Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method, comprising: a first communication device determining memory headroom, and reporting the memory headroom to a second communication device, wherein the memory headroom is used for supporting the storage of a circular buffer codeword of the first communication device. The second communication device can know the memory headroom of the first communication device in a timely manner, and can better configure the first communication device, thereby reducing the possibility of a free memory of the first communication device being insufficient to support the size of a circular buffer, and enhancing the transmission performance.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411060296.6, filed on August 2, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Throughout the evolution of wireless communication systems, high throughput and massive connectivity have remained core challenges for wireless communication networks. In 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems and future communication systems, massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technology, which can significantly improve system capacity, will continue to be a key technology to meet the demands of high-speed transmission.

[0004] In large-scale MIMO scenarios, as the number of streams and bandwidth transmitted between terminal devices and network devices increase, the number of codewords transmitted between them also increases accordingly. At this time, the maximum number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes also increases. Whether uplink or downlink, the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger. In some cases, the free memory of the terminal device may not be enough to support the size of the circular buffer, resulting in the inability to perform HARQ retransmission, which will seriously affect the transmission performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method to reduce the possibility of HARQ retransmission failure due to insufficient free memory, thereby improving the transmission performance between devices.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first communication device" in this application can refer to the first communication device itself (e.g., a terminal device), or a component within the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a first communication device as an example.

[0007] The communication method includes: determining the remaining memory of the first communication device; and sending first indication information to a second communication device, the first indication information indicating the remaining memory, wherein the remaining memory is used to support the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can determine and report the remaining memory to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can know the remaining memory of the first communication device. This remaining memory is used to support the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device, thereby allowing the second communication device to know the remaining memory of the first communication device in a timely manner, so as to better configure the first communication device, reduce the possibility that the free memory of the first communication device is insufficient to support the size of the circular buffer, and enhance the transmission performance.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before the first communication device determines the remaining memory, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from the second communication device, the second indication information being used to indicate reporting the remaining memory; or, determining that a first condition is met, the first condition being used to determine whether to report the remaining memory.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can report the remaining memory based on the instruction of the second communication device, or it can independently determine whether to report the remaining memory if the first condition is met. This provides different ways to trigger the first communication device to report the remaining memory, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second indication information is included in any one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the second communication device can send the second instruction information through different signaling, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the number of transmit and receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than a first threshold; the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than a second threshold; the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than a third threshold; the number of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device is greater than a fourth threshold; the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than a fifth threshold; the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a sixth threshold; the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a seventh threshold; the total memory of the first communication device is less than an eighth threshold; or the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than a ninth threshold, wherein the other functions of the first communication device are functions other than supporting the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, when the first communication device decides whether to report the remaining memory, it can make the decision based on different conditions, such as the number of its own transceiver antennas, the number of data streams, or the number of its own circular buffer codewords, thus providing different conditions for the first communication device to make its own decision.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third indication information from the second communication device, the third indication information being used to indicate that the remaining memory is reported when the first condition is met.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, the method by which the first communication device independently determines whether the first condition is met and reports the remaining memory can also be indicated by the second communication device, thereby realizing unified management by the second communication device.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the memory balance, including at least one of the following: the first indication information indicates whether the memory balance is sufficient; or, the first indication information indicates the size of the memory balance; or, the first indication information indicates the ratio of the memory balance to the memory size required for data transmission.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the first indication information can indicate the memory balance in a rough manner, or it can indicate the size of the memory balance accurately, or it can indicate the ratio of the memory balance to the memory size required for the current uplink data transmission. It can be understood that there are multiple ways for the first indication information to indicate the memory balance, as long as it enables the second communication device to know the memory balance of the first communication device.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second indication information is also used to indicate the method by which the first communication device reports memory availability.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, the method by which the first communication device reports the remaining memory through the first instruction information can be indicated by the second communication device. That is, the second communication device can instruct the first communication device to report the remaining memory and in what way.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining the memory reserve of the first communication device includes: determining the memory reserve based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the uplink data: bandwidth, number of codewords, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier spacing, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, and memory size occupied by other functions of the first communication device; or, determining the memory reserve based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the downlink data: bandwidth, number of codewords, decoding result, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier spacing, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, and memory size occupied by other functions of the first communication device, wherein the other functions of the first communication device are functions other than supporting the storage of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, for uplink transmission, the first communication device can determine the remaining memory based on the transmission parameters corresponding to the uplink data; for downlink transmission, the first communication device can determine the remaining memory based on the transmission parameters corresponding to the downlink data. This can be understood as follows: when determining the remaining memory, the first communication device can combine this with the current data transmission situation to ensure the accuracy of the memory allocation determined by the first communication device.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, sending the first indication information to the second communication device includes: sending uplink control information (UCI) to the second communication device, wherein the uplink control information includes the first indication information.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending uplink data to the second communication device; or receiving downlink data from the second communication device and indicating whether to retransmit the downlink data via a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ).

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining the first moment for sending the first indication information based on a reporting period or a reference time, wherein the reporting period indicates the period for reporting memory balance, and the reference time includes the moment for sending uplink data, the moment for sending uplink HARQ feedback, or the moment for receiving downlink data.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can report the memory balance periodically, or at a certain time after sending uplink data, or at a certain time after sending uplink HARQ feedback, or at a certain time after receiving downlink data, thus specifying the time when the first communication device reports the memory balance.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information from the second communication device, the fourth indication information being used to indicate any one of the following: the reporting period, indicating reporting the memory balance after a first duration of sending the uplink data, indicating reporting the memory balance after a second duration of sending the uplink HARQ feedback, or indicating reporting the memory balance after a third duration of receiving the downlink data.

[0028] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second communication device" in this application can refer to the second communication device itself (e.g., a network device), or a component within the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core)), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by a second communication device as an example.

[0029] The communication method includes: receiving first indication information from a first communication device, the first indication information indicating the memory remaining amount of the first communication device; determining the memory remaining amount of the first communication device based on the first indication information, wherein the memory remaining amount is used to support the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before receiving the first indication information from the first communication device, the method further includes: sending a second indication information to the first communication device, the second indication information being used to indicate reporting the remaining memory; or, sending a third indication information to the first communication device, the third indication information being used to indicate reporting the remaining memory if a first condition is met, wherein the first condition is used to determine whether to report the remaining memory.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first condition includes at least one of the following: the number of transmit and receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than a first threshold; the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than a second threshold; the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than a third threshold; the number of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device is greater than a fourth threshold; the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than a fifth threshold; the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a sixth threshold; the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a seventh threshold; the total memory of the first communication device is less than an eighth threshold; or the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than a ninth threshold, wherein the other functions of the first communication device are functions other than supporting the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is used to indicate the memory balance, including at least one of the following: the first indication information indicates whether the memory balance is sufficient; or, the first indication information indicates the size of the memory balance; or, the first indication information indicates the ratio of the memory balance to the memory size required for data transmission.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, receiving the first indication information from the first communication device includes: receiving uplink control information (UCI) from the first communication device, wherein the uplink control information includes the first indication information.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving uplink data from the first communication device; or sending downlink data to the first communication device and receiving a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) from the first communication device, wherein the HARQ indicates whether to retransmit the downlink data.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a fourth indication message to the second communication device, the fourth indication message being used to indicate any one of the following: the reporting period, indicating that the memory balance is reported after a first duration of sending uplink data, indicating that the memory balance is reported after a second duration of sending uplink HARQ feedback, or indicating that the memory balance is reported after a third duration of receiving downlink data, wherein the reporting period indicates the period for reporting the memory balance.

