Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application is a communication method. In the method, a terminal device receives first information, determines resources for small data transmission (SDT) on the basis of the first information, and then sends auxiliary information of the terminal device on the resources for SDT. That is, the terminal device sends the auxiliary information of the terminal device by means of the resources for SDT. When sending the auxiliary information of the terminal device to a network device, the terminal device is in a non-connected state. The present application can not only enable a terminal device in an inactive state to complete uplink data transmission of auxiliary information of the terminal device by means of resources for SDT, but can also provide, by means of the auxiliary information of the terminal device, a reference for a network device to subsequently schedule the terminal device or configure resources of the terminal device, so as to improve the user experience of the terminal device. In addition, the network device can acquire the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance, and provide, when the terminal device is in a non-connected state, services expected by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411517283.7, 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] In this context, a terminal device in RRC connected state establishes an RRC connection with the network device and can transmit data. A terminal device in RRC idle state does not establish an RRC connection with the network device. A terminal device in RRC inactive state has a suspended RRC connection with the network device, meaning the RRC connection between the terminal device and the network device is paused or unavailable. Alternatively, this can be understood as: terminal devices in RRC idle state and terminal devices in RRC inactive state cannot transmit uplink data via an RRC connection.

[0005] Therefore, how to transmit uplink data when there is uplink data to be sent is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved, for terminal devices in the RRC idle state and terminal devices in the RRC inactive state. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus. A terminal device determines the resources for small data transmission (SDT) by receiving first information and sends auxiliary information using the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of auxiliary information using SDT resources, but also provides network devices with references for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience. For example, network devices can obtain auxiliary information from terminal devices in advance and provide energy-saving services desired by the terminal devices in a disconnected state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0007] This application provides a communication method in its first aspect. This method is executed by a terminal device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the terminal device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using the example of execution by a terminal device. In this method, the terminal device receives first information, determines the resources of a Special Data Sheet (SDT) based on the first information, and then transmits auxiliary information of the terminal device on the resources of the SDT. That is, the terminal device transmits its auxiliary information through the resources of the SDT.

[0008] When a terminal device sends auxiliary information to a network device, it is in an RRC disconnected state. The RRC state of the terminal device is not limited when receiving the first information and determining the SDT resources. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, it can send auxiliary information through the SDT resources. For another example, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends auxiliary information through the SDT resources; 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, an energy-saving terminal device, or a basic mode terminal device, etc., specific details are not limited here.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device identifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends auxiliary information using the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of auxiliary information using SDT resources, but also provides network devices with references for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, network devices can obtain the terminal device's auxiliary information in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in a connectionless state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0010] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending auxiliary information corresponding to small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on the resources of SDT.

[0011] In one possible implementation, for example, the terminal device can determine whether it is permissible to send auxiliary information on the SDT resources using the second information. Another example is that the terminal device can determine the threshold for determining whether to transmit auxiliary information using the second information.

[0012] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also send or receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT transmit auxiliary information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the indication information is used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT carry auxiliary information.

[0013] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can also indicate to the network device through the SDT resources whether the SDT resources carry auxiliary information, so that the network device can determine the content transmitted by the SDT resources based on the indication information.

[0014] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also receive a correct response to the auxiliary information.

[0015] In this possible implementation, the reliability of auxiliary information transmission can be improved by transmitting feedback of auxiliary information.

[0016] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether WUS is detected, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception DRX configuration; wherein the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from the trigger threshold of the second mode.

[0017] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0018] In this possible implementation, the auxiliary information has multiple possibilities, thus providing rich reference for subsequent network equipment to schedule terminal equipment or configure terminal equipment resources, thereby improving the user experience of terminal equipment.

[0019] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned WUS can be a low power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) or a non-low power signal, etc.

[0020] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the auxiliary information in the second mode described above may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0021] In this possible implementation, different auxiliary information can be reported under different working modes, thereby improving the subsequent configuration or scheduling that is more adapted to the working mode and enhancing the user experience of the terminal device.

[0022] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0023] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of only auxiliary information. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0024] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0025] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of only small packet data. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0026] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of only auxiliary information and the transmission of only small packet data are different, which can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, not only improving the user experience, but also improving the transmission reliability.

[0028] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT), 2-step random access small data transmission (RA-SDT), and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0029] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT transmission methods, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0030] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0031] In this possible implementation, under the same scenario, priority can be given to ensuring the transmission of SDT with configuration authorization, thus guaranteeing the reliability of small packet data transmission.

[0032] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0033] In this possible implementation, the transmission of SDT containing auxiliary information and small packet data is given priority to ensure the reliability of the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data.

[0034] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0035] In this possible implementation, the transmission method has a higher priority than the transmission content; that is, SDT transmission with configuration authorization is given priority, and the reliability of the transmission is guaranteed.

[0036] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission priority order of the above-mentioned SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0037] In this possible implementation, the priority of the transmitted content is higher than the priority of the transmission method, that is, the transmission of SDT including auxiliary information is given priority, and the transmission of auxiliary information is guaranteed.

[0038] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned medium access control (MAC) layer header of the transmission indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0039] In this possible implementation, network devices can clearly define the size of the content transmitted on the SDT resources through the MAC layer packet header, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0040] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned auxiliary information is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0041] In this possible implementation, the transmission of auxiliary information is prioritized by limiting the logical channel priority between auxiliary information and small packet data.

[0042] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded, and latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0043] In this possible implementation, by limiting the measurement quantity or data quantity related to a preset threshold, the terminal device can clearly define the conditions for transmitting SDT, thereby improving the transmission stability of SDT.

[0044] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble group, and bandwidth part (BWP) parameters.

[0045] In this possible implementation, the auxiliary information sent by the terminal device in the RRC non-connection state can enable the network device to better schedule the terminal device.

[0046] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the SDT resources mentioned above include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0047] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT resource configuration scenarios, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0048] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network 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 sends first information, which is used to indicate resources of the SDT (Software-Defined Technology). It also receives auxiliary information from a terminal device on the resources of the SDT.

[0049] Based on the above scheme, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device using the first information and receives auxiliary information from the terminal device through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of auxiliary information using SDT resources, but also provides the network device with reference information for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the energy-saving services desired by the terminal device in the disconnected state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0050] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending auxiliary information corresponding to small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on SDT resources.

[0051] In one possible implementation, for example, the network device can use the second information to indicate whether the terminal device can send auxiliary information on the resources of the SDT. Another example is that the network device can use the second information to indicate a threshold for determining when the terminal device transmits auxiliary information.

[0052] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also receive or send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT transmit auxiliary information. Alternatively, the indication information may be understood as indicating whether the resources of the SDT carry auxiliary information.

[0053] In this possible implementation, the network device can determine the content transmitted by the SDT resources based on the instruction information.

[0054] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned network device may also send a correct response to the auxiliary information.

[0055] In this possible implementation, the reliability of auxiliary information transmission can be improved by transmitting feedback of auxiliary information.

[0056] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned instruction information is carried in a paging message.

[0057] In this possible implementation, the content to be transmitted by the SDT resources can be indicated by paging, so that the receiving side knows the content to be transmitted next, can make corresponding preparations for transmission in advance, and improve transmission efficiency.

[0058] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether WUS is detected, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; wherein the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from that of the second mode.

[0059] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0060] In this possible implementation, the auxiliary information has multiple possibilities, thus providing rich reference for subsequent network equipment to schedule terminal equipment or configure terminal equipment resources, thereby improving the user experience of terminal equipment.

[0061] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned WUS can be LP-WUS or a non-low-power signal, etc.

[0062] In this possible implementation, the auxiliary information has multiple possibilities, thus providing rich reference for subsequent network equipment to schedule terminal equipment or configure terminal equipment resources, thereby improving the user experience of terminal equipment.

[0063] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the auxiliary information in the second mode described above may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0064] In this possible implementation, different auxiliary information can be reported under different working modes, thereby improving the subsequent configuration or scheduling that is more adapted to the working mode and enhancing the user experience of the terminal device.

[0065] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0066] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of only auxiliary information. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0067] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0068] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of only small packet data. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0069] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0070] In this possible implementation, the preset field values ​​corresponding to the transmission of only auxiliary information and the transmission of only small packet data are different, which can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, not only improving the user experience, but also improving the transmission reliability.

[0071] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the transmission method of the above-mentioned SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0072] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT transmission methods, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0073] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0074] In this possible implementation, under the same scenario, priority can be given to ensuring the transmission of SDT with configuration authorization, thus guaranteeing the reliability of small packet data transmission.

[0075] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the transmission priority order of SDT transmissions in the same transmission method from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0076] In this possible implementation, the transmission of SDT containing auxiliary information and small packet data is given priority to ensure the reliability of the transmission of auxiliary information and small packet data.

[0077] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0078] In this possible implementation, the transmission method has a higher priority than the transmission content; that is, SDT transmission with configuration authorization is given priority, and the reliability of the transmission is guaranteed.

[0079] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0080] In this possible implementation, the priority of the transmitted content is higher than the priority of the transmission method, that is, the transmission of SDT including auxiliary information is given priority, and the transmission of auxiliary information is guaranteed.

[0081] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the aforementioned transmission indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0082] In this possible implementation, network devices can clearly define the size of the content transmitted on the SDT resources through the MAC layer packet header, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0083] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned auxiliary information is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0084] This possible implementation prioritizes the transmission of auxiliary information by defining the logical channel priority between auxiliary information and small packet data.

[0085] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded, and latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0086] In this possible implementation, by limiting the measurement quantity or data quantity related to a preset threshold, the terminal device can clearly define the conditions for transmitting SDT, thereby improving the transmission stability of SDT.

[0087] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and BWP parameters.

[0088] In this possible implementation, the auxiliary information sent by the terminal device in the RRC non-connection state can enable the network device to better schedule the terminal device.

[0089] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0090] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT resource configuration scenarios, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0091] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Taking the terminal device as an example, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive first information; the processing unit is used to determine resources for Small Data Transmission Platform (SDT) based on the first information; the transceiver unit is also used to transmit auxiliary information of the terminal device on the SDT resources.

[0092] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold corresponding to sending auxiliary information and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold corresponding to sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on the resources of SDT.

[0093] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to send or receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT transmit auxiliary information.

[0094] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is also used to receive a correct response to the auxiliary information.

[0095] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether WUS is detected, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; wherein the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from that of the second mode.

[0096] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0097] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned WUS can be LP-WUS or a non-low-power signal, etc.

