Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are used for implementing multi-user multiplexing technology. The method comprises: generating first downlink control information, and sending one piece of the first downlink control information to a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the first downlink control information is used for scheduling uplink transmissions of the plurality of terminal devices, and the first downlink control information is used for indicating at least one of the following information: first uplink resources for the plurality of terminal devices, MCSs respectively corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, and the numbers of uplink repetitions respectively corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices. By means of the method, a plurality of terminal devices can be scheduled by using one piece of first downlink control information, multi-user multiplexing technology is implemented, and control signaling overheads can be reduced.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410977467.5, filed on July 19, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] To improve resource utilization in communication systems, multi-user multiplexing technology has been proposed. Multi-user multiplexing refers to the ability to transmit different data from multiple terminal devices on the same resources, and theoretically, this data can be correctly decoded by the receiving end. Currently, how to implement multi-user multiplexing technology is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for implementing multi-user multiplexing technology.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a communication device, which can be a network device or a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module). The method may include: generating first downlink control information and sending the first downlink control information to multiple terminal devices. The first downlink control information is used to schedule uplink transmissions of the multiple terminal devices, and the first downlink control information is used to indicate at least one of the following: first uplink resources for the multiple terminal devices, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) corresponding to each of the multiple terminal devices, and uplink repetition counts corresponding to each of the multiple terminal devices.

[0007] The above communication method enables the scheduling of multiple terminal devices through a single downlink control message, realizing multi-user multiplexing technology and reducing control signaling overhead.

[0008] In one possible design, the first downlink control information is scrambled with a first identifier, which corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the plurality of terminal devices to receive the first downlink control information scrambled with the first identifier. In other words, multiple terminal devices can descramble to their respective corresponding downlink control information using the same identifier, and the downlink control information corresponding to multiple terminal devices is the same, enabling multiple terminal devices to share a single first downlink control information, thereby saving control signaling overhead.

[0009] In one possible design, the first downlink control information may include multiple identifiers, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the multiple terminal devices. Each of the multiple identifiers is associated with a set of indication information for the relevant terminal device within the first downlink control information. This set of indication information includes one or more of the following: the uplink repetition count for the relevant terminal device, and the MCS (Multi-Segment Classification) for the relevant terminal device. By directly carrying the identifiers corresponding to multiple terminal devices within the first downlink control information, the multiple terminal devices can accurately obtain the corresponding set of indication information through their respective identifiers, thus reducing the processing complexity of the terminal devices.

[0010] In one possible design, the identifier can be a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI. The RNTI can be a terminal device-specific RNTI, such as a cell RNTI (C-RNTI). This allows for greater flexibility in carrying the identifiers of multiple terminal devices in the first downlink control information.

[0011] In one possible design, the set of indication information may further include an index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device; or, the order of any identifier among the plurality of identifiers is used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device. When the first downlink control information directly includes the index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device, the relevant terminal device can directly obtain the index of the uplink scrambling sequence through the first downlink control information, which is simple to implement and reduces the processing complexity of the terminal device. When the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device is determined by the order of any identifier among the plurality of identifiers, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence can be determined by the order of the identifiers without having to carry the index of the uplink scrambling sequence in the first downlink control information, which can save signaling overhead.

[0012] In one possible design, the first downlink control information may include multiple sets of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices. These multiple sets of indication information are arranged in ascending or descending order of the indexes of the associated terminal devices. Each set of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count, MCS, or uplink scrambling sequence index. This eliminates the need for the first downlink control to carry the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices; each terminal device can obtain its corresponding set of indication information using its own index, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0013] In one possible design, the first downlink control information may further include the starting position of the uplink resources for each of the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the first downlink control information to further indicate the starting position of each terminal device in the first uplink resources, reducing uplink information overlap and improving the decoding performance of the network devices for uplink information.

[0014] In one possible design, the first downlink control information may further include first indication information, which indicates either a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is that the uplink resource start position of each of the plurality of terminal devices is the start position of the first uplink resource. The second rule is that the uplink resource start position of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A is the start position of the first uplink resource. When the uplink repetition count is B and less than A, the uplink resource start position of the associated terminal device is determined based on B, A, the start position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, and a first number. The first number is the number of terminal devices that are sequentially preceding the associated terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B, and A and B are positive integers. This allows for flexible allocation of uplink resources among multiple terminal devices, ensuring that the uplink information from multiple terminal devices is distributed as evenly as possible on the first uplink resource, thereby improving the decoding performance of the network device for uplink information.

[0015] In one possible design, when the value of the MCS is less than or equal to a first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has been scheduled for uplink transmission. Conversely, when the value of the MCS is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has not been scheduled for uplink transmission. In this way, multiple terminal devices can determine whether they are actually being scheduled by using the value of the MCS, making scheduling more flexible.

[0016] In one possible design, the first downlink control information may further include a first bit. When the first bit has a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first bit has a second value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined. This allows multiple terminal devices to accurately obtain the corresponding uplink scrambling sequences, thereby using different scrambling methods in different scenarios to achieve a gain effect. For example, in scenarios with repeated transmissions, terminal devices can use orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences to improve system capacity, while in scenarios without repeated transmissions, terminal devices can use non-orthogonal scrambling sequences to improve system capacity.

[0017] In one possible design, when the uplink repetition count is greater than 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the uplink repetition count is 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined. This allows multiple terminal devices to accurately obtain the corresponding uplink scrambling sequence based on their respective uplink repetition counts. Therefore, in scenarios with repetitive transmissions, terminal devices can use orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences to improve system capacity, and in scenarios without repetitive transmissions, terminal devices can use non-orthogonal scrambling sequences to improve system capacity. Simultaneously, no additional indication is required, reducing signaling overhead.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes sending the first identifier to the plurality of terminal devices, or receiving the first identifier from the plurality of terminal devices; wherein the first identifier is determined based on the synchronization signal block (SSB) index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the timing advance (TA) of the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the random access resources corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices. This ensures alignment of the first identifier between the network devices and the terminal devices, and allows for flexible determination of the shared first identifier among the multiple terminal devices in three different ways, enabling terminal devices within a geographical area to use the same first identifier.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes sending first information, which is used to configure a first search space, and the first search space is used to detect the first downlink control information; or, sending second and third information, where the second information is used to configure a second search space, and a portion of the time-domain position and / or a portion of the frequency-domain position corresponding to the second search space is used to detect the first downlink control information; the third information is used to indicate the portion of the time-domain position and / or the portion of the frequency-domain position corresponding to the second search space; or, sending fourth and fifth information, where the fourth information is used to configure a third and a fourth search space, which overlap in the time domain and / or the frequency domain, and the third search space is used to detect the first downlink control information; the fourth information is used to indicate that the third search space is active. This allows the network device to flexibly configure the search space used to detect the first downlink control information.

[0020] In one possible design, the plurality of terminal devices may be included in a first group of terminal devices, wherein the number of terminal devices in the first group is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the network device to flexibly schedule multiple terminal devices that need to be scheduled at once from within a group of terminal devices, based on requirements.

[0021] In one possible design, the difference in the number of uplink repetitions corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a second threshold, or the difference in the MCS values ​​corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a third threshold. This allows the performance of the multiple terminal devices scheduled by the network device to be similar, improving communication performance.

[0022] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device, which can be a first terminal device or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module, etc.) within the first terminal device. The method may include: receiving first downlink control information from a network device, the first downlink control information being used to schedule uplink transmissions of multiple terminal devices, the first terminal device belonging to the multiple terminal devices, wherein the first downlink control information is used to indicate at least one of the following: first uplink resources for the multiple terminal devices, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) corresponding to each of the multiple terminal devices, and uplink repetition counts corresponding to each of the multiple terminal devices; and transmitting uplink information in the first uplink resources according to the first downlink control information.

[0023] The above communication method enables the scheduling of multiple terminal devices through a single downlink control message, realizing multi-user multiplexing technology and reducing control signaling overhead.

