Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method and a communication apparatus, which relate to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: determining that a device for providing a relay service for a remote device is switched to a relay device from a second terminal to a network, wherein a first intermediate relay device is used for the remote device to perform communication of a first relay service with the relay device from the second terminal to the network; and sending first information to the remote device or the relay device from the second terminal to the network, wherein the first information is used for triggering the allocation of an address for the remote device, the address being used for the remote device to perform the communication of the first relay service with the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The method can make a remote device communicate, by means of an allocated address, with a switched relay device from a second terminal to a network.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411599471.9, filed on November 8, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Proximity service (ProSe) communication allows user equipment (UE) to communicate directly when they are close to each other, thereby improving communication efficiency. ProSe communication also enables terminal devices to communicate or access the network through other terminal devices when there is no wireless network coverage.

[0004] Terminal devices not connected to the network can access the network through UE-to-Network (U2N) relay devices. Alternatively, they can connect to a U2N relay device via multiple intermediate U2N relay devices that do not directly access the network, and then access the network through the U2N relay device. Terminal devices not connected to the network can also be referred to as remote devices.

[0005] Currently, when a remote device connects to a U2Nrelay device via an intermediate relay device, and the U2Nrelay device providing relay services to the remote device changes, the remote device may be unable to communicate with the changed U2Nrelay device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method enables the remote device to communicate normally with the changed U2N relay device when the U2N relay device that provides relay services to the remote device changes.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: determining that a device providing relay services to a remote device switches to a second terminal-to-network relay device, wherein a first intermediate relay device is used for communication of a first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; and sending first information to the remote device or the second terminal-to-network relay device, the first information being used to trigger the allocation of an address to the remote device, the address being used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0008] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a first intermediate relay device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the first intermediate relay device.

[0009] The method provided in this application allows a first intermediate relay device to send first information to the remote device when it determines that the device providing services to the remote device has changed (e.g., the device providing relay services to the remote device is switched to a second terminal-to-network relay device). This first intermediate relay device sends first information to the remote device so that the remote device can trigger a request to allocate an address based on the first information, thereby enabling the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device to communicate through the allocated address. Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device can directly send first information to the second terminal-to-network relay device so that the second terminal-to-network relay device allocates an address to the remote device, which is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0010] It should be noted that 5GProSe's relay service supports different relay service types. The first relay service can be any of the different relay service types. Different relay services can be distinguished by the Relay Service Code (RSC), which enables the network to correctly handle different data streams and service requests.

[0011] In some possible implementations, when the device connected to the first intermediate relay device changes, the first intermediate relay device sends first information to the remote device. This first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address for the remote device. This address is used for communication between the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The first intermediate relay device is used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0012] It should be understood that the device connected to the first intermediate relay device can be understood as the parent node of the first intermediate relay device. The first intermediate relay device communicates with the terminal-to-network relay device through the parent node. The parent node is an intermediate relay device between the first intermediate relay device and the terminal-to-network relay device.

[0013] In this implementation, when the device connected to the first intermediate relay device changes, the first intermediate relay device sends first information to the remote device. This first information is used to trigger the remote device to request an address allocation from the second terminal-to-network relay device. This address is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first intermediate relay device does not need to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving a first request message from a remote device, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from a relay device from the second terminal to the network, and sending the first request message.

[0015] In this implementation, after the first intermediate relay device sends the first information to the remote device, the first intermediate relay device receives the first request message sent by the remote device, and then the first intermediate relay device forwards the first request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device, so that the second terminal-to-network relay device can allocate an address to the remote device based on the first request message.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the process of switching the device providing relay service to the remote device to a second terminal-to-network relay device includes: receiving a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or a second intermediate relay device, the discovery message including a Relay Service Code (RSC) supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device, the second intermediate relay device being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; sending a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device based on the discovery message, the direct communication request message including a first RSC corresponding to a first relay service; and receiving a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

[0017] Optionally, before receiving the discovery message of the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the method further includes: determining that the first intermediate relay device has a communication connection with the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0018] In this implementation, when the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device are connected, the device receives a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. Based on the discovery message, the device sends a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The first intermediate relay device receives a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The first intermediate relay device can determine that the currently connected first terminal-to-network relay device and the newly discovered second terminal-to-network relay device are different, and that the relay service type supported by the first terminal-to-network relay device is also supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0019] Optionally, the discovery message may include the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0020] Optionally, the discovery message may be an Announcement message, or it may be a Discovery Response message, or it may be other message names. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0021] It should be noted that the relay device from the first terminal to the network supports the first RSC, and the relay device from the second terminal to the network also supports the first RSC.

[0022] Optionally, the communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device can be understood as a direct communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0023] Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device can be indirectly connected for communication.

[0024] For example, the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device.

[0025] Optionally, when the communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device deteriorates or is about to be lost, the first intermediate relay device may receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device.

[0026] Furthermore, after the first intermediate relay device receives the discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay, the first intermediate relay device can send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. Then, the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request confirmation message to the first intermediate relay device to establish a communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device.

[0027] Secondly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving first information from a first intermediate relay device, the first information being used to trigger the allocation of an address for a remote device; sending a first request message according to the first information, the first request message being used to request an address of the remote device from a second terminal-to-network relay device; and receiving a first address, the first address being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service.

[0028] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a remote device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the remote device.

[0029] The method provided in this application involves a remote device receiving first information from a first intermediate relay device. Based on this first information, the remote device sends a first request message to a second terminal-to-network relay device, requesting the second terminal-to-network relay device to allocate an address to the remote device. This allows the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device to communicate normally after the device providing relay services to the remote device switches to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate a change in the device providing relay services to the remote device.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the first connection modification request message. Alternatively, the first information may also be carried in other messages, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0032] For example, the first information may be a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) FORCERENEW message. Alternatively, the first information may be other information, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0033] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: determining a relay device for providing relay services to a remote device and switching to a second terminal-to-network relay device, wherein a first intermediate relay device is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service; and sending an identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device to the remote device.

[0034] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a first intermediate relay device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the first intermediate relay device.

[0035] The method provided in this application involves a first intermediate relay device determining that the device providing services to a remote device has changed (the relay device from the first terminal to the network is changed to a second terminal to the network). The first intermediate relay device sends the identifier of the second terminal to the network to the remote device, so that the remote device can determine whether the device providing services to the remote device has changed based on the identifier of the second terminal to the network relay device. In the event that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed, the remote device can communicate with the second terminal to the network relay device.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving a first request message from a remote device, the first request message being used to request a first address of the remote device from a relay device from the second terminal to the network; and sending the first request message.

[0037] In this implementation, when the remote device determines, based on the identifier of the relay device of the second terminal to the network, that the device providing services to the remote device has changed, the first intermediate relay device receives a first request message from the remote device requesting the allocation of an address. The first intermediate relay device forwards the first request message to the relay device of the second terminal to the network, so that the relay device of the second terminal to the network can allocate a first address to the remote device, thereby enabling communication between the remote device and the relay device of the second terminal to the network.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the process of switching the device providing relay services to the remote device to a second terminal-to-network relay device includes: receiving a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or a second intermediate relay device, the discovery message including: a relay service code supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device, the second intermediate relay device being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; sending a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device based on the discovery message, the direct communication request message including a first RSC, the first RSC corresponding to a first relay service; and receiving a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

[0039] Optionally, before receiving the discovery message of the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the method further includes: determining that the first intermediate relay device has a communication connection with the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0040] In this implementation, when the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device are connected, the device receives a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. Based on the discovery message, the device sends a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The first intermediate relay device receives a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The first intermediate relay device can determine that the currently connected first terminal-to-network relay device and the newly discovered second terminal-to-network relay device are different, and that the first terminal-to-network relay device supports the first RSC, and the second terminal-to-network relay device also supports the first RSC.

