among them, the A-IOT device is used to execute the intermediate device determination method described in the embodiment of the third aspect.

[0038] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an intermediate device is provided, including:

[0039] one or more processors;

[0040] Among them, the intermediate device is used to execute the intermediate device determination method described in the fourth aspect embodiment.

[0041] According to the thirteenth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including an A-IOT device and a network device, wherein the A-IOT device is configured to implement the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the second aspect.

[0042] According to the fourteenth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including an A-IOT device and an intermediate device, wherein the A-IOT device is configured to implement the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the third aspect, and the intermediate device is configured to implement the method for determining the intermediate device described in the embodiment of the fourth aspect.

[0043] According to the fifteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the determination method of the intermediate device as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the A-IOT device can measure the measurement parameters of the signal sent by the first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value, and report a measurement report containing the first measurement value to the network device. The network device selects the intermediate device that needs to establish a connection for the A-IOT device based on the measurement report, thereby saving resources of the A-IOT device and improving network stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] 2A-2B are interactive diagrams illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] 3A-3E are flowcharts of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] 4A-4B are flowcharts illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] 5A-5B are interactive diagrams illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG6 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an A-IOT device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG7C is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for determining an intermediate device, an A-IOT device, a network device, and an intermediate device.

[0058] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining an intermediate device, which is performed by an A-IOT device. The method includes:

[0059] Measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter;

[0060] Sending a measurement report to a network device; wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement value.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can measure the measurement parameters of the signal sent by the first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value, and report the measurement report containing the first measurement value to the network device. The network device selects the intermediate device that needs to establish a connection for the A-IOT device based on the measurement report, thereby saving the resources of the A-IOT device and improving the stability of the network.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0063] receiving instruction information sent by the network device;

[0064] The indication information is used to instruct the A-IOT device to establish a connection with a second intermediate device, where the second intermediate device is a device determined by the network device from the first intermediate device based on the measurement report.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can establish a connection with the second intermediate device indicated by the network device, thereby improving the stability of the network.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the measurement report to the network device includes:

[0067] If a first preset condition is met, the measurement report is sent to the network device.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device sends a measurement report to the network device when certain conditions are met, thereby saving resources of the A-IOT device.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, satisfying the first preset condition includes any one of the following:

[0070] The second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold; wherein the second measurement value is obtained by measuring the signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter;

[0071] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold;

[0072] The second measurement value is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0073] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0074] The first measurement value is greater than the second threshold;

[0075] A difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can send a measurement report to the network device when the relationship between the second measurement value and the first threshold, or the relationship between the first measurement value and the second threshold, meets certain conditions, thereby meeting the needs of various scenarios. In addition, considering hysteresis can avoid frequent switching between sending and not sending measurement reports, thereby improving the stability of measurement report transmission.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0078] Receiving a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device;

[0079] Based on the measurement parameter, the first discovery signal is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can measure the measurement parameters of the first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value, so that the communication quality between the A-IOT device and the first intermediate device can be determined through the first measurement value, which is convenient for selecting an intermediate device from the first intermediate device to establish a connection with the A-IOT device.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first discovery signal carries a device identification of the first intermediate device.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device may determine the device identification of the first intermediate device based on the first discovery signal, so that the A-IOT device may understand which intermediate devices are around.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0084] sending a second discovery signal;

[0085] receiving a response signal sent by the first intermediate device;

[0086] Based on the measurement parameter, the response signal is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can actively send a second discovery signal to discover the surrounding intermediate devices. When receiving the response signal sent by the first intermediate device, the measurement parameters of the response signal can be measured to obtain a first measurement value, so that the communication quality between the A-IOT device and the first intermediate device can be determined through the first measurement value, which facilitates the selection of an intermediate device from the first intermediate device to establish a connection with the A-IOT device, and the surrounding intermediate devices can be determined through the response signal.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second discovery signal includes any one of the following:

[0089] The second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the second discovery signal is sent; wherein the second measurement value is obtained by measuring the signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter;

[0090] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the second discovery signal is sent.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can send the second discovery signal only when the communication quality with the network device is poor, saving resources. In addition, the second discovery signal is sent only when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold. This allows the second discovery signal to be sent only when it is confirmed that the communication quality with the network device is indeed poor, further improving the accuracy of the second discovery signal.

[0092] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second discovery signal carries the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the second discovery signal carries the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device, so that the intermediate device that receives the second discovery signal can determine the device identification, device type and other information of the A-IOT device based on the second discovery signal, and then these intermediate devices can determine which A-IOT device has the need to forward information through the intermediate device.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0095] Receiving a signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device;

[0096] Based on the measurement parameter, the signal carrying the data is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0097] In the above embodiment, if the A-IOT device has established a connection with the first intermediate device, the measurement parameters of the signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device can be directly measured to obtain a first measurement value, so that the first intermediate device does not need to send additional signals for measurement, saving resources.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the measurement report further includes one or more of the following:

[0099] a device identifier of the first intermediate device;

[0100] a device type of the first intermediate device;

[0101] The device identification of the A-IOT device;

[0102] The device type of the A-IOT device.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can also notify the network device of the device identification, device type, etc. of the first intermediate device and its own device identification, device type, etc., so that the network device can obtain more device information.

[0104] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining an intermediate device, which is performed by a network device. The method includes:

[0105] Receiving a measurement report sent by an A-IOT device; wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement value of a measurement parameter of a signal sent by a first intermediate device;

[0106] A second intermediate device is determined from the first intermediate devices according to the measurement report.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the network device can receive a measurement report sent by the A-IOT device, which includes a first measurement value of a measurement parameter of a signal sent by the first intermediate device, and select a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device to establish a connection for the A-IOT device based on the measurement report, thereby improving the accuracy of the intermediate device determination.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0109] Sending instruction information to the A-IOT device; wherein the instruction information is used to instruct the A-IOT device to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the network device can send indication information to the A-IOT device, so that the A-IOT device can establish a connection with the second intermediate device based on the indication information, thereby improving the stability of the network.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information includes one or more of the following:

[0112] a device identifier of the second intermediate device;

[0113] The device identifier of the A-IOT device.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the indication information carries the device identification of the A-IOT device, so that the indication information can be accurately sent to the corresponding A-IOT device, thereby improving the accuracy of the sending of the indication information. The A-IOT device receiving the indication information can accurately establish a connection with the second intermediate device based on the device identification of the second intermediate device carried in the indication information.

[0115] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining an intermediate device, which is performed by an A-IOT device. The method includes:

[0116] Measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter;

[0117] A second intermediate device is determined from among the first intermediate devices based on the first measurement value.

