Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. In the method, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from a first carrier to a second carrier, a terminal device receives the small packet data by means of the second carrier. In other words, by means of carrier switching, the terminal device can enter a radio resource control (RRC) connected state without initiating a random access channel (RACH), thereby reducing the impact of a state switching process on energy consumption of a terminal device and a network device.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411508519.0, filed on October 26, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In a communication system, the communication protocol stack between terminal devices and network devices may include a radio resource control (RRC) layer. Furthermore, for terminal devices, there are three RRC states: RRC idle (RRC_IDLE), RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE), and RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0004] Currently, to enable data transmission by terminal devices in an RRC inactive state, Mobile Terminal Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) has been introduced, also known as Downlink SDT. Specifically, when a network device pages a terminal device in an RRC inactive state, it transmits an MT-SDT instruction. After receiving the MT-SDT instruction, the terminal device will only initiate MT-SDT if the downlink measurement value exceeds a configured threshold.

[0005] However, if the MT-SDT triggering conditions are not met, the terminal device needs to initiate a random access channel (RACH) to enter the RRC connected state in order to reduce the energy consumption impact of the handover process on the terminal device and network device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus. After determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the terminal device transmits the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers (or understanding it as cross-carrier transmission), it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connection state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network device.

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a communication device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the communication device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a terminal device. In this method, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from a first carrier to a second carrier, and receives the small packet data on the second carrier.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the terminal device receives the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers (or understanding it as cross-carrier transmission), it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network device.

[0009] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also transmit first information on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

[0010] In this possible implementation, after the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends first information to the network device on the first carrier, and this first information also includes the identifier of the second carrier. That is, the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier after the switch through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information.

[0011] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also transmit first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0012] In this possible implementation, after the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends the first information to the network device on the second carrier. That is, the terminal device indirectly (or implicitly) indicates the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier carried by the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device indirectly (or implicitly) indicates the carrier after the switch through the carrier carried by the second information.

[0013] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned first information is carried in an uplink wake-up signal (WUS) or an uplink small data transmission (SDT). For example, taking the first information carried in an uplink (UL) SDT as an example. The first information carried in the UL SDT can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL small packet data and the first information in a signal. Or it can be understood as the UL small packet data carrying the first information.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the MT-SDT. The terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the MT-SDT through UL SDT or UL WUS.

[0015] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0016] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can specify the second carrier after the handover through the indication information, that is, the terminal device can determine which carrier to use for MT-SDT through the indication information.

[0017] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned indication information is carried in a downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or a paging message.

[0018] In this possible implementation, the network device can trigger the carrier handover of MT-SDT, for example, by the network device triggering the carrier handover of MT-SDT through downlink (DL) WUS or paging.

[0019] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the downlink WUS mentioned above includes one or more of the following: an on-off keying (OOK) signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a chirp signal.

[0020] This possible implementation provides multiple downlink WUS possibilities, thereby enhancing the various scenarios in which network devices can trigger MT-SDT carrier switching.

[0021] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also transmit a measurement report on the first carrier, the measurement report including the identifier of at least one carrier and the corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier.

[0022] In this possible implementation, the measurement report reported by the terminal device can be used by the network device to determine the second carrier after the handover, which is beneficial for the unified scheduling, unified decision-making or unified planning of the network device.

[0023] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, if a first preset condition is met, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty, and whether the second carrier is faulty.

[0024] In this possible implementation, carrier switching is determined by carrier-related measurements or whether a failure occurs. In other words, considering one or more of the above factors during carrier switching can improve the accuracy of carrier switching determination.

[0025] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first preset condition mentioned above includes one or more of the following:

[0026] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0027] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold;

[0028] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0029] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed.

[0030] In this possible implementation, the SDT (Signal Determination of Carrier Switching) is determined by the relationship between various thresholds and carrier measurement values, so that the terminal device clearly understands the judgment rules for triggering carrier switching.

[0031] The second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a communication device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the communication device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The communication device can be a network device or a terminal device. In this second aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network device. In this method, the network device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from a first carrier to a second carrier, and transmits the small packet data on the second carrier.

[0032] Based on the above scheme, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the network device sends the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of terminal devices and network devices.

[0033] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also receive first information on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

[0034] In this possible implementation, the network device directly determines the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier after handover through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information.

[0035] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also receive first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0036] In this possible implementation, the network device indirectly determines the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier carrying the first information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device indirectly (or implicitly) indicates the carrier after handover through the carrier carried by the second information.

[0037] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0038] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can trigger carrier switching of MT-SDT via UL SDT or UL WUS.

[0039] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0040] In this possible implementation, the network device can trigger a carrier handover for MT-SDT. It then uses indication information to clearly communicate the second carrier after the handover to the terminal device; that is, the terminal device can determine which carrier to use for MT-SDT through the indication information.

[0041] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned indication information is carried in a downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or a paging message.

[0042] In this possible implementation, the network device can trigger the carrier handover of MT-SDT, for example, by triggering the carrier handover of MT-SDT through DL WUS or paging.

[0043] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0044] This possible implementation provides multiple downlink WUS possibilities, thereby enhancing the various scenarios in which network devices can trigger MT-SDT carrier switching.

[0045] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also receive a measurement report on the first carrier, the measurement report including the identifier of at least one carrier and the corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier; the network device specifically determines, based on the measurement report, to switch the transmission of small packet data from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0046] In this possible implementation, network devices can determine the second carrier after the handover by means of measurement reports reported by terminal devices, which is conducive to the unified scheduling, unified decision-making or unified planning of network devices.

[0047] A third aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a communication device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the communication device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. In this third aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a terminal device. In this method, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from a first carrier to a second carrier, and then transmits the small packet data on the second carrier.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the terminal device sends the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network equipment.

[0049] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also send second information, which includes an identifier of the second carrier.

[0050] In this possible implementation, the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier in the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier after handover through the carrier identifier in the second information.

[0051] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, if the second preset condition is met, the terminal device may specifically send the second information on the first carrier. The second preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measurement value of the first carrier or the second carrier, whether the uplink timing advance (TA) of the first carrier or the second carrier is invalid, whether the first carrier or the second carrier is invalid, and the size of the small packet data transmitted by the first carrier or the second carrier.

[0052] In this possible implementation, carrier switching is determined by carrier-related measurements, whether the carrier is faulty, or the amount of data. In other words, considering one or more of these factors during carrier switching can improve the accuracy of carrier switching determination.

[0053] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the second precondition described above includes one or more of the following:

[0054] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0055] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the first threshold;

[0056] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0057] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the second carrier is not failed;

[0058] The transmittance of the first carrier is less than or equal to the demand of the terminal device, and the transmittance of the second carrier is greater than the demand of the terminal device.

[0059] In this possible implementation, the SDT (Signal Determination of Carrier Switching) is determined by the relationship between various thresholds and carrier measurement values, so that the terminal device clearly understands the judgment rules for triggering carrier switching.

[0060] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned second information is carried in uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0061] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the UL SDT. The terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the UL SDT via either the UL SDT or UL WUS.

[0062] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0063] This possible implementation provides multiple uplink WUS possibilities, thereby enhancing the various scenarios in which network devices can trigger UL SDT carrier switching.

[0064] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifiers of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0065] In this possible implementation, the terminal device explicitly indicates that it wants to perform uplink SDT using the switched carrier through the instruction information. This not only allows the terminal device to clearly identify the second carrier after the switch, but also to clearly identify that the switched carrier is used for uplink SDT.

[0066] This application provides a communication method, which is executed by a communication device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the communication device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The communication device can be a network device or a terminal device. In this fourth aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network device. In this method, the network device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from a first carrier to a second carrier, and receives the small packet data on the second carrier.

[0067] Based on the above scheme, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the network device receives the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of terminal devices and network devices.

[0068] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the network device described above may also receive second information, which includes an identifier of the second carrier.

[0069] In this possible implementation, the network device directly determines the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier in the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier after handover through the carrier identifier in the second information.

[0070] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned second information is carried in uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0071] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the UL SDT. The terminal device can trigger carrier switching of the UL SDT via either the UL SDT or UL WUS.

[0072] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0073] This possible implementation provides multiple uplink WUS possibilities, thereby enhancing the various scenarios in which network devices can trigger UL SDT carrier switching.

[0074] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the network device described above may also transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifiers of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0075] In this possible implementation, the network device can not only make the terminal device clearly aware of the second carrier after the handover by indicating information, but also make it clear that the carrier after the handover is used for uplink SDT.