[0041] Optionally, the discovery message may be an Announcement message, or it may be a Discovery Response message, or it may be other message names. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0042] It should be noted that the relay device from the first terminal to the network supports the first RSC, and the relay device from the second terminal to the network also supports the first RSC.

[0043] Optionally, the communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device can be understood as a direct communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device, or an indirect communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device. For example, the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device.

[0044] Optionally, when the communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device deteriorates or is about to be lost, the first intermediate relay device may receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device.

[0045] Furthermore, after the first intermediate relay device receives the discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay, the first intermediate relay device can send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. Then, the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request confirmation message to the first intermediate relay device to establish a communication connection between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network is carried in the first connection modification request message. Alternatively, this first information may also be carried in other messages, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0047] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving an identifier of a second terminal-to-network relay device from a first intermediate relay device, the first intermediate relay device being used for communication between a remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service; determining, based on the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, switching the terminal-to-network relay device providing services to the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device; sending a first request message, the first request message being used to request an address of the remote device from the second terminal-to-network relay device; and receiving a first address, the first address being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0048] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a remote device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the remote device.

[0049] The method provided in this application allows a remote device to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed based on the identifier of the relay device for the second terminal to the network. If the device providing services to the remote device switches to the relay device for the second terminal to the network, the remote device sends a first request message to request an address allocation. Based on the received first address, the remote device can communicate with the relay device for the second terminal to the network. In other words, when the relay device providing communication services to the remote device changes, the remote device can communicate with the changed relay device for the second terminal to the network.

[0050] In some possible implementations, after receiving the first address, the method further includes: sending second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the second information including: the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device.

[0051] In this implementation, after receiving the first address, the remote device sends the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device to the relay device of the second terminal to the network. The relay device of the second terminal to the network can communicate with the remote device based on the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network is carried in the second connection modification request message. Alternatively, the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network may also be carried in other messages; this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0053] In some possible implementations, before receiving the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, the method further includes: sending a direct communication request message; receiving a direct communication confirmation message from the first terminal-to-network relay device or a third intermediate relay device, the direct communication confirmation message including: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device communicating with the first terminal-to-network relay device through the third intermediate relay device.

[0054] In this implementation, when the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device can receive a direct communication confirmation message from the first terminal-to-network. Alternatively, when the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device, the first intermediate relay device can receive a direct communication confirmation message from the third intermediate relay device. This allows the first intermediate relay device to obtain the identifier of the relay device (the first terminal-to-network relay device) before the handover. The identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device are then used to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0055] In some possible implementations, before receiving the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, the method further includes: receiving a discovery message sent by the first terminal-to-network relay device or a third intermediate relay device, the discovery message including: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and / or a first RSC, wherein the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through the third intermediate relay device.

[0056] In this implementation, when the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device can receive a discovery message from the first terminal-to-network. Alternatively, when the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device, the first intermediate relay device can receive a direct communication confirmation message from the third intermediate relay device. This allows the first intermediate relay device to obtain the identifier of the relay device (the first terminal-to-network relay device) before the handover. The identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device are then used to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0057] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving information from a remote device; when it is determined based on the information from the remote device that the remote device and a second terminal-to-network relay device have not established a communication connection, allocating a first address to the remote device, the first address being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0058] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a relay device from the second terminal to the network, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0059] The method provided in this application allows a relay device from a second terminal to the network to determine whether to establish a communication connection with a remote device based on information from a remote device. If no communication connection is established with the remote device, a first address is assigned to the remote device so that the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network can communicate normally based on the first address.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the information of the remote device is carried in the second connection modification request message. Alternatively, the information of the remote device may also be carried in other messages. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the method of sending the information of the remote device.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device and / or a second address of the remote device, the second address being used for communication between the remote device and the relay device of the first terminal to network for the first relay service.

[0062] In this implementation, the relay device from the second terminal to the network can determine whether to establish a communication connection with the remote device based on the identifier of the remote device and / or the second address of the remote device.

[0063] Of course, the information of the remote device may also include other information that identifies the remote device. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the information of the remote device.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device, and determining that the remote device and the relay device of the second terminal to the network have not established a communication connection based on the information of the remote device includes: determining that the local storage context information of the remote device of the relay device of the second terminal to the network does not include the identifier of the remote device.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the information of the remote device includes a second address of the remote device. Based on the information of the remote device, determining that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network includes: determining that the second address of the remote device was not assigned by the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the method further includes sending a first address to the remote device.

[0067] In some possible implementations, after sending the first address to the remote device, the method further includes: receiving second information from the remote device, the second information including the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device; and establishing a communication connection with the remote device based on the second information.

[0068] It should be noted that the communication connection established based on the second information is an IP layer communication connection, not a PC5 communication connection.

[0069] A sixth aspect provides a communication method, the method comprising: determining that an intermediate relay device providing relay services to a remote device switches from a third intermediate relay device to a second intermediate relay device, while the terminal-to-network relay device providing relay services to the remote device remains unchanged, wherein the third intermediate relay device is used for communication between the first intermediate relay device and the terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service; and sending an identifier and a second address of the remote device to the terminal-to-network relay device through the second intermediate relay device, wherein the second address is used for communication between the remote device and the terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0070] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a first intermediate relay device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the first intermediate relay device.

[0071] The method provided in this application allows the first intermediate relay device to send the identifier and second address of the remote device to the terminal-to-network relay device through the second intermediate relay device when the device providing relay services to the remote device switches from a third intermediate relay device to a second intermediate relay device. Even if the third intermediate relay device switches to the second intermediate relay device, the second intermediate relay device can continue to provide relay services to the remote device, and the remote device and the terminal-to-network relay device can still communicate normally.

[0072] A seventh aspect provides a communication method, the method comprising: determining that a device providing relay services to a remote device switches to a second terminal-to-network relay device, a first intermediate relay device being used for communication of a first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; and releasing the connection between the first intermediate relay device and the remote device.

[0073] For example, the communication method can be implemented by a first intermediate relay device, or by modules, units, processors, circuits, chips or chip systems included in the first intermediate relay device.

[0074] The method provided in this application allows the first intermediate relay device to release the connection of the remote device when the device providing relay services to the remote device switches to the second terminal-to-network relay device. In this case, the remote device cannot communicate directly with the second terminal-to-network relay device. That is, the first intermediate relay device no longer provides relay services to the remote device.

[0075] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and a communication module) for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0076] A ninth aspect provides a communication apparatus comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the method of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a memory storing a computer program. At least one processor executes the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof by executing the computer program stored in the memory, or executes the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or executes the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the processor and the memory may be integrated together, or the processor may execute the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or execute the method described in the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0078] In one possible implementation, at least one processor executes the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect through logic circuits or processing circuits, or executes the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or executes the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or executes the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or executes the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or executes the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect, or executes the method of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include an interface circuit for performing specific signal transmission and reception. For example, the communication device may be a first entity, a component within the first entity (a chip, chip system, or processor), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions.

[0080] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0081] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed, performs the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or performs the method of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0082] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to execute a method for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect; or for performing the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect; or for performing the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect; or for performing the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect; or for performing the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect; or for performing the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect; or for performing the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect.

[0083] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the aforementioned first terminal-to-network relay device, remote device, and / or second terminal-to-network relay device. The first terminal-to-network relay device is configured to perform the methods of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the methods of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the methods of the sixth aspect, or to perform the methods of the seventh aspect. The remote device is configured to perform the methods of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the methods of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The second terminal-to-network relay device is configured to perform the methods of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0084] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 2 illustrates the discovery and connection establishment process of U2N Relay in related technologies.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of relay device reselection in related technologies.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of changes in relay equipment in related technologies.