[0118] In the above embodiment, after obtaining the first measurement value of the measurement parameter of the signal sent by the first intermediate device, the A-IOT device can determine the second intermediate device to be connected from the first intermediate device based on the first measurement value, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the intermediate device determination.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, determining the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device based on the first measurement value includes any one of the following:

[0120] Determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices whose first measurement value is greater than a second threshold;

[0121] The second intermediate device is determined from the first intermediate devices for which the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold, thereby selecting the intermediate device with better communication quality with the A-IOT device, which can improve the stability of the network; the A-IOT device can determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device whose difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold, thereby further ensuring that the selected intermediate device is an intermediate device with better communication quality with the A-IOT device, which can further improve the stability of the network.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0124] Receiving a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device;

[0125] Based on the measurement parameter, the first discovery signal is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can measure the measurement parameters of the first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value, so that the communication quality between the A-IOT device and the first intermediate device can be determined through the first measurement value, which is convenient for selecting an intermediate device from the first intermediate device to establish a connection with the A-IOT device.

[0127] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first discovery signal carries a device identification of the first intermediate device.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device may determine the device identification of the first intermediate device based on the first discovery signal, so that the A-IOT device may understand which intermediate devices are around.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0130] sending a second discovery signal;

[0131] receiving a response signal sent by the first intermediate device;

[0132] Based on the measurement parameter, the response signal is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can actively send a second discovery signal to discover the surrounding intermediate devices. When receiving the response signal sent by the first intermediate device, the measurement parameters of the response signal can be measured to obtain a first measurement value, so that the communication quality between the A-IOT device and the first intermediate device can be determined through the first measurement value, which facilitates the selection of an intermediate device from the first intermediate device to establish a connection with the A-IOT device, and the surrounding intermediate devices can be determined through the response signal.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second discovery signal includes any one of the following:

[0135] The second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the second discovery signal is sent; wherein the second measurement value is obtained by measuring the signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter;

[0136] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold, and the second discovery signal is sent.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the A-IOT device can send the second discovery signal when the communication quality with the network device is relatively poor, saving resources. In addition, the second discovery signal is sent when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, thereby sending the second discovery signal only when it is confirmed that the communication quality with the network device is indeed poor, further improving the accuracy of the second discovery signal.

[0138] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second discovery signal carries the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the second discovery signal carries the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device, so that the intermediate device that receives the second discovery signal can determine the device identification, device type and other information of the A-IOT device based on the second discovery signal, and then these intermediate devices can determine which A-IOT device has the need to forward information through the intermediate device.

[0140] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain the first measurement value of the measurement parameter includes:

[0141] Receiving a signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device;

[0142] Based on the measurement parameter, the signal carrying the data is measured to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0143] In the above embodiment, if the A-IOT device has established a connection with the first intermediate device, the measurement parameters of the signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device can be directly measured to obtain a first measurement value, so that the first intermediate device does not need to send additional signals for measurement, saving resources.

[0144] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0145] Establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0146] In the above embodiment, after determining the second intermediate device, a connection can be established with the second intermediate device, so that forwarding can be performed between the A-IOT device and the network device through the second intermediate device, thereby improving the stability and communication quality of the network.

[0147] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining an intermediate device, which is performed by a first intermediate device. The method includes:

[0148] Measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a third measurement value;

[0149] The third measurement value meets the second preset condition, and a first discovery signal is sent.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the first intermediate device can measure the measurement parameters of the signal sent by the network device to obtain a third measurement value, and send a first discovery signal when the third measurement value meets the second preset condition. Therefore, when the communication quality between the first intermediate device and the network device meets certain conditions, the first discovery signal is sent again. This not only increases the probability of the first intermediate device being selected, but also avoids frequent sending of discovery signals and saves resources.

[0151] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third measurement value satisfies the second preset condition, including any one of the following:

[0152] The third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0153] The sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to the fourth threshold;

[0154] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; wherein the fifth threshold is less than the fourth threshold;

[0155] The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold;

[0156] The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold;

[0157] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold;

[0158] A difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and a sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the first intermediate device can send the first discovery signal when the relationship between the third measurement value and the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold meets certain conditions, thereby meeting the needs of various scenarios. In addition, considering hysteresis can avoid frequent switching between sending and not sending the first discovery signal, thereby improving the stability of the first discovery signal transmission.

[0160] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis are configured or pre-configured by the network device.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis can be configured as needed to meet diverse needs.

[0162] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0163] Establish a connection with the A-IOT device, and send the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT to the network device.

[0164] In the above embodiment, if the first intermediate node establishes a connection with the A-IOT device, the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device can be sent to the network device, thereby notifying the network device of the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device to facilitate subsequent operations.

[0165] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an A-IOT device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module: wherein the A-IOT device is used to execute the first aspect and the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0166] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module: wherein the network device is used to execute the second aspect and the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0167] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an A-IOT device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module: wherein the A-IOT device is used to execute the third aspect and the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0168] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an intermediate device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module: wherein the intermediate device is used to execute the fourth aspect and the optional implementation method of the fourth aspect.

[0169] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an A-IOT device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the A-IOT device is used to execute the first aspect and the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0170] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the network device is used to execute the second aspect and the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0171] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an A-IOT device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the A-IOT device is used to execute the third aspect and the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0172] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an intermediate device, which includes: one or more processors; wherein the intermediate device is used to execute the fourth aspect and the optional implementation method of the fourth aspect.

[0173] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, including an A-IOT device and a network device, wherein the A-IOT device is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect and the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0174] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, including an A-IOT device and an intermediate device, wherein the A-IOT device is configured to implement the method described in the third aspect and the optional implementation of the third aspect, and the intermediate device is configured to implement the method described in the fourth aspect and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0175] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0176] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0177] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0178] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in accordance with the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0179] It is understandable that the aforementioned A-IOT devices, network devices, intermediate devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0180] The present disclosure provides methods for determining intermediate devices, A-IOT devices, network devices, and intermediate devices. In some embodiments, the terms "method for determining intermediate devices" and "information processing methods" and "communication methods" are interchangeable; "information transmission devices" and "information processing devices" and "communication devices" are interchangeable; and "information processing systems" and "communication systems" are interchangeable.

[0181] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0182] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0183] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0184] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0185] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0187] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0188] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0189] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0190] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0191] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0192] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0193] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0194] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0195] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, it can also be called device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it can also be set as a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, language such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by language corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0196] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0198] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0199] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 may include an A-IOT device 101 , a first intermediate device 102 , and a network device 103 .

[0200] In some embodiments, a communication connection may be established between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102 , a communication connection may be established between the A-IOT device 101 and the network device 103 , and a communication connection may be established between the first intermediate device 102 and the network device 103 .

[0201] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 , such as a discovery signal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first intermediate device 102 may be a terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but not limited thereto.