[0024] In one possible design, the first downlink control information is scrambled with a first identifier, which corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the plurality of terminal devices to receive the first downlink control information scrambled with the first identifier. In other words, multiple terminal devices can descramble to their respective corresponding downlink control information using the same identifier, and the downlink control information corresponding to multiple terminal devices is the same, enabling multiple terminal devices to share a single first downlink control information, thereby saving control signaling overhead.

[0025] In one possible design, the first downlink control information includes multiple identifiers, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the multiple terminal devices. Each of the multiple identifiers is associated with a set of indication information for the relevant terminal device within the first downlink control information. This set of indication information includes one or more of the following: the uplink repetition count for the relevant terminal device, and the MCS (Multi-Segment Classification) for the relevant terminal device. By directly carrying the identifiers corresponding to multiple terminal devices within the first downlink control information, the multiple terminal devices can accurately obtain the corresponding set of indication information through their respective identifiers, thus reducing the processing complexity of the terminal devices.

[0026] In one possible design, the identifier is a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI. The RNTI can be a terminal device-specific RNTI, such as a cell RNTI (C-RNTI). This allows for greater flexibility in carrying the identifiers of multiple terminal devices in the first downlink control information.

[0027] In one possible design, the set of indication information further includes an index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device; or, the order of any identifier among the plurality of identifiers is used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device. When the first downlink control information directly includes the index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device, the relevant terminal device can directly obtain the index of the uplink scrambling sequence through the first downlink control information, which is simple to implement and reduces the processing complexity of the terminal device. When the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device is determined by the order of any identifier among the plurality of identifiers, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence can be determined by the order of the identifiers without having to carry the index of the uplink scrambling sequence in the first downlink control information, which can save signaling overhead.

[0028] In one possible design, the first downlink control information includes multiple sets of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices. These multiple sets of indication information are arranged in ascending or descending order of the indexes of the associated terminal devices. Each set of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count, MCS, or uplink scrambling sequence index. This eliminates the need for the first downlink control to carry the identifiers of the multiple terminal devices; each terminal device can obtain its corresponding set of indication information using its own index, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0029] In one possible design, the first downlink control information also includes the starting position of the uplink resources for each of the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the first downlink control information to further indicate the starting position of each terminal device in the first uplink resources, reducing uplink information overlap and improving the decoding performance of the network devices for uplink information.

[0030] In one possible design, the first downlink control information further includes first indication information, which indicates either a first rule or a second rule. The first rule states that the uplink resource start position of each of the plurality of terminal devices is the start position of the first uplink resource. The second rule states that the uplink resource start position of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A is the start position of the first uplink resource. When the uplink repetition count is B and less than A, the uplink resource start position of the associated terminal device is determined based on B, A, the start position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, and a first number. The first number is the number of terminal devices that, in sequence, precede the associated terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B. A and B are positive integers. This allows for flexible allocation of uplink resources among multiple terminal devices, ensuring that the uplink information from multiple terminal devices is distributed as evenly as possible on the first uplink resource, thereby improving the decoding performance of the network device for uplink information.

[0031] In one possible design, when the value of the MCS is less than or equal to a first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has been scheduled for uplink transmission. Conversely, when the value of the MCS is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has not been scheduled for uplink transmission. In this way, multiple terminal devices can determine whether they have actually been scheduled by using the value of the MCS, making scheduling more flexible.

[0032] In one possible design, the first downlink control information further includes a first bit. When the first bit has a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first bit has a second value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. The first and second lists are predefined. This allows multiple terminal devices to accurately obtain the corresponding uplink scrambling sequences, thereby using different scrambling methods in different scenarios to achieve a gain effect. For example, in scenarios with repeated transmissions, terminal devices can use orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences to improve system capacity, while in scenarios without repeated transmissions, terminal devices can use non-orthogonal scrambling sequences to improve system capacity.

[0033] In one possible design, when the uplink repetition count is greater than 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the uplink repetition count is 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined. This allows multiple terminal devices to accurately obtain the corresponding uplink scrambling sequence based on their respective uplink repetition counts. Therefore, in scenarios with repetitive transmissions, terminal devices can use orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences to improve system capacity, and in scenarios without repetitive transmissions, terminal devices can use non-orthogonal scrambling sequences to improve system capacity. Simultaneously, no additional indication is required, reducing signaling overhead.

[0034] In one possible design, during random access, the random access resources include repeating random access resources and non-repeating random access resources. The method further includes: when it is determined that the random access preamble is transmitted on repeating random access resources, determining that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when it is determined that the random access preamble is transmitted on non-repeating random access resources, determining that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined. This allows multiple terminal devices to accurately obtain the corresponding uplink scrambling sequences, thereby enabling terminal devices to use orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences to improve system capacity in scenarios with repeated transmissions, and to use non-orthogonal scrambling sequences to improve system capacity in scenarios without repeated transmissions, while reducing signaling overhead by eliminating the need for additional indications.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving the first identifier from the network device, or sending the first identifier to the network device; wherein the first identifier is determined based on the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the Timing Advance (TA) of the first terminal device, or the first identifier is determined based on the Random Access Resource (RANK) corresponding to the first terminal device. This ensures alignment of the first identifier between the network device and the terminal devices, and allows for flexible determination of the shared first identifier among multiple terminal devices in three different ways, enabling terminal devices within a geographical area to use the same first identifier.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure a first search space, the first search space being used to detect the first downlink control information; detecting the first downlink control information in the first search space according to a first identifier; or receiving second and third information, the second information being used to configure a second search space, a portion of the time domain location and / or a portion of the frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space being used to detect the first downlink control information; the third information being used to indicate a portion of the time domain location and / or a portion of the frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space; detecting the first downlink control information within the portion of the time domain location and / or the portion of the frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space according to the first identifier; or receiving fourth and fifth information, the fourth information being used to configure a third search space and a fourth search space, the third search space and the fourth search space overlapping in the time domain and / or frequency domain, the third search space being used to detect the first downlink control information; the fourth information being used to indicate that the third search space is active; detecting the first downlink control information within the third search space according to the first identifier. This allows the network device to flexibly configure the search space for detecting the first downlink control information.

[0037] In one possible design, the plurality of terminal devices are included in a first group of terminal devices, wherein the number of terminal devices in the first group is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of terminal devices. This allows the network device to flexibly schedule multiple terminal devices that need to be scheduled at once from within a group of terminal devices, based on demand.

[0038] In one possible design, the difference in the number of uplink repetitions corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a second threshold, or the difference in the MCS values ​​corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a third threshold. This allows the performance of the multiple terminal devices scheduled by the network device to be similar, improving communication performance.

[0039] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device, which may be a network device or a component within a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module, etc.). This communication device has the functionality to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect. The functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the described functionality.

[0040] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit, and optionally a transceiver unit, which may perform the functions of the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0041] In one possible design, the communication device includes one or more processors, and optionally also includes a memory and / or a transceiver. The transceiver is used to send and receive data, messages, or information, and to communicate with other devices in the system. The processor is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0042] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, which may be a first terminal device or a component within the first terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, component, module, or functional module, etc.). This communication device has the functionality to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect. The functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the described functions.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit, and optionally a transceiver unit, which may perform the functions of the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0044] In one possible design, the communication device includes one or more processors, and optionally also includes memory and / or a transceiver. The transceiver is used to send and receive data, messages, or information, and to communicate with other devices in the system. The processor is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include a network device. The network device can be used to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect.

[0046] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include multiple terminal devices and network devices. The network devices can be used to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible design examples of the first aspect. Any terminal device can be used to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible design examples of the second aspect.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible design of the embodiments of this application, or in the second aspect and any possible design. Exemplarily, the computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include a non-transient computer-readable medium, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer.

[0048] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, to be executed.