[0088] Figure 5 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 6 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 7 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 8 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0095] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), Device to Device (D2D) communication systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, Machine to Machine (M2M) systems, Machine Type Communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) systems, the 5th Generation (5G) system, the 6th Generation (6G) system, or New Radio (NR) and other future wireless communication systems.

[0096] Proximity Service (ProSe) communication allows user equipment (UE) to communicate directly, enabling terminal devices to communicate or access the network through other terminal devices even when there is no wireless network coverage. ProSe communication is currently being used in 5G systems.

[0097] ProSe UEs can connect to each other via the Proximity Communications 5 (PC5) interface. After the terminal devices discover each other, they can communicate directly via PC5.

[0098] It should be understood that two communicating terminal devices use the PC5 interface to transmit control information and data. The PC5 interface, also known as the PC5 reference point, is the interface for communication between the two terminal devices. PC5 signaling (PC5-S) can include: Direct Communication Request / Accept, Link Identifier, Update Request / Response / Ack, Disconnect Request / Response, Link Modification Request / Accept, etc.

[0099] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 100 applicable to the embodiments of this application is first described with reference to FIG1. ​​As shown in FIG1, the communication system 100 may include three terminal devices, such as terminal device 111, terminal device 112 and terminal device 113 shown in FIG1. ​​The communication system 100 may also include at least one network device, such as network device 121 shown in FIG1.

[0100] Terminal device 113 is a terminal device that cannot be directly connected to the network (off-net). When terminal device 113 wants to access the network, it can do so through a UE-to-Network (U2N) relay device. Terminal device 113 is also called a remote UE.

[0101] The access of a remote UE to the network through a UE-to-Network (U2N) relay device can be understood as follows: the remote UE indirectly establishes a connection with the U2N relay through one or more intermediate relay devices that do not directly access the network. The intermediate relay forwards communication signals or data between the remote UE and the U2N relay, thereby enabling the remote UE to access the network through the U2N relay.

[0102] The remote UE's access to the network via the U2N relay can include two parts: the first part is the discovery of multi-hop relays, that is, the remote UE discovers intermediate relays that can be connected to the U2N relay, and then the remote UE selects one of the discovered relays to establish a PC5 connection.

[0103] The above process can be understood as follows: terminal device 113 can communicate with network device 121 through terminal device 112 and terminal device 111. That is, when terminal device 113 sends data to network device 121, it needs to go through three paths: the first path is between terminal device 113 and terminal device 112, the second path is between terminal device 112 and terminal device 111, and the third path is between terminal device 111 and network device 111.

[0104] Terminal device 112 can assist terminal device 111 in transferring data to terminal device 113, thereby improving coverage and increasing communication distance. Terminal device 111 communicates with network device 121, which in turn enables communication between terminal device 113 and network device 121.

[0105] In this context, terminal device 112, as an example, can be referred to as an intermediate relay device (Relay UE). Terminal device 111 can be referred to as a terminal-to-network relay device (U2N Relay), and terminal device 113 can be referred to as a remote device (remote UE). The Relay UE can collaborate with the remote UE for data transmission. The remote UE and the Relay UE can communicate directly. Through the relay of the Relay UE, the remote UE and the base station communicate data. The number of Relay UEs between the remote UE and the base station is not limited.

[0106] For the above system, one possible understanding is that if the base station coverage signal at the remote device is poor or it is outside the base station coverage area, coverage enhancement can be achieved through relay equipment.

[0107] Another possible interpretation is that the relay device has enhanced capabilities; for example, it may be equipped with more receiving and transmitting antennas, thereby increasing system capacity.

[0108] It should be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices.

[0109] It should also be understood that Figure 1 is merely one application scenario of an embodiment of this application, and this application does not specifically limit the scenario in which the method is applied. In the embodiments shown below, the method provided by the embodiments of this application is described in detail for ease of understanding and explanation, taking the interaction between network devices and terminal devices in a relay communication scenario as an example.

[0110] Figure 2 illustrates the U2N Relay discovery and connection establishment process in related technologies. The process of a remote device discovering an intermediate relay device and establishing a PC5 connection can be divided into Model A discovery and Model B initiation. Model A is initiated by the relay device, and Model B is initiated by the remote device. Figure 2 uses Model A discovery as an example for illustration.

[0111] Step 1a: The relay device broadcasts an announcement message, which includes the relay device's User Info ID and Relay Service Code (RSC). The RSC corresponds to the service type of a relay device, and the PC5 connection is established for each RSC. Upon receiving the announcement message broadcast by the intermediate relay device, intermediate relay device R2 sends a PC5 connection establishment request message (Direct Communication Request, DCR) to the relay device. This DCR message includes the intermediate relay device R2's User Info ID, the relay device's User Info ID, and the RSC, and establishes a connection with the relay device.

[0112] Step 1b: Intermediate relay device R2 broadcasts a discovery message, which includes at least one of the following: the user identifier of intermediate relay device R2, RSC, or the user identifier of the relay device. Upon receiving the discovery message, intermediate relay device R1 sends a DCR message to intermediate relay device R2, which includes at least one of the following: the user identifier of intermediate relay device R1, the user identifier of intermediate relay device R2, or RSC, and establishes a connection with intermediate relay device R2.

[0113] Optionally, the intermediate relay device R2 may not include its user identifier in the discovery message it broadcasts. That is, intermediate relay device R1 only needs to know that its parent node is intermediate relay device R2, and does not need to know the parent node of intermediate relay device R2.

[0114] Step 1c: Intermediate relay R1 broadcasts a discovery message, which includes at least one of the following: the user identifier of intermediate relay device R1, RSC, or the user identifier of intermediate relay device R2. Upon receiving the discovery message, the remote device sends a DCR message to intermediate relay device R1, which includes the user identifier of the remote device, the user identifier of intermediate relay device R1, and RSC, and establishes a connection with intermediate relay device R1.

[0115] Optionally, the intermediate relay device R1 may not include the user identifier of intermediate relay device R2 in the discovery message it broadcasts. That is, the remote device R1 only needs to know that its parent node is intermediate relay device R1, and does not need to know the parent node of intermediate relay device R1.

[0116] For the same RSC, a terminal establishes a PC5 connection only with an intermediate relay device or a relay device, meaning the network topology is a tree structure, with the U2N Relay as the root of the tree. There is no limit to the number of intermediate relay devices on the path.

[0117] Step 2: The remote device establishes a PC5 connection with the intermediate relay device R1. The remote device needs to obtain an IP address to communicate with the relay device. The remote device sends a request message to the intermediate relay device R1, which is used to obtain the remote device's IP address.

[0118] Optionally, the request message can be a DHCPv4 request message, a DHCPv6 request message, or an IPv6 SLAAC Solicitation message, etc.

[0119] Step 3: After receiving the request message, the intermediate relay device R1 relays or forwards the message.

[0120] For example, the request message can be relayed as a DHCPv4 or DHCPv6 relay, or forwarded as an SLAAC router.

[0121] Step 4: The IP address request message is forwarded hop-by-hop to the relay device.

[0122] Step 5: After receiving the request message, the relay device assigns an IP address to the remote device.

[0123] For example, as a DHCP server, the assigned IP address is the IP address of the subnet where the relay device is located. Or, for example, the relay device assigns IP addresses to remote devices within the 192.168.1 / 24 network segment.

[0124] Step 6: The relay device sends an IP address request response message, such as a DHCPv4 Response message or an SLAAC response message, to the intermediate relay device R2. The intermediate relay device R2 relays and forwards the response message to the intermediate relay device R1. The intermediate relay device R1 relays or forwards the message to the remote device.