[0204] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a WiFi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0206] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0207] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. A network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0208] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0209] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0210] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0211] The astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the emergence of a vast number of IoT devices, has pushed maintenance expenses, including labor and battery costs, to a whole new level. Maintaining IoT network operations and replacing batteries can be extremely challenging in some extreme environmental conditions. Battery-free IoT communications have been proposed to improve network performance and sustainability, and expand application scenarios.

[0212] An ambient-powered IoT device is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, either without a battery or with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g. using capacitors), and can be powered by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source.

[0213] In some embodiments, energy obtained from the environment can drive data transmission and wireless communication of sensing nodes. The transmission and reception power consumption of low-power IoT communication chips (such as Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Long Range Radio (LoRa), and cellular-based narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)) are all in the tens or even hundreds of milliwatts, while the energy obtained by environmental energy harvesting is only in the microwatt level, which cannot drive these types of nodes to work.

[0214] In some embodiments, backscatter communication technology can be used to reduce communication energy consumption to tens of microwatts or even below ten microwatts. Backscatter communication is one of the key technologies for building a green, energy-efficient, low-cost, and flexibly deployable future Internet of Things, and is an important means to achieve the "intelligent connection of everything."

[0215] Backscatter communication utilizes the principle of RF signal backscattering to develop an extremely low-power modulation and transmission technology. Since a portion of the RF signal is reflected when it reaches the surface of an object, the transmitting node adjusts the matching between the receiving antenna and the impedance according to the intended information, enhancing the reflection of the incident RF signal and modulating the acquired sensory data onto the reflected signal to complete the data transmission. This process is similar to a reflector. Compared to other communication technologies, backscatter communication does not require a complex RF structure, reducing the use of components such as power amplifiers, high-precision crystal oscillators, duplexers, and high-precision filters. It also does not require complex baseband processing, thus simplifying terminal design and significantly reducing terminal node costs.

[0216] Backscatter communication can be applied to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. RIFD works by sending a radio frequency excitation signal from a receiver (typically an RFID reader) to activate a passive node (typically an RFID tag). The tag then uses backscatter communication to modulate its information onto the radio frequency signal. The reader then receives the reflected signal from the passive tag and demodulates it, achieving information transmission.

[0217] However, FRID technology also has some disadvantages, such as short coverage distance (the wireless signal will experience double path fading during the communication process, so the path loss is large and the effective communication distance is short), single-channel transmission, the need for strict tag alignment, and no power control.

[0218] In some embodiments, the new IoT devices have low memory, low processing power, low battery, small data transmission, and large-scale deployment. The environmental IoT devices can be maintenance-free and have a long service life (e.g., more than 10 years).

[0219] These new IoT devices require energy from radio waves transmitted by network nodes to power themselves. Therefore, until they receive energy, they are typically powered off, meaning they are disconnected from the network. To address this, the communication system must support data communication methods with shorter transmission times, lower memory consumption, and more convenient terminal management to expedite data communication.

[0220] In some embodiments, a wireless communication design for communicating with ambient energy devices may be implemented based on backscatter technology.

[0221] In some embodiments, the network architecture may be as follows:

[0222] Topology 1: Direct DL (uplink) and UL (downlink) data reception and transmission between ambient IoT and the base station;

[0223] Topology 2: DL and UL data reception and transmission are performed indirectly between the ambient IoT and the base station; intermediate nodes exist in the middle to forward the data, such as relays, IABs, UEs, and repeaters.

[0224] Topology 3: Ambient IoT devices and base stations directly transmit or receive data in the DL or UL. Auxiliary nodes are located on the UL or DL, responsible for receiving or sending UL or DL ​​data. Examples of auxiliary nodes include relays, IABs, UEs, and repeaters.

[0225] Topology 4: Downlink and uplink data are directly received and transmitted between the ambient IoT and the UE. The UE is responsible for collecting data and forwarding it to the network.

[0226] In some embodiments, Ambient IoT devices can be categorized into three types:

[0227] Type A: has energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, and uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission.

[0228] Type B: has energy storage, independent signal amplification, and uplink transmission relies on backscatter transmission.

[0229] Type C: With energy storage, with independent signal generation / amplification, i.e. active RF components for transmission.

[0230] In some embodiments, such as Topology 2, network devices and A-IOT devices are forwarded through intermediate devices, but the detailed method of how to discover and select intermediate devices is not yet clear.

[0231] Based on this, the present disclosure proposes a method for determining an intermediate device.

[0232] FIG2A is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used in a communication system 100 and includes:

[0233] Step S2101 : The first intermediate device 102 sends a signal to the A-IOT device 101 .

[0234] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "arbitrary", "any", "first", etc. can be interchangeable, and "specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", "any A", "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, any A, any A or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0235] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0236] In some embodiments, there may be one or more first intermediate devices 102. For example, the first intermediate device 102 may be a terminal device.

[0237] In some embodiments, terms such as "intermediary device" and "intermediate node" may be used interchangeably.

[0238] In some embodiments, the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 may be a discovery signal, or a response signal to the discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101, or a signal carrying data, etc.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first intermediate device 102 can measure the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameters to obtain a third measurement value. If the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, a first discovery signal can be sent to discover which A-IOT devices are around.

[0240] Illustratively, the measurement parameter may be reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or may be other measurement parameters, which are not limited.

[0241] In some embodiments, the third measurement value satisfies the second preset condition, including any one of the following:

[0242] The third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0243] The sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0244] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; wherein the fifth threshold is less than the fourth threshold;

[0245] A difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold;

[0246] a difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0247] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0248] The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to a fourth threshold.

[0249] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth threshold is not limited, such as "maximum threshold".

[0250] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth threshold is not limited, such as "minimum threshold".

[0251] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth hysteresis is not limited, such as "minimum hysteresis".

[0252] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth hysteresis is not limited, such as "maximum hysteresis".

[0253] In some embodiments, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis may be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103. For example, the first intermediate device 102 may receive one or more of the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis from the network device 103 via a system information block (SIB) or dedicated radio resource control (RRC) signaling or preconfiguration.

[0254] It should be noted that the fourth hysteresis and the fifth hysteresis may be the same or different, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0255] Optionally, the first intermediate device 102 may determine one or more of the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, the fifth hysteresis, etc. by itself.

[0256] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 obtains the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0257] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 only obtains the fourth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0258] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 only obtains the fifth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold.

[0259] In some embodiments, the access stratum (AS) of the first intermediate device 102 determines that the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send the first discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the first discovery signal.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0261] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the first intermediate device 102 and the A-IOT device 101 , the first intermediate device 102 may send a signal carrying the data to the A-IOT device 101 .