[0049] Ninthly, this application also provides a chip or chip system including one or more processors, said processors being coupled to at least one memory for reading and executing program instructions stored in said memory to enable the chip or chip system to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0050] For the various aspects of the third to ninth aspects mentioned above, and the technical effects that each aspect may achieve, please refer to the above description of the technical effects that can be achieved for the first aspect or the various possible solutions in the first aspect, or the second aspect or the various possible solutions in the second aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first downlink control information provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another type of first downlink control information provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another type of downstream control information provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the uplink resources occupied by UE1, UE2 and UE3 according to this application;

[0058] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a method for connecting the first search space with other search spaces provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application;

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0061] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for implementing multi-user multiplexing. The method and apparatus described in this application are based on the same technical concept. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve problems are similar, their implementations can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0063] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0064] In the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0065] In the description of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. " / " means "or", for example, a / b means a or b.

[0066] To more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the communication methods and devices provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The technical solutions in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), and future communication networks. This application can also be applied to other communication systems that support satellite communication.

[0068] For example, Figure 1 illustrates a possible architecture diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 may include a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include the Internet 300.

[0069] RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0070] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented communication systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0071] RAN node 110, sometimes referred to as RAN entity or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminal devices in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a to 120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0072] RAN nodes can also be referred to in different ways, such as network devices. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network devices will be used as the term.

[0073] In one possible scenario, the network device can also be called an access network device. The access network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a communication satellite with base station functionality, a base station on a satellite, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The access network device can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network device functions.

[0074] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access network devices can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0075] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0076] Terminal devices can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device.

[0077] In some scenarios, network devices can send downlink signals to terminal devices, and terminal devices can send uplink signals to network devices. Additionally, network devices can communicate with each other, and terminal devices can also communicate with each other.

[0078] For example, Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another possible communication system architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application. This communication system can support satellite communication. In this system, base stations are deployed on satellites, or in other words, the satellites possess base station functions. Ground-based terminal devices can communicate with the satellite or on-board base stations via an air interface (which can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface) to access the mobile communication network. The satellite, acting as a base station, connects to the ground station via an NG interface to achieve regenerative transmission, or the satellite acts as a transparent transmission node to achieve transparent transmission between the terminal device and the ground station. The ground station connects to the core network via an NG interface, which can be either wireless or wired. Satellites can communicate with each other, and this communication can include regenerative transmission or transparent transmission. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when satellites perform regenerative transmission, satellite base stations communicate via an Xn interface, enabling signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. When satellites perform transparent transmission, they communicate via an air interface.

[0079] The terminal equipment and base stations can be found in the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] The core network primarily provides functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. For example, the access and mobility management (AMF) network element in the core network is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The session management function (SMF) network element is responsible for session management of terminal devices (including session establishment, modification, and release), selection and reselection of user plane function network elements, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation for terminal devices, Quality of Service (QoS) control, billing data collection, roaming, etc. The user plane function (UPF) network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0081] Ground stations are primarily responsible for relaying signaling and service data between satellites and base stations, or between satellites and the core network.

[0082] Air interface: refers to the wireless link between the terminal and the base station.

[0083] Xn interface: This refers to the interface between base stations, which is mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0084] NG interface: This refers to the interface between the base station and the core network, or the interface between the ground station and the core network, or the interface between the satellite base station and the ground station (in this case, the interface is a wireless link). It mainly exchanges non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0085] It should be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0086] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0087] In the following embodiments, the communication method provided in this application is described in detail using terminal devices and network devices as examples. It should be understood that the operations performed by the terminal device can also be implemented by a processor, chip, chip system, or functional module, component, or module in the terminal device. The operations performed by the network device can also be implemented by a processor, chip, chip system, or functional module, component, or module in the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0088] Based on the above description, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, as shown in Figure 3. The process of this method may include:

[0089] Step 301: The network device generates first downlink control information. The first downlink control information is used to schedule the uplink transmission of multiple terminal devices. The first downlink control information is used to indicate at least one of the following: first uplink resources for multiple terminal devices, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) corresponding to multiple terminal devices respectively, and uplink repetition counts corresponding to multiple terminal devices respectively.

[0090] Step 302: The network device sends a first downlink control message to multiple terminal devices. Correspondingly, the multiple terminal devices receive the first downlink control message from the network device. As shown in Figure 3, this application uses a first terminal device as an example for explanation. The first terminal device belongs to multiple terminal devices.

[0091] It should be understood that among multiple terminal devices, those other than the first terminal device can refer to the first terminal device.

[0092] Step 303: The first terminal device sends uplink information in the first uplink resource according to the first downlink control information.

[0093] The first downlink control information can be downlink control information (DCI), etc.

[0094] It should be understood that this application only illustrates the first downlink control information as an example. In some embodiments, the first downlink control information may also be replaced by other information or messages, such as a media access control element (MAC CE), and this application does not limit this.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information is used to schedule uplink transmission of multiple terminal devices, and may include: the first downlink control information is used to schedule uplink data transmission of multiple terminal devices, or the first downlink control information is used to schedule the transmission of other uplink information of multiple terminal devices besides uplink data.

[0096] In an optional implementation a1, the first downlink control information may include multiple identifiers, each of which corresponds to a multiple terminal devices. Each of the multiple identifiers may be associated with a set of indication information for the relevant terminal device in the first downlink control information. The set of indication information may include one or more of the following: the number of uplink repetitions for the relevant terminal device and the MCS for the relevant terminal device.

[0097] Accordingly, the first terminal device can obtain a set of indication information for the first terminal device in the first downlink control information based on the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0098] Multiple identifiers can also be understood as a list of identifiers.

[0099] The identifier can be a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI.

[0100] For example, RNTI can be cell RNTI (C-RNTI).

[0101] The RNTI or its corresponding index can be configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0102] Taking C-RNTI as an example, a schematic diagram of the first downlink control information can be shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates multiple terminal devices as K+1 terminal devices, where K is a positive integer. In Figure 4, C-RNTI 0 to C-RNTI K can be understood as C-RNTI indices from 0 to K, representing a total of K+1 C-RNTIs; similarly, MCS 0 to MCS K can be understood as MCS indices from 0 to K, representing a total of K+1 MCSs; similarly, uplink repetition count 0 to uplink repetition count K can be understood as uplink repetition count indices from 0 to K, representing a total of K+1 uplink repetition counts. MCSs and / or uplink repetition counts with the same index can be understood as a set of indication information. Other similar descriptions in this application embodiment are similar and will not be elaborated further in subsequent sections. For example, in Figure 4, a set of indication information for the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI 0 may include one or more of the following: MCS 0, uplink repetition count 0.

[0103] It should be understood that the schematic diagram shown in Figure 4 only illustrates C-RNTI 0 to C-RNTI K as examples. Optionally, it could also be C-RNTI 1 to C-RNTI K+1 or other representations. The same applies to the representations of MCS, uplink repetition count, etc., and this application does not limit them.

[0104] It should be understood that C-RNTI0 to C-RNTI K in Figure 4 can also be replaced with the indices corresponding to RNTI.

[0105] In one example, the order of any identifier among multiple identifiers is used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device can determine the index of its uplink scrambling sequence based on the order of its identifier among multiple identifiers. The uplink scrambling sequence can be used to scramble uplink information.

[0106] For example, taking Figure 4 as an example, assuming the identifier of the first terminal device is C-RNTI 0, and C-RNTI 0 is the first identifier among multiple identifiers, then the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI 0 can be determined as index 0. In other words, based on this method, even without carrying the indices of the uplink scrambling sequences corresponding to multiple terminal devices in the first downlink control information, multiple terminal devices can accurately determine the indices of their respective uplink scrambling sequences.

[0107] In another example, the set of indication information may also include an index for the uplink scrambling sequence used by the relevant terminal device, as shown in Figure 5. That is, in addition to the information shown in Figure 4, the set of indication information may also include an index for the uplink scrambling sequence. For example, the set of indication information for the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI 0 may include one or more of the following: MCS0, uplink repetition count 0, and uplink scrambling sequence 0.

[0108] In an optional implementation a2, the first downlink control information may include multiple sets of indication information corresponding to multiple terminal devices, wherein the multiple sets of indication information are arranged in order of the size of the index of the respective associated terminal devices, that is, the multiple sets of indication information are arranged in ascending or descending order according to the index of the respective associated terminal devices. Any set of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count, MCS or uplink scrambling sequence index.