[0125] It should be noted that intermediate relay devices R1 and R2 can also request the IP address of the remote device from the relay device.

[0126] Step 7a: After obtaining the IP address, the remote device sends a Link Modification Request (LMR) message to the intermediate relay device R1. The LMR message includes the user identifier and IP address of the remote device.

[0127] Step 7b: After receiving the LMR message, intermediate relay device R1 sends an LMR message to intermediate relay device R2. The LMR message includes the user identifier and IP address of the remote device.

[0128] Step 7c: After receiving the LMR message, intermediate relay device R2 sends an LMR message to the relay device. This LMR message includes the user identifier and IP address of the remote device. Upon receiving the LMR message, the relay device can determine the correspondence between the IP address and the remote device, which is used for subsequent communication and remote device reporting processes.

[0129] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of relay device reselection in related technologies. As shown in Figure 3, the remote device is connected to intermediate relay device 1 via PC5. When the connection between the remote device and intermediate relay device 1 is interrupted, the remote device discovers intermediate relay device 2 through the relay process and establishes a connection with intermediate relay device 2; or, when intermediate relay device 1 determines that it needs to replace the intermediate relay device, the remote device discovers intermediate relay device 2 through the relay process and establishes a connection with intermediate relay device 2.

[0130] When the relay device remains unchanged, intermediate relay device 2 sends an LMR message to the relay device to update the association between the remote device and intermediate relay device 2. That is, the PC5 connection corresponding to the remote device changes from the PC5 connection between the relay device and intermediate relay device 1 to the PC5 connection between intermediate relay device 2 and the relay device.

[0131] When the relay device changes, the remote device executes the PC5 establishment process to re-establish the PC5 connection.

[0132] When the connection between the intermediate relay device and the parent node changes, the intermediate relay device performs the same actions as the terminal device.

[0133] In the scenario shown in Figure 3, when the relay device remains unchanged, and the connection between the remote device and intermediate relay device 1 is changed to a connection between the remote device and intermediate relay device 2, the remote device and the relay device can still communicate. However, when the relay device changes, the remote device may not be able to identify which relay device has changed. Therefore, when the relay device changes, the remote device and the changed relay device may not be able to communicate normally.

[0134] Figure 4 illustrates a change in relay equipment in the related technology. As shown in Figure 4, the remote device communicates indirectly with relay equipment 1 through intermediate relay equipment R0, intermediate relay equipment R1, intermediate relay equipment R3, and intermediate relay equipment R2. When the connection between intermediate relay equipment R1 and intermediate relay equipment R3 is abnormal, intermediate relay equipment R1 discovers intermediate relay equipment R2 through the relay discovery process and establishes a connection with intermediate relay equipment R2. Intermediate relay equipment R1 then communicates with intermediate relay equipment R2.

[0135] In the scenario shown in Figure 4, when the relay device changes but the connection between the remote device and the intermediate relay device remains unchanged, the remote device cannot determine that the relay device has changed and will not trigger the remote device to modify or rebuild the PC5 connection. In this case, even if the LMR message sent by intermediate relay device R1 to intermediate relay device R2 includes the remote device's User Info ID and IP address, relay device 2 will still be unable to communicate with the remote device because the remote device's IP address is still the one previously assigned by relay device 1. In summary, when the relay device connected to an intermediate relay device changes, the remote device may be unable to communicate with the new relay device.

[0136] In summary, when a remote device communicates with a relay device through a first intermediate relay device, and the relay device connected to the first intermediate relay device changes, how to ensure normal communication between the remote device and the new relay device is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0137] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising: a first intermediate relay device determining that a device providing relay services to a remote device switches to a second terminal-to-network relay device; the first intermediate relay device sending a first message to either the remote device or the second terminal-to-network relay device, the first message being used to trigger a request for a new address (first address) for the remote device. In this method, the address used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device is assigned by the second terminal-to-network relay device, thereby ensuring normal communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0138] It should be understood that the descriptions of specific scenarios in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied not only to the scenarios described above, but also to application scenarios with similar problems.

[0139] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or the order of execution, and that the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0140] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0141] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require any judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0142] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication between communication devices can include wireless communication between network devices and terminal devices, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminal devices. In this application, "wireless communication" can also be simply referred to as "communication," and "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0143] It should be understood that all node and message names in this application are merely names set for the convenience of description, and the names may be different in the actual network. This application should not be construed as limiting the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name that has the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent substitution of this application and is within the protection scope of this application. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0144] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, which may include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from...(terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, which may include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0145] The various communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0146] It should be understood that the step numbers in the embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the order in which the steps occur.

[0147] For ease of understanding and explanation, the communication method of this application embodiment is described below using the interaction between a terminal device and a network device as an example. However, this should not constitute any limitation on the execution subject of the communication method of this application embodiment. For example, the method executed by the terminal device can also be executed by a module of the terminal device (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The method executed by the network device can also be executed by a module of the network device (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0148] The following describes in detail, with reference to Figure 5, an example of a communication method provided in this application. Figure 5 shows a schematic interactive diagram of an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0149] As shown in Figure 5, the method 500 illustrated in Figure 5 may include steps S510 to S590. The steps of method 500 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0150] S510, A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0151] It should be noted that the first intermediate relay device refers to an intermediate relay device that does not directly access the network in a relay scenario, while the first terminal-to-network relay device refers to a relay device that directly accesses the network in a relay scenario.

[0152] Furthermore, it can be understood that in a relay scenario, the relay device from the first terminal to the network communicates with the network device, the first intermediate relay device communicates with the network device through the relay device from the first terminal to the network, and the remote device that is not connected to the network communicates with the network device through the first intermediate relay device and the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0153] In this embodiment of the application, the first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the first terminal-to-network relay device, and the first intermediate relay device can obtain the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0154] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device can be connected directly or indirectly, for example, via PC5 connection.

[0155] Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device may also establish a connection with the relay device from the first terminal to the network through other connection methods, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0156] Furthermore, establishing a direct PC5 connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device means that the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through the PC5 interface.

[0157] Furthermore, establishing an indirect PC5 connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device means that the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through at least one intermediate relay device.

[0158] For example, the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device. The third intermediate relay device refers to an intermediate relay device that is not connected to the network in the relay scenario.

[0159] In some possible implementations, when the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device communicate directly, the first intermediate relay device obtains the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device in the following three ways.

[0160] In the first scenario, the relay device from the first terminal to the network sends an announcement message, which includes the identifier of the relay device and / or the first RSC. When the first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the relay device from the first terminal to the network through the announcement message, it can obtain the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0161] It should be understood that the discovery message mentioned in this application may be an announcement message, or it may be a discovery response message, or it may be other messages. The embodiments of this application do not limit the discovery message.

[0162] In the second scenario, the first intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request message to the first terminal-to-network relay device. In response to the direct communication request message, the first terminal-to-network relay device sends a direct communication accept (DCA) message to the first intermediate relay device, carrying the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device in the DCA message.

[0163] The third method involves the first terminal-to-network relay device sending a discovery message, and the first intermediate relay device sending a direct communication request message to the first terminal-to-network relay device based on the discovery message. In response to the direct communication request message, the first terminal-to-network relay device sends a DCA message to the first intermediate relay device, carrying the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device in the DCA message.

[0164] In some other possible implementations, the first intermediate relay device communicates indirectly with the first terminal-to-network relay device through a third intermediate relay device; that is, the third intermediate relay device communicates directly with the first terminal-to-network relay device. The first intermediate relay device obtains the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device in the following three ways.