[0076] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device or a network device, or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) of a terminal device or network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device or network device. Taking the communication device as a terminal device as an example, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0077] The processing unit is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0078] The transceiver unit is used to receive small packet data on the second carrier.

[0079] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first information on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

[0080] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0081] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0082] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0083] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned indication information is carried in a downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or a paging message.

[0084] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0085] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a measurement report on a first carrier, the measurement report including an identifier of at least one carrier and a corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier.

[0086] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the aforementioned processing unit is specifically used to determine, if a first preset condition is met, that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, wherein the first preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty, and whether the second carrier is faulty.

[0087] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the first precondition described above includes one or more of the following:

[0088] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0089] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold;

[0090] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0091] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed.

[0092] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a network device or a terminal device, or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within a network device or terminal device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device or terminal device. Taking a network device as an example, the network device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0093] The processing unit is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0094] The transceiver unit is used to transmit small data packets on the second carrier.

[0095] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive first information on the first carrier, the first information including an identifier of the second carrier.

[0096] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0097] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0098] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0099] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned indication information is carried in a downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or a paging message.

[0100] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the aforementioned downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0101] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit described above is further configured to receive a measurement report on the first carrier, the measurement report including an identifier of at least one carrier and a corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier; the processing unit is specifically configured to determine, based on the measurement report, that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0102] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device or a network device, or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) of a terminal device or network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device or network device. Taking the communication device as a terminal device as an example, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0103] The processing unit is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0104] The transceiver unit is used to transmit small data packets on the second carrier.

[0105] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information, the second information including an identifier of the second carrier.

[0106] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information on the first carrier if a second preset condition is met, wherein the second preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier or the second carrier, whether the uplink timing advance (TA) of the first carrier or the second carrier is faulty, whether the first carrier or the second carrier is faulty, and the size of the small packet data transmitted by the first carrier or the second carrier.

[0107] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the second precondition described above includes one or more of the following:

[0108] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0109] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the first threshold;

[0110] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0111] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the second carrier is not failed;

[0112] The transmittance of the first carrier is less than or equal to the demand of the terminal device, and the transmittance of the second carrier is greater than the demand of the terminal device.

[0113] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the aforementioned second information is carried in the uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0114] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the aforementioned uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0115] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifiers of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0116] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a network device or a terminal device, or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within a network device or terminal device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device or terminal device. Taking a network device as an example, the network device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0117] The processing unit is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0118] The transceiver unit is used to receive small packet data on the second carrier.

[0119] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information, the second information including an identifier of the second carrier.

[0120] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the aforementioned second information is carried in the uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0121] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the aforementioned uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, and a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0122] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifiers of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0123] The ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device, including at least one processor, and a method for the at least one processor to implement any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0124] In one possible design, the communication device further includes at least one memory, and at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory; the at least one memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0125] The tenth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and at least one input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform a method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0126] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device that is an implementation of any of the possible embodiments of the fifth aspect and any of the possible embodiments of the sixth aspect; or the communication system includes a communication device that is an implementation of any of the possible embodiments of the seventh aspect and any of the possible embodiments of the eighth aspect.

[0127] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform a method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0128] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) in which, when the computer program in the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0129] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0130] In one possible design, the chip system may further include at least one memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to at least one processor.

[0131] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects five through fourteen can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through four above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0132] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0133] Figure 1B is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0134] Figure 1C is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0135] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an independent networking scenario involved in this application;

[0136] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a dual-connection scenario involved in this application;

[0137] Figure 2C is another schematic diagram of macro and micro technologies involved in this application;

[0138] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the RRC status transition involved in this application;

[0139] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0140] Figure 5 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0141] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the event threshold and the carrier wave involved in this application;

[0142] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the event threshold and the carrier involved in this application;

[0143] Figure 8 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0144] Figure 9 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0145] Figure 10 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0146] Figures 11 to 14 are several structural schematic diagrams of the communication device involved in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0147] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0148] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0149] 1. Configuration and Pre-configuration

[0150] This application uses both configuration and pre-configuration. Configuration refers to the network device / server sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal via messages or signaling, so that the terminal can determine communication parameters or resources for transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or values ​​pre-negotiated between the network device / server and the terminal device, parameter information or values ​​specified by standard protocols for use by the base station / network device or terminal device, or parameter information or values ​​pre-stored in the base station / server or terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0151] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0152] 2. In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication information as indicating A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0153] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, it can be implemented through direct instruction, such as through the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be implemented indirectly by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0154] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, one or a combination of at least two of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) layer signaling, and physical layer signaling. MAC layer signaling includes, for example, MAC layer control elements (CE); physical layer signaling includes, for example, downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), sidelink control information (SCI), etc.

[0155] 3. In the embodiments of this application, "sending" and "receiving" indicate the direction of signal transmission. In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly to B or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be radio access network (RAN) nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information sending and receiving can be information interaction between RAN nodes and terminals, such as information interaction between a base station and a terminal; information sending and receiving can also be information interaction between two RAN nodes, such as information interaction between a CU and a DU; information sending and receiving can also be information interaction between different modules within a device, such as information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or information interaction between a base station chip and other modules in the base station. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, such as the baseband chip outputting information to the radio frequency chip, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface; for example, "sending" can also be understood as the baseband part inside the device outputting information to the radio frequency part, and "receiving" can also be understood as the radio frequency part inside the device receiving the information output by the baseband part.

[0156] 4. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "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. 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" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0157] Please refer to Figure 1A, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1A). The terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network device in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means.

[0158] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in 3GPP. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0159] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminal devices access communication systems wirelessly. Furthermore, RAN nodes can also be called network devices, which are apparatuses deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, etc. The names of network devices may differ in systems employing different radio access technologies. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the access network devices in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or specific device forms used in the radio access network devices.

[0160] In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110b), a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Of course, in future communication systems, RAN nodes may also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0161] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminal devices achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRCP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and MAC layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0162] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes.

[0163] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from RAN nodes. Terminal devices can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0164] For example, a terminal device is a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry.

[0165] For ease of description, the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A is described using a base station as an example of an access network device. It is understood that when the communication system includes an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, the base station can be an IAB node. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base station and the access network device can be interchanged.

[0166] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0167] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1A can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0168] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0169] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0170] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell.

[0171] As can be understood, RAN100, as previously described, includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 120).

[0172] In one possible implementation, the communication system shown in Figure 1A can also be as shown in Figure 1B, comprising a RAN node 110 and multiple terminal devices (120A and 120B in Figure 1B). In this case, a single RAN node can transmit data or control signaling to one or more terminal devices.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the communication system shown in Figure 1A can also be as shown in Figure 1C, comprising multiple RAN nodes (110A, 110B, and 110C in Figure 1C) 110 and a terminal device 120. In this case, the multiple RAN nodes can simultaneously transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal device.

[0174] The technical solution of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond the 5th generation. For example, future communication systems. For example, 4th generation communication systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems. 5th generation communication systems may include NR communication systems. The technical solution of this application can also be applied to WiFi systems, standalone (SA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC), macro-micro scenarios composed of base stations of different forms (e.g., scenarios with both wide-coverage and small-coverage base stations), D2D systems, V2X communication systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), IAB communication scenarios, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication scenarios, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0175] For ease of description, the following description will use RAN nodes represented by network devices as an example.

[0176] As an example, Figure 2A illustrates an SA scenario where a terminal device is connected to a single network device. The network device to which the terminal device is connected, and the core network to which the network device is connected, are of the same standard. Optionally, the standard may refer to radio access technology (RAT).

[0177] For example, in the implementation of the 5G standard, the core network can be called the 5G core network (denoted as 5G Core), the network equipment can be called the 5G base station (denoted as 5G BS), and the 5G BS is connected to the 5G Core.

[0178] For example, in the implementation of a future standard (denoted as XG), the core network can be called the XG core network (denoted as XG Core), and the network equipment can be called XG base stations (denoted as XG BS), with the XG BS connected to the XG Core. Here, X is a positive integer or fraction greater than 5, and different X values ​​are used to represent different standards.

[0179] As an example, a DC scenario is shown in Figure 2B, where the terminal device is connected to both network device 1 and network device 2. Network device 1 and network device 2 can be network devices of different standards or network devices of the same standard.

[0180] For example, the core network is 5G Core, and the terminal device is connected to both 5G network equipment and XG network equipment. Among them, the 5G network equipment is the master station and the XG network equipment is the auxiliary station.

[0181] For example, the core network is XG Core, and the terminal device connects to both XG network equipment and 5G network equipment. The XG network equipment acts as the primary station, and the 5G network equipment acts as the secondary station.