[0109] Among them, multiple sets of indication information are arranged in ascending or descending order according to the index of the respective associated terminal device, and can be predefined.

[0110] Furthermore, the first terminal device can obtain a set of indication information corresponding to the first terminal device from multiple sets of indication information in the first downlink control information based on the index of the first terminal device.

[0111] The first downlink control information includes multiple sets of indication information, each of which occupies the same amount of time and frequency resources.

[0112] In this embodiment, mode a2, the first downlink control information may not carry the identifiers corresponding to multiple terminal devices, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0113] For example, a schematic diagram of the first downlink control information can be shown in Figure 6. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first downlink control information can contain K+1 sets of indication information, which are arranged in order of magnitude of the indices 0, 1, ..., K of multiple terminal devices. For example, the first set of indication information (including one or more of MCS0, uplink repetition count 0, and uplink scrambling sequence 0) corresponds to the terminal device with index 0.

[0114] It should be understood that the indices 0, 1, ..., K for multiple terminal devices are just examples. They can also be 1, 2, ..., K+1 or others. The indices of multiple terminal devices only need to have a size order relationship.

[0115] For example, the first uplink resource for multiple terminal devices includes the uplink resources corresponding to each of the multiple terminal devices. That is, the uplink resources of each terminal device are all in the first uplink resource. It is understood that the uplink resources of each terminal device are not necessarily the same as the first uplink resource. The first uplink resource can be the largest uplink resource among the uplink resources corresponding to the multiple terminal devices, that is, the first uplink resource is the most available resource.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information may include information about a first uplink resource, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. For example, the information about the first uplink resource may include one or more of the following: the starting position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, etc. The size of the first uplink resource is the same as the size of the uplink resource required by the terminal device with the highest number of uplink repetitions among the multiple terminal devices, thereby enabling multiple terminal devices to perform uplink transmission on the first uplink resource.

[0117] Optionally, when the first downlink control information includes information about the first uplink resource, the first downlink control information may further include first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource for each of the multiple terminal devices is the starting position of the first uplink resource. The second rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource for the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A is the starting position of the first uplink resource. When the uplink repetition count is B and less than A, the starting position of the uplink resource for the associated terminal device can be determined based on B, A, the starting position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, and a first number. Wherein, the first number is the number of terminal devices that are sequentially preceding the associated terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B among the multiple terminal devices, and A and B are positive integers. Wherein, A is the largest uplink repetition count among the multiple terminal devices, and A is greater than 1.

[0118] The first and second rules are predefined or pre-configured by the network devices.

[0119] When the first instruction information indicates the first rule, the uplink resources occupied by multiple terminal devices for uplink transmission start at the same position.

[0120] When the first instruction information indicates the second rule, the starting position of the uplink resources of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A among multiple terminal devices is the starting position of the first uplink resource. The starting position of the uplink resources of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of B can be determined according to the determination method in the second rule when the uplink repetition count is B and less than A. Alternatively, it can be understood that when the first instruction information indicates the second rule, it indicates the distribution pattern of the uplink resources of multiple terminal devices.

[0121] For example, assuming the uplink repetition count of the first terminal device is B and less than A, the starting position of the uplink resource of the first terminal device can be (i+S / (A / B)*K)mod S. Here, i is the starting position of the first uplink resource, S is the size of the first uplink resource, and K is the first number, that is, the number of terminal devices that are sequentially preceding the first terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B among multiple terminal devices.

[0122] In some implementation scenarios, A can be 4, and B can be 1 or 2.

[0123] For example, suppose there are three terminal devices, UE1, UE2, and UE3, arranged in sequence. UE1 has an uplink repetition count of A, which is 4, and UE2 and UE3 have an uplink repetition count of B, which is 2. When the first indication information indicates the second rule, the uplink resources occupied by UE1, UE2, and UE3 can be shown in Figure 7. As can be seen from Figure 7, the uplink resources occupied by UE2 and UE3 do not overlap, which can improve communication performance.

[0124] In some embodiments, the number of uplink repetitions for multiple terminal devices can be the same, so that multiple terminal devices can occupy the exact same uplink resources. Thus, the first downlink control information can also include information about the first uplink resources, as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information may include the starting positions of uplink resources for each of multiple terminal devices. It can also be understood that, in the aforementioned embodiment a1, a set of indication information for a related terminal device may further include the starting positions of the uplink resources for that related terminal device. In the aforementioned embodiment a2, any one of the multiple sets of indication information may further include the starting positions of the uplink resources. For example, in this embodiment, the information of the first uplink resources in Figures 4 to 6 can be replaced with starting positions 0 to K, which are not shown in the schematic diagram here.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information may further include a first bit, wherein when the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first bit is a second value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined.

[0127] The first list may include the correspondence between the indices of the uplink scrambling sequences and orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. The second list may include the correspondence between the indices of the uplink scrambling sequences and non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences.

[0128] Optionally, the first downlink control information may include a first field, which includes a first bit.

[0129] Optionally, the first field may contain at least one bit, and the at least one bit includes the first bit.

[0130] It should be understood that the first field can also be a first indicator field or other descriptions.

[0131] When the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the aforementioned set of indication information for the relevant terminal device corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence for the relevant terminal device, determined by the order of any identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in any set of indication information included in the first downlink control information corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. In other words, when searching for the corresponding uplink scrambling sequence using the aforementioned uplink scrambling sequence index, the uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is searched through the first list. That is, at this time, the uplink scrambling sequences corresponding to the multiple terminal devices are orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences.

[0132] For example, when the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences, the first terminal device can determine the corresponding orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence in the first list based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0133] When the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the aforementioned set of indication information for the relevant terminal device corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence for the relevant terminal device, determined by the order of any identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to the second list of non-intersecting uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in any set of indication information included in the first downlink control information corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. In other words, when searching for the corresponding uplink scrambling sequence using the aforementioned uplink scrambling sequence index, the uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is searched using the second list. That is, at this time, the uplink scrambling sequences corresponding to the multiple terminal devices are non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences.

[0134] For example, when the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences, the first terminal device can determine the corresponding non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence in the second list based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0135] In some embodiments, when the number of uplink repetitions is greater than 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the number of uplink repetitions is 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences.

[0136] Alternatively, it can be understood that when a terminal device needs to perform uplink scrambling, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of that terminal device corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when a terminal device does not need to perform uplink scrambling, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of that terminal device corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences.

[0137] Taking a first terminal device as an example, when the uplink repetition count of the first terminal device is greater than 1, meaning the first terminal device needs to perform uplink repetitive transmission, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in a set of indication information of the first terminal device corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Alternatively, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device, determined by the order of the first terminal device's identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Or, in the multiple sets of indication information included in the first downlink control information, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the set of indication information corresponding to the first terminal device corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines the orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device in the first list.

[0138] When the uplink repetition count of the first terminal device is 1, meaning the first terminal device does not need to perform uplink repetition transmission, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in a set of indication information of the first terminal device corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device, determined by the order of the first terminal device's identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, in the multiple sets of indication information included in the first downlink control information, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the set of indication information corresponding to the first terminal device corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines the non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device based on the index of the first terminal device's uplink scrambling sequence in the second list.

[0139] In some embodiments, during the random access process of a terminal device, the random access resources may include repeated random access resources and non-repeated random access resources, and different uplink scrambling sequences may be used for access to different types of random access resources.

[0140] For example, when the first terminal device determines that the random access preamble is transmitted on a repeating random access resource, the first terminal device may determine that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first terminal device determines that the random access preamble is transmitted on a non-repeating random access resource, the first terminal device may determine that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences.

[0141] In other words, when the first terminal device determines that the random access preamble is transmitted on repeated random access resources, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in a set of indication information of the first terminal device corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device, determined by the order of the first terminal device's identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, in the multiple sets of indication information included in the first downlink control information, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the set of indication information corresponding to the first terminal device corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines the orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device in the first list.