[0165] In the first scenario, the third intermediate relay device sends a discovery message, which includes the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network and / or the first RSC. When the first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the third intermediate relay device through the discovery message, it can obtain the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0166] In the second scenario, the first intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request message to the third intermediate relay device. In response to the direct communication request message, the third intermediate relay device sends a DCA message to the first intermediate relay device, which carries the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0167] The third method involves the third intermediate relay device sending a discovery message, and the first intermediate relay device sending a direct communication request message to the third intermediate relay device based on the discovery message. In response to the direct communication request message, the third intermediate relay device sends a DCA message to the first intermediate relay device, carrying the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network in the DCA message.

[0168] S520, remote equipment and first intermediate relay equipment establish connection.

[0169] After the first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the first terminal-to-network relay device directly or indirectly, the remote device establishes a communication connection with the first intermediate relay device.

[0170] Optionally, the remote device and the first intermediate relay device can establish a direct or indirect PC5 connection. Alternatively, the remote device can also establish a connection with the first intermediate relay device through other connection methods, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0171] In some possible implementations, when the remote device and the first intermediate relay device establish a communication connection, the remote device obtains the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network in the following three ways.

[0172] In the first scenario, the first intermediate relay device sends a discovery message, which includes the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network and / or the first RSC. When the remote device establishes a connection with the first intermediate relay device through the discovery message, it can obtain the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0173] The second method involves the remote device sending a direct communication request message to the first intermediate relay device. In response to the direct communication request message, the first intermediate relay device sends a DCA message to the remote device, which carries the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0174] The third method involves the first intermediate relay device sending a discovery message, and the remote device sending a direct communication request message to the first intermediate relay device based on the discovery message. In response to the direct communication request message, the first intermediate relay device sends a DCA message to the remote device, carrying the identifier of the relay device from the first terminal to the network in the DCA message.

[0175] S530: A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0176] When the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the third intermediate relay device is abnormal, or when the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device is abnormal, the first intermediate relay device can establish a connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device directly or indirectly.

[0177] It should be understood that the network connection anomaly mentioned in this application can refer to a deterioration in the network connection or an impending loss of the network connection. Alternatively, network connection anomaly can also include other connection anomalies, such as poor network connection quality or network connection interruption. This application does not specifically limit the types of network connection anomalies described in the embodiments.

[0178] In some possible implementations, the first intermediate relay device can directly establish a connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device. For example, the first intermediate relay device can establish a PC5 connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device. Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device can establish a direct connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device through other means, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0179] Optionally, the second terminal-to-network relay device sends a discovery message, which includes the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device and / or the RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device through the discovery message.

[0180] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service.

[0181] It should be understood that the correspondence between the first RSC and the first trunk service can be interpreted as the trunk service code corresponding to the first trunk service being the first RSC. The first RSC carried in the direct communication request message is used to determine that the first intermediate trunk device supports the first RSC.

[0182] Furthermore, in response to the direct communication request message, the second terminal-to-network relay device sends a DCA message to the first intermediate relay device, carrying in the DCA message the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device and / or a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service.

[0183] It should be understood that the first RSC carried in the DCA message by the second terminal-to-network relay device is used to indicate that the second terminal-to-network relay device also supports the first RSC.

[0184] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device may send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device after receiving a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0185] Of course, the first intermediate relay device can send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device when the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the third intermediate relay device is abnormal, or when the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device is abnormal. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the timing of the first intermediate relay device sending the direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0186] In another possible implementation, the first intermediate relay device establishes an indirect connection through a second intermediate relay device and a second terminal-to-network relay device. Alternatively, the second intermediate relay device is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0187] For example, the first intermediate relay device can establish a PC5 connection with the second intermediate relay device, the second intermediate relay device can establish a PC5 connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network, or the first intermediate relay device can establish a connection through the second intermediate relay device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network in other ways. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0188] Specifically, the second intermediate relay device sends a discovery message, which includes the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device and / or the RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the second intermediate relay device through the discovery message.

[0189] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device sends a direct communication request message to the second intermediate relay device. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service.

[0190] It should be understood that the first RSC carried in the direct communication request message is used to indicate that the first intermediate relay device supports the first RSC.

[0191] Furthermore, in response to the direct communication request message, the second intermediate relay device sends a DCA message to the first intermediate relay device, the DCA message carrying the identifier of the relay device of the second terminal to the network and / or the first RSC.

[0192] It should be understood that the first RSC carried by the second intermediate relay device in the DCA message is used to indicate that the second intermediate relay device should also support the first RSC.

[0193] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device may send a direct communication request message to the second intermediate relay device after receiving a discovery message from the second intermediate relay device.

[0194] Of course, the first intermediate relay device can send a direct communication request message to the second intermediate relay device when the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the third intermediate relay device is abnormal, or when the network connection between the first intermediate relay device and the relay device from the first terminal to the network is abnormal. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the timing of the first intermediate relay device sending the direct communication request message to the second intermediate relay device.

[0195] S540, The first intermediate relay device sends the identifier of the relay device of the second terminal to the network to the remote device.

[0196] In step S530, when there is communication between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device, a discovery message of the second terminal-to-network relay device is received, which includes the RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0197] Furthermore, the first intermediate relay device can determine from the discovery message that the relay device connecting the first terminal to the network and the newly discovered relay device connecting the second terminal to the network are different, and that the first terminal to the network relay device supports the same RSC as the second terminal to the network relay device.

[0198] In step S530, the first intermediate relay device can determine whether to switch the relay device communicating with the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0199] Specifically, the relay device communicating with the remote device is switched from the relay device from the first terminal to the network to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0200] To ensure normal communication between the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the first intermediate relay device sends the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network to the remote device. This allows the remote device to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed based on the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network. In the event that the device providing relay services has changed, the remote device can still communicate with the changed relay device.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the first intermediate relay device sends a first connection modification request message to the remote device, the first connection modification request message carrying the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device. Alternatively, the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device may be carried in the first connection modification request message. Alternatively, the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device may also be sent to the remote device in other ways; this application embodiment does not specifically limit the method of sending the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0202] S550: Based on the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the remote device determines that the device providing relay services to the remote device is about to switch to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0203] The remote device receives the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device sent by the first intermediate relay device, and determines, based on the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, that the relay device communicating with the remote device is about to change.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the remote device can determine, based on the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, that the device providing relay services to the remote device is about to switch to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0205] Optionally, based on step S520, the remote device can obtain the identifier of the relay device from the first connected terminal to the network.

[0206] Optionally, the identifier of the second terminal to the network relay device received by the remote device is carried in the first connection modification request message.

[0207] S560. The remote device sends a first request message, which is used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device of the second terminal to the network.

[0208] In this embodiment of the application, the remote device sends a first request message to the first intermediate relay device, which is used to request the address of the remote device from the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0209] Furthermore, the first intermediate relay device forwards the first request message to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0210] Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device forwards the first request message to at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., the second intermediate relay device), which in turn forwards the first request message to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0211] For example, the first intermediate relay device acts as a proxy for the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and forwards the first request message to the second intermediate relay device.

[0212] Optionally, the first request message may be a DHCP request, or it may be a stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC) request. Alternatively, the first request message may be other request types, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0213] S570, the relay device from the second terminal to the network responds to the first request message and assigns a first address to the remote device.

[0214] Accordingly, the relay device from the second terminal to the network receives the first request message and, in response to the first request message, allocates a first address to the remote device.

[0215] For example, the address can be an IP address, such as an IPv4 address or an IPv6 address prefix.

[0216] S580, the second terminal to the network relay device sends the first address to the remote device.

[0217] Correspondingly, the remote device receives a first address sent by the relay device from the second terminal to the network. This first address is used for communication between the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network for the first relay service.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the relay device from the second terminal to the network sends the first address directly to the first intermediate relay device, and the first intermediate relay device forwards the first address to the remote device.

[0219] In another possible implementation, the second terminal-to-network relay device sends the first address to at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., the second intermediate relay device), which then forwards the first address to the remote device.