[0036] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0037] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0038] In one implementation, the communication device can be a terminal device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0039] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a terminal device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0040] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0041] In one implementation, the communication device can be a network device. When the communication device is a network device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0042] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a network device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0043] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method of any implementation of the first and second aspects described above to be performed.

[0044] Sixthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, it causes the method provided by any implementation of the first and second aspects above to be executed.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions through the communication interface and executing the method provided by any of the implementations of the first and second aspects described above.

[0046] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions, and a processor that executes the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor executes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first and second aspects described above.

[0047] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, including a communication device of the third aspect and a communication device of the fourth aspect.

[0048] Ninthly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method provided by any implementation of the first and second aspects above to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are made:

[0056] (1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0057] (2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "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. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "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, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0058] (3) In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are used for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] (4) In this application, the descriptions such as “when…”, “under the circumstances of…” and “if” all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0060] (5) In this application, “instruction” or “for instruction” can include both direct instruction and indirect instruction. When describing an instruction as being used to instruct A, it can include whether the instruction directly instructs A or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction carries A.

[0061] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0062] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0063] (6) In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the 5th generation (5G) protocol, the new radio (NR) protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit the term "protocol". "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the implementation method of this feature.

[0064] (7) In this application, “communication” can also be described as “communication”, “information transmission”, “data processing”, etc. “Transmission” includes “sending” and “receiving”. “Transmission” can be described as “output”.

[0065] (8) In this application, “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0066] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0067] (9) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” “corresponding,” and “associate” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0068] (10) In this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration, such as radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI), or system information block (SIB). Optionally, the signaling configuration can be pre-configured signaling configuration given to the terminal device, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance in the form of a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device when communicating with the terminal device. The pre-configured message can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to the network.

[0069] The technical solutions in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to low-frequency scenarios, high-frequency scenarios, and terahertz frequencies.

[0070] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication. As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. The satellite base station can also communicate with other base stations. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high-Earth orbit (HEO) satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment, etc.

[0071] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "device" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, network element, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses "device" as an example for description. For instance, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device.

[0072] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication functions, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer, M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) equipment, target tracking equipment, aircraft (e.g., drones, helicopters, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), boat, remote control equipment, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard. The terminal device (RSU) can be a unit or a device built into the aforementioned equipment (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned equipment), or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For ease of description, the terminal device will be described below as a terminal or UE.

[0073] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or end-to-end.

[0074] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a terminal device, i.e., the terminal device, can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0075] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), gNB (gNB) in future communication networks, relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter, master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. Base stations can also be mobile switching centers, devices that perform base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, network-side devices in future networks, and devices that perform base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0076] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0077] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, DU, or CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0078] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0079] In some deployments, the CU (Core Unit) is a logical node that carries the RRC (Resource Control Code) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may be E2 interfaces, etc. Optionally, the CU possesses some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which may be F1 interfaces, etc. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). The F1 application protocol (F1AP) is the application protocol for the F1 interface, and in some examples, it defines the F1 signaling procedures. The F1 interface supports both the control plane (F1-C) and the user plane (F1-U).

[0080] In some deployments, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function network elements. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or CU or DU can be configured to have only partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Another example is that the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For instance, based on latency, functions that need to meet low latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements can be placed in the CU.

[0081] In some deployments, the DU (Distributed Unit) is a logical node that carries the RLC (Real-Time Control) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, the higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU (Remote Root). The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0082] In some deployments, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a TRP, RRH, or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0083] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split CUS-Plane (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include interfaces providing control and user plane information respectively. In some examples, the control plane refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via a lower-layer split management (LLS-M) interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0084] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0085] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0086] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. 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.

[0087] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0088] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0089] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a future network (e.g., a higher version) or a traditional (e.g., 5G or 4G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the wireless access network 100. Network elements in the wireless communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces.

[0091] Figure 1 above is only a schematic diagram for ease of understanding. The wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network (CN) devices, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0092] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the wireless communication system may include core network equipment, access network equipment (such as RAN), and terminal equipment. The access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment through a backhaul link and with the terminal equipment through an air interface. For example, the BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network through a backhaul link, and the RU in the access network equipment communicates with the terminal equipment through an air interface. The BBU can communicate with the RU through a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. In some deployments, the BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate with each other through a midhaul link.

[0093] Figure 2 above is only a schematic diagram for ease of understanding. This wireless communication system may also include other devices, which are not shown in Figure 2.

[0094] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, some basic concepts involved in the technical solution of this application will be introduced.

[0095] 1. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology: Wireless communication systems have evolved and been researched from first-generation analog communication to 5G NR technology. Throughout this complex evolution, high throughput and massive connectivity have remained core challenges for wireless communication networks. In 5G NR and various future communication solutions, massive MIMO technology, which can significantly improve system capacity, will continue to be a key technology to meet the demands of high-speed transmission.

[0096] MIMO technology utilizes spatial dimension resources to enable signals to obtain array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain, and interference cancellation gain in space without increasing system bandwidth, thereby multiplying the capacity and spectral efficiency of communication systems.

[0097] 2. Channel Estimation: In communication systems, estimating the uplink or downlink channel is essential for transmitting and receiving data, obtaining system synchronization and feedback channel information. Channel estimation refers to the process of reconstructing or recovering the received signal to compensate for signal distortion caused by channel fading and noise fading. It uses reference signals known to the transmitter and receiver to measure the time and frequency domain changes of the channel.

[0098] The aforementioned reference signal can also be called a pilot signal or reference signal (RS). The reference signal is distributed across different resource elements (REs) within the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and has known amplitude and phase.