[0142] When the first terminal device determines that the random access preamble is transmitted on non-repeating random access resources, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in a set of indication information of the first terminal device corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device, determined by the order of the first terminal device's identifier among multiple identifiers, corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, in the multiple sets of indication information included in the first downlink control information, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence included in the set of indication information corresponding to the first terminal device corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Accordingly, the first terminal device determines the non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence corresponding to the first terminal device based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device in the second list.

[0143] Optionally, the first terminal device may determine whether the random access preamble is transmitted on repeating random access resources or on non-repeating random access resources based on the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the downlink reference signal.

[0144] For example, when the first terminal device determines that the RSRP is less than the power threshold, it determines that the random access preamble will be transmitted on a repeating random access resource. When the first terminal device determines that the RSRP is greater than or equal to the power threshold, it determines that the random access preamble will be transmitted on a non-repeating random access resource.

[0145] In some embodiments, during a single scheduling process, although multiple terminal devices are scheduled for uplink transmission by the first downlink control information, some of these terminal devices may actually be scheduled for uplink transmission while others are not. For example, the value of the MCS corresponding to each terminal device in the first downlink control information can implicitly indicate whether the corresponding terminal device has been actually scheduled.

[0146] For example, when the value of MCS is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has been scheduled for uplink transmission. When the value of MCS is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has not been scheduled for uplink transmission. Accordingly, any terminal device among multiple terminal devices can determine whether it has been actually scheduled for uplink transmission by checking the value of its corresponding MCS.

[0147] Optionally, the MCS can also be set to a predetermined value to indicate that the corresponding terminal device has not been scheduled for uplink transmission. Of course, other methods can also be used, and this application does not limit this to any particular method.

[0148] In one possible approach, the first downlink control information may be scrambled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to multiple terminal devices.

[0149] It is understandable that the first identifier can be used by multiple terminal devices to receive or descramble the first downlink control information. In other words, multiple terminal devices receive or descramble the first downlink control information using the first identifier. This allows multiple terminal devices to share the first identifier, saving the overhead of transmitting downlink control information.

[0150] Optionally, the first identifier can be a multi-user RNTI (MU-RNTI).

[0151] In one example, the first identifier may be configured by the network device for the terminal devices. For instance, the network device may send the first identifier to multiple terminal devices, and each terminal device may receive the first identifier.

[0152] In this example, multiple terminal devices can correspond to the same synchronizing signal block (SSB) index, and the network device can determine the first identifier based on the SSB indexes corresponding to the multiple terminal devices.

[0153] Alternatively, network devices can determine the first identifier based on the timing advance (TA) reported by multiple terminal devices. For example, network devices can classify TAs into different levels, and terminal devices corresponding to different TA levels can be assigned the same first identifier. If the difference between the TA levels of multiple terminal devices is less than a preset threshold, the network device can assign the same first identifier to multiple terminal devices, which can reduce scheduling latency.

[0154] Alternatively, when the location differences between the random access resources of multiple terminal devices are less than a preset threshold, the network device can assign the same first identifier to multiple terminal devices.

[0155] In another example, multiple terminal devices can determine the first identifier themselves and send the first identifier to the network device, that is, the network device receives the first identifier from multiple terminal devices.

[0156] In this example, any terminal device can determine the first identifier based on the corresponding SSB index, the corresponding TA, or the corresponding random access resource.

[0157] For example, network devices can pre-configure a mapping between SSB indexes and RNTIs for terminal devices. Based on this mapping, any terminal device can determine the RNTI corresponding to its SSB index A, and then send the determined RNTI to the network device as a first identifier. Alternatively, network devices can pre-configure a mapping between TA ranges and RNTIs for terminal devices. Based on this mapping and the corresponding TA, any terminal device can determine the RNTI corresponding to its TA, and then send the determined RNTI to the network device as a first identifier. Or, network devices can pre-configure a mapping between the location range of random access resources and RNTIs for terminal devices. Based on this mapping and the corresponding random access resources, any terminal device can determine the RNTI corresponding to its TA, and then send the determined RNTI to the network device as a first identifier.

[0158] In this example, multiple terminal devices identify the same first identifier.

[0159] In one alternative implementation, the network device may send first information for configuring a first search space, which in turn is used to detect first downlink control information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device may receive the first information and detect the first downlink control information in the first search space based on a first identifier.

[0160] Optionally, the first search space can be a public search space.

[0161] For example, the first search space can be the type 4 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) control search space (CSS) (i.e., type 4 PDCCH CSS). Of course, the first search space can also be described in other ways, and this application does not limit it.

[0162] The first search space does not overlap with other search spaces. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the first search space is used to detect downlink control information scrambled by MU-RNTI, while other search spaces are used to detect downlink control information scrambled by C-RNTI. The two types of search spaces do not overlap.

[0163] In another optional implementation, the network device may send second information and third information. The second information is used to configure a second search space, and a portion of the time-domain position and / or a portion of the frequency-domain position corresponding to the second search space is used to detect the first downlink control information. The third information is used to indicate the portion of the time-domain position and / or a portion of the frequency-domain position corresponding to the second search space. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second information and the third information, and detects the first downlink control information within the portion of the time-domain position and / or a portion of the frequency-domain position corresponding to the second search space according to the first identifier.

[0164] Optionally, different time-domain and / or frequency-domain portions of the second search space can be used to detect different downlink control information. For example, some time-domain and / or frequency-domain portions of the search space can be used to detect downlink control information scrambled by MU-RNTI, while other time-domain and / or frequency-domain portions of the search space can be used to detect downlink control information scrambled by C-RNTI.

[0165] For example, different time domain components may include different time units. A time unit may be a system frame, a time slot, etc.

[0166] Optionally, the network device may send the second and third information through the same message or through different messages; this application does not limit this.

[0167] In another alternative implementation, the network device may send fourth and fifth information. The fourth information is used to configure a third search space and a fourth search space, which overlap in the time domain and / or frequency domain. The third search space is used to detect first downlink control information; the fourth information is used to indicate that the third search space is active. Accordingly, the first terminal device may receive the fourth and fifth information and detect the first downlink control information within the third search space based on a first identifier.

[0168] Optionally, the third and / or fourth search spaces can be multiple search spaces. The third search space can be used to detect downlink control information scrambled by MU-RNTI, and the fourth search space can be used to detect downlink control information scrambled by C-RNTI.

[0169] After the first terminal device receives the fourth information, the third search space becomes effective for a certain period of time, so that the first terminal device can detect the first downlink control information in the third search space according to the first identifier within a certain period of time.

[0170] When the traffic volume of a network device is less than a certain amount, the network device can use the sixth information to indicate that the fourth search space is active. At this time, the third search space becomes ineffective, and the fourth search space becomes active within a certain period of time.

[0171] Optionally, the network device may send the fourth and fifth information through the same message or through different messages; this application does not limit this.

[0172] Optionally, when a network device sends the fourth message but not the fifth message, the third and fourth search spaces can also take effect according to a predefined priority. For example, if the third search space has a higher priority than the fourth search space, the third search space will take effect first within a certain time period, and then the fourth search space will take effect.

[0173] In some embodiments, multiple terminal devices may be included in a first group of terminal devices, and the number of terminal devices included in the first group of terminal devices is greater than or equal to the number of multiple terminal devices.

[0174] The first group of terminal devices corresponds to the first identifier.

[0175] It is understood that the first identifier can be used by any terminal device in the first group of terminal devices to receive or descramble the first downlink control information. In other words, each terminal device in the first group of terminal devices receives or descrambles the first downlink control information through the first identifier. The first identifier is shared by all terminal devices in the first group.

[0176] Using this method, network devices can group terminal devices and assign the same first identifier to each group. The number of terminal devices in a group can be greater than the number of multiple terminal devices scheduled at once. For example, the first group may include 8 terminal devices, and the multiple group may include 4 terminal devices. Each terminal device in the first group corresponds to a different index, and the network device can determine the multiple terminal devices to be scheduled at once based on service and channel status. Accordingly, different terminal devices in the first group determine whether to be scheduled based on whether their own index is included in the first downlink control information.