[0098] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the auxiliary information in the second mode mentioned above may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0099] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0100] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0101] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0102] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0103] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0104] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0105] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0106] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0107] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transmission of the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0108] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned auxiliary information is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0109] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded, and latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0110] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and BWP parameters.

[0111] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0112] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. Taking the network device as an example, the network device includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to send first information, which is used to determine resources for Small Data Transmission Platform (SDT); the transceiver unit is also used to receive auxiliary information from a terminal device on the resources of the SDT.

[0113] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold corresponding to sending auxiliary information and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold corresponding to sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on the resources of SDT.

[0114] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive or send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT transmit auxiliary information.

[0115] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is also used to send a correct response to auxiliary information.

[0116] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned instruction information is carried in a paging message.

[0117] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether WUS is detected, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; wherein the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from that of the second mode.

[0118] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0119] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned WUS can be LP-WUS or a non-low-power signal, etc.

[0120] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the auxiliary information in the second mode mentioned above may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0121] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0122] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0123] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0124] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0125] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0126] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0127] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0128] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0129] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transmission of the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0130] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned auxiliary information is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0131] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded.

[0132] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned auxiliary information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and BWP parameters.

[0133] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the SDT resources mentioned above include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0134] The fifth 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 either the first or second aspect described above.

[0135] 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 either the first or second aspect described above.

[0136] The sixth 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 the first or second aspect above.

[0137] The seventh 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 third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0138] The eighth 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 either the first or second aspect above.

[0139] The ninth 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 either the first or second aspect described above.

[0140] The tenth 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 the first or second aspect described above.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0143] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0144] Figure 1B is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0145] Figure 1C is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0146] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an independent networking scenario involved in this application;

[0147] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a dual-connection scenario involved in this application;

[0148] Figure 2C is another schematic diagram of the macro-micro scenarios involved in this application;

[0149] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the RRC status transition involved in this application;

[0150] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0151] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the UAI involved in this application;

[0152] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0153] Figure 6B is another schematic diagram of the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0154] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0155] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0156] Figure 9 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0157] Figure 10 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0158] Figure 11 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0159] Figures 12 to 15 are several structural schematic diagrams of the communication device involved in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0160] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0161] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0162] 1. Configuration and Pre-configuration

[0163] 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.

[0164] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The instruction information 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 the 3rd generation partnership project (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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] The technical solution of this application can be applied to 3GPP-related cellular communication systems. For example, fourth-generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond fifth-generation systems. For example, future communication systems. For example, fourth-generation communication systems may include long-term evolution (LTE) communication systems. Fifth-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.

[0188] For ease of description, the following description will use RAN nodes represented by network devices as an example.

[0189] 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).

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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, a 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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).

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] In particular, terminal devices in the RRC idle state and those in the RRC inactive state cannot transmit uplink data via RRC connection. Therefore, how to transmit uplink data when there is uplink data to be sent for terminal devices in the RRC idle state and those in the RRC inactive state is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0207] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus. A terminal device identifies the resources of a Special Data Set (SDT) upon receiving first information and then transmits auxiliary information using these SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of auxiliary information using SDT resources, but also provides network devices with reference information for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0208] Please refer to Figure 4, a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application embodiment. This method may include steps 401 to 403. Steps 401 to 403 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 to 403 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, when the communication device is 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 specific limitations are not specified here.

[0209] Due to the long intervals between the steps, steps 401 to 403 will be briefly described here first, and then described in detail later. Step 401: The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Step 402: The terminal device determines the resources of the SDT based on the first information. Step 403: The terminal device sends auxiliary information about itself to the network device on the resources of the SDT.

[0210] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when sending auxiliary information to the network device. The RRC state of the terminal device in steps 401 and 402 is not limited. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, the terminal device sends auxiliary information on SDT resources. For another example, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends auxiliary information through SDT resources; 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.

[0211] Step 401: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0212] The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device. The terminal device can be one of the terminal devices in Figures 1A to 2C, and the network device can be a RAN node or base station, etc., in Figures 1A to 2C.

[0213] The first piece of information is related to SDT resources. Specifically, the relationship between the first piece of information and SDT resources can be interpreted in several ways. For example, the first piece of information may be used to identify SDT resources. Alternatively, it may be used to configure SDT resources. Another example is that the first piece of information may be used to directly indicate SDT resources. Yet another example is that the first piece of information may be used to indirectly indicate SDT resources. Still another example is that the first piece of information may be used to activate or enable SDT resources, etc. The specific interpretation is not limited here. The descriptions of direct and indirect indications can be found in the explanations of the terms mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the number of SDT resources can be one or more, and this is not specifically limited here.

[0214] Optionally, the first information may be referred to as SDT resource configuration information and / or SDT configuration indication information, etc., and is not specifically limited here. For example, step 401 can also be understood as the process by which the network device configures one or more SDT resources for the terminal device.

[0215] Optionally, the first information can be used to configure or indicate one or more of the following: events, preset field values, reporting methods, priority of transmission scenarios, priority of transmission methods, etc., without being limited here.

[0216] In this context, an event can be understood as an event that triggers the terminal device to report its own auxiliary information. This auxiliary information can also be called User Assistance Information (UAI). A more detailed description will follow later; it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0217] The preset threshold can be understood as a threshold for events, which can be related to downlink measurements and / or the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, etc. This will be described in detail later, and will not be elaborated on here.

[0218] Reporting methods can include one or more of the following: event reporting (or preset threshold reporting), periodic reporting, instruction reporting, etc., without specific limitations here. Instruction reporting can be understood as the terminal device reporting the UAI according to the instructions issued by the network device.

[0219] Transmission scenarios include one or more of the following: transmission containing auxiliary information of the terminal device and small packet data (also known as UAI+SDT), transmission containing only auxiliary information of the terminal device (also known as UAI only), transmission containing only small packet data (also known as SDT only), and non-SDT, etc., without specific limitations here. These will be described in detail later and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0220] The transmission methods include one or more of the following: configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT), two-step random access small data transmission (RA-SDT), four-step RA-SDT, and non-SDT RA, etc., without specific limitations here. Non-SDT RA can also be understood as the traditional RA process or a transmission without SDT. These will be described in detail later and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0221] Optionally, the first information can be called configuration enable information or configuration activation information, etc. That is, step 401 can also be understood as the process by which the network device activates or enables SDT resources for the terminal device.

[0222] For example, the first information is used to enable SDT resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that the network device has already configured / pre-configured SDT resources for the terminal device before step 401. However, the terminal device needs to receive the first information before using these resources. It can also be understood that the SDT resources previously allocated to the terminal device by the network device were not activated, and the first information activates the SDT resources so they can be used by the terminal device. It is understood that this example is merely illustrative; in practical applications, the terminal device may directly use the resources after receiving the SDT resource configuration, or it may directly use the SDT resources after receiving the first information, etc. Specific limitations are not specified here.

[0223] Optionally, after the network device determines one or more resources of the SDT, the network device sends the first information within its coverage area via broadcast, unicast, or multicast. Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices within the network device's coverage area receive the first information. For example, the network device configures one or more resources of the SDT for one or more terminal devices. In cases involving multiple terminal devices, the multiple terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources using either a non-contention or contention-based approach. Furthermore, the SDT resources involved in this application embodiment include one or more of the following: uplink (UL) SDT resources, random access small data transmission (RA-SDT) resources, configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT) resources, contention-based SDT resources, or other UL SDT resources, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0224] In this application embodiment, the UL SDT can be referred to as mobile-originated small data transmission (MO-SDT) or uplink SDT, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0225] Optionally, UL SDT resources can be understood as being transmitted on a dedicated traffic channel (DTCH). Auxiliary information for subsequent terminal devices transmitted on the DTCH can be multiplexed with UL RRC transmitted on the common control channel (CCCH). UL SDT resources can be traditional small packet transmission resources, or separately configured SDT resources, etc., without specific limitations here. Furthermore, the aforementioned RA-SDT can include one or more of the following: 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0226] For example, RA-SDT resources are configured to terminal devices by network devices through system information. CG-SDT resources are configured to terminal devices by network devices through RRC dedicated signaling. The RA-SDT and CG-SDT scenarios will be described in detail later with reference to other accompanying figures; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0227] Optionally, the first information can be at least one of the following: RRC information, MAC CE, physical layer information, etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0228] Optionally, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following: a system information block (SIB), a master information block (MIB), a wake-up signal (WUS), a low-power signal (or low-power signal), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), etc., without specific limitations here. For example, an SIB may also be denoted as SIB X, where X is a positive integer greater than 0. For example, SIBX may include one or more of the following: SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0229] In this application embodiment, the low-power signal or WUS 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.

[0230] For example, DL WUS can also be called a downlink low-power signal or a downlink non-low-power signal (such as PDCCH), etc., and the name is not limited here. Similarly, UL WUS can also be called an uplink low-power signal or an uplink non-low-power signal (such as PUSCH), etc., and the name is not limited here.

[0231] Optionally, the aforementioned low-power signal can be a digital signal and / or an analog signal, and there is no specific limitation here.

[0232] Step 402: The terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information.

[0233] After receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the resources of the SDT based on the first information. The resources of the SDT are used to transmit auxiliary information and / or small packet data of the terminal device.

[0234] In this step, the terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information in several ways:

[0235] For example, when the first information is used to indicate SDT resources, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the SDT resources based on the content indicated by the first information.

[0236] For example, if the first information is used to activate or enable SDT resources, the terminal device may have already configured or pre-configured SDT resources before receiving the first information, but the SDT resources are not activated or enabled. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine which SDT resources are activated or enabled based on the first information, that is, identify the activated or enabled SDT resources.

[0237] For example, if the first information indicates an SDT resource, the terminal device can directly determine the SDT resource after receiving the first information.

[0238] For example, when the first information indicates multiple SDT resources, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can select its own SDT resources through contention or non-contention. For instance, multiple terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on the usage conditions of each resource. Alternatively, terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on their own capability information. Or, terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on pre-configured selection rules, etc., without further limitation here. It is understood that the above methods can be used individually or in combination, without further limitation here.

[0239] It is understandable that the above methods for determining SDT resources are just examples. In practical applications, there may be other methods, which are not limited here.

[0240] Step 403: The terminal device sends auxiliary information on the resources of the SDT.

[0241] After the terminal device determines the resources of the SDT, it sends its auxiliary information on those resources. Correspondingly, the network device receives the auxiliary information sent by the terminal device. As described in step 401, this auxiliary information can also be referred to as UAI.