[0220] S590. The remote device sends second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The second information includes the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0221] After receiving the first address sent by the relay device of the second terminal to the network, the remote device sends second information to the relay device of the second terminal to the network. The second information includes the identifier of the remote device and the first address. The relay device of the second terminal to the network can establish a communication connection with the remote device based on the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0222] It should be noted that the communication connection established by the second information remote device and the second terminal to the network relay device is an IP layer communication connection, not a PC5 communication connection.

[0223] Optionally, the second information may be carried in the connection modification request message, or the second information may be sent in other ways. This application embodiment does not limit the way the second information is sent.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the remote device sends the second information directly to the first intermediate relay device, which then forwards the second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0225] In another possible implementation, the remote device sends the second information to at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., a second intermediate relay device), which then forwards the second information to a relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0226] The communication method provided in this application embodiment involves a first intermediate relay device determining that the device providing relay services to a remote device has changed (switched to a second terminal-to-network relay device). The first intermediate relay device then sends the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device to the remote device, enabling the remote device to determine whether the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed based on the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device. This allows the remote device to communicate with the changed relay device even if the device providing relay services has changed.

[0227] This application also provides another communication method in which a first intermediate relay device sends first information to a remote device, which triggers the remote device to request a new address. The remote device sends a first request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device to request a new address. The new address is allocated to the remote device based on the first request message, and the first address is sent to the remote device. In this method, the address obtained by the remote device is allocated by the second terminal-to-network relay device, thereby ensuring normal communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0228] The following describes another example of a communication method provided in this application in detail with reference to Figure 6, which shows a schematic interactive diagram of another example of a communication method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0229] As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 may include steps S610 to S680. The steps of method 600 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0230] S610, A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0231] S620, the remote device and the first intermediate relay device establish a connection.

[0232] S630. A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0233] Steps S610-S630 can be referred to steps S510-S530, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0234] S640. The first intermediate relay device sends first information to the remote device. The first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address to the remote device. The address is used for communication between the remote device and the relay device of the second terminal to the network for the first relay service.

[0235] It should be understood that the device providing relay services to remote devices corresponds to multiple relay service types, and this first relay service is one of these multiple relay service types.

[0236] In step S630, the first intermediate relay device determines that the device providing relay services to the remote device is switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device. Therefore, the first intermediate relay device can directly send first information to the remote device. The first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address to the remote device. This address is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0237] For example, the address can be an IP address, such as an IPv4 address or an IPv6 address prefix.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which indicates that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0239] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device sends a first connection modification request message to the remote device. This first connection modification request message includes first information, meaning the first information can be carried within the first connection modification request message. Of course, the first information can also be sent in other ways; this embodiment does not specifically limit the method of sending the first information.

[0240] For example, the first information may be a DHCPFORCERENEW message. Alternatively, the first information may be other messages; this application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific form of the first information.

[0241] In some other implementations of this application, when the relay device of the terminal to the network connected to the first intermediate relay device changes, the first intermediate relay device can send first information to the remote device. The first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address to the remote device. The address is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal to the network relay device for the first relay service.

[0242] In this implementation, when the relay device connecting the terminal to the network connected to the first intermediate relay device changes, the first intermediate relay device sends the first information to the remote device. The first intermediate relay device does not need to determine the device that provides relay services to the remote device and switches to the second terminal to network relay device.

[0243] S650, The remote device sends a first request message, which is used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0244] Correspondingly, the remote device receives the first information from the first intermediate relay device.

[0245] Based on the first piece of information, the remote device learns that the device providing relay services to the remote device is about to switch the second terminal to the network relay device.

[0246] Furthermore, the remote device sends a first request message to the relay device of the second terminal to the network, which requests the address of the remote device from the relay device of the second terminal to the network.

[0247] S660, the relay device from the second terminal to the network responds to the first request message and assigns a first address to the remote device.

[0248] S670, the second terminal to network relay device sends the first address to the remote device.

[0249] S680. The remote device sends second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The second information includes the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0250] Steps S660-S680 can be referred to steps S570-S590, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0251] This application also provides another communication method, in which a first intermediate relay device reports information about a remote device to a second terminal-to-network relay device. The second terminal-to-network relay device can determine whether to allocate an address to the remote device based on the remote device information. If the second terminal-to-network relay device determines to allocate an address to the remote device, it sends the allocated first address to the remote device. In this method, the first address obtained by the remote device is allocated by the second terminal-to-network relay device, thereby ensuring normal communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0252] The following describes another communication method provided by this application in detail with reference to Figure 7, which shows a schematic interactive diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0253] As shown in Figure 7, the method 700 illustrated in Figure 7 may include steps S710 to S770. The steps of method 700 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 7.

[0254] S710, A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0255] S720, remote equipment and first intermediate relay equipment establish connection.

[0256] S730, A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the first intermediate relay device.

[0257] Steps S710-S730 can be referred to steps S510-S530, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0258] S740: The first intermediate relay device sends information about the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0259] When the communication between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device becomes the communication between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device sends information about the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device, thereby notifying the second terminal-to-network relay device of the information about the remote device.

[0260] In some possible implementations, the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device and / or a second address of the remote device.

[0261] It should be understood that the second address is assigned to the remote device by the relay device from the first terminal to the network.

[0262] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device can directly send the information of the remote device to the relay device of the second terminal to the network.

[0263] In another possible implementation, the first intermediate relay device sends the information of the remote device to at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., the second intermediate relay device), and the at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., the second intermediate relay device) forwards the information of the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0264] S750. When it is determined based on information from the remote device that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device of the second terminal to the network, the relay device of the second terminal to the network assigns a first address to the remote device.

[0265] Correspondingly, the relay device of the second terminal to the network receives information from the remote device and determines whether the remote device and the relay device of the second terminal to the network establish a communication connection based on the information from the remote device.

[0266] In one possible implementation, when the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device, the second terminal-to-network relay device determines whether the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device should establish a communication connection based on the locally stored context information of the terminal device and the identifier of the remote device.

[0267] Specifically, the relay device from the second terminal to the network searches for the identifier of the remote device in the local storage context information of the terminal device. If the identifier of the remote device is not found in the local storage context information of the terminal device, it is determined that the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network have not established a communication connection.

[0268] In another possible implementation, when the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device and the second address of the remote device, the relay device from the second terminal to the network can determine whether the remote device has established a communication connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network based on the identifier of the remote device and the second address of the remote device.

[0269] Specifically, the relay device connecting the second terminal to the network can locally look up the correspondence between the identifier of the remote device and the address of the remote device to determine whether the second address is configured by the relay device connecting the second terminal to the network. If the correspondence between the identifier of the remote device and the second address of the remote device is not configured by the relay device connecting the second terminal to the network (for example, the correspondence between the identifier of the remote device and the second address of the remote device is configured by the relay device connecting the first terminal to the network), then it is determined that the remote device and the relay device connecting the second terminal to the network have not established a communication connection.

[0270] In another possible implementation, when the information of the remote device is the second address of the remote device, the relay device from the second terminal to the network can determine whether the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network have established a communication connection based on the second address of the remote device.

[0271] Specifically, if the first intermediate relay device can determine that the second address of the remote device is not assigned by the relay device from the second terminal to the network (for example, the second address of the remote device is configured by the relay device from the first terminal to the network), then it is determined that the remote device and the relay device from the second terminal to the network have not established a communication connection.

[0272] When it is determined, based on information from the remote device, that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the relay device from the second terminal to the network assigns a first address to the remote device.

[0273] S760, the second terminal to network relay device sends the first address to the remote device.