[0182] For example, the core network is an XG Core, and the terminal device is connected to two XG network devices at the same time, that is, the main station and the auxiliary station are both XG network devices.

[0183] For example, an example of a macro-micro scenario is shown in the two ellipses in Figure 1A. Taking the network device name as a base station as an example, a macro-micro scenario can also be understood as a scenario where both wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations exist simultaneously. Both wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations can serve as access network elements for terminal devices. The signal coverage area of ​​the wide-coverage base station (represented by the larger solid ellipse in Figure 1A) is larger than the signal coverage area of ​​the small-coverage base station (represented by the smaller dashed ellipse in Figure 1A), and the signal coverage areas of the wide-coverage base station and the small-coverage base station overlap.

[0184] Optionally, the signal coverage area of ​​a small-coverage base station is a subset of the signal coverage area of ​​a wide-coverage base station.

[0185] As an example, another example of a macro-micro scenario is shown in Figure 2C. Taking the network device name as a base station as an example, the macro-micro scenario can also be understood as a scenario where both a super base station (super BS) and a ground base station exist simultaneously. The super BS can be a satellite, high altitude platform station (HAPS), air balloon station, drone station, broadcast station, or other implementation methods. The ground base station can be a cellular station in the communication system, such as a macro station, small station, micro station, or other implementation methods.

[0186] In Figure 2C, both the super BS and the terrestrial base station can serve as access network elements for terminal devices. The signal coverage area of ​​the super BS (represented by the elliptical dashed box in Figure 2C) is larger than the signal coverage area of ​​the terrestrial base station (represented by the hexagonal box in Figure 2C), and the signal coverage areas of the super BS and the terrestrial base station overlap.

[0187] Optionally, in the scenarios shown in Figures 1A and 2C, base stations with larger signal coverage areas can be referred to as macro base stations, and base stations with smaller signal coverage areas can be referred to as micro base stations. Therefore, the scenarios shown in Figures 1A and 2C can also be referred to as macro-micro scenarios.

[0188] It should be noted that in practical applications, the shape of the signal coverage area is not limited to the above-mentioned elliptical and hexagonal implementations. For example, the shape of the signal coverage area can also be rectangular, circular, or irregular. No limitation is made here.

[0189] Currently, in communication systems, the communication protocol stack between terminal devices and network devices can include an RRC layer. Furthermore, for terminal devices, there are three RRC states: RRC idle (RRC_IDLE), RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE), and RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0190] Optionally, the RRC idle state and RRC inactive state can also be referred to as the RRC disconnected state. Terminal devices in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state can also be referred to as disconnected terminal devices, energy-saving terminal devices, basic mode terminal devices, etc.

[0191] Please refer to Figure 3, which illustrates the transition of an RRC state for a terminal device. Specifically, taking a network device described using a base station as an example, when the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, an RRC connection exists between the terminal device and the base station, allowing it to send and receive user data and other information. The terminal device can transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC idle state under the instruction of the base station. When the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, there is no RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station. For example, after the terminal device receives an RRC connection release message from the base station, the RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station will be terminated, and the base station will delete the terminal device's context.

[0192] The RRC inactive state is a newly added RRC state in NR. Generally, for terminal devices with infrequent data transmission, the base station usually keeps the terminal device in the RRC inactive state. The terminal device can also enter the RRC inactive state from the RRC connected state under the instruction of the base station. For example, after the terminal device receives an RRC connection release message with a pause indication from the base station, the RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station will be paused, but at least one base station will retain the terminal device's context. Therefore, the terminal device can enter the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state faster than from the RRC idle state. The terminal device can also enter the RRC idle state from the RRC inactive state under the instruction of the base station, and the specific process is similar to that described above for entering the RRC idle state from the RRC connected state.

[0193] Currently, to enable data transmission from terminal devices in RRC inactive state, Mobile Terminal Small Data Transmission (MT-SDT) has been introduced, also known as Downlink SDT. Specifically, when a network device pages a terminal device in RRC inactive state, it transmits an MT-SDT instruction. Upon receiving the MT-SDT instruction, the terminal device will only initiate MT-SDT if the downlink measurement value exceeds a configured threshold. However, if the MT-SDT triggering condition is not met, the terminal device needs to initiate a random access channel (RACH) to enter RRC connected state. This state transition process consumes a significant amount of power for the terminal device.

[0194] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus. When the first carrier does not meet the SDT threshold requirements and a second carrier that meets the requirements is found, the transmission of small packet data can be switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and the small packet data can be transmitted via the second carrier. Alternatively, if the MT-SDT triggering condition is not met, the terminal device can first determine that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and transmit the small packet data via the second carrier, without needing to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connection state, thereby reducing the energy consumption impact of the handover process on the terminal device and network device.

[0195] It should be noted that the method provided in this application can be applied between terminal devices and network devices, between terminal devices, or between network devices, etc., and is not specifically limited here. For ease of description, the following description will use the application between terminal devices and network devices as an example.

[0196] Please refer to Figure 4, a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application embodiment. This method may include steps 401 and 402. Steps 401 and 402 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 401 and 402 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, when the communication device is a network device (e.g., an access network device), the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one network element such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 2C, and is not specifically limited here.

[0197] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when transmitting small packet data. The RRC state of the terminal device is not limited when the network device configures event thresholds for the terminal device. For example, the network device configures event thresholds for the terminal device when it is in an RRC connected state. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, it can determine whether to switch carriers for SDT based on the event thresholds. Alternatively, the terminal device may be in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures event thresholds for the terminal device and when the terminal device determines whether to switch carriers for SDT based on the event thresholds; specific details are not limited here. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be in an RRC inactive state, an RRC idle state, a power-saving mode, a basic mode, or a default mode; specific details are not limited here.

[0198] Step 401: The communication device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0199] The communication device in this application embodiment can be a terminal device or a network device. The terminal device can be the terminal device in Figures 1A to 2C, and the network device can be the RAN node or base station in Figures 1A to 2C.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a terminal device. That is, step 401 can be described as the terminal device determining that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0201] There are several ways for a terminal device to determine whether to switch the transmission of small packet data from the first carrier to the second carrier. For example, the terminal device itself may determine this switch based on configured or pre-configured event thresholds. Alternatively, the terminal device may determine this switch based on instructions from the network device. These will be described in detail later with reference to other accompanying figures, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0202] In another possible implementation, the communication device is a network device, i.e., step 401 can be described as the network device determining that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0203] Similarly, there are several ways for network devices to determine whether to switch the transmission of small data packets from the first carrier to the second carrier. For example, the network device itself may determine this switch. Alternatively, the network device may determine this switch based on instructions or measurement reports from terminal devices. These will be described in detail later with reference to other accompanying figures, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0204] 402, The communication device transmits small packet data on the second carrier.

[0205] After the communication device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it transmits the small packet data on the second carrier.

[0206] Transmission includes sending or receiving. Specifically, step 402 may include: the communication device receiving small packet data on the second carrier, or the communication device sending small packet data on the second carrier.

[0207] Furthermore, the small packet data in this embodiment can be uplink data or downlink data.

[0208] Optionally, the data in the small packet may include one or more of the following: instant messaging messages such as WeChat and QQ, infrequent notification messages such as push messages from applications, and periodic data such as heartbeat packets, step count detection, heart rate detection, and smart meter readings from applications. No specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a terminal device, meaning step 402 can be described as the terminal device transmitting small packet data on a second carrier. For example, the terminal device receives small packet data on the second carrier. Or, for another example, the terminal device sends small packet data on the second carrier.

[0210] The transmission of small packet data on the second carrier by the terminal device can be triggered by an event or by an instruction from the network device, etc., and the specifics are not limited here.

[0211] In another possible implementation, the communication device is a network device, meaning step 402 can be described as the network device transmitting small packet data on a second carrier. For example, the network device receives small packet data on the second carrier. Or, for another example, the terminal device sends small packet data on the second carrier.

[0212] Similarly, the transmission of small packet data on the second carrier by the network device can be triggered by scheduling needs, quality of service (QoS) requirements, or by the network device determining the trigger based on the measurement report reported by the terminal device, or by the instruction of the terminal device, etc. The specific trigger is not limited here.

[0213] Optionally, the network device can configure the aforementioned event threshold for the terminal device, which is used by the terminal device to determine whether to transmit small packet data on the second carrier. Alternatively, this event threshold can be understood as the terminal device determining whether to trigger step 402.

[0214] For example, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, which is used to configure or indicate one or more of the following: event threshold, data size threshold, SDT resources, etc. Among them, the event threshold and / or data size threshold are used to determine whether to perform SDT.