[0099] In MIMO systems, each transmit antenna (virtual or physical) has an independent channel. For example, in the uplink and downlink, to achieve channel quality measurement in a multi-antenna system, NR systems define various pilot signals, such as the channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), the demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and the sounding reference signal (SRS). DMRS is used to assist in demodulation of the physical downlink share channel (PDSCH); CSI-RS is used for downlink channel measurement corresponding to the physical antenna port. The receiver performs channel estimation for each antenna port transmitted by the base station and uses the estimation results to provide channel state information (CSI) feedback. CSI includes information such as channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), layer indicator (LI), and rank indicator (RI). During uplink channel measurement, the base station estimates the uplink channel using the received SRS and can then perform frequency selection resource scheduling, power control, timing estimation and modulation, coding scheme order selection, and TDD downlink precoding generation based on this information.

[0100] 3. Circular buffer: During uplink transmission, in order to ensure that the codeword transmitted uplink can be successfully decoded by the base station, the terminal device will not clear the circular buffer of the codeword before the base station sends back an acknowledgment (ACK) signal to confirm the successful transmission.

[0101] During downlink transmission, when the terminal device fails to decode, it will send an ACK signal indicating decoding failure to the base station. To ensure that the codewords transmitted in the downlink can be decoded successfully, the terminal device will not clear the circular buffer of the codeword before the information of the codeword is successfully decoded, and will continuously add the received retransmission information until the decoding is successful or the maximum number of retransmissions is reached.

[0102] 4. Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process: This refers to the data transmission process that uses HARQ technology. In LTE and NR systems, HARQ technology can be used during data transmission to improve data transmission reliability.

[0103] In HARQ technology, the receiving end can use cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to detect whether the received data packet is erroneous. After receiving an erroneous data packet, the receiving end will retain the data packet and send a retransmission request to the sending end. After the sending end retransmits the data packet, the receiving end will merge the erroneous data packet and the retransmitted data packet together for decoding, thereby improving the decoding success rate. For a HARQ process, there is an independent HARQ buffer at the receiving end of the data transmission to save erroneous data packets so that they can be merged with the subsequently received retransmitted data packets.

[0104] Taking uplink transmission between a terminal device and an access network device as an example, a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for uplink data transmission corresponds to a HARQ process number, uniquely identifying a HARQ process. When an error occurs in the data received by the access network device and retransmission scheduling is performed, the HARQ process number can be used to indicate to the terminal device which PUSCH the data carried on has an error and needs to be retransmitted. This facilitates the terminal device in retransmitting the corresponding data. The terminal device can use the PUSCH with the same HARQ process number for retransmission. In this way, the access network device can merge the data stored in the corresponding HARQ buffer with the retransmitted data; this process is called soft merging.

[0105] 5. Codeword: This can be encoded bits (e.g., including channel coding). The codeword is scrambled to generate scrambled bits.

[0106] 6. Limited Buffer Rate Matching (LBRM) parameter: denoted as I LBRM Parameters are used to limit the minimum bit rate and truncate codewords. In the NR communication protocol, an I parameter is configured in the RRC. LBRM The parameter is used to indicate the size limit of the circular buffer.

[0107] For example, for uplink transmission: the buffer size N of the uplink shared channel HARQ cb This is affected by whether LBRM is enabled. When I LBRMWhen parameter = 0, i.e., when the buffer is unrestricted, N cb =N; when I LBRM When parameter = 0, i.e., in the case of a restricted buffer, N cb =min(N, N) ref ).

[0108] For example, for downlink transmission default setting I LBRM The parameter = 1 indicates that a restricted buffer should be used.

[0109] Specifically, in the NR communication protocol, network devices can calculate the transmission block (TB) size based on parameters such as bandwidth, modulation, number of streams, and maximum bit rate. For example, the actual maximum number of information bits transmitted = number of resource elements (REs) activating the bandwidth * number of modulated bits in each RE * number of streams * maximum bit rate.

[0110] Furthermore, the network device further determines the number of transport blocks and "by I" based on the number of transport blocks. LBRM Determined new bitrate R LBRM Calculate the maximum code block size N ref That is, the maximum block size = the actual maximum number of transmitted information bits divided by the number of blocks divided by R. LBRM The number of code blocks is C. Compare the maximum code block size with the current encoded code block size. When I... LBRM When parameter = 0, the current code block size is used directly. When I LBRM When parameter = 1, the smaller of the two above (min) is the true code block size.

[0111] The preceding text, in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, briefly introduces the application scenarios of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, as well as the basic concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application. Among the basic concepts, MIMO technology and the processing method of the circular buffer are introduced. For large-scale MIMO scenarios, as the number of transmission streams and bandwidth increases, the number of transmitted codewords will also increase accordingly. At this time, the maximum number of HARQ processes will also increase. At this time, whether it is uplink or downlink, the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, and there may be a situation where the free memory of the terminal device is insufficient to support the size of the circular buffer.

[0112] In current communication technologies, when a terminal device accesses the network, it reports a terminal device level. Therefore, the base station cannot know the real-time memory availability of the terminal device; it can only estimate the memory size before transmitting. If the terminal device's memory is insufficient, HARQ retransmission will be impossible, severely impacting transmission performance.

[0113] To address the issue of HARQ retransmission failure that may occur during transmission, this application provides a communication method that enables the base station to know the memory availability of the terminal device, thereby ensuring transmission performance.

[0114] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, such as the communication system 100 shown in FIG1. ​​This communication system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device.

[0115] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this application. For example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a first communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "first communication device" in this application can refer to the first communication device itself (e.g., a terminal device), a component within the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. As another example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a second communication device. Unless otherwise specified, "second communication device" in this application can refer to the second communication device itself (e.g., a network device), a component within the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0116] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0117] S310, the first communication device determines the remaining memory of the first communication device.

[0118] Specifically, this memory margin is used to support the storage of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device. For example, if the memory margin of the first communication device is insufficient to support the size of the circular buffer, HARQ retransmission may not be possible, affecting transmission performance.

[0119] As one possible implementation, for uplink transmission, the first communication device can determine the current memory availability based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the currently transmitted uplink data:

[0120] The current memory allowance is determined by factors such as bandwidth, number of codewords, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier interval, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, or memory usage of other functions of the first communication device.

[0121] For example, the first communication device can determine the current memory balance after sending uplink data to the second communication device; or, for example, the first communication device can determine the current memory balance before sending uplink data to the second communication device.

[0122] In this implementation, the communication method may further include: the first communication device sending uplink data to the second communication device, for example, the first communication device sending a PUSCH to the second communication device. Optionally, the second communication device may send HARQ feedback to the first communication device, wherein the uplink HARQ feedback can be referred to the description of uplink HARQ feedback in the relevant current art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0123] It should be understood that the method by which the first communication device determines the current memory balance based on the relevant parameters of the currently transmitted uplink data is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. In the scenario of uplink transmission, memory balance can also be determined in other ways, such as determining memory balance based on the transmission status of relevant historical data during uplink transmission, etc., which will not be illustrated here.

[0124] To facilitate understanding, the following is a simple explanation, using specific examples, of how the first communication device determines the current memory availability for uplink transmission.

