Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. The present application supports NearLink standards, IEEE 802.11 series standards, etc. A first node sends first signaling 1 on a first resource 1, and sends first signaling 2 on a first resource 2. A second node 1 receives the first signaling 1 (first node groups 1 and the first resource 1 corresponding to the first node groups 1), and a second node 2 receives the first signaling 2 (first node groups 2 and the first resource 2 corresponding to the first node groups 2). The second node 1 is included in a node group among the first node groups 1, and the second node 2 is included in a node group among the first node groups 2. Thus, the second node 1 can detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource 1, and the second node 2 detects its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource 2. Therefore, the number of instances and complexity of detecting physical layer control signaling by a second node are effectively reduced, and the detection delay is reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411548849.2, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 30, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", 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 apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Short-range wireless communication refers to communication between two wireless devices within a localized area, such as a home, office, laboratory, building, campus, workshop, or factory, typically within a distance of 10-20 meters. Short-range wireless communication allows users to maintain a communication connection while moving within a limited space. Over the past 30 years, short-range wireless communication has developed rapidly, resulting in a huge market. With the rapid development of industries such as intelligent vehicles, intelligent terminals, smart homes, and intelligent manufacturing, and considering factors such as the entire lifecycle of products (production, manufacturing, application, sales, and maintenance), user habits, and convenience, there is an increasing demand and trend towards wireless connectivity across various application areas.

[0004] As a next-generation short-range communication technology, StarScan technology boasts characteristics such as low latency, high reliability, high synchronization accuracy, support for multiple concurrent connections, high information security, and low power consumption. Air interface access layer technology is the core of StarScan technology. Depending on their roles in the access layer, StarScan devices can be divided into management nodes (such as G nodes) and terminal (T) nodes. Each G node can manage a certain number of T nodes, and the G nodes and their connected T nodes form a communication domain. Typically, T nodes can detect physical layer control signaling on all channels contested by the G nodes. This physical layer control signaling can be used to instruct the T nodes on resources for receiving or transmitting signaling.

[0005] However, the above scheme results in a high number of physical layer control signaling detections by the T node, leading to high complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the number of blind detections of physical layer control signaling and reduce the complexity of blind detection.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a first node, or a chip or functional module within the first node. For example, the first node may be a Wi-Fi device, or a device involved in the StarFlash Alliance, etc. The method includes:

[0008] Send a first signaling message, which can be used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, the first node group including at least one second node; send a first physical layer control signaling message to the second node on the first resource.

[0009] Alternatively, the information in the first signaling is used to indicate the first node group and the first resource corresponding to the first node group. The information in the first signaling may include information contained in the first signaling itself, or information related to the first signaling, such as resources used to transmit the first signaling.

[0010] The aforementioned first node group may include one node group or multiple node groups. If the first node group includes multiple node groups, each of these node groups may correspond to the first resource. The first physical layer control signaling may be unicast signaling or multicast signaling.

[0011] In this embodiment, after the first node sends the first signaling, the second node determines the first resource through the first signaling, thereby enabling the second node to detect physical layer control signaling on the first resource. This reduces the number of times and the complexity of the second node detecting physical layer control signaling, and reduces detection latency. Compared to the scheme where the second node detects physical layer control signaling on all resources acquired by the first node, this reduces the number of times and the complexity of the second node detecting physical layer control signaling. Or, compared to the scheme where the second node detects physical layer control signaling on all channels on which it receives synchronization information, this reduces the number of times and the complexity of the second node detecting physical layer control signaling.

[0012] In other words, the above scheme effectively reduces the search space for physical layer control signaling, thereby reducing the number of times the second node needs to detect physical layer control signaling and the implementation complexity.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling is further used to determine a third node group and a third resource corresponding to the third node group, and the method further includes:

[0014] Send second physical layer control signaling on the third resource. The third node group includes nodes connected to the first node. The second physical layer control signaling is broadcast signaling.

[0015] The third resource corresponds to the second resource. For example, the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the third resource is located is the same as or partially overlaps with the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located. The frequency domain resource where the third resource is located may be the same as or different from the frequency domain resource where the first resource is located. The frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the third resource is located may be the same as or partially overlaps with the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located. The time domain cell where the time domain resource of the third resource is located is the same as the time domain cell where the time domain resource of the first resource is located. The third node group may include nodes connected to the first node. In other words, the nodes in the third node group are the destination nodes of the broadcast signaling sent by the first node.

[0016] In this embodiment, the second node determines the first resource and the third resource through the same first signaling. This not only reduces the number of times the second node needs to detect the first physical layer control signaling, but also allows the second physical layer control signaling to be detected on the third resource by reusing the first signaling. This reduces the number of times the node connected to the first node needs to detect the second physical layer control signaling, as well as the complexity.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second signaling message, the second signaling message being used to indicate the node group to which the second node belongs.

[0018] The second node can belong to one node group, or it can belong to two or more node groups. In other words, the second node can be contained in one node group or multiple node groups. For example, the second node may belong to a node group within the first node group and also to a node group within the third node group.

[0019] In this embodiment of the application, the second node can determine its node group through the second signaling, thereby the second node can determine the resources corresponding to its node group according to the first signaling, reducing the number of times and the complexity of the second node to detect physical layer control signaling.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the node group to which the second node belongs is determined based on the identification information of the second node.

[0021] In other words, the first node can determine the node group to which the second node belongs, such as the node group in the first node group, based on the second node's identification information, and the second node can determine its own node group, such as the node group in the first node group, based on its own identification information. Thus, both the sender and receiver maintain consistency in how they determine the node group to which the second node belongs, improving communication efficiency.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a second node, or a chip or functional module within the second node. For example, the second node may be a Wi-Fi device, or a device involved in the StarFlash Alliance, etc. The method includes:

[0023] Receive a first signaling message, which is used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, the first node group including at least one second node; detect a first physical layer control signaling message on the first resource according to the first signaling message.

[0024] For example, the second node can determine the first resource based on the first signaling and the node group it belongs to.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling is further used to determine the third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group, and the method further includes:

[0026] The second physical layer control signaling is received on the third resource. The third node group includes nodes connected to the first node. The second physical layer control signaling is broadcast signaling.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second signaling message, the second signaling message being used to indicate the node group to which the second node belongs.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the node group to which the second node belongs is determined based on the identification information of the second node.

[0029] For further explanations regarding the second aspect, such as beneficial effects, please refer to the first aspect; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0030] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling is used to determine the first node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the first node group.

[0031] The indication information for the first node group can also be referred to as information used to indicate the first node group. This indication information can be a bitmap, identification information for the first node group, or identification information for the second node. By including the aforementioned indication information in the first signaling, the second node can explicitly determine whether the first resource is a resource used by the second node for transmitting physical layer control signaling, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0032] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the indication information of the first node group is a bit map, wherein the first bit in the bit map corresponds to the first node group, and the value of the first bit is a first value, which indicates that the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling of the first node group.

[0033] Alternatively, the first value indicates that the first resource is a resource used to transmit physical layer control signaling of the second node within the first node group. Or, the first value indicates that the first resource carries the physical layer control signaling of each node within the first node group. That is, the first resource is a resource used by the second node to detect the first physical layer control signaling. In other words, the first resource is the transmission resource for the first physical layer control signaling sent from the first node to the second node.

[0034] In this embodiment of the application, by indicating the first node group through a bit map, not only can the second node clearly determine whether the first resource carries the physical layer control signaling of the second node, but the signaling overhead is also effectively saved.

[0035] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second bit in the bitmap corresponds to the second node group, and the value of the second bit is a second value, which indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node group.