[0262] In some embodiments, the first intermediate device 102 may receive the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and send a response signal to the A-IOT device 101 according to the second discovery signal.

[0263] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 .

[0264] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0265] In step S2102 , the A-IOT device 101 sends a measurement report to the network device 103 .

[0266] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value, and obtain a measurement report based on the first measurement value. For example, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0267] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the first discovery signal based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0269] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal. If the first intermediate device 102 receives the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and sends a response signal to the A-IOT device 101, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0270] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal when the second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold. The second measurement value may be obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameter. Exemplarily, the signal sent by the network device 103 may be a reference signal, a signal carrying data, or other signals, without limitation.

[0271] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send the second discovery signal when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold. Exemplarily, the first hysteresis and the third threshold may be configured or pre-configured by the network device 103.

[0272] That is, when the A-IOT device 101 determines that the communication quality between it and the network device 103 is relatively poor, it can send a second discovery signal to determine which intermediate devices are present.

[0273] In some embodiments, the AS layer of the A-IOT device 101 determines that the second measurement value satisfies a set condition, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send the second discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the second discovery signal. Exemplarily, the second measurement value satisfying the set condition may be that the second measurement value is less than or equal to a third threshold, or that the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, or other conditions, which are not limited to this.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second discovery signal may carry the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101. Exemplarily, the device type of the A-IOT device 101 may be any one of the above-mentioned type A, type B, and type C.

[0275] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102, the A-IOT device 101 can receive a data-carrying signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the data-carrying signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0276] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a measurement report to the network device 103. The measurement report may include the first measurement value.

[0277] In some embodiments, the measurement report may further include one or more of the following:

[0278] The device identifier of the first intermediate device 102;

[0279] a device type of the first intermediate device 102;

[0280] A device identifier of the A-IOT device 101;

[0281] A-Device type of the IOT device 101.

[0282] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a measurement report to the network device 103 when the first preset condition is met. This avoids sending measurement reports to the network device 103 frequently, saving resources.

[0283] In some embodiments, satisfying the first preset condition may include any of the following:

[0284] The second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold; wherein the second measurement value may be obtained by measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter;

[0285] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold;

[0286] The second measurement value is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0287] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0288] The first measurement value is greater than a second threshold;

[0289] The difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first hysteresis, and the second hysteresis may be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103. For example, the A-IOT device may receive one or more of the first threshold, the second threshold, the first hysteresis, and the second hysteresis from the network device 103 via SIB or dedicated RRC signaling or preconfiguration.

[0291] Exemplarily, the number of first intermediate devices 102 is 10. If the second measurement value is less than the first threshold, and there are one or more intermediate devices among the 10 first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold, then the A-IOT device 101 can send a measurement report to the network device 103, wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement values ​​of these 10 first intermediate devices 102.

[0292] In step S2103 , the network device 103 determines a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 .

[0293] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may receive a measurement report sent by the A-IOT device 101 , and determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement report.

[0294] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the first measurement value of the measurement parameter of the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 in the measurement report.

[0295] In step S2104 , the network device 103 sends instruction information to the A-IOT device 101 .

[0296] In some embodiments, the indication information may be used to instruct the A-IOT device 101 to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0297] In some embodiments, the indication information may include one or more of the following: a device identification of the second intermediate device; a device identification of the A-IOT device 101 .

[0298] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may send the indication information via RRC signaling, medium access control control element (MAC CE), downlink control information (DCI), or other signaling.

[0299] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive the indication information sent by the network device 103 and establish a connection with the second intermediate device according to the indication information.

[0300] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 and S2102. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2101 and S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0301] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0302] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used in a communication system 100. The method includes:

[0303] Step S2201 : The first intermediate device 102 sends a signal to the A-IOT device 101 .

[0304] The optional implementation of step S2201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0305] In step S2202 , the A-IOT device 101 determines a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 .

[0306] In some embodiments, there is no uplink between the A-IOT device 101 and the network device 103 .

[0307] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 is in an RRC idle state or an RRC sleep state, or is out of coverage (OOC).

[0308] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value, and determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the first measurement value. Exemplarily, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0309] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the first discovery signal based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0311] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal. If the first intermediate device 102 receives the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and sends a response signal to the A-IOT device 101, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0312] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal when the second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold. The second measurement value may be obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameter. Exemplarily, the signal sent by the network device 103 may be a reference signal, a signal carrying data, or other signals, without limitation.

[0313] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send the second discovery signal when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold. Exemplarily, the first hysteresis and the third threshold may be configured or pre-configured by the network device 103.

[0314] In some embodiments, the second discovery signal may carry the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101. Exemplarily, the device type of the A-IOT device 101 may be any one of the above-mentioned type A, type B, and type C.

[0315] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102, the A-IOT device 101 can receive a data-carrying signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the data-carrying signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0316] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold. Alternatively, an intermediate device may be selected from the first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold as the second intermediate device.

[0317] For example, if there are 10 first intermediate devices 102 , and the first measurement values ​​of 5 of the first intermediate devices 102 are greater than the second threshold, one intermediate device may be selected from the 5 first intermediate devices 102 as the second intermediate device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 can determine the second intermediate device from among the first intermediate devices 102 for which the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold. Alternatively, an intermediate device can be selected as the second intermediate device from among the first intermediate devices 102 for which the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold. Exemplarily, the second hysteresis and the second threshold can be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103.

[0319] In some embodiments, if there is no data transmission between the A-IOT device 101 and the second intermediate device, the A-IOT device 101 may send a connection establishment request to the second intermediate device to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0320] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 establishes a connection with the second intermediate device, and the second intermediate device may send a device identification and / or a device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 .

[0321] In some embodiments, if the second intermediate device is in the RRC connected state, the second intermediate device may directly send the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 .

[0322] In some embodiments, if the second intermediate device receives the A-IOT device 101, the second intermediate device is in the idle state or sleep state of RRC, the second intermediate device can initiate an RRC connection establishment process, triggering the second intermediate device to enter the RRC connection state. After the second intermediate device enters the RRC connection state, it can send the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second intermediate device may send the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 via RRC signaling such as UE assistance information (UAI) or security context information (SUI).

[0324] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 and S2202. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0325] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0326] FIG3A is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for an A-IOT device 101. The method includes:

[0327] Step S3101: Send a measurement report.

[0328] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0329] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a measurement report to the network device 103 , but is not limited thereto and may also send a measurement report to other entities.

[0330] Step S3102, obtain instruction information.

[0331] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0332] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive indication information sent by the network device 103, but is not limited thereto and may also receive indication information sent by other entities.

[0333] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 and S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3101 and S3102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0334] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0335] FIG3B is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for an A-IOT device 101. The method includes:

[0336] Step S3201: Based on a measurement parameter, measure a signal sent by a first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to step S2102 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] Step S3202: If a first preset condition is met, a measurement report is sent to the network device.