[0177] For example, the difference in the number of uplink repetitions for multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a second threshold, or the difference in the MCS values ​​for multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a third threshold. In other words, a network device can schedule multiple terminal devices in the first group whose difference in the number of uplink repetitions is less than or equal to the second threshold, or schedule multiple terminal devices in the first group whose difference in the MCS values ​​is less than or equal to the third threshold, in a single scheduling operation.

[0178] Optionally, the network device may directly carry the identifier of the scheduled terminal device in the first downlink control information.

[0179] Optionally, the network device can also indicate which terminal devices are scheduled using a set of bits. Each set of bits corresponds one-to-one with a set of terminal devices. For example, a bit of 0 can indicate that the corresponding terminal device has not been scheduled, while a bit of 1 can indicate that the corresponding terminal device has been scheduled, and vice versa. This application does not limit this.

[0180] Optionally, this set of bits can be carried in the first downlink control information, that is, the first downlink control information includes this set of bits, or it can be understood that the first downlink control information includes a second field (or a second indication field), and the second field (or the second indication field) includes a set of bits.

[0181] It should be understood that when a network device indicates which terminal devices are scheduled using a set of bits, the first downlink control information may not include the identifier of the scheduled terminal device. However, if multiple terminal devices can identify that they have been scheduled, they can still obtain the corresponding set of indication information from the first downlink control information according to the size relationship of their respective indices.

[0182] In some embodiments, if the services of some of the multiple terminal devices change or the connection is terminated, the network device may update the index of the remaining terminal devices among the multiple terminal devices, or may update the first identifier corresponding to the multiple terminal devices.

[0183] Optionally, during the handover process, the corresponding first identifier of a terminal device can be maintained at the MU-RNTI of the source cell, or it can be updated to the MU-RNTI of the target cell of the terminal device.

[0184] The above communication method enables the scheduling of multiple terminal devices through a single downlink control message, realizing multi-user multiplexing technology and reducing control signaling overhead.

[0185] This application also provides another communication method to achieve multi-user multiplexing. In this embodiment, during the random access process of a terminal device, the network device can schedule terminal devices that need to perform uplink repetitive transmissions and terminal devices that do not need to perform uplink repetitive transmissions on the same uplink resources through the random access response. For example, this communication method can be described with reference to the flow shown in Figure 9:

[0186] Step 901: The network device sends a random access response, which is used to schedule uplink transmissions for multiple terminal devices. The random access response indicates a first uplink resource for the multiple terminal devices. Accordingly, the multiple terminal devices receive the random access response. As shown in Figure 9, this application uses a first terminal device as an example for explanation. The first terminal device belongs to the multiple terminal devices.

[0187] It should be understood that among multiple terminal devices, those other than the first terminal device can refer to the first terminal device.

[0188] Step 902: The first terminal device sends message 3 (Msg3) on the first uplink resource according to the random access response.

[0189] In some embodiments, the random access response includes identifiers corresponding to multiple terminal devices.

[0190] Optionally, the identifiers corresponding to multiple terminal devices may include two sets of identifiers. One set of identifiers (denoted as the first set) includes the identifiers corresponding to the terminal devices that need to perform uplink retransmission, and the other set of identifiers (denoted as the second set) includes the identifiers corresponding to the terminal devices that do not need to perform uplink retransmission. For example, if 4 out of 10 terminal devices do not need to perform uplink retransmission and 6 terminal devices do, the identifiers corresponding to the 4 terminal devices that do not need to perform uplink retransmission can be located in the first 4 positions, and the identifiers corresponding to the 6 terminal devices that need to perform uplink retransmission can be located in the last 6 positions.

[0191] The identifier can be an RNTI or the index corresponding to the RNTI.

[0192] For example, RNTI can be cell RNTI (C-RNTI).

[0193] In one alternative implementation, the order of the identifier of any terminal device among the identifiers of multiple terminal devices can be used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of that terminal device.

[0194] Optionally, the first set of identifiers can be used to indicate that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences, and the second set of identifiers can be used to indicate that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. The first and second lists can be found in the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0195] For example, continuing with the example of the aforementioned 10 terminal devices, assuming that the identifier of the first terminal device is located in the second position among the 10 identifiers, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device can be determined to be index 2. When the identifier of the first terminal device is located in the second position among the 10 identifiers, it means that the identifier of the first terminal device belongs to the second group of identifiers. This indicates that the index of the first terminal device corresponds to the second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. In other words, the first terminal device can determine the corresponding non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence based on the index of the first terminal device's uplink scrambling sequence in the second list, and use the non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence to scramble Msg3. Assuming the identifier of the first terminal device is located in the 5th position out of 10 identifiers, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device can be determined to be index 5. When the identifier of the first terminal device is located in the 5th position out of 10 identifiers, it means that the identifier of the first terminal device belongs to the first group of identifiers. This indicates that the index of the first terminal device corresponds to the first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. In other words, the first terminal device can determine the corresponding orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence based on the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the first terminal device in the first list, and use the orthogonal uplink scrambling sequence to scramble Msg3.

[0196] It should be understood that the embodiments shown in Figure 9 can be combined with the embodiments shown in Figure 3, or they can exist independently, and this application does not limit them.

[0197] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device. Referring to FIG10, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002. The transceiver unit 1001 is used for communication by the communication device 1000, such as receiving or sending information (signals or data). The processing unit 1002 is used for controlling and managing the operation of the communication device 1000. The processing unit 1002 can also control the steps performed by the transceiver unit 1001.

[0198] For example, the communication device 1000 may specifically be the first terminal device, the processor of the first terminal device, a chip, a chip system, a component, a module, a functional module, etc., as described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may specifically be the network device, the processor of the network device, a chip, a chip system, a component, a module, a functional module, etc., as described in the above embodiments.

[0199] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG3 above, the processing unit 1002 can be used to generate first downlink control information. The first downlink control information is used to schedule uplink transmission of multiple terminal devices. The first downlink control information is used to indicate at least one of the following: first uplink resources for the multiple terminal devices, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) corresponding to the multiple terminal devices respectively, and uplink repetition counts corresponding to the multiple terminal devices respectively. The transceiver unit 1001 can be used to send the first downlink control information to the multiple terminal devices.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information is scrambled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices.

[0201] In one optional implementation, the first downlink control information includes a plurality of identifiers, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the plurality of terminal devices. Each of the plurality of identifiers is associated with a set of indication information for the relevant terminal device in the first downlink control information. The set of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count for the relevant terminal device and MCS for the relevant terminal device.

[0202] Optionally, the identifier is a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI.

[0203] For example, the set of indication information may further include an index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device; or, the order of any of the identifiers among the plurality of identifiers may be used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device.

[0204] In another optional implementation, the first downlink control information includes multiple sets of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the multiple sets of indication information are arranged in order of the size of the index of the respective associated terminal devices, and any one of the multiple sets of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count, MCS, or uplink scrambling sequence index.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first downlink control information also includes the starting position of the uplink resources of the plurality of terminal devices respectively.

[0206] In other embodiments, the first downlink control information further includes first indication information, which is used to indicate a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource of each of the plurality of terminal devices is the starting position of the first uplink resource. The second rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A is the starting position of the first uplink resource. When the uplink repetition count is B and less than A, the starting position of the uplink resource of the associated terminal device is determined based on B, A, the starting position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, and a first number. Wherein, the first number is the number of terminal devices that are sequentially preceding the associated terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B among the plurality of terminal devices, and A and B are positive integers.

[0207] In one possible approach, when the value of the MCS is less than or equal to a first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has been scheduled for uplink transmission; when the value of the MCS is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has not been scheduled for uplink transmission.

[0208] In one example, the first downlink control information further includes a first bit, which, when the first bit has a first value, indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first bit has a second value, indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined.

[0209] In another example, when the number of uplink repetitions is greater than 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the number of uplink repetitions is 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined.