[0036] Alternatively, the second value indicates that the first resource is not a resource used by nodes within the second node group for transmitting physical layer control signaling. In other words, the second value indicates that the first resource does not carry physical layer control signaling for any node within the second node group. The aforementioned second node group may include one node group or multiple node groups.

[0037] In this embodiment, even if a node in the second node group receives the first signaling, the second bit's value indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit its own physical layer control signaling. This avoids the node in the second node group detecting physical layer control signaling within the first resource, thereby reducing the number of detections and the complexity of physical layer control signaling, and reducing detection latency. Compared to the scheme where nodes detect physical layer control signaling on every resource where synchronization information is detected, this effectively reduces the number of physical layer control signaling detections and the complexity of detection.

[0038] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling is used to determine a first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: the first resource corresponds to a second resource, wherein the second resource is a resource used to transmit the first signaling.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second node determines its own resources for detecting physical layer control signaling based on the resources used to transmit the first signaling and the node group it belongs to, thereby reducing the number of times and the complexity of the second node detecting physical layer control signaling, and reducing detection latency.

[0040] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first resource corresponds to the second resource, including: the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located is the same as or partially overlaps with the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located.

[0041] For example, the frequency domain unit can be a channel, such as a channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz. For instance, the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the first resource is the same as the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the second resource. Or, the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the first resource includes the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the second resource, and the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the first resource may also include other channels. The highest frequency in these other channels is higher than the highest frequency of the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the second resource, or the highest frequency in these other channels is lower than the highest frequency of the channel containing the frequency domain resource of the second resource.

[0042] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first resource corresponds to the second resource, including: the frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource completely overlap, that is, the frequency domain resources of the first resource can be the same as the frequency domain resources of the second resource; or, the frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource partially overlap.

[0043] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the bandwidth of the frequency domain resource of the first resource is 20MHz. Alternatively, the bandwidth of the frequency domain resource of the first resource is less than 20MHz.

[0044] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the first or second aspect, the first resource corresponds to the second resource, including: the time domain unit where the time domain resource of the first resource is located is the same as the time domain unit where the time domain resource of the second resource is located.

[0045] For example, the time domain unit where the first resource's time domain resource is located can be the channel occupancy time (COT) of the first node competing for the channel, or the period of the first signaling.

[0046] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the first or second aspect, the first signaling includes the identification information of the first node.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second node can explicitly determine whether the first signaling was sent by the first node connected to the second node based on the identification information of the first node. If the first signaling includes the identification information of the first node connected to the second node, and if the second node successfully performs a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) on the first signaling, the second node can receive the first signaling, or in other words, the second node successfully detects the first signaling.

[0048] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first signaling is synchronization information, or the first signaling is a master information block (MIB). This MIB can be carried on a physical layer broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0049] In this embodiment, using synchronization information or MIB to indicate the transmission resources for detecting physical layer control signaling of the second node eliminates the need for the second node to receive or detect additional signaling, further reducing the number of times and the complexity of detecting physical layer control signaling. The beneficial effects described herein also apply to nodes within the second node group.

[0050] In conjunction with either the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling is unicast GlinkPHY control information (GCI) or multicast GCI. The second physical layer control signaling is broadcast GCI.

[0051] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a first node, or a chip or functional module within the first node. For example, the first node may be a Wi-Fi device, or a device involved in the StarFlash Alliance, etc. The method includes:

[0052] Send a third signaling message on the second resource, the third signaling message including first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the first node group, or the first information being used to indicate that the first resource is not used to transmit the GCI of the second node group, the first resource corresponding to the second resource, the first node group including one or more second nodes; send a first GCI to the second node on the first resource.

[0053] GCI is the control information sent by the G node, or the physical layer control signaling sent by the G node to the T node. The first GCI is the GCI sent by the first node to the second node. This first GCI can be a unicast GCI or a multicast GCI. For a description of the first information, refer to the bit diagram shown in the first or second aspect.

[0054] The details of the third or fourth aspect are similar to those of the first or second aspect. Therefore, for other explanations of the third or fourth aspect, such as beneficial effects, please refer to the first or second aspect, and they will not be elaborated here.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is applied to a second node, or a chip or functional module within the second node. For example, the second node may be a Wi-Fi device, or a device involved in the StarFlash Alliance, etc. The method includes:

[0056] Receive a third signaling message on the second resource, the third signaling message including first information, the first information being used to indicate that the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the first node group, or the first information being used to indicate that the first resource is not used to transmit the GCI of the second node group, the first resource corresponding to the second resource, the first node group including one or more second nodes; receive a first GCI on the first resource.

[0057] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the third signaling includes second information that indicates whether the third resource is used to transmit broadcast GCI, and the third resource corresponds to the second resource.

[0058] Alternatively, the second information is used to indicate whether the third resource is used to transmit the broadcast GCI of the third node group.

[0059] The above example illustrates how the first and second information can be contained in the same signaling. In practice, the first and second information can also be contained in different signaling.

[0060] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a first node for executing the methods in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation. The first node includes modules for executing the methods in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation.

[0061] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a second node for executing the methods in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation. The second node includes modules for executing the methods in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a first node, the first node including a processor, the processor being configured to cause the first node to execute the methods shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, wherein when the computer program is executed, the methods shown in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation thereof are executed.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the first node mentioned above.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the first node mentioned above.

[0065] In this embodiment, the processor and memory can be integrated into a single device; that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together. For example, the first node can be a chip.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first node further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals. For example, the transceiver may also be used to transmit first signaling and first physical layer control signaling, etc.

[0067] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a second node, the second node including a processor, the processor being configured to cause the second node to perform the methods shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in memory, and when the computer program is executed, the methods shown in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof are performed.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned second node.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned second node.

[0070] In this embodiment, the processor and memory can be integrated into a single device; that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together. For example, the second node can be a chip.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the second node further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals. For example, the transceiver may be used to receive first signaling and first physical layer control signaling.

[0072] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a first node, the first node including logic circuitry and an interface, the logic circuitry and the interface being coupled such that the first node performs the method described in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0073] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a second node, the second node including logic circuitry and an interface, the logic circuitry and the interface being coupled to enable the second node to perform the methods described in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0074] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer (such as the node or chip shown above), causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations above to be executed.

[0075] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer (such as the node or chip shown above), causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof to be executed.

[0076] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, executes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations described above.

[0077] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is configured to execute the methods described in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation thereof, and the second node is configured to execute the methods described in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of another architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a GCI detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a GCI detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the SAB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0090] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0091] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that there can be two relationships, such as only A exists and only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0092] In this application, "transmission" includes "sending" and / or "receiving".

[0093] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0094] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between a first node and a second node, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0095] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can effectively reduce the number and complexity of physical layer control signaling detection by the second node, and reduce the latency of physical layer control signaling detection.

[0096] Physical layer control signaling can be signaling sent or parsed by the physical layer. This physical layer control signaling can be used by the first node to schedule, manage, or configure the second node. Such physical layer control signaling includes, but is not limited to, GCI. The GCI name shown in this application is merely an example; other physical layer control signaling may emerge as standards progress, and these other physical layer control signaling also fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0097] The detection described in this application can also be called blind detection. Receiving signaling indicates that the node has successfully detected the signaling. Detecting signaling indicates the blind detection operation performed by the node during the signaling reception process. Successful signaling detection means the signaling has been received; failure indicates the signaling has not been received.

[0098] The system involved in this application is described below.