[0125] Example 1:

[0126] First, the first communication device calculates the size of the uplink data transmitted within a certain bandwidth and time period, i.e., the memory size occupied by the uplink data.

[0127] Secondly, the first communication device determines the memory size occupied by its other functions.

[0128] Then, calculate the remaining memory, for example, Memory remaining = Total memory of the first communication device - Memory occupied by uplink data - Memory occupied by other functions.

[0129] For example, the first communication device can calculate the memory occupied by uplink data based on parameters such as a certain bandwidth, the number of uplink data streams within a certain period of time, transmission bandwidth, carrier spacing, and modulation order. For instance, the memory occupied by uplink data = number of streams * frequency domain transmission bandwidth / carrier spacing * number of bits corresponding to each RE before modulation * number of symbols corresponding to the time length from signal transmission to retransmission feedback / 8. Here, the number of symbols corresponding to the time length from signal transmission to retransmission feedback / 8 is used to convert from bits to bytes. " / " means division, and "*" means multiplication. For example, the memory occupied by uplink data under HARQ feedback delay of 100ms, data streams of 20, bandwidth of 500MHz, and modulation order of 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is: 20 * 500MHz / 30kHz * 10bit / 8 * 14 * 200 = 1.17e9 Bytes = 1.1GB.

[0130] For example, the first communication device can calculate the memory occupied by uplink data based on parameters such as the number of uplink data streams, the number of streams corresponding to each codeword, the codeword size, and the number of codewords. For example, the memory occupied by uplink data = the size of the codeword (number of bits) * the number of codewords * the number of streams corresponding to each codeword * the number of streams.

[0131] As another possible implementation, for downlink transmission, the first communication device can determine the current memory availability based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the currently received downlink data:

[0132] Bandwidth, number of codewords, decoding result of downlink data, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier interval, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, or memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device itself, etc.

[0133] In this implementation, the communication method may further include: the second communication device sending downlink data to the first communication device, for example, the first communication device sending a PDSCH to the second communication device. Additionally, after receiving the downlink data, the first communication device may perform data decoding. Optionally, the first communication device may send HARQ feedback to the second communication device. The downlink HARQ feedback can be referred to in the description of downlink HARQ feedback in current related technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0134] It should be understood that the method by which the first communication device determines the current memory balance based on the relevant parameters of the currently transmitted downlink data is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. In the scenario of downlink transmission, other methods can also be used to determine the memory balance, which will not be illustrated here.

[0135] To facilitate understanding, the following is a simple explanation, using specific examples, of how the first communication device determines the current memory availability for downlink transmission.

[0136] Example 2:

[0137] First, the first communication device calculates the size of the downlink data transmitted within a certain bandwidth and time period, i.e., the memory size occupied by the downlink data.

[0138] Secondly, the first communication device determines the memory size occupied by its other functions.

[0139] Then, calculate the remaining memory, for example, Memory remaining = Total memory of the first communication device - Memory occupied by downlink data - Memory occupied by other functions.

[0140] For example, the first communication device can calculate the memory occupied by downlink data based on parameters such as a certain bandwidth, the number of uplink data streams within a certain period of time, transmission bandwidth, carrier spacing, and modulation order. For instance, the memory occupied by downlink data = number of streams * frequency domain transmission bandwidth / carrier spacing * number of bits corresponding to each RE before modulation * number of symbols corresponding to the time length from signal transmission to retransmission feedback / 8. For example, the memory occupied by downlink data under HARQ feedback delay of 100ms, 20 data streams, bandwidth of 500MHz, and modulation order of 1024QAM is: 20 * 500MHz / 30kHz * 10bit / 8 * 14 * 200 = 1.17e9 Bytes = 1.1GB.

[0141] For example, the first communication device can calculate the memory occupied by downlink data based on parameters such as the number of downlink data streams, the number of streams corresponding to each codeword, the codeword size, and the number of codewords. For example, the memory occupied by downlink data = codeword size (number of bits) * number of codewords * number of streams corresponding to each codeword * number of streams.

[0142] It should be understood that the above implementation methods are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The first communication device can also determine the current memory balance in other ways. For example, the first communication device can determine the current memory balance based on historical communication data; or, for example, the first communication device can determine the current memory balance based on the instructions of a management device (such as operation administration and maintenance, OAM), etc., which will not be listed here.

[0143] Furthermore, after the first communication device determines the remaining memory, it can report the status of the remaining memory to the second communication device through the first indication information. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0144] S320, the first communication device sends a first instruction message to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first instruction message from the first communication device.

[0145] Specifically, the first indication information is used to indicate the status of the remaining memory of the first communication device.

[0146] For example, the first communication device can send first indication information to the second communication device via uplink control information (UCI). For instance, the first communication device sends a UCI to the second communication device, the UCI including the first indication information, or the UCI being the aforementioned first indication information.

[0147] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate the status of the remaining memory of the first communication device, including but not limited to the following possible methods:

[0148] Method 1.1: The first indication information indicates whether there is sufficient memory remaining.

[0149] For example, the first indication information occupies 1 bit. When the bit value of the first indication information is 0, it indicates that the memory is insufficient. When the bit value of the first indication information is 1, it indicates that the memory is sufficient.

[0150] Method 1.2: The first indication information indicates the amount of memory remaining.

[0151] For example, the first indication information occupies at least one bit, and the value of this at least one bit can accurately represent the current memory balance of the first communication device. By way of example and not limitation, the first indication information can indicate an index, and different indices correspond to different memory balance values.

[0152] Method 1.3: The first indication information indicates the ratio of available memory to the memory required for data transmission. The transmitted data can be downlink data received by the second communication device or uplink data sent by the second communication device.

[0153] It should be understood that the above methods 1.1 to 1.3 are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The first indication information can also indicate the status of memory balance through other indication methods, such as the first indication information indicating the difference between the current memory balance and the memory balance reported last time, etc., which will not be illustrated here.

[0154] Optionally, the method by which the first communication device reports the remaining memory through the first indication information can be configured by the second communication device. For example, if the second communication device instructs the first communication device to report the remaining memory through the second indication information, it can also instruct the method by which the first communication device reports the remaining memory.

[0155] For example, the second indication information may include information #1, which indicates whether the memory remaining space reported by the first communication device is sufficient; or the second indication information may include information #2, which indicates the size of the memory remaining space reported by the first communication device; or the second indication information may include information #3, which indicates the ratio of the memory remaining space reported by the first communication device to the memory size required for data transmission, and so on.

[0156] It should be noted that at least one of the above information #1, information #2, or information #3 may not be carried in the second indication information. For example, the first communication device may use other information besides the second indication information to indicate the specific method by which the second communication device reports the memory balance.