[0210] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 can also be used to: send the first identifier to the plurality of terminal devices, or receive the first identifier from the plurality of terminal devices; wherein the first identifier is determined based on the synchronization signal block (SSB) index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the timing advance (TA) of the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the random access resources corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices.

[0211] In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1001 may also be used for:

[0212] Send first information, the first information being used to configure a first search space, the first search space being used to detect the first downlink control information; or

[0213] Sending second and third information, the second information being used to configure a second search space, the corresponding partial time-domain position and / or partial frequency-domain position being used to detect the first downlink control information; the third information being used to indicate the corresponding partial time-domain position and / or partial frequency-domain position of the second search space; or

[0214] Send a fourth message and a fifth message. The fourth message is used to configure a third search space and a fourth search space. The third search space and the fourth search space overlap in the time domain and / or frequency domain. The third search space is used to detect the first downlink control information. The fourth message is used to indicate that the third search space is active.

[0215] Optionally, the plurality of terminal devices are included in a first group of terminal devices, wherein the number of terminal devices included in the first group of terminal devices is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of terminal devices.

[0216] For example, the difference in the number of uplink repetitions corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a second threshold, or the difference in the MCS values ​​corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0217] In another embodiment, when the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the first terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG3 above, the transceiver unit 1001 can be used to receive first downlink control information from the network device. The first downlink control information is used to schedule uplink transmission of multiple terminal devices, wherein the first terminal device belongs to the multiple terminal devices. The first downlink control information is used to indicate at least one of the following: first uplink resources for the multiple terminal devices, modulation and coding schemes (MCS) corresponding to the multiple terminal devices respectively, and uplink repetition counts corresponding to the multiple terminal devices respectively; and to transmit uplink information in the uplink resources according to the first downlink control information. The processing unit 1002 can be used to control the operation of the transceiver unit 1001.

[0218] In some examples, the first downlink control information is scrambled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices.

[0219] In one optional implementation, the first downlink control information includes a plurality of identifiers, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the plurality of terminal devices. Each of the plurality of identifiers is associated with a set of indication information for the relevant terminal device in the first downlink control information. The set of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count for the relevant terminal device and MCS for the relevant terminal device.

[0220] Optionally, the identifier is a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI.

[0221] For example, the set of indication information may further include an index for the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device; or, the order of any of the identifiers among the plurality of identifiers may be used to determine the index of the uplink scrambling sequence of the relevant terminal device.

[0222] In another optional implementation, the first downlink control information includes multiple sets of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the multiple sets of indication information are arranged in order of the size of the index of the respective associated terminal devices, and any one of the multiple sets of indication information includes one or more of the following: uplink repetition count, MCS, or uplink scrambling sequence index.

[0223] In one example, the first downlink control information also includes the starting position of the uplink resources of the plurality of terminal devices respectively.

[0224] In another example, the first downlink control information further includes first indication information, which is used to indicate a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is that the starting position of the uplink resources of each of the plurality of terminal devices is the starting position of the first uplink resource. The second rule is that the starting position of the uplink resources of the terminal device with an uplink repetition count of A is the starting position of the first uplink resource. When the uplink repetition count is B and less than A, the starting position of the uplink resources of the associated terminal device is determined based on B, A, the starting position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource, and a first number. Wherein, the first number is the number of terminal devices that are sequentially preceding the associated terminal device and have an uplink repetition count of B among the plurality of terminal devices, and A and B are positive integers.

[0225] Optionally, when the value of MCS is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has been scheduled for uplink transmission; when the value of MCS is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS has not been scheduled for uplink transmission.

[0226] In one possible approach, the first downlink control information further includes a first bit, wherein when the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the first bit is a second value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined.

[0227] In another possible approach, when the number of uplink repetitions is greater than 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or, when the number of uplink repetitions is 1, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is indicated to correspond to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined.

[0228] In another possible approach, during the random access process, the random access resources include duplicated random access resources and non-duplicated random access resources, and the processing unit 1002 can also be used to:

[0229] When it is determined that the random access preamble is transmitted on repeated random access resources, the index of the uplink scrambling sequence is determined to correspond to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or

[0230] When it is determined that the random access preamble is transmitted on a non-repeating random access resource, it is determined that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences;

[0231] The first list and the second list are predefined.

[0232] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 can also be used for:

[0233] The first identifier is received from the network device, or the first identifier is sent to the network device; wherein the first identifier is determined based on the synchronization signal block (SSB) index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the timing advance (TA) of the first terminal device, or the first identifier is determined based on the random access resource corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0234] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 can also be used to receive first information, the first information being used to configure a first search space, the first search space being used to detect the first downlink control information; the processing unit 1002 can also be used to detect the first downlink control information in the first search space according to the first identifier; or

[0235] The transceiver unit 1001 can also be used to receive second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to configure a second search space, and a portion of the time domain position and / or a portion of the frequency domain position corresponding to the second search space is used to detect the first downlink control information; the third information is used to indicate a portion of the time domain position and / or a portion of the frequency domain position corresponding to the second search space; the processing unit 1002 can also be used to detect the first downlink control information within the portion of the time domain position and / or a portion of the frequency domain position corresponding to the second search space according to the first identifier; or

[0236] The transceiver unit 1001 can also be used to receive fourth information and fifth information. The fourth information is used to configure the third search space and the fourth search space. The third search space and the fourth search space overlap in the time domain and / or frequency domain. The third search space is used to detect the first downlink control information. The fourth information is used to indicate that the third search space is effective. The processing unit 1002 can also be used to detect the first downlink control information in the third search space according to the first identifier.

[0237] In some embodiments, the plurality of terminal devices are included in a first group of terminal devices, wherein the number of terminal devices included in the first group of terminal devices is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of terminal devices.

[0238] For example, the difference in the number of uplink repetitions corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a second threshold, or the difference in the MCS values ​​corresponding to the multiple terminal devices is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0239] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The functional units in the embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0240] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0241] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication device. Referring to FIG11, the communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1102. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include one or more transceivers 1101. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include at least one memory 1103. The memory 1103 may be located inside the communication device 1100 or outside the communication device 1100. The processor 1102 can control the transceiver 1101 to receive and send information, messages, or data.

[0242] Specifically, the processor 1102 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor 1102 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0243] The transceiver 1101, processor 1102, and memory 1103 are interconnected. Optionally, the transceiver 1101, processor 1102, and memory 1103 are interconnected via a bus 1104; the bus 1104 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 11, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0244] In one optional embodiment, the memory 1103 is used to store programs, etc. Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 1103 may include RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices. The processor 1102 executes the application program stored in the memory 1103 to achieve the above-mentioned functions, thereby realizing the functions of the communication device 1100.

[0245] For example, the communication device 1100 can specifically implement the functions of the first terminal device or network device in the above embodiments.

[0246] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1100 implements the functions of the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3, the transceiver 1101 can implement the transmit / receive operations performed by the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3; the processor 1102 can implement other operations performed by the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 besides the transmit / receive operations. Specific details can be found in the descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0247] In another embodiment, when the communication device 1100 implements the functions of the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3, the processor 1102 can implement the operations performed by the first terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3. For specific details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0248] In another embodiment, when the communication device 1100 implements the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3, the transceiver 1101 can implement the send / receive operations performed by the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3; the processor 1102 can implement other operations performed by the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 besides the send / receive operations. Specific details can be found in the descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0249] In yet another embodiment, when the communication device 1100 implements the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3, the processor 1102 can implement the operations performed by the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3. For specific details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0250] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system that may include multiple terminal devices and network devices involved in the above embodiments.

[0251] This application also provides a communication system, which may include the network devices involved in the above embodiments.

[0252] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a computer, the computer can implement the communication methods provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0253] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer, the computer can implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0254] This application also provides a chip or chip system, including logic circuitry, which is used to execute the communication method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0255] This application also provides a chip or chip system, including one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are coupled to at least one memory, for calling a program in the memory to enable the chip or chip system to implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0256] This application also provides a chip or chip system coupled to at least one memory, which is used to implement the communication method provided in the above method embodiments.