[0339] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to step S2102 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] Step S3203: Receive instruction information sent by the network device.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, step S3102 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S3201 and S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S3202 and S3203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3201, S3202, and S3203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0343] In some embodiments, step S3203 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0344] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0345] FIG3C is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for an A-IOT device 101. The method includes:

[0346] Step S3301: Based on a measurement parameter, measure a signal sent by a first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0347] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value, and obtain a measurement report based on the first measurement value. For example, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0348] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the first discovery signal based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0350] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal. If the first intermediate device 102 receives the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and sends a response signal to the A-IOT device 101, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0351] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal when the second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold. The second measurement value may be obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameter. Exemplarily, the signal sent by the network device 103 may be a reference signal, a signal carrying data, or other signals, without limitation.

[0352] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send the second discovery signal when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold. Exemplarily, the first hysteresis and the third threshold may be configured or pre-configured by the network device 103.

[0353] That is, when the A-IOT device 101 determines that the communication quality between it and the network device 103 is relatively poor, it can send a second discovery signal to determine which intermediate devices are present.

[0354] In some embodiments, the AS layer of the A-IOT device 101 determines that the second measurement value satisfies a set condition, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send the second discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the second discovery signal. Exemplarily, the second measurement value satisfying the set condition may be that the second measurement value is less than or equal to a third threshold, or that the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, or other conditions, which are not limited to this.

[0355] In some embodiments, the second discovery signal may carry the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101. Exemplarily, the device type of the A-IOT device 101 may be any one of the above-mentioned type A, type B, and type C.

[0356] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102, the A-IOT device 101 can receive a data-carrying signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the data-carrying signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0357] Step S3302: Send a measurement report to the network device.

[0358] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a measurement report to the network device 103. The measurement report may include the first measurement value.

[0359] In some embodiments, the measurement report may further include one or more of the following:

[0360] The device identifier of the first intermediate device 102;

[0361] a device type of the first intermediate device 102;

[0362] A device identifier of the A-IOT device 101;

[0363] A-Device type of the IOT device 101.

[0364] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a measurement report to the network device 103 when the first preset condition is met. This avoids sending measurement reports to the network device 103 frequently, saving resources.

[0365] In some embodiments, satisfying the first preset condition may include any of the following:

[0366] The second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold; wherein the second measurement value may be obtained by measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter;

[0367] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold;

[0368] The second measurement value is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0369] The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold;

[0370] The first measurement value is greater than a second threshold;

[0371] The difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first hysteresis, and the second hysteresis may be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103. For example, the A-IOT device may receive one or more of the first threshold, the second threshold, the first hysteresis, and the second hysteresis from the network device 103 via SIB or dedicated RRC signaling or preconfiguration.

[0373] Exemplarily, the number of first intermediate devices 102 is 10. If the second measurement value is less than the first threshold, and there are one or more intermediate devices among the 10 first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold, then the A-IOT device 101 can send a measurement report to the network device 103, wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement values ​​of these 10 first intermediate devices 102.

[0374] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive the indication information sent by the network device 103 and establish a connection with the second intermediate device according to the indication information.

[0375] In some embodiments, the indication information may be used to instruct the A-IOT device 101 to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0376] In some embodiments, the second intermediate device may be a device determined by the network device 103 from the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement report.

[0377] In some embodiments, the indication information may include one or more of the following: a device identification of the second intermediate device; a device identification of the A-IOT device 101 .

[0378] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may send indication information via RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI, or other signaling.

[0379] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 and S3302. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3301 and S3302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0380] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0381] FIG3D is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for an A-IOT device 101. The method includes:

[0382] Step S3401, obtain the sending signal.

[0383] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in step S2201 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0384] Step S3402: Determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device.

[0385] Optional implementations of step S3402 may refer to step S2202 in FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0386] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3401 and S3402. For example, step S3401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3401 and S3402 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0387] In some embodiments, step S3403 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0388] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0389] FIG3E is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3E , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for an A-IOT device 101. The method includes:

[0390] Step S3501: Based on a measurement parameter, measure a signal sent by a first intermediate device to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0391] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value. For example, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0392] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the first discovery signal based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value.

[0393] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0394] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal. If the first intermediate device 102 receives the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and sends a response signal to the A-IOT device 101, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0395] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal when the second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold. The second measurement value may be obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameter. Exemplarily, the signal sent by the network device 103 may be a reference signal, a signal carrying data, or other signals, without limitation.

[0396] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send the second discovery signal when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold. Exemplarily, the first hysteresis and the third threshold may be configured or pre-configured by the network device 103.

[0397] That is, when the A-IOT device 101 determines that the communication quality between it and the network device 103 is relatively poor, it can send a second discovery signal to determine which intermediate devices are present.

[0398] In some embodiments, the AS layer of the A-IOT device 101 determines that the second measurement value satisfies a set condition, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send the second discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the second discovery signal. Exemplarily, the second measurement value satisfying the set condition may be that the second measurement value is less than or equal to a third threshold, or that the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, or other conditions, which are not limited to this.

[0399] In some embodiments, the second discovery signal may carry the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101. Exemplarily, the device type of the A-IOT device 101 may be any one of the above-mentioned type A, type B, and type C.

[0400] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102, the A-IOT device 101 can receive a data-carrying signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the data-carrying signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0401] Step S3502: Determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device based on the first measurement value.

[0402] In some embodiments, there is no uplink between the A-IOT device 101 and the network device 103 .

[0403] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 is in an RRC idle state or an RRC dormant state, or OOC.

[0404] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value, and determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the first measurement value. Exemplarily, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0405] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the first discovery signal based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0407] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal. If the first intermediate device 102 receives the second discovery signal sent by the A-IOT device 101 and sends a response signal to the A-IOT device 101, the A-IOT device 101 may measure the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0408] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send a second discovery signal when the second measurement value of the measurement parameter is less than or equal to a third threshold. The second measurement value may be obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameter. Exemplarily, the signal sent by the network device 103 may be a reference signal, a signal carrying data, or other signals, without limitation.

[0409] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may send the second discovery signal when the sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold. Exemplarily, the first hysteresis and the third threshold may be configured or pre-configured by the network device 103.

[0410] In some embodiments, the second discovery signal may carry the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101. Exemplarily, the device type of the A-IOT device 101 may be any one of the above-mentioned type A, type B, and type C.

[0411] In some embodiments, if data is transmitted between the A-IOT device 101 and the first intermediate device 102, the A-IOT device 101 can receive a data-carrying signal sent by the first intermediate device 102, and measure the data-carrying signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value.