[0274] S770: The remote device sends second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The second information includes the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0275] Steps S760-S770 can be referred to steps S580-S590, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0276] This application also provides another communication method in which a first intermediate relay device sends first information to a second terminal-to-network relay device. This first information triggers the allocation of an address to a remote device. The second terminal-to-network relay device allocates a first address to the remote device based on the first information and sends the first address to the remote device. In this method, the address obtained by the remote device is allocated by the second terminal-to-network relay device, thereby ensuring normal communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0277] The following describes another example of the communication method provided in this application in detail with reference to Figure 8, which shows a schematic interactive diagram of another example of the communication method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0278] As shown in Figure 8, the method 800 illustrated in Figure 8 may include steps S810 to S870. The steps of method 800 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 8.

[0279] S810, A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device.

[0280] S820, remote equipment and first intermediate relay equipment establish connection.

[0281] S830: A connection is established between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0282] Steps S810-S830 can be referred to steps S510-S530, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0283] S840. The first intermediate relay device sends first information to the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address for the remote device. The address is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0284] When the communication between the first intermediate relay device and the first terminal-to-network relay device changes to the communication between the first intermediate relay device and the second terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device sends first information to the second terminal-to-network relay device, which is used to trigger the allocation of an address for the remote device.

[0285] In some possible implementations, the first intermediate relay device directly sends the first information to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0286] In some other possible implementations, the first intermediate relay device sends the first information to at least one intermediate relay device (e.g., the second intermediate relay device), which then forwards the first information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0287] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first indication information, which indicates that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0288] Optionally, the first intermediate relay device sends a first connection modification request message to the remote device. This first connection modification request message includes first information, meaning the first information can be carried within the first connection modification request message. Of course, the first information can also be sent in other ways; this embodiment does not specifically limit the method of sending the first information.

[0289] For example, the first information may be a DHCPFORCERENEW message. Alternatively, the first information may be other messages; this application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific form of the first information.

[0290] S850, in response to the first message, the relay device from the second terminal to the network assigns a first address to the remote device.

[0291] S860, the second terminal to network relay device sends the first address to the remote device.

[0292] S870: The remote device sends second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The second information includes the identifier of the remote device and the first address.

[0293] Steps S850-S870 can be referred to steps S570-S590, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0294] This application also provides another communication method, which includes: a first intermediate relay device determining that an intermediate relay device providing relay services to a remote device switches from a third intermediate relay device to a second intermediate relay device, while the terminal-to-network relay device providing relay services to the remote device remains unchanged; the third intermediate relay device is used for communication between the first intermediate relay device and the terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service; and the second intermediate relay device sends the identifier and second address of the remote device to the terminal-to-network relay device, the second address being used for communication between the remote device and the terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0295] It should be noted that when the first and third intermediate relay devices experience network connection abnormalities, the system will switch from the third intermediate relay device to the second intermediate relay device.

[0296] Specifically, the second intermediate relay device can send a discovery message to the first intermediate relay device, and the first intermediate relay device establishes a connection with the second intermediate relay device based on the discovery message. Alternatively, the first intermediate relay device can send a direct communication request message to the second intermediate relay device, and in response to the direct communication request message, the second intermediate relay device can send a direct request confirmation message to the first intermediate relay device to establish communication between the first intermediate relay device and the second intermediate relay device.

[0297] Furthermore, the fact that the relay device providing relay services to the remote device remains unchanged can be understood as follows: the first intermediate relay device facilitates communication between the remote device and the first terminal-to-network relay device via the third intermediate relay device for the first relay service. When the third intermediate relay device switches to the second intermediate relay device, the first intermediate relay device facilitates communication between the remote device and the first terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service via the second intermediate relay device.

[0298] In this method, when the device providing relay services to the remote device switches from the third intermediate relay device to the second intermediate relay device, but the terminal-to-network relay device providing relay services to the remote device remains unchanged, the first intermediate relay device can send the identifier and second address of the remote device to the terminal-to-network relay device through the second intermediate relay device. Even if the third intermediate relay device switches to the second intermediate relay device, the first and second intermediate relay devices can continue to provide relay services to the remote device, and the remote device and the terminal-to-network relay device can still communicate normally.

[0299] This application embodiment also provides another communication method, which includes: a first intermediate relay device determining that the device providing relay service to the remote device switches to a second terminal-to-network relay device, the first intermediate relay device being used for communication of a first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; and releasing the connection between the first intermediate relay device and the remote device.

[0300] It should be noted that the specific method by which the first intermediate relay device, which is determined to be the device providing relay services to the remote device, switches to the second terminal to the network relay device can be referred to the description in method 500 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0301] In this method, when the device providing relay services to the remote device switches to the second terminal-to-network relay device, the remote device can no longer use the second address allocated by the first terminal-to-network relay device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device. In this case, the first intermediate relay device can release the connection of the remote device, that is, the first intermediate relay device no longer provides relay services to the remote device, thus avoiding sending information that cannot be used to communicate with the remote device to the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0302] The method embodiments provided in this application have been described above. The apparatus embodiments provided in this application will be described below. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0303] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver unit 910 and / or a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit 910 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 920 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 910 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the device 900 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 920 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0304] In one possible design, the device 900 can be an intermediate relay device as described in the method embodiments above. For example, the device can be a first intermediate relay device or a second first intermediate relay device, or it can be a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of the first intermediate relay device or the second intermediate relay device, or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first intermediate relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the first intermediate relay device or the second intermediate relay device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0305] Specifically, the processing unit 920 is used to determine whether the device providing relay service to the remote device is switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first intermediate relay device is used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to send first information to the remote device or the second terminal-to-network relay device. The first information is used to trigger the allocation of an address for the remote device. The address is used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0306] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a first request message from the remote device, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device of the second terminal to the network; the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to send the first request message.

[0307] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The discovery message includes the relay service code RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device. The second intermediate relay device is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0308] Optionally, the processing unit 920 can also be used to send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device according to the discovery message. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service.

[0309] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal to the network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

[0310] Optionally, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0311] Optionally, the first information is carried in the first connection modification request message.

[0312] Optionally, the first information is a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCPFORCERENEW) message.

[0313] In some other implementations, the processing unit 920 in the device may be used to determine whether a device providing relay services to a remote device is switched to a second terminal-to-network relay device, wherein the first intermediate relay device is used for the remote device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device for a first relay service; and the transceiver unit 910 is used to send the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device to the remote device.

[0314] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to receive a first request message from the remote device, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device of the second terminal to the network; the transceiver unit 910 is configured to send the first request message.

[0315] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device. The discovery message includes the relay service code RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device. The second intermediate relay device is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0316] Optionally, the processing unit 920 can also be used to send a direct communication request message to the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device according to the discovery message. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service.

[0317] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal to the network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

[0318] Optionally, the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network is carried in the first connection modification request message.

[0319] In some other implementations, the transceiver unit 910 in the device is used to receive information from the remote device; the processing unit 920 is used to assign a first address to the remote device when it is determined based on the information of the remote device that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device of the second terminal to network. The first address is used for the remote device to communicate with the relay device of the second terminal to network for the first relay service.

[0320] Optionally, the information of the remote device may be carried in the second connection modification request message.

[0321] Optionally, the information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device and / or the second address of the remote device, the second address being used for communication between the remote device and the relay device of the first terminal to network for the first relay service.

[0322] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is further configured to determine that the remote device's identifier is not included in the context information of the remote device stored locally in the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0323] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is further configured to determine that the second address of the remote device is not assigned by the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

[0324] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 is also configured to send the first address to the remote device.

[0325] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive second information from the remote device, the second information including the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device; and establish a communication connection with the remote device based on the second information.