[0157] Specifically, after receiving the aforementioned first indication information, the second communication device can determine the current memory balance of the first communication device based on the first indication information. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0158] S330, the second communication device determines the remaining memory of the first communication device according to the first instruction information.

[0159] Specifically, after receiving the aforementioned first indication information, the second communication device can determine the current memory balance of the first communication device based on the first indication information, and send a fifth indication information (e.g., I) to the first communication device according to the current memory balance of the first communication device. LBRM If the first communication device is instructed to perform memory operations, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0160] S331, the second communication device sends a fifth instruction message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the fifth instruction message from the second communication device.

[0161] Specifically, the fifth indication information is used to indicate the size limit of the circular buffer of the first communication device. This fifth indication information is determined based on the memory remaining amount reported by the first communication device.

[0162] For example, the second communication device may send a fifth indication information to the first communication device via downlink control information (DCI). For instance, the second communication device sends a DCI to the first communication device, the DCI including the fifth indication information, or the DCI being the aforementioned fifth indication information.

[0163] Optionally, the fifth instruction information is used to indicate one of the following:

[0164] The codeword rate, modulation order of the transmitted data, number of transmitted data streams, transmission bandwidth of the transmitted data, or number of HARQ processes of the transmitted data, etc. The transmitted data can be downlink data received by the first communication device or uplink data transmitted by the first communication device. For example, the modulation order of the transmitted data can be the modulation order of the downlink data received by the first communication device, or the modulation order of the uplink data transmitted by the first communication device.

[0165] As an example and not a limitation, if the second communication device determines, based on the memory reserve of the first communication device and the actual maximum number of information bits to be transmitted, that the memory reserve is less than the actual maximum number of information bits to be transmitted, it may reduce the actual number of transmitted bits. For example, the reduction in the actual number of transmitted bits can be achieved in the following manner:

[0166] For example, the modulation order of the transmitted data can be reduced, such as by adjusting the modulation stage of the transmitted data from 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to 256 QAM.

[0167] For example, the transmission bandwidth of data can be reduced, such as by reducing it from 100MHz to 50MHz.

[0168] For example, the number of data streams can be reduced, such as by reducing the number of data streams from 20 to 10.

[0169] For example, increasing the codeword rate, such as without reducing the number of transmitted information bits, or reducing the transmission of parity bits, etc. For instance, the second communication device determines the codeword rate based on the memory availability of the first communication device, including:

[0170] The second communication device determines the actual number of HARQs it can support based on "memory availability" and "memory size per HARQ process * number of HARQs". If the memory availability is less than the actual maximum number of information bits that can be transmitted, the actual maximum number of information bits that can be transmitted can be reduced, i.e., the codeword rate can be increased. For example, the transmitted information data can remain unchanged while reducing the transmission of parity bits. Optionally, the smaller the memory availability, the higher the codeword rate determined by the second communication device.

[0171] For example, the second communication device determines the number of HARQ processes based on the memory availability of the first communication device, including:

[0172] The second communication device determines the actual number of HARQs it can support based on "memory margin" and "memory size occupied by each HARQ process * number of HARQs". If the memory margin is less than the actual maximum number of information bits to be transmitted, the number of HARQ processes can be reduced.

[0173] To facilitate understanding, the following examples illustrate the instruction method for the fifth instruction message:

[0174] Example 3:

[0175] The fifth indication information can indicate different circular buffer usage limits. For example, the fifth indication information can indicate multiple different code rates (e.g., code rates of 0.5, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 can be indicated using two bits: 00 indicates 0.5, 01 indicates 0.7, 10 indicates 0.8, and 11 indicates 0.9). The second communication device determines the code rate that the first communication device can currently support based on the available memory (code rate #1, e.g., 0.75). Therefore, the second communication device can determine the code rate indicated by the fifth indication information based on the determined code rate #1 and the multiple code rates that the fifth indication information can indicate. For example, a fifth indication of 10 indicates a code rate of 0.8.

[0176] For example, when the memory remaining amount reported by the first communication device through the first indication information is less than the remaining amount threshold, the second communication device may instruct the first communication device to adjust the currently executed service, such as reducing, adjusting, or suspending certain services. For instance, instructing the first communication device to turn off high-precision services.

[0177] Optionally, "memory margin less than margin threshold" can be understood as follows: when the memory margin of the first communication device is insufficient to support the number of HARQ processes in the current circular buffer, the second communication device can use the fifth indication information (e.g., dynamic LBRM indication) to limit the maximum number of HARQ processes for data transmission, increase the code rate of the codeword, reduce the modulation order of the transmitted data, reduce the number of streams of the transmitted data, or reduce the transmission bandwidth of the transmitted data.

[0178] For example, when the memory balance reported by the first communication device through the first indication information indicates that the memory balance of the first communication device is sufficient to support the number of HARQ processes in the current circular buffer, the second communication device can use the fifth indication information (e.g., dynamic LBRM indication) to increase the maximum number of HARQ processes for transmitted data, reduce the code rate of the codeword, increase the modulation order of transmitted data, increase the number of streams of transmitted data, or increase the transmission bandwidth of transmitted data.

[0179] Optionally, the fifth indication information may occupy one bit. The value of this one bit is used to indicate whether the use of the circular buffer is restricted or not. Restricting the use of the circular buffer can be understood as indicating the use of a finite buffer, and not restricting the use of the circular buffer can be understood as indicating that the finite buffer is not used. For example, a value of 0 indicates that the finite buffer is not used, and a value of 1 indicates that the finite buffer is used. That is, in this application, the content indicated by the fifth indication information can refer to the existing 1-bit design of LBRM indications, using one bit to indicate the corresponding content. However, it should be noted that the fifth indication information in this application is determined based on the memory remaining amount reported by the first communication device. Compared with the existing LBRM indications, this takes into account the memory remaining amount of the first communication device, reducing the risk that the first communication device cannot decode correctly due to insufficient memory and improving transmission performance.

[0180] Optionally, the fifth indication information may occupy multiple bits. Different values ​​of these bits can indicate at least one of the following: different code rates of codewords, different modulation orders of transmitted data, different number of transmitted data streams, different transmission bandwidths of transmitted data, or different number of HARQ processes of transmitted data. That is, multiple bits can provide more flexible indication; if the bit values ​​are different, it indicates that the indicated parameters are also different. For example, different values ​​indicating the code rate of a codeword can be achieved through different values ​​of multiple bits.

[0181] For example, the fifth indication information occupies two bits. When the bit value is 00, it indicates that the codeword's code rate is code rate #1 and the maximum number of HARQ processes is HARQ process number #1; when the bit value is 01, it indicates that the codeword's code rate is code rate #2 and the maximum number of HARQ processes is HARQ process number #2; when the bit value is 10, it indicates that the codeword's code rate is code rate #3 and the maximum number of HARQ processes is HARQ process number #3; when the bit value is 11, it indicates that the codeword's code rate is code rate #4 and the maximum number of HARQ processes is HARQ process number #4. Wherein, code rate #1 is less than code rate #2, code rate #2 is less than code rate #3, and code rate #3 is less than code rate #4; the number of HARQ processes #1 is less than the number of HARQ processes #2, the number of HARQ processes #2 is less than the number of HARQ processes #3, and the number of HARQ processes #3 is less than the number of HARQ processes #4.