[0215] In this application's embodiments, the SDT resource can be a configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT) resource (also referred to as a CG resource for small packet data or a configured grant type-1 resource). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use the CG-SDT resource to transmit data, or the terminal device can carry data in a CG-based physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). For example, the UL SDT resource can be a 2-step random access small data transmission (RA-SDT) (also referred to as the resource used by MsgA). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use the 2-step RA-SDT resource to transmit data, or the terminal device can carry data in MsgA. For example, the SDT resource can be a 4-step RA-SDT resource (also referred to as the resource used by Msg3). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use the 4-step RA-SDT resource to transmit data, or the terminal device can carry data in Msg3.

[0216] Optionally, the configuration information may be carried in one or more of the following: wake-up signal (WUS) (or DL ​​WUS), low power signal (or low power signal, downlink low power signal or downlink low power signal), paging, etc., which are not limited here.

[0217] The low-power signal or WUS in this application embodiment may include one or more of the following: low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), linear frequency modulated chirp signal, on-off keying (OOK) signal (such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3, OOK-4, etc.), low-power sequence signal (such as Gold sequence signal, M sequence signal, ZC sequence signal, chirp sequence signal, Walsh sequence signal, Golay sequence signal, Kasami sequence signal, low-density sequence signal, discrete fourier transform (DFT) / fast fourier transform (FFT) sequence signal, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, symbol-based sequence signal, etc.), amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal, frequency shift keying (FSK) signal, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. Multiplexing (OFDM) signals, etc., or low-power signals can be signals obtained by optimizing the above signals, etc., and the specifics are not limited here.

[0218] For example, DL WUS can also be referred to as a downlink low-power signal or a downlink non-low-power signal (such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)), etc., without limitation on the name here. Similarly, UL WUS can also be referred to as an uplink low-power signal or an uplink non-low-power signal (such as PUSCH), without limitation on the name here.

[0219] In this application's embodiments, paging can refer to paging DCI or paging message (MSG), etc., and is not specifically limited here. For example, paging DCI can be understood as DCI scrambled using paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI).

[0220] Optionally, the aforementioned low-power signal can be a digital signal and / or an analog signal, and there is no specific limitation here.

[0221] Based on the above scheme, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the communication device transmits the small packet data through the second carrier. For example, if the MT-SDT triggering condition is not met, the terminal device can first determine that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier and transmit the small packet data through the second carrier, without needing to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connection state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network device.

[0222] The above only describes the general idea of ​​this embodiment. The following will describe in detail the method provided by the embodiment of this application in conjunction with uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) and SDT triggered by terminal device / network device.

[0223] The first scenario involves downlink SDT carrier switching transmission triggered by the terminal device.

[0224] The method flow in the first case can be shown in Figure 5, and the method can include steps 501 to 504. Steps 501 to 504 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 501 to 504 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, when the communication device is a network device (e.g., an access network device), the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one of network elements such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 2C, and is not specifically limited here.

[0225] Step 501: The network device sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier.

[0226] The network device sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier, and the terminal device receives the indication information sent by the network device accordingly.

[0227] This indication information is used to instruct mobile terminal small data transmission (MT-SDT), which can also be called downlink SDT (DL SDT). Alternatively, it can be understood as instructing network devices to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data, or to indicate that network devices need to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data, or that network devices plan to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data, or that network devices will use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data.

[0228] Optionally, the indication information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or downlink WUS), low power signal (or low power signal, downlink low power signal, or downlink low power signal), paging, etc., without being limited here. Among them, the low power signal or WUS can be referred to the description in step 402 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0229] Step 502: If the first preset condition is met, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0230] After receiving the instruction information sent by the network device, the terminal device determines whether the first preset condition is met. If the first preset condition is met, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0231] The first preset condition can also be called the first trigger condition, the first switching condition, or an event, etc., and is not specifically limited here. Correspondingly, step 502 can also be described as: if the event is met, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. Or it can be described as: if the first trigger condition is met, the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0232] Optionally, the first preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty (e.g., whether downlink synchronization is faulty), whether the second carrier is faulty (e.g., whether downlink synchronization is faulty), etc., and the specifics are not limited here. Wherein, whether the carrier is faulty in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: whether synchronization is faulty, whether the link is faulty, whether the beam is faulty, etc., and the specifics are not limited here. For example, taking carrier failure as an example, carrier failure may include one or more of the following: downlink synchronization failure, downlink failure, downlink beam failure, etc.

[0233] For example, the first preset condition includes one or more of the following:

[0234] 1. The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold. This situation can also be called event 1.

[0235] 2. The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold. This situation can also be called event 2.

[0236] 3. The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier. This situation can also be called event 3. The fourth threshold can also be called the offset threshold or difference threshold, etc.

[0237] 4. The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed. This situation can also be called event 4.

[0238] 5. The measured value of the first reference signal (RS) is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the seventh threshold. This situation can also be referred to as event 5.

[0239] 6. The measured value of the first reference signal is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the eighth threshold. This situation can also be referred to as event 6.

[0240] 7. The difference between the measured value of the first reference signal and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the measured value of the first reference signal. This situation can also be referred to as event 7.

[0241] 8. The first reference signal fails, the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than or equal to the tenth threshold, and the second reference signal is not failed. This situation can also be called event 8.

[0242] In this configuration, the first reference signal is associated with the first carrier, and the second reference signal is associated with the second carrier. For example, the first reference signal is carried on the first carrier, and the second reference signal is carried on the second carrier.

[0243] It is understood that the above-mentioned first preset conditions are merely examples. In practical applications, there may be other first preset conditions, which are not specified here. Furthermore, one event can correspond to one or more thresholds. For example, event 1 corresponds to two thresholds. Another example is event 2, which corresponds to one threshold.

[0244] In addition, the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal may include one or more of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), tracking reference signal (TRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), cell reference signal (CRS), synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), etc.

[0245] In the embodiments of this application, the measured values ​​may be expressed in one or more of the following forms: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), the ratio of chip energy to total interference energy density (EcN0), etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0246] For example, taking RSRP as the form of the measured value, the measured value can also be called the RSRP measured value. Correspondingly, the event threshold corresponding to the measured value can also be called the RSRP threshold. Here, the event threshold can refer to the threshold corresponding to the aforementioned event. For example, the event threshold can refer to one or more of the following: first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, ..., tenth threshold, etc.

[0247] It is understandable that the first preset condition mentioned above can be configured or pre-configured, and correspondingly, the event thresholds in each event can also be configured or pre-configured.

[0248] It should be noted that the reference signals on different carriers can be the same or different. For example, the reference signals on different carriers may be different; the SSB is measured on the first carrier, and the CSI-RS is measured on the second carrier. Or, for another example, the CSI-RS is measured on both the first and second carriers.

[0249] Similarly, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in the same or different ways. For example, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in different ways: the measurement value of the first carrier is the RSRP measurement value, and the measurement value of the second carrier is the RSRQ measurement value. Alternatively, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in the same way: the measurement value of the first carrier is the RSRP measurement value, and the measurement value of the second carrier is also the RSRP measurement value.

[0250] For example, taking the SSB carried on the first carrier, the RS carried on the second carrier, and the measured value expressed as RSRP as an example, several cases in the above first preset conditions are described in an exemplary manner.

[0251] For example, an example of the association between the event threshold and the carrier in Event 1 can be shown in Figure 6. The network device configures two event thresholds for the terminal device: the first threshold is related to the SSB of the first carrier, and the second threshold is related to the RSRP of the second carrier. This step in this example can be described as follows: if the RSRP measurement of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the RSRP measurement of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data will switch from the first carrier to the second carrier. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger a carrier switch or the terminal device triggering a carrier switch.

[0252] For example, an example of the association between the event threshold in event 2 or event 3 and the carrier can be shown in Figure 7. That is, the network device configures an event threshold for the terminal device, which is related to the SSB of the first carrier and the RSRP of the second carrier. For example, this event threshold is the third threshold in event 2. In this example, this step can be described as follows: if the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than the third preset threshold, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data will switch from the first carrier to the second carrier. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger a carrier switch or the terminal device triggering a carrier switch.

[0253] For example, if the event threshold is the fourth threshold in event 3, this step in this example can be described as follows: if the difference between the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger a carrier switch or the terminal device triggering a carrier switch.

[0254] Step 503: The terminal device sends the first information to the network device.

[0255] After the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends the first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information sent by the terminal device.

[0256] The first information includes an RRC recovery request (or RRC connection recovery request), which may carry an MT-SDT recovery reason. This MT-SDT recovery reason is used to indicate MT-SDT, or to initiate MT-SDT carrier switching, or to initiate MT-SDT cross-carrier transmission.