[0412] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold. Alternatively, an intermediate device may be selected from the first intermediate devices 102 whose first measurement value is greater than the second threshold as the second intermediate device.

[0413] For example, if there are 10 first intermediate devices 102 , and the first measurement values ​​of 5 of the first intermediate devices 102 are greater than the second threshold, one intermediate device may be selected from the 5 first intermediate devices 102 as the second intermediate device.

[0414] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 can determine the second intermediate device from among the first intermediate devices 102 for which the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold. Alternatively, an intermediate device can be selected as the second intermediate device from among the first intermediate devices 102 for which the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold. Exemplarily, the second hysteresis and the second threshold can be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103.

[0415] In some embodiments, if there is no data transmission between the A-IOT device 101 and the second intermediate device, the A-IOT device 101 may send a connection establishment request to the second intermediate device to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

[0416] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 establishes a connection with the second intermediate device, and the second intermediate device may send a device identification and / or a device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 .

[0417] In some embodiments, if the second intermediate device is in an RRC connected state, the second intermediate device may directly send the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 .

[0418] In some embodiments, if the second intermediate device receives the A-IOT device 101, the second intermediate device is in the idle state or sleep state of RRC, the second intermediate device can initiate an RRC connection establishment process, triggering the second intermediate device to enter the RRC connection state. After the second intermediate device enters the RRC connection state, it can send the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103.

[0419] In some embodiments, the second intermediate device may send the device identification and / or device type of the A-IOT device 101 to the network device 103 via RRC signaling such as UAI or SUI.

[0420] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3501 and S3502. For example, step S3501 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3501 and S3502 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0421] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0422] FIG4A is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for network device 103. The method includes:

[0423] Step S4101: Obtain a measurement report.

[0424] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0425] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may receive a measurement report sent by the A-IOT device 101, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a measurement report sent by other entities.

[0426] Step S4102, sending instruction information.

[0427] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0428] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may send indication information to the A-IOT device 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send indication information to other entities.

[0429] In this implementation manner or example, optional modes or optional examples can be combined arbitrarily.

[0430] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 and S4102. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0431] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0432] FIG4B is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for network device 103. The method includes:

[0433] Step S4201: Receive a measurement report sent by an A-IOT device.

[0434] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may receive a measurement report sent by the A-IOT device 101 , and determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the measurement report.

[0435] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the first measurement value of the measurement parameter of the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 in the measurement report.

[0436] In some embodiments, the measurement report may include a first measurement value, where the first measurement value is obtained by the A-IOT device 101 measuring a signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on a measurement parameter. For example, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited thereto.

[0437] In some embodiments, the measurement report may further include one or more of the following:

[0438] The device identifier of the first intermediate device 102;

[0439] a device type of the first intermediate device 102;

[0440] A device identifier of the A-IOT device 101;

[0441] A-Device type of the IOT device 101.

[0442] Step S4202: Determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device according to the measurement report.

[0443] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 based on the first measurement value of the measurement parameter of the signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 in the measurement report.

[0444] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may send indication information to the A-IOT device 101 .

[0445] In some embodiments, the indication information may include one or more of the following: a device identification of the second intermediate device; a device identification of the A-IOT device 101 .

[0446] In some embodiments, the network device 103 may send indication information via RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI, or other signaling.

[0447] In some embodiments, the A-IOT device 101 may receive the indication information sent by the network device 103 and establish a connection with the second intermediate device according to the indication information.

[0448] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 and S4202. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4201 and S4202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0449] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0450] FIG5A is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for a first intermediate device 102, and the method includes:

[0451] Step S5101, sending a signal.

[0452] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0454] FIG5B is a flow chart of a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used for the first intermediate device 102. The method includes:

[0455] Step S5201: Measure a signal sent by a network device based on a measurement parameter to obtain a third measurement value.

[0456] Illustratively, the measurement parameter may be RSRP, RSRQ, or other measurement parameters, which are not limited.

[0457] Step S5202: If the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, a first discovery signal is sent.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first intermediate device 102 can measure the signal sent by the network device 103 based on the measurement parameters to obtain a third measurement value. If the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, a first discovery signal can be sent to discover which A-IOT devices are around.

[0459] In some embodiments, the third measurement value satisfies the second preset condition, including any one of the following:

[0460] The third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0461] The sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0462] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; wherein the fifth threshold is less than the fourth threshold;

[0463] A difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold;

[0464] a difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0465] The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0466] The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold and the sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to a fourth threshold.

[0467] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth threshold is not limited, such as "maximum threshold".

[0468] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth threshold is not limited, such as "minimum threshold".

[0469] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth hysteresis is not limited, such as "minimum hysteresis".

[0470] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth hysteresis is not limited, such as "maximum hysteresis".

[0471] In some embodiments, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis may be configured or preconfigured by the network device 103. For example, the first intermediate device 102 may receive one or more of the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis from the network device 103 via SIB or dedicated RRC signaling or preconfiguration.

[0472] It should be noted that the fourth hysteresis and the fifth hysteresis may be the same or different, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0473] Optionally, the first intermediate device 102 may determine one or more of the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, the fifth hysteresis, etc. by itself.

[0474] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 obtains the fourth threshold and the fifth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0475] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 only obtains the fourth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0476] Exemplarily, if the first intermediate device 102 only obtains the fifth threshold, the first intermediate device 102 may send the first discovery signal if the third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold.

[0477] In some embodiments, the AS layer of the first intermediate device 102 determines that the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send the first discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the first discovery signal.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first discovery signal may carry a device identifier of the first intermediate device 102 , such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifiers that may uniquely identify the first intermediate device 102 .

[0479] The method for determining an intermediate device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 and S5202. For example, step S5201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S5201 and S5202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0480] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, and the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined.

[0481] FIG6 is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for determining an intermediate device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining an intermediate device, which is used in a communication system 100, wherein the communication system 100 includes an A-IOT device 101, a first intermediate device 102, and a network device 103. The method includes:

[0482] In step S6101 , the A-IOT device 101 measures a signal sent by the first intermediate device 102 based on a measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter.

[0483] The optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0484] In step S6102 , the A-IOT device 101 sends a measurement report to the network device 103 .

[0485] The optional implementation of step S6102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0486] Optionally, the A-IOT device 101 may determine the second intermediate device from the first intermediate device 102 according to the first measurement value.

[0487] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, A-IOT device side, network device side, first intermediate device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0488] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0489] The following is an exemplary introduction to the above method.

[0490] Optional embodiment: If the intermediate node determines that the measured Uu RSRP is less than or equal to a maximum threshold and / or greater than or equal to a minimum threshold, the intermediate node may send a discovery signal.