[0257] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0258] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0259] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0260] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0261] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: Comprising: generating a first downlink control information, the first downlink control information being used for scheduling uplink transmission of a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the first downlink control information is used for indicating at least one of the following information: a first uplink resource used by the plurality of terminal devices, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively, and a number of uplink repetitions corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively; sending the first downlink control information to the plurality of terminal devices. The method of claim 1, wherein The first downlink control information is scrambled by a first identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein The first downlink control information comprises a plurality of identifiers, the plurality of identifiers corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices one by one, wherein any identifier in the plurality of identifiers is associated to a group of indication information in the first downlink control information for a related terminal device, the group of indication information comprising one or more of the following: a number of uplink repetitions for the related terminal device, and a MCS for the related terminal device. The method of claim 3, wherein The identifier is a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The group of indication information further comprises an index of an uplink scrambling sequence for the related terminal device; or, An order of the any identifier in the plurality of identifiers is used to determine an index of an uplink scrambling sequence for the related terminal device. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein The first downlink control information comprises a plurality of groups of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively, wherein the plurality of groups of indication information are arranged in a size order of indexes of terminal devices associated respectively, and any group of indication information in the plurality of groups of indication information comprises one or more of the following: a number of uplink repetitions, a MCS, or an index of an uplink scrambling sequence. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises a starting position of the uplink resource of the plurality of terminal devices respectively. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises first indication information, the first indication information being used for indicating a first rule or a second rule, the first rule being that starting positions of the uplink resources of the plurality of terminal devices are all starting positions of the first uplink resource, the second rule being that a starting position of the uplink resource of a terminal device with a number of uplink repetitions of A is a starting position of the first uplink resource, and a starting position of the uplink resource of a terminal device with a number of uplink repetitions of B and smaller than the A is determined based on the B, the A, a starting position of the first uplink resource, a size of the first uplink resource, and a first number, wherein the first number is a number of terminal devices in the plurality of terminal devices which are in front of the associated terminal device in order and have a number of uplink repetitions of B, and the A and the B are positive integers. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that When a value of the MCS is smaller than or equal to a first threshold value, it indicates that a terminal device corresponding to the MCS is scheduled for uplink transmission; and when the value of the MCS is larger than the first threshold value, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS is not scheduled for uplink transmission. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises a first bit, and when the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Or, the first bit is a second value, indicating that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences. Wherein, the first list and the second list are predefined. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that When the uplink repetition number is greater than 1, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or when the uplink repetition number is 1, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences. Wherein, the first list and the second list are predefined. The method of claim 2, wherein The method further comprises: sending the first identifier to the plurality of terminal devices; or receiving the first identifier from the plurality of terminal devices; Wherein, the first identifier is determined based on the synchronization signal block SSB index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the timing advance TA of the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on the random access resource corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices. The method of claim 2 or 12, wherein The method further comprises: sending first information, the first information being used for configuring a first search space, the first search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; or sending second information and third information, the second information being used for configuring a second search space, a part of time domain location and / or a part of frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; the third information being used for indicating the part of time domain location and / or the part of frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space; or sending fourth information and fifth information, the fourth information being used for configuring a third search space and a fourth search space, the third search space and the fourth search space overlapping in time domain and / or frequency domain, the third search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; the fourth information being used for indicating that the third search space is valid. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to a first terminal device, the method comprises: receiving a first downlink control information from a network device, the first downlink control information being used for scheduling uplink transmission of a plurality of terminal devices, the first terminal device belonging to the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the first downlink control information is used for indicating at least one of the following information: a first uplink resource for the plurality of terminal devices, a modulation and coding scheme MCS corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively, and an uplink repetition number corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively; sending uplink information in the first uplink resource according to the first downlink control information. The method of claim 14, wherein The first downlink control information is scrambled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the plurality of terminal devices. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein The first downlink control information comprises a plurality of identifiers, the plurality of identifiers corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices one by one, wherein any identifier in the plurality of identifiers is associated to a group of indication information in the first downlink control information for a related terminal device, the group of indication information comprising one or more of the following: uplink repetition number for the related terminal device, MCS for the related terminal device. The method of claim 16, wherein The identifier is a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) or an index corresponding to the RNTI. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein The set of indication information further comprises an index of an uplink scrambling sequence for the relevant terminal device; or The order of any identifier in the plurality of identifiers is used to determine an index of an uplink scrambling sequence for the relevant terminal device. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein The first downlink control information comprises a plurality of sets of indication information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices respectively, wherein the plurality of sets of indication information are arranged in order of the size of the index of the terminal device associated respectively, and any set of indication information in the plurality of sets of indication information comprises one or more of the following: uplink repetition number, MCS or index of uplink scrambling sequence. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises a starting position of uplink resource of the plurality of terminal devices respectively. The method according to any one of claims 16-20, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first rule or a second rule, the first rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource of each of the plurality of terminal devices is the starting position of the first uplink resource; the second rule is that the starting position of the uplink resource of the terminal device with the uplink repetition number A is the starting position of the first uplink resource; when the uplink repetition number is B and less than A, the starting position of the uplink resource of the associated terminal device is determined based on B, A, the starting position of the first uplink resource, the size of the first uplink resource and the first number; wherein the first number is the number of terminal devices in the plurality of terminal devices, which are in order before the associated terminal device and have the uplink repetition number B, and A and B are positive integers. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that When the value of the MCS is less than or equal to a first threshold value, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS is scheduled for uplink transmission; when the value of the MCS is greater than the first threshold value, it indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the MCS is not scheduled for uplink transmission. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that The first downlink control information further comprises a first bit, when the first bit is a first value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; Or, when the first bit is a second value, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; Wherein, the first list and the second list are predefined. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that When the uplink repetition number is greater than 1, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or when the uplink repetition number is 1, it indicates that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal scrambling sequences; Wherein, the first list and the second list are predefined. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that In the random access process, the random access resource comprises repeated random access resources and non-repeated random access resources, and the method further comprises: When it is determined that the random access preamble is sent on the repeated random access resource, it is determined that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a first list of orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences; or determining that the index of the uplink scrambling sequence corresponds to a second list of non-orthogonal uplink scrambling sequences when it is determined that the random access preamble is transmitted on a non-repeated random access resource; wherein the first list and the second list are predefined. The method of claim 15, wherein The method further comprises: receiving the first identifier from the network device; or sending the first identifier to the network device; wherein the first identifier is determined based on a synchronization signal block, SSB, index corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices, or the first identifier is determined based on a timing advance, TA, of the first terminal device, or the first identifier is determined based on a random access resource corresponding to the first terminal device. The method of claim 15 or 26, wherein The method further comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for configuring a first search space, the first search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; and detecting the first downlink control information in the first search space according to the first identifier; or receiving second information and third information, the second information being used for configuring a second search space, a partial time domain location and / or a partial frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; the third information being used for indicating the partial time domain location and / or the partial frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space; and detecting the first downlink control information in the partial time domain location and / or the partial frequency domain location corresponding to the second search space according to the first identifier; or receiving fourth information and fifth information, the fourth information being used for configuring a third search space and a fourth search space, the third search space and the fourth search space overlapping in time domain and / or frequency domain, the third search space being used for detecting the first downlink control information; the fourth information being used for indicating that the third search space is effective; and detecting the first downlink control information in the third search space according to the first identifier. A communication device, characterized by comprise units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 1-13, or comprise units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 14-27. A communication device, characterized by comprise a processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method of any of claims 1-13, or to implement the method of any of claims 14-27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by, The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any of claims 1-13, or implement the method of any of claims 14-27. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product contains computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any of claims 1-13 to be implemented or the method of any of claims 14-27 to be implemented. A chip or chip system, characterized in that The chip or chip system comprises a processor configured to execute the method of any of claims 1-13, or to execute the method of any of claims 14-27. A communication system characterized by The communication device comprises a communication device comprising units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-13.

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