[0257] Optionally, the first information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or UL WUS), low power signal (or low power signal, uplink low power signal, or uplink low power signal), SDT (or UL SDT), etc., without being limited here. Similarly, the low power signal or WUS can be referred to the description in step 501 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0258] For example, consider the case where the first information is carried in a UL SDT. This can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL packet data and the first information within a single signal. Alternatively, it can be understood as the UL packet data carrying the first information.

[0259] Accordingly, the first information can be transmitted through one or more of the following resources: physical uplink random access channel (PRACH), UL SDT resources, etc., without being limited here.

[0260] The UL SDT in this application embodiment has several forms. For example, the UL SDT is configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT). Another example is the UL SDT two-step random access small data transmission (RA-SDT). Yet another example is the UL SDT four-step RA-SDT, etc., and the specific form is not limited here.

[0261] For example, UL SDT resources can be CG-SDT resources (also known as CG resources for small packet data or configured grant type-1 resources). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use CG-SDT resources to transmit the first information, or the terminal device can carry the first information in a CG-based PUSCH. As another example, UL SDT resources can be 2-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by MsgA). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 2-step RA-SDT resources to transmit the first information, or the terminal device can carry the first information in MsgA. As yet another example, UL SDT resources can be 4-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by Msg3). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 4-step RA-SDT resources to transmit the first information, or the terminal device can carry the first information in Msg3.

[0262] Furthermore, to enable network devices to detect carrier switching, terminal devices can send a first message to inform the network devices of the carrier switching. For example, the terminal device can use the first message to instruct the network device to switch subsequent small data packets to the second carrier.

[0263] In this application embodiment, there are multiple ways to indicate through the first information, which are described below:

[0264] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends first information to the network device on the second carrier. That is, the terminal device indirectly (or implicitly) indicates the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier carried by the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device indirectly (or implicitly) indicates the carrier after the switch through the carrier carried by the second information.

[0265] Optionally, in this mode, the MT-SDT recovery reason in the first information or RRC recovery request can indicate MT-SDT, or indicate MT-SDT carrier switching, or indicate MT-SDT cross-carrier transmission.

[0266] In another possible implementation, after the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends first information to the network device on the first carrier. This first information includes an identifier of the second carrier, or the first information further indicates the identifier of the second carrier. That is, the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicates the switched carrier through the carrier identifier included / indicated in the first information.

[0267] Optionally, in this approach, the MT-SDT recovery reason in the first information or RRC recovery request can indicate MT-SDT carrier switching or MT-SDT cross-carrier transmission. Alternatively, the identifier of the second carrier in the aforementioned first information can be used to instruct the terminal device to initiate MT-SDT carrier switching.

[0268] For example, the first information may include a carrier identifier, or the first information may include indication information for indicating the carrier identifier. For instance, the indication information for the carrier identifier may be an RRC message carried in the common control channel (CCCH). Alternatively, the indication information for the carrier identifier may be transmitted with small packets and carried in the dedicated traffic channel (DTCH).

[0269] After receiving the first information, the network device determines that the switched carrier is the second carrier, or determines that the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission is the second carrier.

[0270] Correspondingly, the network device can determine the second carrier based on the carrier carried by the first information, or the network device can determine the second carrier based on the carrier identifier included in the first information.

[0271] Step 504: The network device sends small packet data to the terminal device on the second carrier.

[0272] After determining the second carrier, the network device sends small data packets to the terminal device on the second carrier. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the small data packets sent by the network device on the second carrier. The small data packets can be referred to in the description of 402 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here. This small data packet can also be understood as a DL SDT, and the resources of the DL SDT are similar to the aforementioned description of the resources of the UL-SDT or UL SDT, and will not be repeated here.

[0273] Optionally, before the network device sends small packet data, it can also indicate the MT-SDT resources on the second carrier to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to receive small packet data sent by the network device on the MT-SDT resources. For example, the network device can indicate the MT-SDT resources on the second carrier through RRC signaling or a dedicated signal; the specific method is not limited here.

[0274] Optionally, after transmitting one or more small data packets, the network device can also send an RRC release message to the terminal device. Alternatively, this can be understood as the network device sending an RRC release message to the terminal device after one or more transmissions have finished.

[0275] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can trigger carrier handover of MT-SDT. For example, the terminal device can trigger carrier handover of MT-SDT through UL SDT or UL WUS and transmit small packet data through the second carrier. This eliminates the need to initiate RACH to enter RRC connected state, thus reducing the energy consumption impact of the handover process on both the terminal and network devices. On the other hand, compared with carrier handover triggered by the network device, this method transmits fewer signals. The terminal device only needs to inform the network device of the supported second carrier identifier, without sending measurement reports, etc. This not only reduces transmission overhead but also reduces the interaction latency between the network and terminal devices.

[0276] The second scenario involves downlink SDT carrier switching triggered by network devices.

[0277] The method flow in the second scenario is shown in Figure 8, and the method may include steps 801 to 805. Steps 801 to 805 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 801 to 805 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, when the communication device is a network device (e.g., an access network device), the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one of network elements such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 2C, and is not specifically limited here.

[0278] Step 801: The terminal device sends a measurement report to the network device on the first carrier.

[0279] The terminal device sends a measurement report (MR) to the network device on the first carrier, and the network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device. This measurement report can also be referred to as the measurement result.

[0280] The measurement report includes one or more of the following: an identifier for at least one carrier, a measurement value corresponding to the identifier for at least one carrier, an identifier for at least one reference signal, a measurement value corresponding to at least one parameter signal, the frequency band or frequency point of at least one carrier, and the frequency band or frequency point of at least one parameter signal, etc., without specific limitations here. The frequency band mentioned above can refer to a frequency band level (e.g., low-frequency band, mid-frequency band, or high-frequency band, etc. For example, low-frequency band, mid-frequency band, or high-frequency band, etc.), or it can refer to a specific frequency band designation, etc. Furthermore, the number of the above items can be one or more, without specific limitations here.

[0281] Optionally, the terminal device measures the object to obtain a measurement report. It is understood that the timing of the terminal device's measurement of the object is not limited; the measurement can be performed while the terminal device is connected to the RRC or while it is disconnected from the RRC, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0282] The measurement objects in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: reference signal, low-power signal, synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), carrier identifier (or carrier number), etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0283] Optionally, the reference signal may include one or more of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), tracking reference signal (TRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), cell reference signal (CRS), etc., without specific limitations here. The description of the low-power signal can be found in step 402, and will not be repeated here.

[0284] Furthermore, the measurement object can be specifically divided into capacity layer and / or coverage layer. For example, the reference signal includes: the reference signal of the capacity layer and / or the reference signal of the coverage layer. Another example is the low-power signal, which includes: the low-power signal of the capacity layer and / or the low-power signal of the coverage layer. Yet another example is the SSB, which is the SSB of the coverage layer. For yet another example, the carrier identifier includes: the capacity carrier identifier and the coverage carrier identifier. Again, the carrier identifier includes: the carrier identifier of the capacity layer and the carrier identifier of the coverage layer. It is understood that the measurement object in the embodiments of this application can distinguish between capacity layer and coverage layer, or it can not distinguish between capacity layer and coverage layer; this is not specifically limited here. In addition, the "layer" in capacity layer / coverage layer can also be replaced by one or more of the following: carrier, cell, frequency point, etc.

[0285] The overlay layer provides a hosting layer for terminal devices in the RRC non-connected state. This overlay layer can also be called the hosting layer, anchor layer, etc. The capacity layer is used for data transmission by terminal devices in the RRC connected state. For example, the overlay layer provides one or more of the following: random access channel (RACH), radio resource management (RRM), paging service, etc. The capacity layer mainly involves data transmission. For example, the capacity layer only provides data transmission for terminal devices in the RRC connected state.

[0286] For example, taking the measurement object to distinguish between capacity layers and overlay layers, the measurement object may include reference signals and / or low-power signals for each capacity layer. Alternatively, the measurement object may include reference signals and / or low-power signals supporting the capacity layer. Another example is that the measurement object may include the overlay layer's SSB, reference signals, and / or low-power signals. Yet another example is that the measurement object may include reference signals, low-power signals, and / or SSBs for both the overlay and capacity layers.

[0287] The measurement object can be configured or pre-configured, or it can be selected by the terminal device according to actual needs; no specific limitations are made here. For a description of configuration or pre-configuration, please refer to the explanations in the preceding sections; they will not be repeated here.