[0242] Optionally, after receiving the UAI, the network device can refer to the UAI to schedule and / or configure the terminal device.

[0243] In this embodiment of the application, the auxiliary information of the terminal device may include one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, radio resource management (RRM) configuration, desired operating mode, whether WUS is detected, desired WUS configuration, desired reference signal configuration, location of the terminal device, type of the terminal device, quality of service (QoS) requirements of the terminal device, desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0244] The following is a description of each of the above items:

[0245] 1. Expected carrier identifier.

[0246] Terminal devices can report the carrier identifiers they expect, so that subsequent network devices can refer to these carrier identifiers for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0247] The number of carriers or carrier identifiers can be one or more, and no specific limit is set here.

[0248] Optionally, the carrier may also include a capacity carrier (or capacity layer carrier) and / or a coverage carrier (or coverage layer carrier). For example, carrier identifiers may include: capacity carrier identifier, coverage carrier identifier, etc. Alternatively, carrier identifiers may include: capacity layer carrier identifier, coverage layer carrier identifier, etc. Furthermore, the "layer" in capacity layer / coverage layer may be replaced with one or more of the following: carrier, cell, frequency point, sub-band, frequency band, etc.

[0249] The overlay layer provides hosting services for terminal devices. This overlay layer can also be called the hosting layer, anchor layer, etc. For example, the overlay layer provides one or more of the following: random access channel (RACH), RRM, paging service, WUS, etc. Optionally, the overlay layer can also be understood as providing hosting services for RRC-unconnected terminal devices.

[0250] The capacity layer provides data transmission services for terminal devices. The capacity layer primarily involves data transmission. For example, the capacity layer only provides data transmission services for terminal devices in RRC connection state. Optionally, the capacity layer can also be understood as providing resident data transmission services for RRC connection state terminal devices.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the terminal device directly indicates one or more carrier identifiers via a codeword.

[0252] For example, with a codeword of 4 bits, bit "0101" is used to indicate that the carrier identifier is 5.

[0253] For example, taking a 3-bit codeword as an example, examples of codewords and carrier identifiers are shown in Table 1. For example, "000" corresponds to carrier identifier 1. Another example is "001" which corresponds to carrier identifier 2. Yet another example is "010" which corresponds to carrier identifier 3. And yet another example is "011" which corresponds to carrier identifier 4.

[0254] Table 1

[0255] In another possible implementation, the terminal device indicates one or more carrier identifiers via a field.

[0256] Optionally, this method is suitable for scenarios where only one carrier identifier is reported, or where the probability of reporting multiple carrier identifiers is very low.

[0257] In another possible implementation, the terminal device indicates one or more carrier identifiers it desires using a bitmap. The length of the bitmap is determined by the number of carriers supported by the network device or the terminal device.

[0258] For example, as shown in Figure 5, taking 4 bits as an example, the first bit corresponds to carrier 1, the second bit to carrier 2, the third bit to carrier 3, and the fourth bit to carrier 4. If "1" corresponds to the carrier desired by the terminal device, then "0101" indicates that the terminal device desires carriers 2 and 4. Correspondingly, "0" corresponds to carriers that the terminal device does not desire or care about. Of course, in practical applications, it can also be that "0" corresponds to the carrier desired by the terminal device and "1" corresponds to the carrier that the terminal device does not desire or care about, etc., which is not limited here.

[0259] 2. Priority of multiple carriers.

[0260] Terminal devices can report the priorities of multiple carriers, and the appropriate carrier can be selected for data transmission based on the carrier priorities reported by the terminal device.

[0261] Here, the multiple carriers can be the carriers desired by the terminal device as described in 1 above, or they can be the priorities of multiple carriers configured or pre-configured. Alternatively, it can be understood that the carriers described in 2 can be carriers desired by the terminal device, or they can be carriers not desired by the terminal device; no specific limitation is made here.

[0262] Alternatively, similar to 1, the carrier in 2 can also be specifically divided into capacity carrier (or capacity layer carrier) and / or coverage carrier (or coverage layer carrier). For details, please refer to the relevant description in 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] For example, assuming multiple carriers include carrier 1 and carrier 2, and using 1 bit as an example, "0" indicates that carrier 1 has a higher priority than carrier 2, and "1" indicates that carrier 2 has a higher priority than carrier 1. Of course, in practical applications, "0" can also indicate that carrier 2 has a higher priority than carrier 1, and "1" can indicate that carrier 1 has a higher priority than carrier 2, etc., and this is not limited here.

[0264] For ease of description, ">" will be used to indicate "higher priority".

[0265] For example, assuming multiple carriers include carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, and using 3 bits, "000" indicates the priority as: carrier 1 > carrier 2 > carrier 3; "001" indicates the priority as: carrier 1 > carrier 3 > carrier 2; "010" indicates the priority as: carrier 2 > carrier 3 > carrier 1; "011" indicates the priority as: carrier 2 > carrier 1 > carrier 3; "100" indicates the priority as: carrier 3 > carrier 1 > carrier 2; and "101" indicates the priority as: carrier 3 > carrier 2 > carrier 1.

[0266] 3. Desired RRM configuration.

[0267] Terminal devices can report their desired RRM configurations, which subsequent network devices can refer to for scheduling and / or configuration. RRM configurations include configurations for measurement signals, measurement cells (carriers), serving cells (cells), and neighboring cells, but specific details are not limited here.

[0268] Optionally, the terminal device can report the desired overlay RRM configuration.

[0269] Optionally, the configuration of the reference signal may include one or more of the following: the period of the object being measured, the desired object identifier, the relaxed measurement configuration, the time-frequency information of the object being measured (e.g., time-frequency position), etc.

[0270] The measurement objects in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: reference signal (RS), low-power signal, synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), carrier identifier (or carrier number), etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0271] 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 being limited here.

[0272] Optionally, the measurement object can be further divided into a capacity layer and / or a coverage layer. For example, the reference signal includes: a reference signal for the capacity layer and / or a reference signal for the coverage layer. Another example is that the low-power signal includes: a low-power signal for the capacity layer and / or a low-power signal for the coverage layer. Yet another example is that the SSB is the SSB of the coverage layer, etc. Another example is that the carrier identifier includes: a capacity carrier identifier and a coverage carrier identifier, etc. Yet another example is that the carrier identifier includes: a carrier identifier for the capacity layer and a carrier identifier for the coverage layer, etc. It is understood that the measurement object in the embodiments of this application can distinguish between the capacity layer and the coverage layer, or it can not distinguish between the capacity layer and the coverage layer; this is not specifically limited here. Furthermore, the "layer" in the capacity layer / coverage layer can also be replaced by one or more of the following: carrier, cell, frequency point, etc.

[0273] 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.

[0274] 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.

[0275] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal device measures the object to be measured or the carrier wave, it can obtain the measured value of the object to be measured.

[0276] The measured values ​​mentioned above can be one or more of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), and the ratio of chip energy to total interference energy density (EcN0), etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0277] Furthermore, the aforementioned relaxed measurement can also be understood as relaxing the conditions for performing RRM measurements. Accordingly, relaxed measurement configuration can refer to not performing RRM measurements when the original preset conditions are met, or increasing the RRM measurement cycle, or increasing the preset threshold in the original preset conditions (similar to configuring new preset conditions), etc., without being limited here.

[0278] The preset conditions (e.g., original preset conditions or new preset conditions) can be, for example, a measured value greater than a threshold, a measured value that has not changed over a period of time, or a measured value that shows little variation over a period of time; specific details are not limited here. The difference between the original preset conditions and the new preset conditions may lie in the different thresholds (e.g., the threshold of the new preset conditions minus the threshold of the original preset conditions = N, where N can also be understood as an adjustment amount, and N is a real number greater than 0), or in the different measurement objects, etc.; specific details are not limited here.

[0279] 4. Desired working model.

[0280] Terminal devices can report their desired operating modes, which can then be used by subsequent network devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0281] The operating modes include a first mode and a second mode, with different trigger thresholds for the first and second modes. For example, the trigger threshold for the first mode is higher than that for the second mode. The first mode can also be called an enhanced mode, while the second mode can be called a default mode, a basic mode, or a power-saving mode, etc. Alternatively, it can be understood that a terminal device in the first mode is similar to a terminal device in an RRC connected state, while a terminal device in the second mode is similar to a terminal device in an RRC disconnected state.

[0282] Optionally, the UAI can also vary depending on the operating mode. For example, the UAI can also include one or more of the following parameters configured in the second mode: the number of supported carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna ports, SDT resources, preset thresholds corresponding to the SDT transmission method, upper limit of SDT data volume, maximum number of supported carriers, maximum aggregation bandwidth, maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, maximum number of antenna ports, maximum SDT resources, maximum preset thresholds corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and maximum upper limit of SDT data volume, etc.

[0283] Optionally, the UAI may also include one or more preset numbers for parameter configuration of the second mode.

[0284] Furthermore, the desired operating mode of the terminal device can be the same as or different from the current operating mode of the terminal device.

[0285] For example, the terminal device is currently in mode one, and reports its desired operating mode as mode two via UAI information. This example can be understood as the terminal device informing the network device by reporting UAI information that it desires to change, transform, or switch its current operating mode.

[0286] For example, the terminal device is currently in mode two, and the terminal device reports its desired operating mode as mode two via UAI information. This example can be understood as the terminal device informing the network device by reporting UA information that the terminal device expects to maintain its current operating mode.

[0287] Optionally, the terminal device may use one or more bits to indicate the desired operating mode of the terminal device, or to indicate whether the terminal device wishes to change its current operating mode.

[0288] For example, using 1 bit as an example, the desired operating mode of the terminal device is reported. "1" indicates that the terminal device desires the second mode, and "0" indicates that the terminal device desires the first mode. Of course, in practical applications, "0" can also represent the terminal device desires the second mode, and "1" can represent the terminal device desires the first mode, etc., and the specifics are not limited here.

[0289] For example, using 1 bit as an example, the terminal device reports whether it wants to change its current operating mode. "1" indicates that the terminal device wants to switch to the current operating mode, and "0" indicates that the terminal device wants to maintain the current operating mode. Assume the terminal device is currently in mode 1. "1" indicates that the terminal device wants to switch from mode 1 to mode 2, and "0" indicates that the terminal device wants to maintain the current mode 1. Of course, in practical applications, "1" could also indicate that the terminal device wants to maintain the current operating mode, and "0" could indicate that the terminal device wants to switch to the current operating mode, etc. This is not a specific limitation here.