[0326] In one possible design, the device 900 can be the remote device in the above method embodiments, or it can be a chip, processor, or chip system that implements the functions of a remote device, or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a remote device. The device 900 can be used to execute the steps or processes performed by the remote device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0327] Specifically, the transceiver unit 910 can be used to receive first information from the first intermediate relay device, the first information being used to trigger the allocation of an address for the remote device; the processing unit 920 can be used to send a first request message according to the first information, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the second terminal-to-network relay device; the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a first address, the first address being used for the remote device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0328] Optionally, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

[0329] Optionally, the first information is carried in the first connection modification request message.

[0330] Optionally, the first information is a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCPFORCERENEW) message.

[0331] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 910 of the device is configured to receive an identifier of a second terminal-to-network relay device from a first intermediate relay device, the first intermediate relay device being used for communication of a first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; the processing unit 920 is configured to determine, based on the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device, whether the device providing relay service to the remote device should be switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device; the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to send a first request message, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the second terminal-to-network relay device; the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive a first address, the first address being used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device.

[0332] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to send second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the second information including: the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device.

[0333] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to send direct communication request messages.

[0334] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a direct communication confirmation message sent from the first terminal-to-network relay device or the third intermediate relay device. The direct communication confirmation message includes: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device, and the communication between the first terminal-to-network relay device and the third intermediate relay device.

[0335] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 can also be used to receive a discovery message sent by the first terminal-to-network relay device or the third intermediate relay device. The discovery message includes: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and / or a first RSC, and the first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through the third intermediate relay device.

[0336] In some other implementations, the processing unit 920 in the device may be used to determine that the intermediate relay device providing relay services to the remote device switches from a third intermediate relay device to a second intermediate relay device, and the terminal-to-network relay device providing relay services to the remote device remains unchanged. The third intermediate relay device is used for communication between the first intermediate relay device and the terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service. The transceiver unit 910 is used to send the identifier and second address of the remote device to the terminal-to-network relay device through the second intermediate relay device. The second address is used for communication between the remote device and the terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

[0337] In other implementations, the processing unit 920 in the device may be used to determine whether a device providing relay services to a remote device is switched to a second terminal-to-network relay device, wherein the first intermediate relay device is used for communication of a first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; the processing unit 920 may also be used to release the connection between the first intermediate relay device and the remote device.

[0338] It should be understood that the "unit" in device 900 can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. As another example, transceiver unit 910 can be replaced by transceiver circuitry (e.g., it may include receiving and transmitting circuitry), and processing unit 920 can be replaced by a processor or processing circuitry.

[0339] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 can be any of the above-mentioned devices. For example, it can be a relay device for a first terminal to a network, a relay device for a second terminal to a network, or a remote device. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., within the relay device for the first terminal to a network, the relay device for the second terminal to a network, or the remote device that implements the above-described methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0340] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1010, which may also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1010 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0341] In an alternative design, the processor 1010 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1010 to cause the communication device 1000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0342] In another alternative design, the communication device 1000 may include a communication interface 1020 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1020 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0343] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may include one or more memories 1030, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1010, causing the communication device 1000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1030 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1010 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1010 and the memories 1030 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0344] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0345] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0346] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0347] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0348] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes performed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0349] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, the interface being used to send and / or receive signals, causing the processor to execute the various steps or processes executed by the device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0350] The above-described device and method embodiments are completely corresponding, with corresponding modules or units performing corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment, while other steps besides sending and receiving can be performed by a processing unit or processor.

[0351] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. The embodiments of this application do not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0352] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0353] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0354] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0356] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0357] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0358] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0359] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially or in other words, the parts that contribute to the prior art, or parts of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0360] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first intermediate relay device, and the method includes: The device that provides relay services to the remote device is switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device, and the first intermediate relay device is used for communication of the first relay service between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device. Send first information to the remote device, the first information being used to trigger the remote device to request an address allocation from the second terminal-to-network relay device, the address being used by the remote device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first request message from the remote device, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device from the second terminal to the network; Send the first request message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The process of switching the device designated to provide relay services to the remote device to the relay device of the second terminal to the network includes: Receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the discovery message including the relay service code RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device, the second intermediate relay device being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; Based on the discovery message, a direct communication request message is sent to the relay device from the second terminal to the network or the second intermediate relay device. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service. Receive a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal to the network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a remote device, and the method includes: Receive first information from a first intermediate relay device, the first information being used to trigger the remote device to request address allocation; Based on the first information, a first request message is sent, which is used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device from the second terminal to the network. The first address is received, which is used by the remote device to communicate with the relay device of the second terminal to the network for the first relay service.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that the device providing relay services to the remote device has changed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first connection modification request message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first message is a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) FORCERENEW message.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first intermediate relay device, and the method includes: The device that provides relay services to the remote device is switched to the second terminal-to-network relay device, and the first intermediate relay device is used for the remote device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service. Send the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network to the remote device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first request message from the remote device, the first request message being used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device from the second terminal to the network; Send the first request message.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The process of switching the device designated to provide relay services to the remote device to the relay device of the second terminal to the network includes: Receive a discovery message from the second terminal-to-network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the discovery message including the RSC supported by the second terminal-to-network relay device, the second intermediate relay device being used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device; Based on the discovery message, a direct communication request message is sent to the relay device from the second terminal to the network or the second intermediate relay device. The direct communication request message includes a first RSC, which corresponds to the first relay service. Receive a direct communication request confirmation message from the second terminal to the network relay device or the second intermediate relay device, the direct communication request confirmation message including the first RSC.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network is carried in the first connection modification request message.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a remote device, and the method includes: The remote device receives the identifier of the second terminal-to-network relay device from the first intermediate relay device, wherein the first intermediate relay device is used for communication between the remote device and the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service. Based on the identifier of the relay device of the second terminal to the network, it is determined that the device providing relay service to the remote device is switched to the relay device of the second terminal to the network; Send a first request message, which is used to request the address of the remote device from the relay device from the second terminal to the network; Receive a first address, which is used for communication between the remote device and the relay device of the second terminal to the network for the first relay service.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, After receiving the first address, the method further includes: Send second information to the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the second information including: the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network is carried in the second connection modification request message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, Before receiving the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the method further includes: Send a direct communication request message; The system receives a direct communication confirmation message from either the first terminal-to-network relay device or a third intermediate relay device. The direct communication confirmation message includes: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device, and the communication between the first terminal-to-network relay device and the third intermediate relay device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, Before receiving the identifier of the relay device from the second terminal to the network, the method further includes: The system receives a discovery message sent by the first terminal-to-network relay device or a third intermediate relay device. The discovery message includes: the identifier of the first terminal-to-network relay device and / or a first RSC. The first intermediate relay device communicates with the first terminal-to-network relay device through the third intermediate relay device.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a relay device from a second terminal to a network, and the method includes: Receive information from remote devices; When it is determined based on the information of the remote device that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the second terminal-to-network relay device, a first address is assigned to the remote device. The first address is used for the remote device to communicate with the second terminal-to-network relay device for the first relay service.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The information of the remote device is carried in the second connection modification request message.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device and / or the second address of the remote device, the second address being used for communication between the remote device and the relay device of the first terminal to network for the first relay service.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The information of the remote device includes the identifier of the remote device, and the step of determining, based on the information of the remote device, that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network includes: It is determined that the remote device's identifier is not included in the local storage context information of the remote device in the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The information of the remote device includes a second address of the remote device. The step of determining, based on the information of the remote device, that the remote device has not established a communication connection with the relay device from the second terminal to the network includes: It is determined that the second address of the remote device was not assigned by the relay device from the second terminal to the network.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first address to the remote device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, After sending the first address to the remote device, the method further includes: Receive second information from the remote device, the second information including the identifier of the remote device and the first address of the remote device; Based on the second information, a communication connection is established with the remote device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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