[0288] Furthermore, the measurement performed by the terminal device can be described in various ways. For example, the terminal device measures a reference signal. Another example is that the terminal device measures a carrier wave. Yet another example is that the terminal device measures a carrier wave associated with the object being measured. And yet another example is that the terminal device measures the carrier wave containing the reference signal.

[0289] Step 802: The network device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0290] After receiving the measurement report from the terminal device, the network device determines the second carrier based on the measurement report and switches the transmission of small packet data from the first carrier to the second carrier. Alternatively, this can be understood as the network device receiving the measurement report and, based on the measurement report, determining that the transmission of small packet data will switch from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0291] Optionally, there are several ways in which the network device determines the second carrier based on the measurement report. For example, the network device may sort at least one carrier based on the measured values ​​in the measurement report and then select the carrier with the best quality as the second carrier. Another example is that the network device may sort at least one carrier based on the measured values ​​in the measurement report and then randomly select one of the best or relatively good K carriers (also called TOP K, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1) as the second carrier. Yet another example is that the network device may sort at least one carrier based on the measured values ​​in the measurement report and then select the carrier that appears first or last as the second carrier. Yet another example is that the network device may determine the second carrier based on the measured value greater than a threshold, etc., without further limitation here. Yet another example is that the network device may determine the second carrier based on the signal strength of the carrier, etc., without further limitation here.

[0292] The sorting mentioned above can be from high to low or from low to high, depending on the specific form of the measured values, and is not limited here.

[0293] Furthermore, once the network device determines the second carrier, it can determine that the transmission of small packet data will switch from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0294] Step 803: The network device sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier.

[0295] After the network device determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, it sends an indication message to the terminal device on the first carrier. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication message sent by the network device. This indication message is used to identify the second carrier.

[0296] Optionally, the identifier of the second carrier in the above indication information is used not only to indicate the carrier identifier, but also to indicate the network device to initiate MT-SDT carrier handover.

[0297] Optionally, the indication information may also be used to indicate MT-SDT. Alternatively, it can be understood as indicating that the indication information is used to instruct the network device to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the network device needs to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the network device plans to use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the network device will use MT-SDT to transmit small packet data. In this case, the indication information may also be understood to include: an MT-SDT indication and an identifier of the second carrier.

[0298] In this way, after receiving the indication information, the terminal device can determine which carrier is the second carrier, or which carrier needs to be switched to for MT-SDT.

[0299] Optionally, the indication information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or downlink WUS), low-power signal (or low-power signal, downlink low-power signal, or downlink low-power signal), paging, RRC message, downlink small packet data, etc., without specific limitations here. Among them, the low-power signal or WUS can refer to the description in step 402 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] For example, taking the indication information carried in paging as an example, assuming that the identifier of the second carrier is carried in the paging DCI, the identifier of the second carrier can be a new field in the DCI or it can be carried in the reserved bits of the short message.

[0301] For example, the carrier identification indication information can be an RRC message carried in the CCCH. Alternatively, the carrier identification indication information can be transmitted with small packet data and carried in the DTCH.

[0302] Furthermore, network devices can also indicate MT-SDT resources on the second carrier to terminal devices. This allows terminal devices to transmit small packet data on MT-SDT resources. For example, network devices can indicate MT-SDT resources on the second carrier through RRC signaling or dedicated signals, etc., without further limitation here.

[0303] Step 804: The terminal device sends the first information to the network device on the second carrier.

[0304] After receiving the instruction information sent by the network device, the terminal device determines the identifier of the second carrier based on the instruction information and sends the first information to the network device on the second carrier. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information sent by the terminal device on the second carrier.

[0305] The first piece of information includes an RRC recovery request (or RRC connection recovery request).

[0306] Optionally, the first information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or UL WUS), low-power signal (or low-power signal, uplink low-power signal, or uplink low-power signal), SDT (or UL SDT), etc., without specific limitations here. Similarly, the low-power signal or WUS can be referred to the description in step 501 above, and will not be repeated here. The transmission resources of the first information, UL SDT, etc. can be referred to the description in step 503 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] Optionally, if the MT-SDT transmission conditions are met, the terminal device agrees to the MT-SDT carrier switching, or this can be interpreted as the terminal device agreeing to the MT-SDT carrier switching, or as the terminal device agreeing to use the second carrier to transmit MT-SDT, etc., without being specifically limited here. Then, the terminal device transmits the first information on the second carrier.

[0308] Step 805: The network device sends small packet data to the terminal device on the second carrier.

[0309] After the network device determines the second carrier, or after the network device receives the first information, the network device sends small data packets to the terminal device on the second carrier.

[0310] This step can be referred to in the description of step 504 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0311] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, network devices can trigger MT-SDT carrier handover. For example, network devices can trigger MT-SDT carrier handover via DL WUS or paging, and transmit small packet data via a second carrier. This eliminates the need to initiate RACH to enter RRC connected state, thus reducing the energy consumption impact of the handover process on both terminal and network devices. On the other hand, compared to terminal devices triggering MT-SDT carrier handover, this method facilitates unified scheduling, unified decision-making, and unified planning for network devices.

[0312] The third scenario involves uplink SDT carrier switching triggered by the terminal device. Uplink SDT can also be referred to as mobile-originated small data transmission (MO-SDT).

[0313] The method flow in the third case can be shown in Figure 9. This method can include steps 901 and 902. Steps 901 and 902 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 901 and 902 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, when the communication device is a network device (e.g., an access network device), the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one of network elements such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 2C, and is not specifically limited here.

[0314] Step 901: The terminal device sends the second information to the network device on the first carrier.

[0315] The terminal device sends second information to the network device on the first carrier. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information sent by the terminal device.

[0316] The second information includes the identifier of the second carrier. This can also be understood as the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicating the carrier used for subsequent small packet data transmission through the carrier identifier in the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device directly (or explicitly) indicating the carrier after handover through the carrier identifier in the second information.

[0317] For example, the carrier identification indication information can be an RRC message carried in the CCCH. Alternatively, the carrier identification indication information can be transmitted with small packet data and carried in the DTCH.

[0318] Optionally, the identifier of the second carrier in the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device will use this carrier to transmit the UL SDT. Or it is used to indicate that the network device will receive the UL SDT on the second carrier. Accordingly, after receiving the second information, the network device specifies that the carrier after the handover is the second carrier, or specifies that the carrier used for the UL SDT is the second carrier.

[0319] Optionally, this step may specifically include: if the second preset condition is met, the terminal device sends the second information to the network device on the first carrier.

[0320] The second preset condition can also be called a second trigger condition, a second switching condition, or an event, etc., and is not specifically limited here. Correspondingly, this step 901 can also be described as: if the event is met, the terminal device sends second information to the network device on the first carrier. Or it can be described as: if the first trigger condition is met, the terminal device sends second information to the network device on the first carrier.

[0321] Optionally, the second preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty (e.g., uplink TA is faulty), whether the second carrier is faulty (e.g., uplink TA is faulty), the size of the small packet data that the first carrier can transmit, the size of the small packet data that the second carrier can transmit, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0322] For example, the second preset condition includes one or more of the following:

[0323] 1. The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold. This situation can also be called event 1.

[0324] 2. The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold. This situation can also be called event 2.

[0325] 3. The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier. This situation can also be called event 3.

[0326] 4. The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed. This situation can also be called event 4.

[0327] 5. The measured value of the first reference signal (RS) is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the seventh threshold. This situation can also be referred to as event 5.

[0328] 6. The measured value of the first reference signal is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the eighth threshold. This situation can also be referred to as event 6.

[0329] 7. The difference between the measured value of the first reference signal and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold, and the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than the measured value of the first reference signal. This situation can also be referred to as event 7.

[0330] 8. The first reference signal fails, the measured value of the second reference signal is greater than or equal to the tenth threshold, and the second reference signal is not failed. This situation can also be called event 8.

[0331] 9. The transmittable amount of the first carrier is less than or equal to the demand of the terminal device, and the transmittable amount of the second carrier is greater than the demand of the terminal device.

[0332] In this configuration, the first reference signal is associated with the first carrier, and the second reference signal is associated with the second carrier. For example, the first reference signal is carried on the first carrier, and the second reference signal is carried on the second carrier.

[0333] It is understood that the above-mentioned scenarios for the second preset conditions are merely examples. In practical applications, there may be other scenarios for the second preset conditions, which are not limited here. Furthermore, one event can correspond to one or more thresholds. For example, event 1 corresponds to two thresholds. Another example is event 2, which corresponds to one threshold. The descriptions of the first reference signal, the second reference signal, and the measured values ​​can be found in the description of step 502 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] It is understood that the aforementioned second preset condition can be configured or pre-configured, and correspondingly, the event threshold and data size threshold in each event can also be configured or pre-configured.