[0290] Optionally, the terminal device may also report the desired trigger threshold for the first mode, which is used to determine whether to enter or exit the first mode, or to switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0291] Optionally, the terminal device may also report the desired trigger threshold for the second mode, which is used to determine whether to enter or exit the second mode, or for switching between the first and second modes.

[0292] The trigger threshold may be related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement values ​​(e.g., RSRP), the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, the latency requirement for waiting to upload data, the QoS requirement for waiting to upload data, etc., without being limited here.

[0293] For example, if the amount of data to be transmitted is greater than or equal to a first trigger threshold, the network device and / or terminal device enters the first mode. As another example, if the downlink RSRP measurement is greater than or equal to a second trigger threshold, the second mode is maintained.

[0294] 5. Does it support WUS detection?

[0295] Terminal devices can report whether they support WUS detection, or in other words, terminal devices can inform network devices via UAI information, and the terminal devices decide whether to detect WUS. Subsequently, network devices can refer to the terminal device's decision on whether to detect WUS for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0296] The aforementioned WUS can be a low-power signal (refer to the description in step 401 above) or a non-low-power signal. For example, taking 1 bit as an example, the terminal device is reported whether it detects WUS. "1" indicates that the terminal device decides to detect WUS, and "0" indicates that the terminal device decides not to detect WUS. Of course, in practical applications, "1" can also indicate that the terminal device decides not to detect WUS, and "0" can indicate that the terminal device decides to detect WUS, etc., and the specific meaning is not limited here.

[0297] 6. Expected WUS configuration.

[0298] Terminal devices can report their desired WUS configuration, which can then be used by subsequent network devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0299] The WUS mentioned above can be a low-power signal (refer to the description in step 401 above) or a non-low-power signal, such as a DCI scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI), etc. The specifics are not limited here.

[0300] Alternatively, similar to the carrier, WUS can also be distinguished into a coverage layer and a capacity layer. For example, WUS can also be a coverage layer WUS.

[0301] Optionally, the above WUS configuration may include one or more of the following: WUS detection period (also known as WUS working period), upper limit of WUS detection period, WUS detection method (also known as WUS working mode), skipping configuration, association between WUS and beam, time interval between WUS and associated PDCCH, minimum time interval between WUS and associated PDCCH, upper limit of WUS detection capability (or maximum supported WUS detection capability), bit size carried by WUS, and upper limit of bit size carried by WUS, etc. Specific details are not limited here. These are described below:

[0302] (1) The detection period of WUS can be understood as: the terminal device detects WUS every preset time period. The preset time period can refer to one or more time domain granularities, or it can refer to a time period related to the subcarrier spacing (SCS), or it can be a time period of configuration, pre-configuration, or protocol pre-definition, etc. The specific time period is not limited here.

[0303] The time-domain granularity can refer to one or more of the following: radio frame, subframe, slot, mini-slot, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, cyclic prefix (CP), absolute time, etc., without being limited here.

[0304] For example, the time-domain granularity can be a single slot or mini-slot. Alternatively, the time-domain granularity can be an absolute time period such as 1 millisecond (ms), 0.5 ms, or 0.25 ms. Or, the time-domain granularity can be a time period encompassing multiple symbols predefined by the protocol. For example, a time-domain granularity of 14 symbols constitutes one slot in NR. Alternatively, a time-domain granularity of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 symbols, or any other value, constitutes a mini-slot in NR. Alternatively, the time-domain granularity can be X1 slots, where X1 is a positive integer and is predefined or preconfigured by the protocol. Alternatively, the time-domain granularity can be X2 symbols, where X2 is a positive integer and is predefined or preconfigured by the protocol.

[0305] Example 1: The terminal device checks WUS every 1 slot. Another example: The terminal device checks WUS every 2 slots. Yet another example: The terminal device checks WUS every 3 slots.

[0306] Example 2, examples of time periods related to SCS are any of the following:

[0307] The time period corresponding to SCS = 15 kHz is 14 OFDM symbols;

[0308] The time period corresponding to SCS=30kHz is 28 OFDM symbols;

[0309] The time period corresponding to SCS=60kHz is 56 OFDM symbols;

[0310] SCS = 15*A kHz corresponds to a time period of 14*A OFDM symbols, where A is a positive integer;

[0311] Other relationships, etc.

[0312] (2) The WUS detection method can be understood as: the WUS detection method related to DRX. It can also be understood as: the work cycle detection method, etc., without being limited here. For example, the WUS detection method is: within a detection cycle, the detection cycle includes a first time period and a second time period. The first time period needs to be detected, and the second time period does not need to be detected. The first time period or the second time period can include one or more of the above-mentioned time domain granularities. For example, taking the time domain granularity as a slot as an example, within a detection cycle, some slots need to be detected, and some slots do not need to be detected.

[0313] (3) Skipping configuration can be understood as: skipping WUS detection at several time-domain granularities. It can also be understood as: skipping WUS detection at several time-domain granularities every one or more time-domain granularities. Furthermore, it can be understood as: the relationship between different skipping configurations and the number of time-domain granularities skipped. Finally, it can be understood as: the relationship between different skipping configurations and the number of time-domain granularities skipped at regular intervals.

[0314] For example, taking the time-domain granularity of slot as an example, several examples of correlation relationships are shown in Table 2:

[0315] Table 2

[0316] (4) The relationship between WUS and carriers can be understood as: how many carriers are associated with one WUS. It can also be understood as: how many carriers can one WUS be associated with at most. It can also be understood as: how many carriers can one WUS MO be associated with at most. It can also be understood as: how many carriers can one WUS MO be associated with at most.

[0317] (5) The relationship between WUS and beams can be understood as: how many beams are associated with one WUS. It can also be understood as: how many beams are associated with one WUS at most. It can also be understood as: how many beams are associated with one WUS MO. It can also be understood as: how many beams are associated with one WUS MO.

[0318] (6) The expected time interval between WUS and the associated PDCCH can be understood as how long the terminal device expects to receive PDCCH after receiving WUS, or how long the terminal device can receive PDCCH at the maximum or minimum interval after receiving WUS.

[0319] (7) The upper limit of WUS detection capability can be understood as: the maximum supported WUS detection capability.

[0320] For example, the terminal device may detect WUS at most once per time-domain granularity. Alternatively, the terminal device may detect WUS at most once every B time-domain granularities, where B is a positive integer greater than 0.

[0321] For example, the terminal device may check WUS at most once per slot. Or, for another example, the terminal device may check WUS at most once every two slots.

[0322] (8) The number of bits carried by WUS can be understood as: the number of bits that the terminal device expects to carry in a WUS.

[0323] (9) The maximum number of bits that a WUS can carry can be understood as: the maximum number of bits that a terminal device expects a WUS to carry.

[0324] It is understandable that the above are just a few examples of WUS configuration. In actual applications, there may be other WUS configurations, which are not limited here.

[0325] 7. Configuration of the desired reference signal.

[0326] Terminal devices can report the configuration of desired reference signals, so that subsequent network devices can use the reference signals desired by the terminal devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0327] Optionally, the configuration of the reference signal may include one or more items: the transmission period of the reference signal, the time-frequency resource of the reference signal (or understood as the time-frequency location), the measurement value type corresponding to the reference signal (e.g., RSRP or RSRQ, etc.), etc., which are not limited here.

[0328] 8. Location-related information, such as the location of the terminal device.

[0329] Terminal devices can report their location, which can then be used by subsequent network devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0330] Optionally, the location of the terminal device can be an absolute location (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates), a relative location (e.g., the distance between it and other terminal devices, network devices, or reference points, or its location relative to other terminal devices, network devices, or reference points), or a geographical area (e.g., city, street, etc.) or range (e.g., grid or cell, etc.), etc., and there are no specific limitations here.

[0331] 9. Type of terminal equipment.

[0332] Terminal devices can report their type, which allows subsequent network devices to refer to the terminal device type for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0333] Optionally, the type of terminal device can also be referred to as the user type. For example, the user type may include one or more of the following: artificial intelligence (AI) user, Redcap service user, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) user, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) user, XR user, IoT user, 5G user, LTE user, NR user, etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0334] 10. QoS requirements of terminal devices.

[0335] Terminal devices can report their desired QoS requirements, which can then be used by network devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0336] Optionally, QoS requirements may include one or more of the following: service priority, resource type, latency, packet loss rate requirements, QoS class identifier (QCI), etc., without being limited here.

[0337] For example, QCI has a mapping relationship with business priority, resource type, latency, etc., and QCI can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.

[0338] 11. Desired DRX configuration.

[0339] Terminal devices can report their desired DRX configurations, which can then be used by network devices for scheduling and / or configuration.

[0340] Optionally, the DRX configuration includes one or more of the following: DRX cycle, DRX activation period, DRX sleep period, etc.

[0341] 12. Other content.

[0342] For example, other content includes one or more of the following:

[0343] The latency budget report carries the incremental / decremental values ​​in the DRX cycle length of the connection mode; or

[0344] Overheating auxiliary information; or

[0345] In-device coexistence (IDC) assistance information; or

[0346] Desired DRX parameters; or

[0347] Expected maximum aggregate bandwidth; or

[0348] The maximum number of secondary carriers expected; or

[0349] The expected maximum number of MIMO layers; or

[0350] The desired minimum scheduling offset for cross-time slot scheduling; or

[0351] Expected RRC status; or

[0352] Authorization assistance information configured for sidelink communication; or

[0353] Desired reference time information configuration; or

[0354] The desired frequency range (frequency range 2, FR 2); or

[0355] The desired transition is from the RRC_CONNECTED state to perform multi-user shared information measurement (MUSIM) operations; or

[0356] Desired MUSIM interval; or

[0357] Desired MUSIM gap priority; or

[0358] Expected MUSIM temporary capability limitations; or

[0359] Relaxation state used for radio link monitoring (RLM) measurements; or

[0360] Relaxation state used for beam failure detection (BFD) measurements; or

[0361] Availability of data and / or signaling mapped to radio bearers not configured as SDT; or

[0362] The preferred method is to activate the secondary cell group (SCG); or

[0363] For data radio bearers (DRBs) without a master cell group (MCG) radio link control (RLC) bearer, when the SCG is disabled; or

[0364] Change the status of its RRM measurement relaxation standard implementation; or

[0365] The difference in propagation delay (s) between the serving cell and neighboring cells on the serving link (as specified in TS 38.300); or

[0366] Desired FR2 multi-receiver (Rx) operation; or

[0367] Availability of flight path information for aviation UE operations; or

[0368] Uplink traffic information; or

[0369] Information about the relay UE connected to it via a non-3GPP connection used for MP; or

[0370] Configure authorization assistance information for side-link positioning; or

[0371] And so on.