[0182] Furthermore, after receiving the aforementioned fifth instruction information, the first communication device can perform memory operations based on the fifth instruction information. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0183] S332, the first communication device performs memory operations.

[0184] As one possible implementation, for downlink transmission, the first communication device, based on the code rate, modulation order, number of streams, transmission bandwidth, or maximum HARQ process limit indicated by the fifth indication information, merges the received codewords according to the code rate indicated by the fifth indication information, reduces memory usage, changes the corresponding maximum HARQ process limit, and clears unused HARQ processes. After performing the above operations, the first communication device then performs decoding.

[0185] For example, in this implementation, the codewords received by the first communication device are merged according to the code rate indicated by the fifth indication information, including:

[0186] After the second communication device determines all the codeword bits to be transmitted, the second communication device indicates whether the circular buffer is opened and whether the actual transmission code rate (e.g., the codeword code rate) is adjusted through the aforementioned fifth indication information. The first communication device can merge the codewords received multiple times according to the instructions of the fifth indication information.

[0187] To facilitate understanding, a specific example will be used to illustrate the process of codeword merging in the first communication device.

[0188] Example 2:

[0189] Step 1: The second communication device determines that all codeword bits to be transmitted are: 01010101111100000000010000.

[0190] Step 2: The second communication device instructs the opening of the buffer via the fifth instruction information mentioned above, that is, the actual codeword bits to be transmitted are: 01010101111100000.

[0191] Step 3: During the first transmission (initial transmission), the second communication device sends a portion (or all) of the above codeword bits to the first communication device according to the actual situation: 010101011111.

[0192] Step 4: If the first communication device fails to decode, it sends a retransmission request message to the second communication device. This retransmission request message is used to request the second communication device to retransmit the information.

[0193] Step 5: The second communication device retransmits the data to the first communication device.

[0194] Optionally, to provide the first communication device with as much different information as possible, the second communication device can shift the codeword bits by a certain position during the retransmission process, based on the codeword bits from the first transmission. For example, the retransmitted codeword bits could be: 101111100000. Step Six: The first communication device performs codeword merging.

[0195] For example, the codeword merging performed by the first communication device includes merging the decoding soft information of bits that are actually in the same position in the initial transmission and retransmission of information bits. For instance, for bit 1011111, which is in the same position in both the initial and retransmission, the first communication device can merge the decoding results of 1011111 twice to improve decoding accuracy. Specifically, the first communication device can determine the bits that can be merged based on the fifth indication information.

[0196] As another possible implementation, for uplink transmission, the first communication device, based on the code rate, modulation order, number of streams, transmission bandwidth, or maximum HARQ process limit indicated by the fifth indication information, truncates the encoded codeword proportionally (or compares the code rate indicated by the fifth indication information with the minimum code rate, sets a new code rate, and truncates according to that code rate), and changes the corresponding maximum HARQ process limit. After performing the above operations, the first communication device then performs the next round of uplink data transmission based on the DCI retransmission scheduling, ACK feedback, or HARQ feedback from the second communication device.

[0197] For example, in this implementation, the first communication device truncates the encoded codeword by a corresponding proportion, including:

[0198] After the first communication device determines all the codeword bits to be transmitted, it determines whether the circular buffer is open and the corresponding code rate through the aforementioned fifth indication information. Thus, the first communication device can truncate the encoded codewords according to the instructions of the fifth indication information.

[0199] To facilitate understanding, a specific example will be used to illustrate the process by which the first communication device truncates the encoded codewords by a certain proportion.

[0200] Example 3:

[0201] Step 1: The first communication device determines that all codeword bits to be transmitted are: 010101011111000000000100000.

[0202] Step Two: The first communication device determines whether the circular buffer is enabled, and the corresponding bit rate (e.g., actual bit rate and / or minimum bit rate), based on the fifth indication information from the second communication device, thereby determining the buffer size. For example, if the original length of the information is 27 bits, and the minimum bit rate is 2 / 3, then the information to be transmitted will be 18 bits. Another example: for the actual bit rate, if the original length of 27 bits is 1 / 3 (meaning the actual information length is 9), and the fifth indication information indicates a new actual bit rate of 1 / 2, then the new information length is 18 bits. Both the minimum bit rate and the new bit rate are determined based on the value of the fifth indication information.

[0203] Step 3: The first communication device truncates the codeword. For example, the truncated codeword bits are: 010101011111000000.

[0204] In addition, the second communication device can determine the actual number of HARQ processes that can be supported based on the number of bits per HARQ process and the amount of memory remaining reported by the first communication device (e.g., the actual number of processes that can be supported). in, (Indicates rounding down), the fifth indication information can indicate the actual number of HARQ processes that can be supported, so that the first communication device can adjust the number of HARQ processes based on the fifth indication information. As an example and not a limitation, the triggering methods for the first communication device to determine and report memory availability in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, the following two methods:

[0205] Method 1: The second communication device triggers the first communication device to perform a margin calculation and report it through the second indication information.

[0206] In the case shown in Method 1, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0207] S301, the second communication device sends a second instruction message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second instruction message from the second communication device.

[0208] Specifically, the second instruction information is used to indicate the reported memory balance.

[0209] For example, the second communication device may send the aforementioned second instruction information via at least one of the following:

[0210] DCI, RRC, or MAC control element (CE), etc.

[0211] It should be understood that the above-described methods of sending the second instruction information via DCI, RRC, or MAC CE are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The second communication device may also send the second instruction information to the first communication device in other ways, such as by adding signaling.

[0212] As one possible implementation, the second communication device may send a second instruction message to the first communication device during the initial access phase of the first communication device.

[0213] For example, when the first communication device initially connects, the first communication device sends capability information to the second communication device. This capability information is used to indicate the communication capabilities of the first communication device, and the second communication device sends second indication information to the first communication device.

[0214] Method 2: The first communication device determines whether the preset first condition is met, and if the first condition is met, it calculates the margin and reports it.

[0215] In the case shown in Method 2, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes:

[0216] S302, the first communication device determines that the first condition is met.

[0217] Specifically, the first condition is used to determine whether to report the remaining memory. For example, if the first condition is met, it is determined to report the remaining memory; or, if the first condition is not met, it is determined not to report the remaining memory.