[0491] Optionally, the intermediate node obtains the maximum threshold and / or maximum threshold hysteresis and / or minimum threshold and / or minimum threshold hysteresis through the SIB or dedicated RRC signaling or pre-configuration of the base station. As another implementation, the intermediate node can determine the maximum threshold and / or maximum threshold hysteresis and / or minimum threshold and / or minimum threshold hysteresis based on its own implementation.

[0492] Exemplarily, if the intermediate node obtains the maximum threshold and the minimum threshold, and the intermediate node determines that the measured Uu RSRP is less than or equal to the maximum threshold and greater than or equal to the minimum threshold, the intermediate node may send a discovery signal, specifically, Uu RSRP+hysteresis is less than or equal to the maximum threshold, and Uu RSRP-hysteresis is greater than or equal to the minimum threshold. Exemplarily, if the intermediate node only obtains the maximum threshold, and the intermediate node determines that the measured Uu RSRP is less than or equal to the maximum threshold, specifically, Uu RSRP+hysteresis is less than or equal to the maximum threshold, the intermediate node may send a discovery signal. Exemplarily, if the intermediate node only obtains the minimum threshold, and the intermediate node determines that the measured Uu RSRP is greater than or equal to the minimum threshold, specifically, Uu RSRP-hysteresis is greater than or equal to the minimum threshold, the intermediate node may send a discovery signal. Exemplarily, the maximum / minimum hysteresis may be ignored.

[0493] Optionally, the AS layer of the intermediate node determines that the above conditions are met, the AS layer notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send a discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send the discovery signal. Exemplarily, the discovery signal carries an intermediate node identifier, such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifier that can identify the intermediate node.

[0494] Optional embodiment: The A-IOT device measures the RSRP of one or more intermediate nodes and reports the measurement report to the base station if a preset condition is met.

[0495] Optionally, if data is being transmitted between the A-IOT device and the intermediate node, the measured RSRP of the intermediate node is determined by measuring the RSRP of the data. If no data is being transmitted between the A-IOT device and the intermediate node, the measured RSRP of the intermediate node is determined by measuring the discovery signal.

[0496] Optionally, the preset conditions may include the following two conditions:

[0497] Condition 1: The A-IOT device determines that the measured Uu RSRP is less than a first threshold and the RSRP of the target intermediate node is greater than a second threshold;

[0498] Condition 2: The RSRP of the target intermediate node is greater than the second threshold;

[0499] Optionally, for condition 1, specifically, the A-IOT device determines that the measured Uu RSRP+hysteresis is less than a first threshold, and the RSRP-hysteresis of the target intermediate node is greater than a second threshold; for condition 2, specifically, the RSRP-hysteresis of the target intermediate node is greater than the second threshold.

[0500] Optionally, the A-IOT device determines that condition 1 or condition 2 is met and reports the measurement report to the base station. The measurement report includes one or more intermediate node identifiers and / or the measured RSRP of one or more intermediate nodes. Exemplarily, the measurement report includes the A-IOT device identifier. Exemplarily, there is an uplink between the A-IOT device and the base station. Exemplarily, the A-IOT device is in an RRC connected state.

[0501] Optional embodiment: The base station determines the intermediate node and indicates it to the A-IOT device.

[0502] Optionally, the base station may instruct the A-IOT device via RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI, or other signaling, which intermediate node to establish a connection with, wherein the instruction signaling includes an identifier of the intermediate node. Exemplarily, the instruction includes an A-IOT device identifier.

[0503] Optional embodiment: The A-IOT device measures RSRP of one or more intermediate nodes, and the A-IOT device determines an intermediate node based on implementation.

[0504] Optionally, the A-IOT device measures the Uu RSRP and determines that the Uu RSRP is less than or equal to a third threshold, specifically that the Uu RSRP + hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the A-IOT device can send a discovery signal. The AS layer of the A-IOT device notifies the upper layer, the upper layer determines to send a discovery signal, and the upper layer instructs the AS layer to send a discovery signal. Exemplarily, the discovery signal carries an A-IOT device identifier, such as a UE ID or a DST ID or other identifier that can be an A-IOT device. Exemplarily, the discovery signal can carry the type of the A-IOT device, specifically type A, B, or C.

[0505] Optionally, the A-IOT device measures RSRP of one or more intermediate nodes, and the A-IOT device selects an intermediate node from the one or more intermediate nodes that meet the following conditions. Specifically, the A-IOT device selects based on implementation. Exemplarily, there is no uplink between the A-IOT device and the base station. Exemplarily, the A-IOT device is in RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE / OOC state.

[0506] Condition 3: The RSRP of the target intermediate node is greater than the second threshold; specifically, the RSRP-hysteresis of the target intermediate node is greater than the second threshold

[0507] Optional embodiment: The A-IOT device establishes a connection with a determined intermediate node, and the intermediate node reports the identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device to the base station.

[0508] Optionally, the intermediate node is in an RRC connected state, and the intermediate node reports the identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device. Exemplarily, the intermediate node may report the A-IOR device identifier and / or device type through RRC signaling such as UAI / SUI, and specific device types include Type A, Type B, and Type C described above.

[0509] Optionally, the intermediate node receives a connection establishment request from the A-IOT device, and the intermediate node is in the RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE state. The intermediate node initiates RRC connection establishment, triggering the intermediate node to enter the RRC connected state. After entering the RRC connected state, the intermediate node reports the identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device to the base station.

[0510] It should be noted that, in the present disclosure, Uu RSRP can be understood as being obtained by measuring the RSRP of a signal sent by a network device.

[0511] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0512] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is proposed, which includes a unit or module for implementing each step performed by the A-IOT device in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is proposed, which includes a unit or module for implementing each step performed by a network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is proposed, which includes a unit or module for implementing each step performed by a first intermediate device (such as a terminal, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0513] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0514] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0515] Figure 7A is a structural diagram of the A-IOT device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the A-IOT device 6100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module measures the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameter; the transceiver module is used to send a measurement report to the network device; wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement value. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (such as step S2102, but not limited to this) executed by the A-IOT device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2202, but not limited to this) executed by the A-IOT device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0516] Figure 7B is a structural diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the network device 7200 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, etc. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to receive a measurement report sent by an A-IOT device; wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement value of a measurement parameter of a signal sent by a first intermediate device; and the above-mentioned processing module is used to determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate device based on the measurement report. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S2104, but not limited to this) executed by the network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2103, but not limited to this) executed by the network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0517] Figure 7C is a structural diagram of the intermediate device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7C, the intermediate device 7300 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7301, a processing module 7302, etc. In some embodiments, the processing module is used to measure the signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameter to obtain a third measurement value; the transceiver module is used to send a first discovery signal when the third measurement value meets the second preset condition. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S2101, but not limited to this) performed by the first intermediate device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S5201, but not limited to this) performed by the first intermediate device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0518] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0519] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0520] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), an A-IOT device, a terminal (e.g., a user device, etc., as an intermediate device), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0521] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0522] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0523] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2102, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2202, but not limited thereto).