[0372] In addition, UAI can carry one or more of the following: SDT resources (in the case of contention-based SDT resources), preamble index, preamble block, bandwidth part (BWP) parameter, etc., without being limited here.

[0373] In this embodiment of the application, UAI can be sent periodically, triggered by a network device, or triggered by a configured, pre-configured, or pre-defined event, etc., and the specific details are not limited here.

[0374] Optionally, if the UAI is triggered by an event, this step can be understood as the terminal device sending the UAI on the resources of the SDT when the event reporting conditions are met.

[0375] For example, an event may include one or more of the following:

[0376] 1. The signal strength of the object being measured is less than or equal to the first threshold. For example, the signal strength of the overlay layer is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0377] 2. The signal strength of the measured object is greater than or equal to the second threshold. For example, the measured value of SSB is greater than or equal to the second threshold. For example, the measured value of CSI-RS is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0378] 3. Significant changes occur in the channel conditions of the terminal equipment. For example, the difference in the strength of the reference signal between two moments is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0379] 4. The signal strength of the coverage layer is greater than the fourth threshold, the signal strength of the first capacity carrier is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, the signal strength of the second capacity carrier is greater than the fifth threshold, and so on. Note that the first capacity carrier and the second capacity carrier are different.

[0380] It is understood that the events mentioned above are merely examples, and other events or reporting conditions may exist in practical applications; these are not limited here. Furthermore, the aforementioned preset thresholds (e.g., the first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, fourth threshold, and fifth threshold) can be set according to actual needs; these are not limited here. For example, the aforementioned preset thresholds may vary in different transmission scenarios and / or different transmission methods. The preset thresholds will be described in conjunction with transmission scenarios and / or transmission methods later, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0381] For example, the aforementioned preset field values ​​can also be carried in the first information, meaning that the network device can configure SDT resources and related preset field values ​​for the terminal device through the first information. Of course, the preset field values ​​can also be configured in other separate information, or they can be preset values ​​or protocol specifications, etc., and are not limited here.

[0382] Optionally, after receiving the UAI, the network device can send a correct acknowledgment (ACK) to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the acknowledgment sent by the network device. This acknowledgment indicates that the network device has received the UAI, or that the network device has correctly received the UAI, etc. For example, the network device can transmit an explicit ACK via message (Msg)B or Msg4. Alternatively, the network device can indicate an implicit ACK via information such as SIB. By providing ACK feedback for the UAI, the reliability of UAI transmission can be improved.

[0383] For example, network devices use RRC messages to configure the RRC connectionless state configuration (this can be understood as implicit ACK).

[0384] For example, a network device might reply with an RRC message (e.g., "suspended RRC connection") but without including new configuration information. This example can be understood as an implicit NACK. For instance, the RRC message might contain UE-level or cell-level configuration information.

[0385] For example, network devices use system messages (e.g., cell-specific) to send cell-level RRC connectionless state configurations. In this way, network devices can decide on the configuration of the entire cell based on auxiliary messages from one or more terminal devices, ensuring the status of the majority of terminal devices.

[0386] Furthermore, assuming this embodiment is applied in a 2-step RA-SDT, the UAI can be carried in MsgA. For example, on the physical uplink random access channel (PRACH) resource or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in MsgA. Assuming this embodiment is applied in a 4-step RA-SDT, the UAI can be carried in Msg3.

[0387] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device identifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends the UAI using those resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of the UAI using SDT resources, but also allows the UAI to provide a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving the user experience. For example, if the UAI includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device using the UAI, thus improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the network device can obtain auxiliary information from the terminal device in advance and provide the services desired by the terminal device in the non-connected state, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0388] The above describes how the terminal device sends UAI to the network device on the resources of SDT. The following describes further optional solutions.

[0389] The first option is differentiated transmission rules.

[0390] The differences in this optional solution are mainly reflected in one or more of the following: different transmission scenarios, different transmission methods, different preset threshold configurations, and different transmission priority configurations, which are described below.

[0391] 1. Different transmission scenarios (also known as different transmission content).

[0392] Optionally, the transmission scenarios (or transmission content) of this application embodiment may include one or more of the following: scenario one, transmitting UAI and small packet data; scenario two, transmitting only UAI; scenario three, transmitting only small packet data; scenario four, transmitting neither UAI nor small packet data, etc., without specific limitations here. Alternatively, it can be understood that the transmission content of this application embodiment may include one or more of the following: content one, transmitting only UAI; content two, transmitting only UAI; content three, transmitting neither UAI nor small packet data, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0393] Alternatively, the four scenarios mentioned above can be as shown in Table 3:

[0394] Table 3

[0395] Among them, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3, because they involve SDT or SDT resources, can also be called SDT scenarios. Scenario 4 can be understood as not involving SDT or SDT resources, and can also be called a non-SDT scenario or a non-SDT scenario.

[0396] Scenario 4 in this embodiment can be interpreted in several ways: For example, Scenario 4 can be understood as a scenario where the conditions for transmitting SDT and / or UAI are not met. Another example is that Scenario 4 can be understood as a scenario that does not involve SDT resources, but may use SDT resources to transmit data other than UAI and small packet data. Yet another example is that Scenario 4 can be understood as transmission that does not involve either SDT or SDT resources.

[0397] It is understandable that, to differentiate between the above scenarios, the network device may send a first indication message to the terminal device either before or after configuring SDT resources for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message sent by the network device. This first indication message is used to indicate the transmission content of the SDT resources (e.g., UAI and / or small packet data), or to indicate the content that is allowed to be transmitted by the SDT resources, etc. This first indication message can be included in the first information or sent separately; no specific limitation is made here.

[0398] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that the configured, activated, or enabled SDT resources allow the transmission of UAI. As another example, the first indication information is used to indicate that the configured, activated, or enabled SDT resources allow the joint transmission of UAI and small packet data, etc.

[0399] Optionally, if the network device does not send the first indication information to the terminal device, the terminal device may send a second indication information to the network device when or before sending the UAI. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second indication information sent by the terminal device. This second indication information is used to indicate the content carried by the SDT resources (e.g., UAI and / or small packet data), or to indicate whether the SDT resources carry the UAI, or to indicate whether the UAI is suitable for SDT resource transmission, etc. This second indication information can also be called a resume cause. It can be carried in the UAI (e.g., sent using the downlink control channel (DCCH), sent separately (e.g., as an RRC signaling message, such as sent using CCCH), or carried in an RRC resume request message; the specifics are not limited here.

[0400] For example, the second indication information includes two bits: "11" indicates that the SDT resource carries UAI and small packet data; "10" indicates that the SDT resource carries only UAI; and "01" indicates that the SDT resource carries only small packet data.

[0401] Furthermore, to facilitate network devices in determining the size of the UAI, terminal devices can also indicate the bit size of the UAI and / or the bit size of the small packet data through MAC layer information. For example, the bit size of the UAI can be indicated through the MAC layer subheader. For instance, in scenario one, the MAC layer can indicate both the bit size of the UAI and the bit size of the small packet data. In scenario two, the MAC layer can indicate the bit size of the UAI. And in scenario three, the MAC layer can indicate the bit size of the small packet data.

[0402] In addition, terminal devices can also indicate their User-Agent (UAI) through MAC layer information. For example, if a network device has configured a terminal device type number for the terminal device, and this number is associated with the User-Agent (UA) (it can be one number corresponding to one or more UAIs), then the terminal device can indicate its type through MAC layer information.

[0403] Optionally, the terminal device can also indicate certain UAIs via RRC messages. For example, the UE may indicate the type of the terminal device (e.g., AI user, redcap, energy-saving user, etc.) through "The level of UE type". Another example is indicating the QoS requirements of the terminal device.

[0404] Optionally, in Scenario 1, since SDT resources are used not only for transmitting UAI but also for transmitting small packet data, logical channel priorities (or channel mapping priorities) for UAI and small packet data can be set. For example, the logical channel priority of UAI can be different from that of small packet data. For instance, to ensure the timeliness of UAI, the logical channel priority of UAI can be higher than that of small packet data. Similarly, to ensure the timeliness of small packet data, the logical channel priority of small packet data can be higher than that of UAI.

[0405] 2. Different transmission methods.

[0406] Optionally, the transmission method in the embodiments of this application includes one or more of the following: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT (2sRA-SDT), 4-step RA-SDT (4sRA-SDT), non-SDT RA, etc., and is not specifically limited here. Among them, non-SDT RA can also be understood as the traditional RA process or non-SDT transmission.

[0407] Furthermore, if the transmission method involves SDT transmission, this SDT transmission method can correspond to the aforementioned SDT resources. For example, if the SDT transmission method is CG-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be CG-SDT resources (also referred to as CG resources for small packet data or configured grant type-1 resources). Correspondingly, transmission using CG-SDT resources can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL small packet data in the CG-based PUSCH. As another example, if the SDT transmission method is 2-step RA-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be 2-step RA-SDT resources, also referred to as resources used by MsgA. Correspondingly, transmission using 2-step RA-SDT resources can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL small packet data in MsgA. As yet another example, if the SDT transmission method is 4-step RA-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be 4-step RA-SDT resources, also referred to as resources used by Msg3. Correspondingly, using the 4-step RA-SDT resource transmission can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL packet data in Msg3.

[0408] 3. Different preset threshold configurations.

[0409] Optionally, different preset field values ​​can be configured for different transmission scenarios described in section 1 above. Alternatively, this can be understood as the preset field values ​​corresponding to different scenarios being different.

[0410] The configuration of the preset domain value can be configured together with the aforementioned SDT resources, or it can be configured separately; no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0411] Furthermore, the network device configures the terminal device with one or more of the following: a first preset threshold for sending UAI and small packet data, a second preset threshold for sending only UAI, a third preset threshold for sending only small packet data, and a fourth preset threshold for neither sending UAI nor small packet data.

[0412] Alternatively, it can be understood that the preset threshold value corresponding to Scenario 1 is the first preset threshold value, the preset threshold value corresponding to Scenario 2 is the second preset threshold value, the preset threshold value corresponding to Scenario 3 is the third preset threshold value, and the preset threshold value corresponding to Scenario 4 is the fourth preset threshold value.