[0218] Optionally, the first condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0219] The following conditions must be met: the number of transmit and receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than a first threshold; the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than a second threshold; the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than a third threshold; the number of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device is greater than a fourth threshold; the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than a fifth threshold; the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a sixth threshold; the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a seventh threshold; the total memory of the first communication device is less than an eighth threshold; or the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than a ninth threshold. Here, "other functions" refers to functions other than supporting the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device. In this application, the setting of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth thresholds is not limited in any way; they can be thresholds negotiated by the first and second communication devices, thresholds configured by the second communication device, or thresholds predefined by the protocol, etc.

[0220] For example, the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is related to the number of transmitting and receiving antennas of the first communication device. The transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna of the first communication device constitutes the channel matrix. The more transmitting and receiving antennas the first communication device has, the larger the channel matrix becomes, and thus the rank of the channel matrix increases.

[0221] For example, the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is related to the channel matrix corresponding to the transceiver antennas of the first communication device, wherein the larger the rank of the channel matrix, the more streams can be transmitted. The number of streams scheduled by the first communication device (or the number of streams transmitted by the first communication device) may be less than the rank.

[0222] For example, the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device can be the modulation order of the data received by the first communication device, or the modulation order of the data sent by the first communication device. Similarly, the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device can be the retransmission feedback delay of the data received by the first communication device, or the retransmission feedback delay of the data sent by the first communication device.

[0223] As an example rather than a limitation, if the first condition is that the number of transmit and receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than the first threshold, it can be understood that: the more transmit and receive antennas the terminal device has, the more streams the first communication device transmits, and thus the more codewords are transmitted, and the corresponding maximum number of HARQ processes will also increase. At this time, whether it is uplink or downlink, the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0224] If the first condition is that the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than the second threshold, it can be understood that: the larger the maximum rank of the terminal device, the larger the maximum number of streams transmitted by the first communication device during data transmission, and thus the more codewords transmitted, and the corresponding maximum number of HARQ processes will also increase. At this time, whether it is uplink or downlink, the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0225] If the first condition is that the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than the third threshold, it can be understood that the more data streams the first communication device schedules, the more codewords are transmitted, and the corresponding maximum number of HARQ processes will also increase. At this time, whether it is uplink or downlink, the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0226] If the first condition is that the number of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device is greater than the fourth threshold, it can be understood that: if the number of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device is large, it means that more bits are transmitted, which occupies more memory. The memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0227] If the first condition is that the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than the fifth threshold, it can be understood that: the larger the bandwidth, the more data is transmitted under the same spectral effect, the more memory is occupied, and the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will become larger and larger, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0228] If the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device (e.g., 256QAM, 1024QAM, etc.) is greater than the sixth threshold, it can be understood that: the larger the data modulation order, the larger the memory occupied by the data, and the larger the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will be, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0229] If the first condition is that the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than the seventh threshold, it can be understood that: the greater the data retransmission feedback delay, the greater the corresponding maximum HARQ process delay, and the larger the memory occupied by the circular buffer of the terminal device will be, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0230] If the first condition is that the total memory of the first communication device is less than the eighth threshold, it can be understood that the smaller the total memory of the first communication device, the less memory the circular buffer of the terminal device will have available, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0231] If the first condition is that the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than the ninth threshold, it can be understood that the larger the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device, the smaller the available memory in the circular buffer of the terminal device will be, which may lead to insufficient memory.

[0232] Optionally, the first condition can be presented in the form of a table.

[0233] For example, the setting of the first condition can be determined based on the configuration of the terminal devices in the current NR communication system. If the configuration of the first communication device conforms to the configuration of the terminal devices in the current NR communication system, the first communication device can determine not to report the memory remaining amount. For example, if the number of transceiver antennas of the first communication device is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first communication device can not report the memory remaining amount. If the configuration of the first communication device does not conform to the configuration of the terminal devices in the current NR communication system, the first communication device can determine to report the memory remaining amount. For example, if the number of transceiver antennas of the first communication device is greater than the first threshold, the first communication device can determine to report the memory remaining amount.

[0234] It should be understood that the specific form of the first condition mentioned above is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. In this application, the first communication device may also determine whether to report the memory balance based on other conditions, such as the capability information of the first communication device, the frequency point information where the first communication device is currently located, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0235] Optionally, in the case shown in Method 2, the method flow shown in Figure 3 further includes the following: The first communication device determines whether to report the remaining memory based on whether the first condition is met, which may be indicated by the second communication device.

[0236] S303, the second communication device sends a third instruction message to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the third instruction message from the second communication device.

[0237] Specifically, the third indication information is used to instruct the first communication device to report the remaining memory when the first condition is met. Optionally, the third indication information is used to indicate that if the first condition is not met, it is not necessary to report the remaining memory; or, the third indication information is used to indicate that if the second condition is met, it is not necessary to report the remaining memory.

[0238] For example, the second communication device may send the aforementioned third instruction information via RRC and / or MAC CE.

[0239] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first communication device can determine the first time to send the first indication information based on the memory balance reporting period or reference time. The reporting period indicates the period for reporting the memory balance, and the reference time includes the time when uplink data is sent, the time when uplink Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is sent, or the time when downlink data is received.

[0240] For example, the first communication device can periodically report its memory balance to the second communication device; for example, in an uplink transmission scenario, the first communication device can report its memory balance to the second communication device within a certain period of time after sending uplink data to the second communication device; for example, in a downlink transmission scenario, the first communication device can report its memory balance to the second communication device within a certain period of time after sending uplink HARQ feedback to the second communication device; for example, in a downlink transmission scenario, the first communication device can report its memory balance to the second communication device within a certain period of time after receiving downlink data from the second communication device.

[0241] As an example and not a limitation, the timing for the first communication device to report the remaining memory may be predefined by the protocol, negotiated by the first and second communication devices, or indicated by the second communication device through the fourth indication information.

[0242] For example, the fourth indication information may also indicate the period or time interval at which the first communication device reports memory balance.

[0243] For example, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the first communication device to report the remaining memory after a first duration following the uplink data report. This first duration can be a preset value, referred to as a time interval. For instance, the fourth indication information includes information #4, which instructs the first communication device to report the current remaining memory to the second communication device after the first duration following each uplink data upload.

[0244] For example, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the first communication device to periodically report the memory balance, wherein the reporting period of the memory balance can be indicated by the fourth indication information or can be predefined.

[0245] For example, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the first communication device to report the remaining memory after a second duration of sending uplink HARQ feedback, where the second duration can be a preset value, which can be called a time interval. For example, the fourth indication information includes information #5, which instructs the first communication device to report the current remaining memory to the second communication device after each second duration of sending uplink HARQ feedback.

[0246] For example, the fourth indication information is also used to instruct the first communication device to report its remaining memory after a third duration of receiving downlink data. This third duration can be a preset value, referred to as a time interval. For instance, the fourth indication information includes information #6, which instructs the first communication device to report its current remaining memory to the second communication device after a third duration of each time it receives downlink data.