[0099] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as Sparklink (or Nearlink) or Wi-Fi. For example, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to Sparklink standards, such as the Sparklink Basic (SLB) access standard or the Sparklink Low Energy (SLE) access standard. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series standards, such as the 802.11be standard, the 802.11bn standard (also known as Wi-Fi 8, or Ultra High Reliability (UHR) or Ultra High Reliability and Throughput (UHRT)), or next-generation standards, etc., which will not be listed here. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), device-to-device (D2D), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long-term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems emerging in future communication development. For example, V2X can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0100] The method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system.

[0101] As one possible implementation, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a station (STA).

[0102] An Access Point (AP) is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication via the WLAN protocol. It can communicate with other devices in a WLAN network (such as non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) or other access points), and can also communicate with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to an Ethernet network. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an Access Point Station (AP STA). This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments described in this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. For example, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; APs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc.

[0103] A Station on a Wi-Fi STA (Stationary Access Point) is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication using the WLAN protocol and has the ability to communicate with other non-AP STAs or access points in a WLAN network. In a WLAN system, a station can be called a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For example, an STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP (Access Point) or sense or transmit power, thereby communicating with the WLAN. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. For example, an STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, an STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication.

[0104] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1a, the embodiments of this application can be applied to the communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, between APs, or between non-AP STAs in a WLAN. Figure 1a exemplarily shows one AP, such as AP1, and two non-AP STAs, such as non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2. In Figure 1a, the non-AP STA is represented by a mobile phone and the AP by a router as an example, and it does not imply a limitation on the types of APs and non-AP STAs in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the number of APs and non-AP STAs shown in Figure 1a is only an example; in a specific implementation, the number of APs or non-AP STAs can be more or less, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0105] As another possible implementation, the communication device can be a grant (G) node or a terminal (T) node.

[0106] G nodes can possess both communication and management capabilities. Management capabilities include communication management, such as connection management, resource scheduling, and information security management. T nodes can also possess communication capabilities and can transmit services with G nodes. For example, T nodes may include barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), lidar, and battery cells. G nodes can also be referred to as management nodes.

[0107] The roles of G-nodes and T-nodes are relative. For example, in one communication domain, node A can be a G-node, but in another communication domain, node A might be a T-node. In other words, when a node belongs to two or more communication domains simultaneously, this node can be a T-node in some communication domains and a G-node in others.

[0108] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of another architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include one or more G nodes and one or more T nodes. Figure 1b exemplarily shows one G node and two T nodes. T nodes can be connected to G nodes. T nodes can also be connected to each other.

[0109] The communication systems shown in Figures 1a and 1b are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0110] As an example, the first node shown below can be an AP, and the second node shown below is a non-AP STA. As another example, the first node can be a G node, and the second node can be a T node. As yet another example, the first node can be a base station, and the second node can be a terminal. As yet another example, both the first and second nodes can be non-AP STAs, or T nodes, etc. The device types for the first and second nodes are not listed here.

[0111] The methods involved in this application are described below.

[0112] StarScan supports at least two air interface access technologies: SLB (Single-Lane Block) and SLE (Single-Lane Block) access technologies. SLB supports a 20-second one-way latency, 99.999% transmission reliability, and 1-second synchronization accuracy. SLE supports 250 seconds of two-way interaction, receiver sensitivity as low as -110dBm, and concurrent access for up to 256 users. SLB uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveforms, supports extremely low latency radio frames, with a one-way air interface data transmission latency of less than 20.833µs. A single carrier supports a 20MHz bandwidth, with a maximum support of 320MHz bandwidth. The highest supported data rates include channel coding at a rate of 0.92, 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation, and 8-stream parallel transmission. The deepest coverage supports channel coding at a rate of 1 / 8 and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation. SLB supports data link layer data pass-through mode, greatly reducing system overhead and improving the system's multi-node access capacity. SLB supports optimized access resource configuration and supports low-latency access to the system by multiple users. SLB is mainly used to support business scenarios such as vehicle-mounted active noise cancellation, wireless screen projection, and industrial machinery motion control. Its significant features are low latency, high reliability, precise synchronization, and high concurrency. The starflash performance shown here is only an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0113] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a GCI detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. The channel occupancy time (COT) in Figure 2 represents the channel occupancy time during which a G node competes for the channel, or the duration for which a G node successfully competes for the channel and occupies it. Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates the eight transmission time intervals (TTIs) in the COT, namely TTI 0 to TTI 7.

[0114] The channel position and / or number of channels occupied by a G node can vary each time. The channels occupied by a G node can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the number of channels occupied by a G node can be represented in 20MHz granularity. Figure 2 exemplarily shows four channels (CH), such as CH1 to CH4. The bandwidth of each channel is 20MHz (for example only). In Figure 2, the number of channels contested by the G node can be these four channels. Figure 2 does not show the G node transmitting signaling on CH2 and CH3. In specific implementations, when a G node contests multiple channels, the G node can transmit signaling on each of these multiple channels separately, or it can transmit signaling on some of these multiple channels (i.e., the G node may not transmit signaling on some channels), or the G node can transmit signaling on some of these multiple channels at a certain time. The aforementioned signaling may include a synchronized acquisition block (SAB) or GCI, etc. The SAB may include synchronization signals and synchronization information. The SAB may also be called a synchronization block or synchronization information block, etc. The specific name of the SAB is not limited in this embodiment.

[0115] On each occupied channel, the G node periodically transmits SABs, starting from the beginning of the COT. As shown in Figure 2, the G node transmits SABs in TTI0 and TTI4 of the COT, respectively. That is, the period of the SAB is 4 TTIs.

[0116] When a T node detects an SAB, it can detect a GCI on each channel on which the SAB was detected. A G node can then schedule the resources it uses using this GCI. Optionally, within a TTI, for a T node in one transmission direction (uplink or downlink), a G node can send at most one GCI to that T node. Optionally, for a T node (including both uplink and downlink directions), a G node can send at most one GCI to that T node.

[0117] Figure 2 also shows the PBCH, which can be used to carry system configuration information, such as the MIB. The PBCH in Figure 2 has a period of 8 TTIs. The reference signal (RS) in Figure 2 can be used for channel estimation. For information on signaling transmission in CH4, please refer to CH1; it is not shown in detail in Figure 2 and will not be elaborated upon here. For information on signaling transmission in TTI6 and TTI7, please refer to CH5; it is not shown in detail in Figure 2.

[0118] After the COT of a G node ends, the G node can re-compete for the channel through the random access channel (RACH).

[0119] Figure 2 illustrates a channel as an example. A channel is an example of a frequency domain resource. In specific implementations, a channel can also be called a sub-channel, sub-band, or frequency band, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0120] As shown in Figure 2, node T needs to detect GCI on all channels where SAB is detected, resulting in a high number of GCI detections by node T. Furthermore, as the number of channels contested by node G increases, the number of GCI detections by node T also increases, further leading to high detection frequency, high complexity, and large detection latency for node T.

[0121] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can effectively reduce the number of GCI detections at T nodes, reduce the complexity of GCI detection, and reduce detection latency.

[0122] Before introducing the methods shown in Figures 3 and 4, the names involved in this application will be introduced below.

[0123] (1) First node group, second node group and third node group

[0124] A node group can include one or more nodes. For example, a node group may include one or more nodes that are all nodes T.

[0125] The first node group and the second node group can each include one or more node groups. The number of node groups in the first node group can be the same as or different from the number of node groups in the second node group. For example, 20 T nodes connected to node G are divided into 4 node groups, such as node group 1, node group 2, node group 3, and node group 4. Each node group can include one or more T nodes. The number of nodes in each node group can be the same or different. For example, node group 1 includes 2 nodes, node group 2 includes 2 nodes, and node group 3 includes 10 nodes. For example, the first node group includes node group 1 and node group 2, and the second node group includes node group 3 and node group 4. Another example is that the first node group includes node group 1, and the second node group includes node group 2, node group 3, and node group 4.