[0524] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0525] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0526] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0527] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0528] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0529] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0530] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2102, but not limited to this), and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2202, but not limited to this).

[0531] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0532] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0533] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0534] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0535] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A method for determining an intermediate device, characterized in that, Executed by an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IOT) device, the method includes: Measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters; Sending a measurement report to a network device; wherein the measurement report includes the first measurement value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein It further includes: Receiving indication information sent by the network device; Wherein the indication information is used to instruct the A-IOT device to establish a connection with a second intermediate device, and the second intermediate device is a device determined by the network device from the first intermediate devices based on the measurement report.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sending the measurement report to the network device includes: Sending the measurement report to the network device when a first preset condition is met.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The meeting the first preset condition includes any one of the following: A second measurement value of the measurement parameters is less than a first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than a second threshold; wherein the second measurement value is obtained by measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameters; The sum of the second measurement value and a first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the first measurement value is greater than the second threshold; The second measurement value is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and a second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold; The sum of the second measurement value and the first hysteresis is less than the first threshold and the difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold; The first measurement value is greater than the second threshold; The difference between the first measurement value and the second hysteresis is greater than the second threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Receiving a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the first discovery signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device identifier of the first intermediate device is carried in the first discovery signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Sending a second discovery signal; Receiving a response signal sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The sending the second discovery signal includes any one of the following: When a second measurement value of the measurement parameters is less than or equal to a third threshold, sending the second discovery signal; wherein the second measurement value is obtained by measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameters; When the sum of the second measurement value and a first hysteresis is less than or equal to the third threshold, sending the second discovery signal.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT device is carried in the second discovery signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Receiving a signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the signal carrying data based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The measurement report further includes one or more of the following: The device identifier of the first intermediate device; The device type of the first intermediate device; The device identifier of the A-IoT device; The device type of the A-IoT device.

12. A method for determining an intermediate device, characterized in that, Performed by a network device, the method includes: Receiving a measurement report sent by an A-IoT device; wherein, the measurement report includes a first measurement value of measurement parameters of a signal sent by a first intermediate device; Determining a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices according to the measurement report.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein Further includes: Sending indication information to the A-IoT device; wherein, the indication information is used to instruct the A-IoT device to establish a connection with the second intermediate device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The indication information includes one or more of the following: The device identifier of the second intermediate device; The device identifier of the A-IoT device.

15. A method for determining an intermediate device, characterized in that, Performed by an A-IoT device, the method includes: Measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters; Determining a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices according to the first measurement value.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The determining a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices according to the first measurement value includes any one of the following: Determining the second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices whose first measurement value is greater than a second threshold; Determining the second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices whose difference between the first measurement value and a second hysteresis is greater than a second threshold.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Receiving a first discovery signal sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the first discovery signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The first discovery signal carries the device identifier of the first intermediate device.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Sending a second discovery signal; Receiving a response signal sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the response signal based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The sending the second discovery signal includes any one of the following: When a second measurement value of the measurement parameters is less than or equal to a third threshold, sending the second discovery signal; wherein, the second measurement value is obtained by measuring a signal sent by the network device based on the measurement parameters; When the sum of the second measurement value and a first hysteresis is less than or equal to a third threshold, sending the second discovery signal.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The second discovery signal carries the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IoT device.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein The measuring a signal sent by a first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters includes: Receiving a signal carrying data sent by the first intermediate device; Measuring the signal carrying data based on the measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, characterized in that, Further includes: Establishing a connection with the second intermediate device.

24. A method for determining an intermediate device, characterized in that, Performed by a first intermediate device, the method includes: Based on measurement parameters, measure the signal sent by the network device to obtain a third measurement value; When the third measurement value meets the second preset condition, send a first discovery signal.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The third measurement value meeting the second preset condition includes any of the following: The third measurement value is less than or equal to a fourth threshold; The sum of the third measurement value and a third hysteresis is less than or equal to the fourth threshold; The third measurement value is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; wherein, the fifth threshold is less than the fourth threshold; The difference between the third measurement value and a fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold; The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold; The third measurement value is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the third measurement value is less than or equal to the fourth threshold; The difference between the third measurement value and the fourth hysteresis is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and the sum of the third measurement value and the third hysteresis is less than or equal to the fourth threshold.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, the fourth hysteresis, and the fifth hysteresis are configured or pre-configured by the network device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized in that, It further includes: Establish a connection with the A-IOT device and send the device identifier and / or device type of the A-IOT to the network device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24-27, characterized in that, The device identifier of the first intermediate device is carried in the first discovery signal.

29. An A-IOT device, characterized in that, It includes: A processing module, configured to measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters; A transceiver module, configured to send a measurement report to the network device; wherein, the measurement report includes the first measurement value.

30. A network device, characterized in that, It includes: A transceiver module, configured to receive a measurement report sent by the A-IOT device; wherein, the measurement report includes a first measurement value of the measurement parameters of the signal sent by the first intermediate device; A processing module, configured to determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices according to the measurement report.

31. An A-IOT device, characterized in that, It includes: A processing module, configured to measure the signal sent by the first intermediate device based on measurement parameters to obtain a first measurement value of the measurement parameters; Determine a second intermediate device from the first intermediate devices according to the first measurement value.

32. An intermediate device, characterized in that, It includes: A processing module, configured to measure the signal sent by the network device based on measurement parameters to obtain a third measurement value; A transceiver module, configured to send a first discovery signal when the third measurement value meets the second preset condition.

33. An A-IOT device, characterized in that, It includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the A-IOT device is configured to execute the method for determining an intermediate device according to any one of claims 1-11.

34. A network device, characterized in that, It includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the network device is configured to execute the method for determining an intermediate device according to any one of claims 12-14.

35. An A-IOT device, characterized in that, It includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the A-IOT device is configured to execute the method for determining an intermediate device according to any one of claims 15-23.

36. An intermediate device, characterized in that, It includes: One or more processors; Among them, the intermediate device is used to execute the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 24-28.

37. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an A-IOT device and a network device. Among them, the A-IOT device is configured to implement the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 1-11, and the network device is configured to implement the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 12-14.

38. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an A-IOT device and an intermediate device. Among them, the A-IOT device is configured to implement the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 15-23, and the intermediate device is configured to implement the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 24-28.

39. A storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction runs on the communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the determination method of the intermediate device described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-14, 15-23, 24-28.

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