[0413] In one possible implementation, the preset threshold values ​​configured for the network device differ between scenarios including and not including UAI. Specifically, the first preset threshold differs from the third preset threshold, the first preset threshold differs from the fourth preset threshold, the second preset threshold differs from the third preset threshold, and the second preset threshold differs from the fourth preset threshold.

[0414] Alternatively, it can be understood that the preset threshold value for scenario one is different from that for scenario three, and the preset threshold value for scenario one is different from that for scenario four. The preset threshold value for scenario two is different from that for scenario three, and the preset threshold value for scenario two is different from that for scenario four.

[0415] For example, the preset threshold value that includes UAI is greater than the preset threshold value that does not include UAI. That is, the second preset threshold is greater than the third threshold, the second preset threshold is greater than the fourth preset threshold, the first preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold, and the first preset threshold is greater than the fourth preset threshold.

[0416] Alternatively, it can be understood that the preset threshold value for Scenario 1 is greater than the preset threshold value for Scenario 3, and the preset threshold value for Scenario 1 is greater than the preset threshold value for Scenario 4. The preset threshold value for Scenario 2 is greater than the preset threshold value for Scenario 3, and the preset threshold value for Scenario 2 is greater than the preset threshold value for Scenario 4.

[0417] For example, in scenario one, when the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a first preset threshold, it sends UAI and small packet data on the resources of SDT. As another example, in scenario two, when the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a second preset threshold, it sends UAI on the resources of SDT. And as yet another example, in scenario three, when the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a third preset threshold, it sends small packet data on the resources of SDT.

[0418] For example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a first preset threshold, it sends a UAI and small packet data on the resources of the SDT. As another example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a second preset threshold but less than the first preset threshold, it sends a UAI on the resources of the SDT. As yet another example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a third preset threshold but less than the second preset threshold, it sends small packet data on the resources of the SDT.

[0419] Correspondingly, in scenario one or scenario two, when the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is less than the first preset threshold or the second preset threshold, the terminal device can initiate the RA process, that is, after switching from the RRC non-connected state to the RRC connected state, the UAI is sent.

[0420] In another possible implementation, the preset threshold values ​​configured on the network device differ between scenarios containing UAI and small packet data and scenarios containing only UAI. That is, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different. Alternatively, it can be understood that the preset threshold values ​​for scenario one are different from those for scenario two.

[0421] For example, the preset threshold value that includes UAI and small packet data is greater than the preset threshold value that does not include UAI. That is, the first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold. Or, it can be understood as the preset threshold value of scenario one being greater than the preset threshold value of scenario two.

[0422] For example, the preset threshold values ​​for the four scenarios could be in the following order: Scenario 1 preset threshold value > Scenario 2 preset threshold value > Scenario 3 preset threshold value > Scenario 4 preset threshold value. That is, first preset threshold value > second preset threshold value > third preset threshold value > fourth preset threshold value.

[0423] Optionally, the preset threshold values ​​in the embodiments of this application (e.g., the first preset threshold, the second preset threshold, the third preset threshold, the fourth preset threshold, the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, etc. in the embodiment shown in Figure 4) are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement values ​​(e.g., RSRP), the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0424] For example, UAI and small packet data can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold. Alternatively, UAI can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold. And again, small packet data can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a third preset threshold.

[0425] 4. Different transmission priority configurations.

[0426] The above describes different transmission scenarios and different transmission methods. Furthermore, this application can also set different transmission priorities for different transmission scenarios and / or different transmission methods.

[0427] In one possible implementation, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenario can be as shown in Figure 6A. The transmission priority order of the transmission scenario from high to low is as follows: transmission containing UAI and small packet data (SDT+UAI), transmission containing only UAI (UAI only), transmission containing only small packet data (SDT only), and transmission containing neither UAI nor small packet data (non-SDT).

[0428] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenarios, from high to low, is as follows: Scenario 1, Scenario 2, Scenario 3, Scenario 4.

[0429] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenarios from high to low can be understood as follows: transmission scenarios with a preset field value of the first preset threshold, transmission scenarios with a preset field value of the second preset threshold, transmission scenarios with a preset field value of the third preset threshold, and transmission scenarios with a preset field value of the fourth preset threshold.

[0430] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low can be understood as follows: transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and transmission corresponding to the fourth preset threshold.

[0431] In another possible implementation, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenario can be as shown in Figure 6B. The transmission priority order of the transmission methods from high to low is: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, and non-SDT RA.

[0432] The transmission priorities for transmission scenarios and transmission methods have been described separately above. In practical applications, transmission scenarios may also be combined with transmission methods. The following describes various rules for transmission priority in the case of combination.

[0433] 1. In the same transmission method, the transmission priority order in this case is similar to that in Figure 6A. For example, the transmission priority order from high to low is: SDT+UAI, UAI only, SDT only, non-SDT.

[0434] 2. Transmissions in the same scenario (i.e., transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold). The transmission priority order in this case is similar to that in Figure 6B. That is, in transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, and non-SDT RA.

[0435] 3. The priority of the scenario is higher than the priority of the transmission method.

[0436] In this case, it can also be understood as prioritizing the scenario. The transmission priority order can be shown in Figure 7. That is, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 4. Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, and non-SDT RA transmission.

[0437] Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low can be understood as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0438] Optionally, the preset threshold value for scenario one > the preset threshold value for scenario two > the preset threshold value for scenario three > the preset threshold value for scenario four. That is, the first preset threshold > the second preset threshold > the third preset threshold > the fourth preset threshold. For example, the order of the preset threshold values ​​for each transmission is shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the order of the preset threshold values ​​can be understood as being consistent with the order of transmission priority.

[0439] It is understandable that in practical applications, the order of preset field values ​​can be reversed compared to the order of transmission priority, etc., but this is not limited here.

[0440] 4. The priority of the transmission method is higher than the priority of the scenario.

[0441] In this case, the transmission method can also be considered as the priority. The transmission priority order can be shown in Figure 8. That is, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 4, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 1, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 2, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 3, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4. Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, and non-SDT RA transmission.

[0442] Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low can be understood as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0443] Optionally, the preset threshold value of CG-SDT > the preset threshold value of 2-step RA-SDT > the preset threshold value of 4-step RA-SDT > the preset threshold value of non-SDT RA. For example, the order of the preset threshold values ​​for each transmission is shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the order of the preset threshold values ​​can be understood as being consistent with the order of transmission priority.

[0444] It is understandable that in practical applications, the order of preset field values ​​can be reversed compared to the order of transmission priority, etc., but this is not limited here.

[0445] It should be noted that the above-mentioned differentiated transmission rules are just examples. In practical applications, there may be other differentiated transmission rules, which are not limited here.

[0446] For example, the network device can also send second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information accordingly. This second information is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending UAI corresponding to small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only UAI, configuring a third preset threshold for sending only small packet data, and determining whether to allow sending UAI on SDT resources, etc.

[0447] The second information and the aforementioned first information can be carried in the same signaling or different signaling, without specific limitations here. For example, the second information can be at least one of the following: RRC information, etc., without specific limitations here. Alternatively, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: SIB, MIB, WUS, LP-WUS, PDCCH, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0448] The second option is for the terminal device to send some auxiliary information to the network device.

[0449] In this application embodiment, there are several ways for the terminal device to send partial auxiliary information to the network device. For example, the terminal device can send partial auxiliary information before sending the UAI. Alternatively, the terminal device can send partial auxiliary information simultaneously with the UAI. This partial auxiliary information may use the same or different instruction methods as the UAI, or the transmission methods of the partial auxiliary information may differ from those of the UAI.

[0450] Optionally, before transmitting the UAI on the SDT resources, the terminal device may also transmit partial auxiliary information. This partial auxiliary information can be understood as a portion of the UAI. In this case, the UAI transmitted by the terminal device on the SDT resources can be the entire UAI, or it can be a portion of the UAI other than the partial auxiliary information. For example, the terminal device may transmit third information on PRACH or PUSCH to indicate the partial auxiliary information, which will be described later with reference to Figure 8, and will not be elaborated here.

[0451] For example, some auxiliary information can be used to indicate the high frequency band desired by the terminal device, and UAI can include or indicate specific frequency point identifiers or numbers in the high frequency band.

[0452] For example, some auxiliary information can be used to indicate the upper limit of the number of bits carried by WUS, and UAI can include or indicate the size of the number of bits carried by WUS.

[0453] The alternative method of this application can be illustrated in Figure 9, which is another flowchart of the communication method provided in this application embodiment. This method may include steps 901 to 904. Steps 901 to 904 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 to 904 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, when the communication device is 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 above; specific limitations are not specified here.

[0454] Due to the long intervals between the steps, steps 901 to 904 will be briefly described here first, and then described in detail later. Step 901: The terminal device indicates third information (partial auxiliary information) to the network device. Step 902: The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Step 903: The terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information. Step 904: The terminal device sends a UAI (User Information Allocation) to the network device on the SDT resources.

[0455] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when sending UAI and / or some auxiliary information to the network device. The RRC state of the terminal device in steps 902 and 903 is not limited. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, the terminal device sends UAI and / or some auxiliary information on the SDT resources. For another example, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends UAI and / or some auxiliary information through the SDT resources. 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, or a power-saving or basic mode. Specific details are not limited here.

[0456] Step 901: The terminal device sends third information to the network device. This step is optional.

[0457] Optionally, before sending the UAI on the SDT resources, the terminal device may also send third information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the third information.

[0458] For example, a terminal device sends third information on the PRACH. Correspondingly, a network device receives third information on the PRACH. As another example, a terminal device sends third information on the PUSCH. Correspondingly, a network device receives third information on the PUSCH. Yet another example is that the terminal device and the network device transmit third information through non-SDT resources. Non-SDT resources can refer to resources used for transmitting third information that are not SDT resources, resources used for transmitting third information that are not used for transmitting UAI, or SDT resources used for transmitting third information that are not SDT resources used for transmitting UAI, etc. The specific definition is not limited here.

[0459] The third piece of information is used to indicate some auxiliary information related to the UAI, that is, some auxiliary information is related to the UAI. This part of the auxiliary information can be understood as part of the UAI. For example, the UAI sent by the terminal device on the SDT resources can be the entire UAI, or it can be another part of the UAI other than the part of the auxiliary information. The content of the part of the auxiliary information can be referred to the description of the UAI in step 403 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0460] Optionally, or as understood, the terminal device may indirectly indicate some auxiliary information by selecting resources, or indirectly indicate some auxiliary information by transmitting the relationship with the initial BWP, etc., without being limited here.