[0126] Each node in the first node group (such as the second node) can correspond to the first resource. In other words, each node in the first node group can detect its own physical layer control signaling within the first resource. A node in the first node group may or may not detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource. In other words, on the first resource, the first node can send the physical layer control signaling of the second node 1 to the second node 1, but the first node may not send the physical layer control signaling of the second node 2 to the second node 2.

[0127] The nodes in the second node group do not detect their own physical layer control signaling within the first resource. In other words, even if the nodes in the second node group detect their own physical layer control signaling within the first resource, they cannot successfully detect their own physical layer control signaling.

[0128] In this embodiment of the application, the set of all nodes in the first node group and all nodes in the second node group can be all nodes connected to the first node, or it can be some nodes connected to the first node.

[0129] The third node group consists of nodes connected to the first node. For example, nodes in the third node group may be the destination nodes for broadcast physical layer control signaling. Alternatively, the third node group may consist of all nodes connected to the first node.

[0130] (2) Primary and Secondary Resources

[0131] The first resource is a resource used for transmitting physical layer control signaling of nodes within the first node group; in other words, the first resource is used to carry physical layer control signaling of nodes within the first node group. Alternatively, the first resource is used to carry physical layer control signaling sent by the first node. Or, the first resource is a resource of the second node used for detecting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0132] The second resource is the resource used to transmit the first signaling. In other words, the second resource is used to carry the first signaling.

[0133] (3) First physical layer control signaling and second physical layer control signaling

[0134] For example, the first physical layer control signaling is unicast physical layer control signaling, or simply unicast signaling. Another example is that the first physical layer control signaling is multicast physical layer control signaling, or simply multicast signaling. The second physical layer control signaling is broadcast physical layer control signaling, or simply broadcast signaling.

[0135] For example, the first physical layer control signaling is the first GCI, and the second physical layer control signaling is the second GCI.

[0136] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 3 can be applied to a complete device, and also to chips or functional modules within that device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the first node and the second node as examples. Further explanation of the first node and the second node can be found in Figure 1a or Figure 1b, and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0137] 301. The first node sends a first signaling message. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first signaling message. For example, the first signaling message is used to determine a first node group and the first resource corresponding to the first node group; or the first signaling message is used to determine a third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group; or the first signaling message is used to determine a first node group and the first resource corresponding to the first node group, a third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group.

[0138] In this embodiment, the first signaling includes the identification information of the first node. For example, if the first node is a G node, the first signaling may include the identification information of the G node. Therefore, the second node can determine that the first signaling was sent by the first node connected to it based on the identification information of the first node. Alternatively, if the first signaling includes the identification information of the first node connected to the second node, the second node can determine that it has successfully detected its own first signaling (i.e., blind detection is successful). Of course, the conditions for the second node to determine that it has successfully detected its own first signaling may also include CRC success, etc. This embodiment does not limit other conditions.

[0139] As one possible implementation, the first signaling is synchronization information. This synchronization information can be contained within the SAB. For example, the SAB may include a first training signal (FTS), a second training signal (STS), and the synchronization information. The format of the synchronization information is described below and will not be detailed here.

[0140] As another possible implementation, the first signaling is a MIB. This MIB can be carried in the PBCH.

[0141] In this embodiment of the application, using synchronization information or MIB to indicate the transmission resources of the second node for detecting physical layer control signaling can eliminate the need for the second node to receive or detect additional signaling, thereby further reducing the number of times and complexity of detecting physical layer control signaling.

[0142] The following implementations 1 and 2 are illustrated using the first signaling to determine the resources (i.e., the first resources) of the first physical layer control signaling. The following implementation 3 is illustrated using the first signaling to determine the resources (i.e., the third resources) of the second physical layer control signaling. The implementations 1 to 3 shown below can be individual embodiments, or implementations 1 and 3 can be combined into one embodiment, or implementations 2 and 3 can be combined into one embodiment.

[0143] As one possible implementation, the first signaling is used to determine the first node group and the first resource corresponding to the first node group.

[0144] Alternatively, the information in the first signaling is used to indicate the first node group and the first resource corresponding to the first node group. The information in the first signaling includes information contained in the first signaling itself, or information related to the first signaling, such as information about the resources used to transmit the first signaling.

[0145] As an example, the first signaling is used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information for the first node group, and the first resource corresponding to the first node group is determined based on the first signaling. Alternatively, the first signaling includes indication information for the first node group, and the first resource corresponding to the first node group is determined based on information related to the first signaling. The information related to the first signaling includes the resource used to transmit the first signaling, i.e., the second resource.

[0146] The first resource corresponding to the first node group is determined according to the first signaling, including: the first resource and the second resource correspond. In other words, the first signaling is used to determine the first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: the first resource and the second resource correspond. The first resource and the second resource correspond; in other words, the first resource is determined based on the second resource.

[0147] As another example, the first signaling is used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the first node group and indication information of the first resource corresponding to the first node group.

[0148] The following describes the instruction information for the first node group involved in implementation method 1.

[0149] The indication information for the first node group refers to the information used to indicate the first node group. This indication information is used to indicate the node group detecting physical layer control signaling on the first resource, or in other words, to indicate the nodes detecting physical layer control signaling on the first resource. For example, a first node can send first signaling 1 on second resource 1 and first signaling 2 on second resource 2. The node groups indicated by first signaling 1 and first signaling 2 can be completely identical, partially identical, or completely different. The frequency domain resources of second resource 1 and second resource 2 are different.

[0150] As an example, the indication information for the first node group is a bitmap. This bitmap can be used to indicate whether the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the node group corresponding to the bit with the first value.

[0151] The first bit in this bitmap corresponds to the first node group, and the value of the first bit is a first value (or one or more bits in the first bit have the first value). This first value indicates that the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the first node group. Alternatively, the first value indicates that the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node in the first node group. Or, the first value indicates that resources other than the first resource are not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node in the first node group. Or, the first value indicates that each node in the first node group can detect its own physical control signaling within the first resource.

[0152] The second bit in this bitmap corresponds to the second node group, and the value of the second bit is a second value (or one or more bits in the second bit have the second value). This second value indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node group. Alternatively, the second value indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for each node in the second node group. In other words, the second value indicates that each node in the second node group does not detect its own physical layer control signaling within this first resource.

[0153] For example, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0. The bitmap is used to indicate the GCI of the node group corresponding to the first resource used for transmitting bits with a value of 1, and the GCI of the node group corresponding to the first resource not used for transmitting bits with a value of 0.

[0154] Optionally, one bit in the bitmap corresponds to one node group. For example, the number of node groups in the first node group is the same as the number of bits in the first bit. Similarly, the number of node groups in the second node group is the same as the number of bits in the second bit. One bit corresponding to one node group more clearly indicates the relationship between each node group and the first resource (i.e., the meaning of the first and second values ​​mentioned above).

[0155] Optionally, one bit in the bitmap corresponds to two node groups. For example, if the first bit contains one bit, then the first node group can contain two node groups. The relationship between the number of bits and the number of node groups in the bitmap will not be listed here.

[0156] Optionally, the length of the bitmap is defined by the protocol. For example, the length of the bitmap may be 8 bits or 10 bits, etc., and these will not be listed here.

[0157] Optionally, the length of the bitmap is determined based on the number of node groups. For example, if one bit corresponds to one node group, then the length of the bitmap can be equal to the number of node groups. The number of node groups can be defined by the protocol or determined by the first node, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0158] In this embodiment of the application, by indicating the first node group through a bit map, not only can the second node clearly determine whether the first resource carries the physical layer control signaling of the second node, but the signaling overhead is also effectively saved.