[0335] It should be noted that the reference signals on different carriers can be the same or different. For example, the reference signals on different carriers may be different; the SSB is measured on the first carrier, and the CSI-RS is measured on the second carrier. Or, for another example, the CSI-RS is measured on both the first and second carriers.

[0336] Similarly, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in the same or different ways. For example, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in different ways: the measurement value of the first carrier is the RSRP measurement value, and the measurement value of the second carrier is the RSRQ measurement value. Alternatively, the measurement values ​​of different carriers can be represented in the same way: the measurement value of the first carrier is the RSRP measurement value, and the measurement value of the second carrier is also the RSRP measurement value.

[0337] For example, taking the SSB carried on the first carrier, the RS carried on the second carrier, and the measurement value expressed as RSRP as an example, several cases in the above second preset conditions are described in an exemplary manner.

[0338] For example, an example of the association between the event threshold and the carrier in Event 1 can be shown in Figure 6. The network device configures two event thresholds for the terminal device: the first threshold is related to the SSB of the first carrier, and the second threshold is related to the RSRP of the second carrier. This step in this example can be described as follows: if the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and informs the network device of the identifier of the second carrier through second information. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger a carrier switch or the terminal device triggering a carrier switch.

[0339] This can also be understood as follows: if the triggering event of the first carrier is not met, but the triggering event of the second carrier is met, the terminal device first sends the second information on the first carrier to inform the network device of the identifier of the second carrier, and then sends small packet data on the second carrier.

[0340] For example, an example of the association between the event threshold in event 2 or event 3 and the carrier can be shown in Figure 7. That is, the network device configures an event threshold for the terminal device, which is related to the SSB of the first carrier and the RS of the second carrier. For example, this event threshold is the third threshold in event 2. In this example, this step can be described as follows: if the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than the third preset threshold, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and informs the network device of the identifier of the second carrier through second information. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger the carrier switch or the terminal device triggering the carrier switch.

[0341] For example, if the event threshold is the fourth threshold in event 3, this step can be described as follows: if the difference between the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the RSRP measurement value of the second carrier is greater than the RSRP measurement value of the first carrier, then the terminal device determines that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and informs the network device of the identifier of the second carrier through the second information. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device determining to trigger carrier switching or the terminal device triggering carrier switching.

[0342] Optionally, the second information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or UL WUS), low power signal (or low power signal, uplink low power signal, or uplink low power signal), SDT (or UL SDT), etc., without being limited here. Similarly, the low power signal or WUS can be referred to the description in step 501 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0343] Optionally, the network device can configure the aforementioned event threshold for the terminal device, which is used by the terminal device to determine whether to transmit small packet data on the second carrier. Alternatively, this event threshold can be understood as the terminal device determining whether to trigger step 901.

[0344] For example, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, which is used to configure or indicate one or more of the following: event threshold, data size threshold, UL SDT resources, etc. The event threshold, data size threshold, and resources are associated with different carriers. The event threshold and / or data size threshold are used to determine whether SDT should be performed, and the carrier used for SDT.

[0345] For example, a UL SDT resource can be a CG-SDT resource (also known as a CG resource for small packet data or a configured grant type-1 resource). Another example is a UL SDT resource that can be a 2-step RA-SDT resource (also known as a resource used by MsgA). Yet another example is a UL SDT resource that can be a 4-step RA-SDT resource (also known as a resource used by Msg3).

[0346] Step 902: The terminal device sends small packet data to the network device on the second carrier.

[0347] The terminal device sends small data packets to the network device on the second carrier, and the network device receives the small data packets sent by the terminal device.

[0348] Optionally, after sending the second information on the first carrier, the terminal device sends small packet data to the network device on the second carrier.

[0349] Optionally, if the network device configures or pre-configures UL SDT resources for the terminal device, the terminal device sends small packet data to the network device through the UL SDT resources and the second carrier. The small packet data can be referred to the description in 402 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0350] For example, UL SDT resources can be CG-SDT resources (also known as CG resources for small packet data or configured grant type-1 resources). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use CG-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in a CG-based PUSCH. As another example, UL SDT resources can be 2-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by MsgA). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 2-step RA-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in MsgA. As yet another example, UL SDT resources can be 4-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by Msg3). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 4-step RA-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in Msg3.

[0351] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can trigger carrier switching of UL-SDT and send small packet data through the second carrier. This eliminates the need to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, reducing the energy consumption impact of the handover process on both the terminal and network devices. On the other hand, compared to carrier switching triggered by the network device in UL SDT, this method transmits fewer signals. The terminal device only needs to inform the network device of the supported second carrier identifier, without needing to send measurement reports, thus reducing transmission overhead and interaction latency between the network and terminal devices.

[0352] The fourth scenario is uplink SDT carrier switching transmission triggered by network devices.

[0353] The method flow in the fourth case can be shown in Figure 10. This method can include steps 1001 and 1002. Steps 1001 and 1002 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 1001 and 1002 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. For example, when the communication device is a network device (e.g., an access network device), the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one of network elements such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 2C, and is not specifically limited here.

[0354] Step 1001: The network device sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier.

[0355] The network device sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier, and the terminal device receives the indication information sent by the network device accordingly.

[0356] Optionally, the network device first determines that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, and then sends indication information to the terminal device on the first carrier. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication information sent by the network device. This indication information is used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0357] Optionally, the identifier of the second carrier in the above indication information is used not only to indicate the carrier identifier, but also to indicate the network device to initiate UL-SDT carrier handover.

[0358] Optionally, the indication information may also be used to indicate UL-SDT. Alternatively, it can be understood as indicating that the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device or network device to use UL-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the terminal device or network device needs to use UL-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the network device plans to use UL-SDT to transmit small packet data. Or it may also be used to indicate that the terminal device or network device will use UL-SDT to transmit small packet data. In this case, the indication information may also be understood to include: a UL-SDT indication and an identifier for the second carrier.

[0359] In this way, after receiving the indication information, the terminal device can determine which carrier is the second carrier, or which carrier needs to be switched to for UL-SDT.

[0360] Optionally, the indication information may be carried in one or more of the following: WUS (or downlink WUS), low power signal (or low power signal, downlink low power signal, or downlink low power signal), paging, etc., without being limited here. Among them, the low power signal or WUS can be referred to the description in step 402 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] For example, taking the indication information carried in paging as an example, assuming that the identifier of the second carrier is carried in the paging DCI, the identifier of the second carrier can be a new field in the DCI or it can be carried in the reserved bits of the short message.

[0362] In one possible implementation, the terminal device has been configured or pre-configured with the UL-SDT resources of the second carrier prior to this step. In this step, after the network device sends the identifier of the second carrier to the terminal device, the terminal device can use the previously configured or pre-configured UL-SDT resources of the second carrier to transmit small packet data.

[0363] In another possible implementation, the terminal device has not been configured with the UL-SDT resources of the second carrier prior to this step. In this step, the indication information sent by the network device to the terminal device can indicate not only the identifier of the second carrier but also the UL-SDT resources of the second carrier. Thus, the terminal device can use the UL-SDT resources of the second carrier indicated by the indication information to transmit small packet data. For example, the network device can indicate the UL-SDT resources on the second carrier through RRC signaling or a dedicated signal, etc., which is not limited here.

[0364] Step 1002: The terminal device sends small packet data to the network device on the second carrier.

[0365] The terminal device sends small data packets to the network device on the second carrier, and the network device receives the small data packets sent by the terminal device.

[0366] Optionally, after receiving the indication information sent by the network device on the first carrier, the terminal device sends small packet data to the network device on the second carrier.

[0367] Optionally, if the network device configures or pre-configures UL SDT resources for the terminal device, the terminal device sends small packet data to the network device through the UL SDT resources and the second carrier. The small packet data can be referred to the description in 402 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0368] For example, UL SDT resources can be CG-SDT resources (also known as CG resources for small packet data or configured grant type-1 resources). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use CG-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in a CG-based PUSCH. As another example, UL SDT resources can be 2-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by MsgA). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 2-step RA-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in MsgA. As yet another example, UL SDT resources can be 4-step RA-SDT resources (also known as resources used by Msg3). Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can use 4-step RA-SDT resources to transmit small packet data, or the terminal device can carry small packet data in Msg3.

[0369] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, network devices can trigger carrier handover in UL-SDT and receive small packet data via a second carrier. This eliminates the need to initiate RACH to enter RRC connected state, thus reducing the energy consumption impact of the handover process on both terminal and network devices. On the other hand, compared to carrier handover triggered by terminal devices in MT-SDT, this method facilitates unified scheduling, unified decision-making, and unified planning for network devices.