[0461] For example, some auxiliary information may be carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, BWP parameters, etc.

[0462] For example, if the method of the embodiment shown in FIG9 is applied in the 2-step RA process, the third information can be carried in MsgA. If the method of the embodiment shown in FIG9 is applied in the 4-step RA process, the third information can be carried in Msg1 or Msg3. The application of the method of this embodiment to the 2-step RA and the 4-step RA will be described later with reference to other accompanying drawings, and will not be elaborated here.

[0463] In this embodiment, the resources used to transmit the third information can be PRACH resources or PUSCH resources, and the resources used to transmit UAI can be PRACH resources or PUSCH resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that some auxiliary information can be carried on PRACH or PUSCH, and UAI can also be carried on PRACH or PUSCH, etc., without being limited here.

[0464] It is understood that PRACH resources can be configured or pre-configured. For example, network devices configure PRACH and / or PUSCH resources for terminal devices by sending fourth information.

[0465] Optionally, the fourth piece of information may include at least one of the following: SIB, MIB, WUS, low-power signal (or low-power signal), PDCCH, etc., without specific limitations here. For example, SIB may also be denoted as SIB X, where X is a positive integer greater than 0. For example, SIBX may include one or more of the following: SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0466] For example, the fourth information is SIB1, which is used to indicate the PRACH resources related to the uplink SDT. For instance, after receiving SIB1, the terminal device can send the third information through the PRACH resources. For example, SIB1 may also be used to configure one or more of the following: one or more PRACH resources, one or more preambles, one or more preamble blocks, initial BWP, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0467] In this embodiment, the uplink SDT can be referred to as mobile-originated small data transmission (MO-SDT) or uplink (UL) SDT, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0468] The above defines resource allocation and third-party information. The following is an exemplary description of how third-party information indicates some auxiliary information.

[0469] For example, different SDT resources are related to the aforementioned auxiliary information. As another example, different preamble indices may be related to differences in any of the aforementioned auxiliary information. Similarly, different preamble blocks may be related to differences in any of the aforementioned auxiliary information. And again, different BWP parameters may be related to differences in any of the aforementioned auxiliary information.

[0470] For example, taking the auxiliary information including the type of terminal device as an example, assume that preamble index 1 corresponds to AI users, preamble index 2 corresponds to 5G users, etc. Another example is taking the auxiliary information including the number of bits carried by WUS as an example, assuming that the number of bits carried by WUS corresponding to preamble index 1 is 'a', and the number of bits carried by WUS corresponding to preamble index 2 is 'b', where 'a' and 'b' are integers greater than 0, etc.

[0471] For example, consider a scenario where the third information includes a preamble index, and some auxiliary information represents the frequency band desired by the terminal device. The preamble index in the third information can be used to indicate the frequency band desired by the terminal device. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the frequency band desired by the terminal device is the mid-frequency band. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the frequency band desired by the terminal device is the high-frequency band.

[0472] For example, consider a scenario where the third information includes a preamble index, and some auxiliary information indicates whether the terminal device detects WUS. The preamble index in the third information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device detects WUS. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the terminal device detects WUS. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the terminal device does not detect WUS.

[0473] Optionally, if the method of the embodiment shown in FIG9 is applied in step 2 RA, the third information can be carried in the MsgA information. If the method of the embodiment shown in FIG9 is applied in step 4 RA, the third information can be carried in Msg1. The application of the method of this embodiment to step 2 RA and step 4 RA will be described later with reference to other accompanying drawings, and will not be elaborated here.

[0474] Step 902: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0475] Step 903: The terminal device determines the resources of SDT based on the first information.

[0476] Step 904: The terminal device sends a UAI to the network device on the resources of the SDT.

[0477] Steps 902 to 904 can be referred to the description of steps 401 to 403 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0478] Optionally, UAI can directly include all UAI, or it can be combined with some auxiliary information to include or indicate all UAI.

[0479] For example, some auxiliary information can indicate a range of values ​​for a certain item in the UAI, and the UAI can further indicate the exact value within that range. For instance, some auxiliary information might indicate the frequency band desired by the terminal device, while the UAI indicates the specific frequency point within that band (e.g., frequency point identifier or frequency point number). Or, for another example, some auxiliary information might indicate the upper limit of the number of bits carried by the WUS, while the UAI can include or indicate the size of the number of bits carried by the WUS.

[0480] For example, the entire UAI requires 3 bits for indication, while some auxiliary information can be indicated with 1 bit first, followed by 2 bits for the UAI. After receiving the auxiliary information and UAI, the network device concatenates the 1 bit and 2 bits to obtain 3 bits, and then determines the UAI based on these 3 bits.

[0481] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first send third information, which is used to indicate part of the User-Aided Access (UAI). This not only allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters that better meet the terminal device's expectations based on the partial auxiliary information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience, but also reduces the overhead of subsequent UAIs. On the other hand, the terminal device clarifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends the UAI through the SDT resources. This not only enables the inactive terminal device to complete the uplink data transmission of the UAI through the SDT resources, but also provides the network device with a reference for subsequent scheduling or configuration of terminal devices' resources, thereby improving the user experience of the terminal device. For example, if the UAI includes the capacity layer frequency point expected by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the UAI, thereby improving the speed of data transmission and providing a better user experience. In addition, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in the non-connected state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0482] As mentioned above, the method of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 or Figure 9 can be applied to both 4-step RA and 2-step RA, which will be described below.

[0483] In one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 9 can be applied to the 4-step RA process as shown in Figure 10. This process includes steps 1001 to 1004, which are described below.

[0484] Step 1001: The terminal device sends Msg1 to the network device through the PRACH resource.

[0485] Network devices configure PRACH resources for terminal devices. Specific configuration methods can include configuration or pre-configuration, and descriptions of configuration or pre-configuration can be found in the explanations of the aforementioned terms; they will not be repeated here.

[0486] After determining the PRACH resource, the terminal device sends Msg1 to the network device through the PRACH resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the Msg1 sent by the terminal device. This Msg1 includes at least a preamble.

[0487] For example, the block containing the preamble can indicate some auxiliary information. The description of this auxiliary information can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here. As another example, Msg1 may still be an external indicator of some auxiliary information within the initial BWP.

[0488] For example, the preamble index can be used to indicate the frequency band desired by the terminal device. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the frequency band desired by the terminal device is the mid-frequency band. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the frequency band desired by the terminal device is the high-frequency band.

[0489] For example, the preamble index can be used to indicate whether the terminal device detects WUS. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the terminal device detects WUS. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the terminal device does not detect WUS.

[0490] For example, if Msg1 is transmitted within the initial BWP, the corresponding terminal device expects the frequency band to be the mid-frequency band. If Msg1 is transmitted outside the initial BWP, the corresponding terminal device expects the frequency band to be the high-frequency band.

[0491] For example, if Msg1 is transmitted within the initial BWP, the corresponding terminal device detects WUS. If Msg1 is transmitted outside the initial BWP, the corresponding terminal device does not detect WUS.

[0492] Step 1002: The network device sends Msg2 to the terminal device.

[0493] After receiving Msg1 from the terminal device, the network device sends Msg2 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg2 from the network device. This Msg2 includes at least a random access response (RAR), which may indicate the resources available for PUSCH.

[0494] Step 1003: The terminal device sends Msg3 to the network device.

[0495] After receiving Msg2 from the network device, the terminal device sends Msg3 to the network device via the PUSCH according to the resource location of the PUSCH indicated by Msg2. Correspondingly, the network device receives Msg3 from the terminal device. This Msg3 includes the UAI and / or small packet data mentioned in the foregoing embodiments.

[0496] Optionally, Msg3 may include an RRC recovery request (RRCResumeResuest) message.

[0497] Optionally, Msg3 may also include some auxiliary information. For example, the terminal device sends some auxiliary information through SDT resource 1 and sends UAI through SDT resource 2. SDT resource 1 may be the same as or different from SDT resource 2.

[0498] For example, assuming that the preamble sent by the aforementioned terminal device indicates that the frequency band desired by the terminal device is the mid-frequency band, then the UAI in this step can specifically indicate which frequency point in the mid-frequency band.

[0499] Step 1004: The network device sends Msg4 to the terminal device.

[0500] After receiving Msg3 from the terminal device, the network device sends Msg4 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg4 from the network device.

[0501] Optionally, Msg4 may include one or more of the following: a correct acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NACK) for PUSCH in Msg3 (e.g., ACK or NACK for UAI), an RRC setup message, an RRC recovery message, a power control command, etc.

[0502] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first indicate part of the UAI on the PRACH resources. This allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters that better meet the terminal device's expectations based on the partial auxiliary information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. On the other hand, the terminal device clarifies the SDT resources through the received Msg2 and sends the UAI through the SDT resources. This not only enables the inactive terminal device to complete the uplink data transmission of the UAI through the SDT resources, but also provides the network device with a reference for subsequent scheduling or configuration of terminal devices' resources, thus improving the user experience. For example, if the UAI includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the UAI, thereby improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the network device can respond to the UAI through Msg4, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the UAI. In addition, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in the non-connected state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0503] In another possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 4 or Figure 9 can be applied to the 2-step RA process as shown in Figure 11. This process includes steps 1101 to 1102, which are described below.

[0504] Step 1101: The terminal device sends MsgA to the network device through PRACH and PUSCH resources.

[0505] Network devices configure PRACH and PUSCH resources for terminal devices. Specific configuration methods can include configuration or pre-configuration. For descriptions of configuration or pre-configuration, please refer to the explanations in the preceding sections; they will not be repeated here.

[0506] After determining the PRACH and PUSCH resources, the terminal device sends the UAI to the network device through the PRACH and / or PUSCH resources. Correspondingly, the network device receives the UAI sent by the terminal device.

[0507] For example, a terminal device sends a UAI to a network device via PRACH resource 1. Correspondingly, the network device receives the UAI sent by the terminal device.

[0508] For example, the terminal device sends third information to the network device via PRACH resource 2. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal device. PRACH resource 1 and PRACH resource 2 may be the same or different. This third information is used to indicate some auxiliary information, which can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0509] For example, a terminal device sends a UAI to a network device via PUSCH resource 1. Correspondingly, the network device receives the UAI sent by the terminal device.

[0510] For example, a terminal device sends third information to a network device through PUSCH resource 2. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal device. PUSCH resource 1 and PUSCH resource 2 may be the same or different.