[0159] As another example, the indication information for the first node group is the identification information for the first node group.

[0160] The first signaling includes identification information for a first node group. Nodes within this first node group then determine, based on this identification information, which resources are used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the first node group. The specific form of the identification information for the first node group is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0161] Optionally, the first signaling implicitly indicates, by excluding the identification information of the second node group, that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node group.

[0162] Optionally, the first signaling includes identification information for the second node group. In this case, the first signaling may further include indication information for indicating that the first node group corresponds to the first resource. The indication information for the first node group corresponding to the first resource may be 1 bit or 2 bits, etc. Optionally, the first signaling may further include indication information that the second node group does not correspond to the first resource. The indication information for the second node group not corresponding to the first resource may be 1 bit or 2 bits, etc.

[0163] As another example, the indication information of the first node group includes the identification information of the second node within the first node group. The identification information of the second node may be randomly generated upon startup or configured by the first node. This application embodiment does not limit the method of setting the identification information of the second node.

[0164] The following describes the first and second resources involved in implementation method 1.

[0165] The first resource corresponds to the second resource, including: the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located is the same as or partially overlaps with the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located. For example, this frequency domain cell can be a channel, such as a channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz. For example, the channel where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located is the same as the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located. Alternatively, the channel where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located includes the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located, and the channel where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located may also include other channels. The highest frequency in these other channels is higher than the highest frequency of the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located, or the highest frequency in these other channels is lower than the highest frequency of the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located. For example, the difference between the highest frequency of these other channels and the highest frequency of the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located is less than or equal to a threshold. This threshold can be 20MHz or 40MHz, etc. Of course, the channel where the frequency domain resource of the second resource is located can be continuous or discontinuous with other channels.

[0166] The aforementioned correspondence between the first resource and the second resource includes: the frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource completely or partially overlap. In other words, the frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource completely or partially overlap.

[0167] For example, the frequency domain resources of the first resource are the same as those of the second resource. For instance, if the bandwidth of the second resource is 20MHz, then the bandwidth of the first resource is also 20MHz. The second node within the first node group detects its own physical layer control signaling within this 20MHz band. The 20MHz band listed here is merely an example; in a specific implementation, the bandwidth of the first resource may be less than 20MHz, and the bandwidth of the second resource may also be less than 20MHz. The 20MHz band shown here can also be referred to as a frequency domain unit.

[0168] For example, the frequency domain resources of the first resource include the frequency domain resources of the second resource. The frequency domain resources of the first resource may also include other frequency domain resources. The frequency of these other frequency domain resources may be higher than the frequency of the frequency domain resources of the second resource, or the frequency of these other frequency domain resources may be lower than the frequency of the frequency domain resources of the second resource. Further details will not be provided here.

[0169] Optionally, all nodes in the first node group can correspond to the same frequency domain unit. For example, all nodes in the first node group can correspond to the same frequency domain resource. Alternatively, at least two nodes in the first node group can correspond to different frequency domain resources. For instance, second node 1 corresponds to first resource 1, and second node 2 corresponds to first resource 2. For example, the frequency domain resource of first resource 1 is the same as the frequency domain resource of second resource 2. The frequency domain resource of first resource 2 includes the frequency domain resource of second resource 1 and other resources. For example, the frequency domain resource of first resource 1 includes the frequency domain resource of second resource 1 and frequency domain resource a, and the frequency domain resource of first resource 2 includes the frequency domain resource of second resource 1 and frequency domain resource b. This application embodiment does not limit whether the first resources corresponding to each node are the same.

[0170] The aforementioned correspondence between the first and second resources includes the following: the time-domain unit where the time-domain resource of the first resource is located is the same as the time-domain unit where the time-domain resource of the second resource is located. For example, the time-domain unit where the time-domain resource of the first resource is located is the COT (Concurrent Opportunity) for the first node to compete for the channel, or it is the period of the first signaling. That is to say, within the COT or within the period of the first signaling, the second node can detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource. Or, the change period of the first resource corresponding to the first node group is: one COT, or one period of the first signaling. Or, the validity period for the second node to detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource is one COT, or one period of the first signaling.

[0171] Optionally, the first node can send information indicating the COT to the second node. Correspondingly, the second node receives this information. This information can be used to indicate the start and duration of the COT, or the start and end positions, or it can be used to indicate the remaining duration of the COT. Alternatively, the first node may not send information indicating the COT. For example, the COT can be represented in granularity of SAB cycles, such as a COT comprising one SAB cycle, or a COT comprising two SAB cycles, etc., and so on. These are not listed here.

[0172] Optionally, for a COT (Condition of Time), a first node can send one or more first signaling messages within that COT. That is, a COT can include one cycle, two cycles, etc., of the first signaling messages, and so on. For example, the first signaling message includes a bitmap, and a COT includes multiple cycles of the first signaling message. When the change cycle of the first resource corresponding to the first node group is one COT, the bitmaps in the multiple first signaling messages within that COT are the same. When the change cycle of the first resource corresponding to the first node group is one cycle of the first signaling message, the bitmaps in the multiple first signaling messages within that COT can be different.

[0173] In this embodiment, the information of the first resource corresponding to each node can be determined by the first node. For example, the first node can send this information to the second node, and the second node receives the information. This information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the duration of the time-domain resource of the first resource, the offset of the time-domain resource of the first resource relative to the time-domain resource of the second resource, and the relationship between the frequency-domain resource of the first resource and the frequency-domain resource of the second resource. For example, node G determines the time-frequency resource for node T based on the signal quality between it and node T; the stronger the signal quality, the smaller the time-frequency resource. As another example, node G determines the time-frequency resource for node T based on the distance between it and node T; the closer the distance, the smaller the time-frequency resource. Of course, the position of the first resource relative to the second resource can also be defined by the protocol, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0174] The following describes the instruction information of the first resource involved in implementation method 1.

[0175] The indication information of the first resource can be used to indicate at least one of the frequency domain resources and / or time domain resources of the first resource.

[0176] As an example, the indication information of the first resource includes the start position and bandwidth of the frequency domain resources of the first resource; or, it includes the start position and end position of the frequency domain resources of the first resource; or, it includes the start position and the number of frequency domain units of the frequency domain resources of the first resource. The frequency domain units can be granular at 20MHz, or at 40MHz, etc. This example illustrates the case where the frequency domain resources of the first resource are continuous; in specific implementations, the frequency domain resources of the first resource can also be discontinuous, which will not be listed here.

[0177] As another example, the indication information of the first resource may include the channel identifier of the frequency domain resource in the first resource. For example, the indication information of the first resource may include channel 1, which is a frequency domain resource of the first resource.

[0178] The specific forms of instructions for the primary resource will not be listed here.

[0179] As one possible implementation, the first signaling is used to determine the first resource corresponding to the first node group. The indication information of the first node group is contained in signaling a. For example, the first node sends signaling a before sending the first signaling; or, the first node sends the first node signaling before sending signaling a.

[0180] For a detailed explanation of the first resource corresponding to the first node group, please refer to Implementation Method 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0181] As one possible implementation 3, the first signaling is used to determine the third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group. Alternatively, the information in the first signaling is used to indicate the third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group. The third node group consists of nodes connected to the first node. This may include situations where the third resource corresponds to a second resource, such as when the frequency domain cell containing the frequency domain resource of the third resource is the same as or partially overlaps with the frequency domain cell containing the frequency domain resource of the second resource.