[0370] The communication method in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The communication device in the embodiments of this application is described below. Please refer to FIG11, which shows an embodiment of the communication device 1100 in this application. The communication device 1100 can realize the functions of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device 1100 can be a communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the communication device, such as a chip. The communication device 1100 includes: a transceiver unit 1101. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 includes: a transceiver unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102.

[0371] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 8 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0372] Processing unit 1102 is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0373] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive small packet data on the second carrier.

[0374] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to transmit first information on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

[0375] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to transmit first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0376] Optionally, the first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0377] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0378] Optionally, the indication information is carried in the downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or paging message.

[0379] Optionally, the downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0380] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to transmit a measurement report on a first carrier, the measurement report including an identifier of at least one carrier and a corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier.

[0381] Optionally, the processing unit 1102 is specifically used to determine, if a first preset condition is met, that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty, and whether the second carrier is faulty.

[0382] Optionally, the first preset condition includes one or more of the following:

[0383] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0384] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold;

[0385] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0386] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed.

[0387] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the terminal devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0388] In this embodiment, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the terminal device receives the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connection state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network device.

[0389] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is a network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 8 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0390] Processing unit 1102 is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0391] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to transmit small packet data on the second carrier.

[0392] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to receive first information on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

[0393] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to receive first information on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

[0394] Optionally, the first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

[0395] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

[0396] Optionally, the indication information is carried in the downlink wake-up signal (WUS) or paging message.

[0397] Optionally, the downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0398] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to receive a measurement report on the first carrier, the measurement report including the identifier of at least one carrier and the corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including a second carrier;

[0399] The processing unit 1102 is specifically used to determine, based on the measurement report, that the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0400] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the network devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0401] In this embodiment, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the network device sends the small packet data via the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and the network device.

[0402] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is the terminal device shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 7, 9, or 10 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0403] Processing unit 1102 is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0404] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to transmit small packet data on the second carrier.

[0405] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to transmit second information, which includes an identifier of the second carrier.

[0406] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to transmit second information on the first carrier if a second preset condition is met. The second preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier or the second carrier, whether the uplink timing advance (TA) of the first carrier or the second carrier is faulty, whether the first carrier or the second carrier is faulty, and the size of the small packet data transmitted by the first carrier or the second carrier.

[0407] Optionally, the second preset condition includes one or more of the following:

[0408] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the second threshold;

[0409] The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the first threshold;

[0410] The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier;

[0411] The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the second carrier is not failed;

[0412] The transmittance of the first carrier is less than or equal to the demand of the terminal device, and the transmittance of the second carrier is greater than the demand of the terminal device.

[0413] Optionally, the second information is carried in the uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0414] Optionally, the uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0415] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to receive indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0416] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the terminal devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 7, 9 or 10 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0417] In this embodiment, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the terminal device sends the small packet data via the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connection state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and network device.

[0418] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is a network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 7, 9, or 10 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0419] Processing unit 1102 is used to determine whether the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier;

[0420] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive small packet data on the second carrier.

[0421] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to receive second information, which includes an identifier of the second carrier.

[0422] Optionally, the second information is carried in the uplink WUS or uplink SDT.

[0423] Optionally, the uplink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

[0424] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to transmit indication information on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the uplink SDT and the second carrier.

[0425] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the network devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 7, 9 or 10 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0426] In this embodiment, after determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the network device receives the small packet data through the second carrier. That is, by switching carriers, it is not necessary to initiate RACH to enter the RRC connected state, thereby reducing the impact of the handover process on the power consumption of the terminal device and the network device.

[0427] Please refer to Figure 12, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1200 provided in this application. The communication device 1200 includes a logic circuit 1201 and an input / output interface 1202. The communication device 1200 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0428] The transceiver unit 1101 shown in Figure 11 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1202 in Figure 12. The input / output interface 1202 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit. The processing unit 1102 shown in Figure 11 can be the logic circuit 1201 in Figure 12.

[0429] The logic circuit 1201 and the input / output interface 1202 can also perform other steps executed by the first computing node, the first network device, the second network device, the gateway, or the terminal device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0430] Optionally, the logic circuit 1201 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0431] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0432] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0433] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any group of the above chips or processors.

[0434] Please refer to Figure 13, which shows the communication device 1300 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1300 can be a communication device that serves as a network device or a terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0435] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1300, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1301 and a communication port 1302.

[0436] In Figure 11, the transceiver unit 1101 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1302 in Figure 13. The communication port 1302 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1302 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0437] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1303 and a bus. In embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1301 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1300.

[0438] Furthermore, the processor 1301 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0439] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of the various components shown in Figure 13. For example, the number of processors 1301, the number of communication ports 1302, and the number of memory 1303 can each be one or more, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0440] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first computing node, gateway or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and achieve the corresponding technical effects. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 13 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0441] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1400 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1400 can be the communication device that serves as the first network device or the second network device in the above embodiments. The structure of the communication device can be referred to the structure shown in Figure 14.

[0442] The communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1411 and at least one network interface 1414. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1412, at least one transceiver 1413, and one or more antennas 1415. The processor 1411, memory 1412, transceiver 1413, and network interface 1414 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1415 is connected to the transceiver 1413. The network interface 1414 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1414 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0443] In Figure 11, the transceiver unit 1101 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1414 in Figure 14. The network interface 1414 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1414 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0444] Processor 1411 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and communication data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing data from the software programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used for controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing data from the software programs. Processor 1411 in Figure 14 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the communication device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0445] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1412 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1411. Optionally, the memory 1412 can be integrated with the processor 1411, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1412 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1411. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1411.

[0446] Figure 14 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual communication devices, there can be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0447] Transceiver 1413 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1413 can be connected to antenna 1415. Transceiver 1413 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1415 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1413 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1411 so that processor 1411 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1413 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1411, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1415. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0448] The transceiver 1413 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0449] It should be noted that the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0450] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the base station by the terminal. For example, when the first device is a terminal, the terminal sending information can be understood as the process of the terminal's chip outputting information.

[0451] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture. For example, when the first device is a base station, the base station sending information can be understood as the process of the base station's chip outputting information.

[0452] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0453] 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 programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0454] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology 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.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. The small packet data is received on the second carrier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the small packet data on the second carrier, the method further includes: First information is transmitted on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the small packet data on the second carrier, the method further includes: A first message is transmitted on the second carrier, the first message including an RRC recovery request.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before the transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the method further includes: Indication information is received on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The indication information is carried in the downlink wake-up signal WUS or paging message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, Before receiving indication information on the first carrier, the method further includes: A measurement report is transmitted on the first carrier, the measurement report including the identifier of at least one carrier and the corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including the second carrier.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The step of switching the transmission of small packet data from the first carrier to the second carrier includes: If the first preset condition is met, the transmission of the small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first preset condition is related to one or more of the following: the measured value of the first carrier, the measured value of the second carrier, whether the first carrier is faulty, and whether the second carrier is faulty.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first preset condition includes one or more of the following: The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than a second threshold; The measured value of the first carrier is less than or equal to the third threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the third threshold; The difference between the measured value of the first carrier and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the measured value of the second carrier is greater than the measured value of the first carrier; The first carrier fails, the measured value of the second carrier is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second carrier is not failed.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The transmission of small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier. The small packet data is transmitted on the second carrier.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before transmitting the small packet data on the second carrier, the method further includes: First information is received on the first carrier, the first information including the identifier of the second carrier.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before transmitting the small packet data on the second carrier, the method further includes: First information is received on the second carrier, the first information including an RRC recovery request.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the uplink wake-up signal WUS or the uplink small data transmission SDT.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, After determining that the transmission of small packet data has switched from the first carrier to the second carrier, the method further includes: Indication information is transmitted on the first carrier, the indication information being used to indicate the identifier of the second carrier.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The indication information is carried in the downlink wake-up signal WUS or paging message.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The downlink WUS includes one or more of the following: an on / off switch OOK signal, a low-power sequence signal, or a linear frequency modulated chirp signal.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, Before transmitting indication information on the first carrier, the method further includes: A measurement report is received on the first carrier, the measurement report including the identifier of at least one carrier and the corresponding measurement value, the at least one carrier including the second carrier; The step of switching the transmission of small packet data from the first carrier to the second carrier includes: Based on the measurement report, it is determined that the transmission of the small packet data is switched from the first carrier to the second carrier.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

22. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, The chip or chip system is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a communication device for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, and a communication device for performing the method of any one of claims 11 to 18.

24. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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