[0247] In the communication method shown in Figure 3, the first communication device can determine and report the memory balance to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can know the memory balance of the first communication device. The memory balance is used to support the storage of the circular buffer codeword of the first communication device, thereby allowing the second communication device to know the memory balance of the first communication device in a timely manner, so as to better configure the first communication device, reduce the possibility that the free memory of the first communication device is insufficient to support the size of the circular buffer, and enhance the transmission performance.

[0248] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0249] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0250] It should also be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples. It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0251] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the devices.

[0252] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0253] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figure 3. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, the first communication device and the second communication device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0254] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0255] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0256] This application embodiment can divide the first communication device and the second communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0257] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 12 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations, and the processing module 12 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The transceiver module 11 may include a receiving module and / or a sending module, whereby the receiving module performs receiving-related operations and the sending module performs sending-related operations.

[0258] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The above modules may also be referred to as units, such as transceiver unit, processing unit, storage unit, etc.

[0259] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first communication device in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first communication device (such as a chip).

[0260] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0261] In one possible implementation, processing module 12 is used to determine the remaining memory of the first communication device. Transceiver module 11 is used to send first indication information to the second communication device, the first indication information indicating the remaining memory, wherein the remaining memory is used to support the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0262] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG3, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S301, S303 and S320; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S302 and S310.

[0263] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0264] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the second communication device in the above method embodiment, or to a component of the second communication device (such as a chip).

[0265] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0266] In one possible implementation, transceiver module 11 is configured to receive first indication information from a first communication device, the first indication information indicating the memory remaining amount of the first communication device. Processing module 12 is configured to determine the memory remaining amount of the first communication device based on the first indication information, wherein the memory remaining amount is used to support the storage of circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

[0267] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG3, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S301, S303 and S320; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S330.

[0268] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0269] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0270] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the devices (such as the first communication device and the second communication device) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0271] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0272] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0273] Optionally, as shown in FIG5, the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be separately configured. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0274] Optionally, as shown in FIG5, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals. The transceiver 23 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, the receiver being used for receiving signals and the transmitter for transmitting signals; if the communication device 20 is a chip, then the transceiver 23 is the chip's input / output interface, where the output corresponds to transmitting and the input corresponds to receiving.

[0275] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0276] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0277] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0278] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0279] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0280] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 30 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0281] The logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 30 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting processed information from the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0282] As one option, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0283] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0284] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0285] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0286] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0287] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first communication device and second communication device.

[0288] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0290] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0291] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Determine the remaining memory of the first communication device; Send a first indication message to the second communication device, the first indication message being used to indicate the remaining memory. The memory margin is used to support the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining the remaining memory in the first communication device, the method further includes: Receive a second indication message from the second communication device, the second indication message being used to indicate the reporting of the remaining memory; or... If the first condition is met, the first condition is used to determine whether to report the remaining memory.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first condition includes at least one of the following: The following conditions must be met for the following communication devices to be considered valid: the number of transmit / receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than a first threshold; the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than a second threshold; the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than a third threshold; the number of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device is greater than a fourth threshold; the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than a fifth threshold; the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a sixth threshold; the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a seventh threshold; the total memory of the first communication device is less than an eighth threshold; or the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than a ninth threshold. The other functions of the first communication device are those other than supporting the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third indication message from the second communication device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the remaining memory should be reported if the first condition is met.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate the remaining memory, including at least one of the following: The first indication indicates whether the remaining memory is sufficient; or... The first indication information indicates the size of the remaining memory; or... The first indication information indicates the ratio of the available memory to the memory size required to transmit data.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Determining the remaining memory of the first communication device includes: Determine the remaining memory based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the upstream data: Bandwidth, number of codewords, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier spacing, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, and memory usage of other functions of the first communication device; or, Determine the available memory based on at least one of the following parameters corresponding to the downlink data: Bandwidth, number of codewords, decoding result, number of streams, modulation order, retransmission feedback interval, subcarrier spacing, codeword size, total memory of the first communication device, and memory usage of other functions of the first communication device. The other functions of the first communication device are those other than supporting the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Sending the first indication information to the second communication device includes: Uplink control information (UCI) is sent to the second communication device, the uplink control information including the first indication information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first moment for sending the first indication information is determined based on the reporting cycle or reference time. The reporting period indicates the period for reporting memory balance, and the reference time includes the time when uplink data is sent, the time when uplink Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is sent, or the time when downlink data is received.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fourth indication message from the second communication device, the fourth indication message being used to indicate any one of the following: The reporting period indicates that the memory balance is reported after a first duration of sending the uplink data, after a second duration of sending the uplink HARQ feedback, or after a third duration of receiving the downlink data.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Receive first indication information from a first communication device, the first indication information being used to indicate the remaining memory of the first communication device; The remaining memory of the first communication device is determined based on the first indication information. The memory margin is used to support the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before receiving the first indication information from the first communication device, the method further includes: Send a second indication message to the first communication device, the second indication message being used to indicate the reporting of the remaining memory; or... A third indication message is sent to the first communication device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the remaining memory should be reported if a first condition is met, wherein the first condition is used to determine whether to report the remaining memory.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first condition includes at least one of the following: The following conditions must be met for the following communication devices to be considered valid: the number of transmit / receive antennas of the first communication device is greater than a first threshold; the maximum rank of the channel of the first communication device is greater than a second threshold; the number of streams scheduled by the first communication device is greater than a third threshold; the number of codewords in the circular buffer of the first communication device is greater than a fourth threshold; the communication bandwidth of the first communication device is greater than a fifth threshold; the modulation order of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a sixth threshold; the retransmission feedback delay of the data transmitted by the first communication device is greater than a seventh threshold; the total memory of the first communication device is less than an eighth threshold; or the memory occupied by other functions of the first communication device is greater than a ninth threshold. The other functions of the first communication device are those other than supporting the storage of the circular buffer codewords of the first communication device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate the remaining memory, including at least one of the following: The first indication indicates whether the remaining memory is sufficient; or... The first indication information indicates the size of the remaining memory; or... The first indication information indicates the ratio of the available memory to the memory size required to transmit data.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The receiving of the first indication information from the first communication device includes: Receive uplink control information (UCI) from a first communication device, wherein the uplink control information includes the first indication information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth indication message to the second communication device, the fourth indication message being used to indicate any one of the following: The reporting period indicates that the memory remaining amount should be reported after a first duration of uplink data transmission, after a second duration of uplink HARQ feedback transmission, or after a third duration of downlink data reception. The reporting period indicates the period for reporting memory balance.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; or it includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed; or to cause the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15 to be performed.

18. The communication device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions; and / or, The communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting information.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 to be performed.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 to be performed.

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