[0182] As an example, the first signaling is used to determine the third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the third node group, and the third resource corresponding to the third node group is determined according to the first signaling. For example, the indication information of the third node group includes a bitmap. For example, the third bit in the bitmap is used to indicate whether the third resource is used to transmit broadcast GCI. For example, the bitmap is the same as the bitmap in Implementation 1 above. For example, the bitmap includes 8 bits, the first 7 bits of which can be used to indicate that the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the first node group, and that the first resource is not used to transmit the GCI of the second node group, and the last bit of these 8 bits can be used to indicate whether the third resource is used to transmit broadcast GCI. That is, the last bit of these 8 bits can correspond to the node connected to the first node.

[0183] As another example, the first signaling is used to determine the third node group and the third resource corresponding to the third node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the third node group and indication information of the first resource corresponding to the third node group.

[0184] In this embodiment, the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the third resource is located can be the same as or partially overlap with the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resource of the first resource is located. For example, the frequency domain resource where the third resource is located can be the same as or different from the frequency domain resource where the first resource is located. The time domain cell where the time domain resource of the third resource is located is the same as the time domain cell where the time domain resource of the first resource is located. The details in implementation method 3 are similar to those in implementation method 1 above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0185] As one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 3 further includes: the first node sending a second signaling message to the second node, the second signaling message being used to indicate the node group to which the second node belongs. Correspondingly, the second node receives the second signaling message.

[0186] For example, the second signaling may be signaling involved in the connection establishment process between the first node and the second node. This signaling may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: link establishment indication, connection establishment completion message. That is, during the connection establishment process between the first node and the second node, the first node can configure a node group for the second node.

[0187] For example, the second signaling could be signaling involved in communication between the first node and the second node. This signaling could be a connection reconfiguration message.

[0188] As another possible implementation, the node group to which the second node belongs can be a node group configured for the second node according to other scenarios. These other scenarios can be scenarios other than detecting physical layer control signaling, such as energy-saving scenarios. For example, in an energy-saving scenario, since different nodes have different sleep cycles or energy-saving capabilities, the first node can set different energy-saving groups for the nodes connected to it. The method provided in this application embodiment can reuse the energy-saving groups divided by the first node. For example, the node group corresponding to each bit in the bitmap above can be an energy-saving group. By reusing the energy-saving groups divided under the energy-saving scenario, the first node does not need to separately divide different node groups for the nodes connected to it, saving signaling overhead.

[0189] As another possible implementation, the node group to which the second node belongs can be determined based on the identification information of the second node. For example, the node group to which the second node belongs can be determined by modulo operation between the second node's identification information and the number of node groups. For instance, if the number of node groups is 8, then the modulo operation between the second node's identification information and 8 can be the identifier of the node group to which the second node belongs. The method for determining the node group to which the second node belongs can be agreed upon by the sender and receiver, or by a protocol.

[0190] In this embodiment of the application, the second node belongs to one node group (or the number of node groups to which the second node belongs is one), or the second node belongs to multiple node groups (or the number of node groups to which the second node belongs is multiple). For example, the node group to which the second node 1 belongs is node group 1, or the node group to which the second node 1 belongs can be node group 1 and node group 2.

[0191] Optionally, the maximum number of first signaling messages including indication information of the first node group is less than or equal to threshold 1. For example, if threshold 1 = 4, the second node can determine the first node group including its own node group from a maximum of 4 first signaling messages. Optionally, the number of channels used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node is less than or equal to threshold 2. Optionally, threshold 1 or threshold 2 can be determined based on the second node's ability to detect physical layer control signaling. The specific values ​​of threshold 1 or threshold 2 are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0192] For implementation methods 1 and 2 described above, the method shown in Figure 3 may further include step 302. For implementation method 3 described above, the method shown in Figure 3 may further include step 303. Optionally, the method shown in Figure 3 may include steps 302 and 303.

[0193] 302. The first node sends a first physical layer control signaling message to the second node on the first resource. Correspondingly, the second node detects the first physical layer control signaling message on the first resource.

[0194] For example, the first physical layer control signaling includes the identification information of the second node. The physical layer control signaling involved in the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, GCI.

[0195] The first physical layer control signaling can be used to schedule the resources of the second node. For example, the first physical layer control signaling can be used to indicate at least one of the following: resources of the second node for receiving signaling, or resources of the second node for sending signaling. The resources include at least one of time-domain resources or frequency-domain resources.

[0196] In this embodiment, a node within the first node group may or may not detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource. In other words, on the first resource, the first node may send the physical layer control signaling of the second node 1 to the second node 1, but the first node may not send the physical layer control signaling of the second node 2 to the second node 2. Both the second node 1 and the second node 2 are nodes within the first node group.

[0197] For example, a first node sends a first signaling 1 on second resource 1, which is used to identify a first node group 1 and the first resource 1 corresponding to the first node group 1. The first node also sends a first signaling 2 on second resource 2, which is used to identify a first node group 2 and the first resource 2 corresponding to the first node group 2. Then, the first node can send physical layer control signaling for a node (e.g., node a) within the first node group 1 on first resource 1, and the first node can send physical layer control signaling for a node (e.g., node b) within the first node group 2 on first resource 2.

[0198] If the second node successfully detects the first signaling, it determines the first resource based on the node group it belongs to and the first signaling, and then detects its own physical layer control signaling on that first resource. The physical layer control signaling of the second node includes the identification information of the second node.

[0199] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a GCI detection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, the first node sends the first signaling on CH1 and CH4, which it has won the bid for.

[0200] In the first signaling message indicating successful detection (i.e., the first signaling message indicating successful blind detection), the second node 1 determines the first signaling message (e.g., first signaling 1) whose bit value corresponds to the node group to which the second node 1 belongs in the bit map, and determines the resources for transmitting the physical layer control signaling (GCI1 as shown in Figure 4) of the second node 1 based on the resources used to transmit the first signaling 1. Similarly, the second node 2 determines the resources for transmitting the physical layer control signaling (GCI2 as shown in Figure 4) of the second node 2 based on the resources used to transmit the first signaling 2. Similarly, the second node 3 determines the resources for transmitting the physical layer control signaling (GCI3 as shown in Figure 4) of the second node 3 based on the resources used to transmit the first signaling 2. Here, the second node 2 and the second node 3 are nodes in the first node group indicated by the first signaling 2.

[0201] For example, there are 10 nodes connected to the first node, divided into 4 node groups, namely node group 1 to node group 4. The bitmap is 4 bits long, corresponding to node groups 1 to 4 respectively. The bitmap in the first signaling 1 is 1010, and the first node group includes node group 1 and node group 3. The bitmap in the first signaling 2 is 1100, and the first node group includes node group 1 and node group 2. Nodes in node group 1 and node group 3 can detect their respective GCIs in CH1, and nodes in node group 1 and node group 2 can detect their respective GCIs in CH4. That is, for nodes in node group 1 and node group 3, the CH used for transmitting GCIs is CH1, meaning that the aforementioned nodes can detect their respective GCIs on CH1. Nodes in node group 2 and node group 4 do not detect their respective GCIs on CH1. For nodes in node group 1 and node group 2, the CH used to transmit GCI is CH4, meaning that each of the aforementioned nodes can detect its own GCI on CH4. Nodes in node group 3 and node group 4 do not detect their own GCI on CH4.

[0202] The "G-node sending" and "T-node sending" in Figure 4 are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. G-node sending indicates that a G-node can send signaling on the resource, and T-node sending indicates that a T-node can send signaling on the resource. For other descriptions of Figure 4, please refer to Figure 2, which will not be detailed here.