[0511] For example, a terminal device may indicate some auxiliary information to a network device via a preamble or BWP parameter, and send a User AI to the network device through the PUSCH resource. Correspondingly, the network device determines the auxiliary information based on the preamble or BWP parameter and receives the UAI sent by the terminal device.

[0512] Optionally, MsgA may include one or more of the following messages: RRCResumeResuest.

[0513] Step 1102: The network device sends MsgB to the terminal device.

[0514] After receiving MsgA from the terminal device, the network device sends MsgB to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives MsgB from the network device.

[0515] Optionally, MsgB may include one or more of the following: RRRCResume messages, ACK / NACK of PUSCH in MsgA (e.g., a response to UAI), and power control commands, etc.

[0516] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first indicate part of the User Information Acquisition (UAI) on the PRACH resources. This allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters more in line with the terminal device's expectations based on the auxiliary information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. On the other hand, the terminal device sends the UAI through the PUSCH resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of the UAI through uplink SDT resources, but also provides the network device with a reference for subsequent scheduling or configuration of terminal devices' resources, thus improving the user experience. For example, if the UAI includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the UAI, thereby improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the network device can respond to the UAI through MsgB, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the UAI. In addition, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in the non-connected state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0517] 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 Figure 12, which shows an embodiment of the communication device 1200 in this application. This communication device 1200 can implement 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 this application embodiment, the communication device 1200 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 1200 includes a transceiver unit 1201. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 includes a transceiver unit 1201 and a processing unit 1202.

[0518] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1200 is the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 11 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0519] Transceiver unit 1201 is used to receive the first information;

[0520] Processing unit 1202 is used to determine the resources for small data transmission SDT based on the first information;

[0521] The transceiver unit 1201 is also used to send auxiliary information of the terminal device on the resources of the SDT.

[0522] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is further configured to receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold corresponding to sending auxiliary information and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold corresponding to sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on the resources of SDT.

[0523] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is also configured to send or receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT are transmitting auxiliary information.

[0524] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is also used to receive correct responses to auxiliary information.

[0525] Optionally, the auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether to detect WUS, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; wherein, the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from that of the second mode.

[0526] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0527] Optionally, the WUS mentioned above can be LP-WUS or a non-low power signal, etc.

[0528] Optionally, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0529] Optionally, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0530] Optionally, SDT resources are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0531] Optionally, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0532] Optionally, the transmission method of SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0533] Optionally, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0534] Optionally, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0535] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0536] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0537] Optionally, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the transmitted packet indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0538] Optionally, the logical channel priority of auxiliary information is different from that of small packet data.

[0539] Optionally, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded.

[0540] Optionally, auxiliary information may be carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and BWP parameters.

[0541] Optionally, SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources.

[0542] 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 11 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0543] In this embodiment, the processing unit 1202 determines the SDT resources through the first information received by the transceiver unit 1201, and sends auxiliary information of the terminal device through the SDT resources. This not only enables the inactive terminal device to complete the uplink data transmission of auxiliary information through the SDT resources, but also provides a reference for the network device to subsequently schedule or configure the terminal device's resources, thereby improving the user experience of the terminal device. In addition, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in the non-connected state, thereby improving the user experience.

[0544] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1200 is a network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 11 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0545] The transceiver unit 1201 is used to send first information, which is used to determine the resources for small data transmission SDT;

[0546] The transceiver unit 1201 is also used to receive auxiliary information from the terminal device on the resources of the SDT.

[0547] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is further configured to send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold corresponding to sending auxiliary information and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold corresponding to sending only auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending auxiliary information on SDT resources.

[0548] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is also configured to receive or send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT are transmitting auxiliary information.

[0549] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1201 is also used to send correct responses for auxiliary information.

[0550] Optionally, the indication information is carried in the paging message.

[0551] Optionally, the auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether to detect WUS, desired WUS detection period, WUS-beam association, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of terminal equipment, type of terminal equipment, quality of service requirements of terminal equipment, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration; wherein, the operating mode includes a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger threshold of the first mode is different from that of the second mode.

[0552] Optionally, the aforementioned auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: the entry trigger threshold for the first mode, the exit trigger threshold for the first mode, the entry trigger threshold for the second mode, and the exit threshold for the second mode. Each of the aforementioned trigger thresholds may be related to one or more of the following factors: downlink measurements, the amount of uplink data waiting to be uploaded, and the latency requirement for waiting to upload data.

[0553] Optionally, the WUS mentioned above can be LP-WUS or a non-low power signal, etc.

[0554] Optionally, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary information may also include one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, SDT resources, preset threshold corresponding to the SDT transmission method, and upper limit of SDT data volume.

[0555] Optionally, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0556] Optionally, SDT resources are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0557] Optionally, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0558] Optionally, the transmission method of SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0559] Optionally, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0560] Optionally, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0561] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0562] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0563] Optionally, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the transmitted packet indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0564] Optionally, the logical channel priority of auxiliary information is different from that of small packet data.

[0565] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded.

[0566] Optionally, auxiliary information may be carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and BWP parameters.

[0567] Optionally, SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources.

[0568] 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 11 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0569] In this embodiment, the transceiver unit 1201 configures SDT resources for the terminal device using the first information and receives auxiliary information from the terminal device through the SDT resources. This not only enables the inactive terminal device to complete uplink data transmission of its auxiliary information through the SDT resources, but also provides the network device with reference information for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. Furthermore, the network device can obtain the auxiliary information of the terminal device in advance and provide the services expected by the terminal device in a disconnected state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0570] Please refer to Figure 13, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1300 provided in this application. The communication device 1300 includes a logic circuit 1301 and an input / output interface 1302. The communication device 1300 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0571] The transceiver unit 1201 shown in Figure 12 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1302 in Figure 13. The input / output interface 1302 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 1202 shown in Figure 12 can be the logic circuit 1301 in Figure 13.

[0572] The logic circuit 1301 and the input / output interface 1302 can also perform other steps performed 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.

[0573] Optionally, the logic circuit 1301 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0574] 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.

[0575] 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.

[0576] 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.

[0577] Please refer to Figure 14, which shows the communication device 1400 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1400 can be a communication device that serves as a network device or a terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0578] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1400, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1401 and a communication port 1402.

[0579] In Figure 12, the transceiver unit 1201 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1402 in Figure 14. The communication port 1402 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1402 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0580] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1403 and a bus. In embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1401 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1400.

[0581] Furthermore, the processor 1401 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.

[0582] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of the various components shown in Figure 14. For example, the number of processors 1401, the number of communication ports 1402, and the number of memory 1403 can each be one or more, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0583] It should be noted that the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 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 14 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0584] Please refer to Figure 15, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1500 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1500 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 15.

[0585] The communication device 1500 includes at least one processor 1511 and at least one network interface 1514. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1512, at least one transceiver 1513, and one or more antennas 1515. The processor 1511, memory 1512, transceiver 1513, and network interface 1514 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 1515 is connected to the transceiver 1513. The network interface 1514 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1514 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.

[0586] The transceiver unit 1201 shown in Figure 12 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1514 in Figure 15. The network interface 1514 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1514 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0587] Processor 1511 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 1511 in Figure 15 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.

[0588] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1512 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1511. Optionally, the memory 1512 can be integrated with the processor 1511, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1512 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1511. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1511.

[0589] Figure 15 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.

[0590] Transceiver 1513 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1513 can be connected to antenna 1515. Transceiver 1513 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1515 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1513 is used to receive the RF signals from the antennas, convert the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 1511 so that processor 1511 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1513 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 1511, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1515. 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.

[0591] The transceiver 1513 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.

[0592] It should be noted that the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0593] 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.

[0594] 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.

[0595] 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.

[0596] 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.

[0597] 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

A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first message; Based on the first information, determine the resources for Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT); Assistance information for the terminal device is sent on the resources of the SDT. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending the auxiliary information corresponding to the small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only the auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow sending the auxiliary information on the resources of the SDT. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending or receiving indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the resources of the SDT are transmitting the auxiliary information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: A correct response to receiving the auxiliary information. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information, which is used to determine the resources for small data transmission SDT; Receive auxiliary information from the terminal device on the resources of the SDT. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending the auxiliary information corresponding to the small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only the auxiliary information, and determining whether to allow the auxiliary information to be sent on the resources of the SDT. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The SDT receives or sends indication information on its resources, the indication information being used to indicate whether the SDT's resources transmit the auxiliary information. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A correct response to the sending of the auxiliary information. The method according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that, The instruction information is carried in the paging message. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The auxiliary information includes one or more of the following: desired carrier identifier, priority of multiple carriers, desired operating mode, desired wake-up signal (WUS) configuration, whether to detect WUS, desired WUS detection period, association between WUS and beam, time interval between WUS and associated physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), upper limit of WUS detection capability, number of bits carried by WUS, desired reference signal configuration, location of the terminal device, type of the terminal device, quality of service requirements of the terminal device, and desired discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration. The operating modes include a first mode and a second mode, and the trigger thresholds for the first mode and the second mode are different. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The auxiliary information in the second mode also includes one or more of the following: number of carriers, aggregation bandwidth, number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, antenna port, resources of the SDT, preset threshold corresponding to the transmission method of the SDT, and upper limit of the data volume of the SDT. The method according to claim 2 or 6, characterized in that, The first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold. The method according to any one of claims 2, 6 or 12, characterized in that, The SDT resources are also used to transmit the small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data. The method according to any one of claims 2, 6, 12 or 13 is characterized in that, The second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold. The third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The transmission method of the SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: the CG-SDT, the 2-step RA-SDT, and the 4-step RA-SDT. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: the transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, the transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and the transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold. The method according to any one of claims 2, 6, or 12 to 19 is characterized in that, The Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the transmitted data indicates the size of the auxiliary information and / or the size of the small packet data. The method according to any one of claims 2, 6, or 12 to 20 is characterized in that, The logical channel priority of the auxiliary information is different from that of the small packet data. The method according to any one of claims 2, 6, or 12 to 21 is characterized in that, The first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting to be uploaded. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The auxiliary information is carried in one or more of the following: the resources of the SDT, the preamble index, the preamble group, and the partial bandwidth BWP parameter. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is characterized in that, The SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being coupled to at least one memory; said at least one processor is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24. 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 24. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes at least one of the communication devices used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, 10 to 24, and the communication devices used to perform the method of any one of claims 5 to 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 24. 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 24.

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