[0203] In this embodiment of the application, after the first node sends the first signaling, the second node can determine the first resource through the first signaling, thereby the second node can detect its own physical layer control signaling on the first resource, which reduces the number of times and complexity of the second node to detect physical layer control signaling and reduces detection latency.

[0204] 303. The first node sends a second physical layer control signaling message on the third resource. Correspondingly, the second node detects the second physical layer control signaling message on the same third resource.

[0205] The second physical layer control signaling can be used to schedule transmission system messages or to indicate frequency switching and other information.

[0206] Step 303 is illustrated using the second node as an example. The nodes connected to the first node include not only the various second nodes in the first node group, but also the nodes in the second node group.

[0207] In this embodiment of the application, after the first node sends the first signaling, the second node can determine the third resource through the first signaling, so that the second node can detect the broadcast physical layer control signaling on the third resource, thereby reducing the number of times and complexity of the second node to detect physical layer control signaling and reducing detection latency.

[0208] Figure 5 is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The descriptions of the first and second nodes involved in Figure 5 are as above and will not be detailed here. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0209] 501. The first node sends a third signaling message on the second resource. The third signaling message includes first information, which indicates that the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the first node group, or that the first resource is not used to transmit the GCI of the second node group. The first resource corresponds to the second resource. Correspondingly, the second node receives the third signaling message.

[0210] The first piece of information can be a bitmap. That is, the bitmap is used to indicate whether the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the nodes within the first node group.

[0211] For example, the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resources of the first resource are located is the same as the frequency domain cell where the frequency domain resources of the second resource are located. Taking a frequency domain cell of 20MHz as an example, the bits in the bit diagram are used to indicate whether this 20MHz is used to transmit the GCI of the nodes in the node group corresponding to that bit. One bit corresponds to one node group. A value of 1 for this bit indicates that this 20MHz is used to transmit the GCI of the nodes in the node group corresponding to that bit. A value of 0 for this bit indicates that this 20MHz is not used to transmit the GCI of the nodes in the node group corresponding to that bit.

[0212] Optionally, the third signaling may also include second information indicating whether the third resource is used to transmit broadcast GCI. This second information may be a bitmap, such as the first and second information being carried in the same bitmap.

[0213] Further explanation regarding the first and second information is given in the description of the bit diagram in Figure 3. To avoid redundancy, the embodiments shown in Figure 5 are illustrated using the first, second, and third resources as examples. Explanations of the first, second, and third resources are given in Figure 3 as described in steps 301 to 303, and will not be elaborated upon here. Similarly, the explanations of the first and second GCIs involved in Figure 5 are given in Figure 3, and will not be elaborated upon further below.

[0214] The third signaling can be synchronization information or MIB. For further explanation of synchronization information or MIB, please refer to Figure 3 or the synchronization information shown below, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0215] 502. The first node sends the first GCI to the second node on the first resource. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first GCI.

[0216] Alternatively, the second node may detect the first GCI. The second node may successfully detect the first GCI (i.e., receive the first GCI) or fail to detect the first GCI.

[0217] 503. The first node sends the second GCI on the third resource. Correspondingly, the second node receives the second GCI.

[0218] Step 503 is illustrated using the second node as an example. The nodes connected to the first node include not only the various second nodes within the first node group, but also nodes within the second node group. For a description of step 503, refer to 502 or step 302 in Figure 3 above; it will not be detailed here.

[0219] The method shown in Figure 5 is similar in detail to that in Figure 3, and will not be described in detail here.

[0220] In this embodiment of the application, the second node can determine the first resource through the second resource used to transmit the first signaling, thereby the second node can detect physical layer control signaling on the first resource, which reduces the number of times and the complexity of the second node to detect physical layer control signaling, or in other words, reduces the search space of physical layer control signaling.

[0221] It is understandable that the steps indicated by the dashed lines in Figures 3 and 5 above are optional steps.

[0222] In the methods provided in Figure 3 or Figure 5 above, the first signaling can be synchronization information. The synchronization information involved in the embodiments of this application is described below as an example. The format of the synchronization information is described below using the example of the first node being a G node, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The synchronization information can be included in SAB.

[0223] As an example, synchronization information may include:

[0224] 8 bits: Used to indicate whether the first resource is used to transmit the GCI of the first node group. For an explanation of these 8 bits, please refer to the description of the bitmap above; it will not be detailed here. This example uses 8 bits; in specific implementations, the bitmap length can also be 10 bits, 6 bits, 9 bits, 7 bits, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0225] Optionally, the synchronization information may also include at least one of the following:

[0226] 3 bits: Type indicator. The relationship between the values ​​and meanings of these 3 bits is as follows: 0 indicates SAB between GT links, 1 indicates SAB between TT links, 2 indicates access information block, 3 indicates control information block, and 4-7 indicate reserved.

[0227] 24 bits: Used to indicate the identifier of the G node. For example, the identifier of the G node can be randomly generated after the G node is powered on.

[0228] 8 bits: Indicator of G-node synchronization capability.

[0229] 2 bits: Used to indicate the transmission period of SAB. The relationship between these 2 bits and their meanings is as follows: 0 represents 1ms, 1 represents 2ms, 2 represents 4ms, and 3 represents 8ms. Alternatively, the relationship between these 2 bits and their meanings is as follows: 0 represents no periodicity, 1 represents 2 superframes, 2 represents 4 superframes, and 3 represents 8 superframes.

[0230] 4 bits: Number of remaining SAB cycles (including the current SAB cycle).

[0231] 24 bits: CRC.

[0232] The format of the above synchronization information is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0233] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the SAB format provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the SAB includes STS, FTS, and synchronization information. Figure 6 also exemplarily shows the position of PBCH. The synchronization information in Figure 6 occupies two symbols (synchronization information 1 and synchronization information 2 as shown in Figure 6), and PBCH occupies two symbols (PBCH1 and PBCH2 as shown in Figure 6). However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0234] Figure 6 illustrates TTI0 to TTI8 exemplarily. The signaling transmission in TTI8 is similar to that in TTI0, and will not be described in detail in Figure 6. For example, the duration of a TTI can be 1ms.

[0235] Figure 6 exemplarily illustrates the radio frames transmitted in each TTI, such as radio frames #0 to #7. Figure 6 also exemplarily illustrates the number of symbols in each radio frame. Figure 6 is illustrated using an example of a radio frame containing 14 symbols, but it is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0236] Figure 6 illustrates, exemplarily, the signaling transmission in radio frame #0 of TTI0 and TTI1. For signaling transmission in other radio frames, refer to Figure 2; this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0237] As shown in Figure 6, in radio frame #0 of TTI0, the first to fifth symbols of radio frame #0 can be used to carry SAB, and the sixth and seventh symbols can be used to carry PBCH. The second node determines the first resource based on the frequency domain resource where the synchronization information is located and the time domain unit of the time domain resource where the synchronization information is located. For example, the time domain resource of the first resource can occupy 4 symbols. The first resource shown in Figure 6 is only an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0238] For example, FTS and STS can use ZC sequences (i.e., Zadoff-Chu sequences). The bandwidth of the frequency domain resources used to transmit FTS and STS can be 20MHz. The period of PBCH can be 8ms. G nodes can transmit PBCH continuously or discontinuously, such as in the first radio frame within each COT. Synchronization information can include the identification information of the G node, such as occupying 24 bits. This synchronization information can also include the period of SAB, such as 1ms, 2ms, 4ms, or 8ms, etc.

[0239] The various implementations or examples shown above can be individual embodiments or combinations thereof. Any aspects not described in detail in one implementation or example can be found in other implementations or examples.

[0240] The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0241] This application divides the device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The communication device of the embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0242] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the device includes a processing module 701 and a transceiver module 702. The transceiver module 702 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 701 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. For example, the transceiver module 702 can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0243] In some embodiments of this application, the device can be used to perform the actions performed by the first node in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 702 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first node in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 701 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the first node in the above method embodiments.

[0244] Processing module 701 is used to determine the first signaling;

[0245] The transceiver module 702 is used to send or output the first signaling.

[0246] The transceiver module 702 is also used to send or output first physical layer control signaling and second physical layer control signaling.

[0247] For example, processing module 701 can also be used to determine the first resource and the second resource.

[0248] Reusing Figure 7, in some other embodiments of this application, the above-described device can be used to perform the actions performed by the second node in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 702 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second node in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 701 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the second node in the above method embodiments.

[0249] Transceiver module 702 is used to receive or input the first signaling;

[0250] The transceiver module 702 is also used to receive or input first physical layer control signaling and second physical layer control signaling.

[0251] The processing module 701 can be used to process the first signaling, the first physical layer control signaling, or the second physical layer control signaling.

[0252] For example, the transceiver module 702 described above can be an antenna module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 702 can be an input / output module. Optionally, in the above embodiments, the device may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 701 can read the instructions and / or data from the storage module to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0253] For details regarding the specific explanations of each term, noun, or step in the above embodiments, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; they will not be detailed here.

[0254] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0255] It is understandable that the module division in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. In actual implementation, all or some modules can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0256] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0257] The apparatus of the embodiments of this application has been described above. The possible product forms of the apparatus are described below. Any product possessing the functions of the apparatus described in FIG. 7 above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the apparatus of the embodiments of this application to this.

[0258] In one possible implementation, in the device shown in FIG7, the processing module 701 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 702 can be a transceiver. Alternatively, the transceiver module 702 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module, where the transmitting module can be a transmitter and the receiving module can be a receiver. The transmitting and receiving modules are integrated into a single device, such as a transceiver. In this embodiment, the processor and transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method between the processor and transceiver is not limited in this embodiment. During the execution of the above method, the process of transmitting information can be a process where the processor outputs the information. When outputting the information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver for transmission. After being output by the processor, the information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be a process where the processor receives the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may require further processing before being input to the processor.

[0259] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the apparatus 80 includes one or more processors 820 and transceivers 810.

[0260] In some embodiments of this application, the apparatus can be used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the first node. For example, the processor 820 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 701 shown in FIG. 7, and the transceiver 810 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 702 shown in FIG. 7. Detailed descriptions of the processor 820 and the transceiver 810 can be found in FIG. 7 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0261] In other embodiments of this application, the apparatus is used to execute the steps, methods, or functions performed by the second node. For example, the processor 820 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 701 shown in FIG. 7, and the transceiver 810 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 702 shown in FIG. 7. Detailed descriptions of the processor 820 and transceiver 810 can be found in FIG. 7 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0262] Taking the above-mentioned device as a communication device as an example, in various implementations of the communication device shown in Figure 8, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to perform the function (or operation) of receiving, and the transmitter is used to perform the function (or operation) of transmitting. The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium. Optionally, the communication device 80 may also include one or more memories 830 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 830 and the processor 820 are coupled. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between communication devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information interaction between communication devices, units, or modules. The processor 820 may operate in conjunction with the memory 830. The processor 820 can execute the program instructions stored in the memory 830. Optionally, at least one of the above-mentioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0263] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 810, processor 820, and memory 830. In this application embodiment, the memory 830, processor 820, and transceiver 810 are connected via a bus 840 in Figure 8. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 8. The connection methods between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 8, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0264] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0265] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0266] The processor 820 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory 830 is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The transceiver 810 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0267] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 820 can read the software program in the memory 830, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 820 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 820. The processor 820 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0268] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0269] The apparatus shown in this application embodiment may have more components than those in Figure 8, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The methods executed by the processor and transceiver shown above are merely examples; the specific steps executed by the processor and transceiver can be referred to the methods described above. The dashed lines in Figure 8 indicate optional components.

[0270] In another possible implementation, in the device shown in Figure 7, the processing module 701 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 702 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 702 can also be a sending module and a receiving module, where the sending module can be an output interface and the receiving module can be an input interface, and the sending module and receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface.

[0271] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the chip includes a logic circuit 901 and an interface 902. That is, the processing module 701 can be implemented using the logic circuit 901, and the transceiver module 702 can be implemented using the interface 902. The logic circuit 901 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 902 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 9 illustrates a chip using the above-mentioned device as an example, where the chip includes a logic circuit 901 and an interface 902.

[0272] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method of the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 901 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 701 shown in FIG. 7, and the interface 902 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 702 shown in FIG. 7. For a detailed description of the logic circuit 901 and the interface 902, please refer to FIG. 7 or the method embodiment shown above, which will not be detailed here.

[0273] The apparatus shown in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or software, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0274] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes a first node and a second node, the first node and the second node being able to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0275] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by various sites in the methods provided in this application.

[0276] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0277] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0278] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, communication devices, or modules, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0279] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0280] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0281] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first node, or a chip in the first node, and the method includes: Send a first signaling message, the first signaling message being used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, the first node group including at least one second node; Send a first physical layer control signaling message to the second node on the first resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first signaling is used to determine the first node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the first node group.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indication information of the first node group is a bit map, the first bit in the bit map corresponds to the first node group, the value of the first bit is a first value, and the first value indicates that the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling of the first node group.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second bit in the bitmap corresponds to the second node group, and the value of the second bit is a second value, which indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node group.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first signaling is used to determine the first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: The first resource corresponds to the second resource, which is a resource used to transmit the first signaling.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first resource corresponds to the second resource and includes: The frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource completely or partially overlap.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first signaling includes the identification information of the first node.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first signaling is synchronization information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first signaling is further used to determine a third node group and a third resource corresponding to the third node group, and the method further includes: A second physical layer control signaling is sent on the third resource, the third node group including nodes connected to the first node, and the second physical layer control signaling is broadcast signaling.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second signaling message, which is used to indicate the node group to which the second node belongs.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second node, or a chip in the second node, and the method includes: Receive a first signaling message, the first signaling message being used to determine a first node group and a first resource corresponding to the first node group, the first node group including at least one second node; Detect the first physical layer control signaling on the first resource according to the first signaling.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first signaling is used to determine the first node group, including: the first signaling includes indication information of the first node group.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The indication information of the first node group is a bit map, the first bit in the bit map corresponds to the first node group, the value of the first bit is a first value, and the first value indicates that the first resource is used to transmit physical layer control signaling of the first node group.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second bit in the bitmap corresponds to the second node group, and the value of the second bit is a second value, which indicates that the first resource is not used to transmit physical layer control signaling for the second node group.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, The first signaling is used to determine the first resource corresponding to the first node group, including: The first resource corresponds to the second resource, which is a resource used to transmit the first signaling.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first resource corresponds to the second resource and includes: The frequency domain resources of the first resource and the frequency domain resources of the second resource completely or partially overlap.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The first signaling includes the identification information of the first node.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The first signaling is synchronization information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The first signaling is further used to determine a third node group and a third resource corresponding to the third node group, and the method further includes: The second physical layer control signaling is received on the third resource, the third node group includes nodes connected to the first node, and the second physical layer control signaling is broadcast signaling.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second signaling message, which is used to indicate the node group to which the second node belongs.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

23. A chip, characterized in that, It includes logic circuitry and an interface, the logic circuitry and the interface being coupled, the logic circuitry being configured to enable the chip to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1-20 is performed.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, and the second node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-20.

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