Communication method, communication apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Disclosed in embodiments of the present application are a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a storage medium, which are applied to the technical field of communications, and are used for defining the transmission behavior of a terminal device when a network device is in a Cell DRX OFF state. The method in the embodiments of the present application comprises: sending a first uplink signal, the first uplink signal being used for waking up a network device on a first grant-free resource; and if a first downlink signal is received, performing at least one of random access transmission, initial transmission on the first grant-free resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource on the basis of the first downlink signal, the first downlink signal being a response signal to the first uplink signal. In the embodiments of the present application, a network device is woken up by sending a first uplink signal, and whether data can be sent on a first grant-free resource is determined on the basis of a response of the network device to the first uplink signal, thereby defining the transmission behavior of a terminal device when Cell DRX of the network device is active, and reducing the probability of invalid transmission of the terminal device.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices and storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411575222.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 6, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Communication Device and Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Base station energy saving is an important research direction for future networks. The New Radio (NR) protocol already supports uplink shutdown of cells in the time domain, i.e., the cell discontinuous reception (Cell DRX) mechanism. Future network energy saving will be extended to all radio resource control (RRC) state users, including RRC idle / inactive states. Inactive state users will use small data transmission (SDT) for a small amount of data transmission, including small data transmission based on configured grant (CG) resources, i.e., CG-SDT.

[0004] When a terminal device initiates an initial CG transmission (hereinafter referred to as the initial transmission), it monitors the response message of the initial transmission, namely the CG response. If the CG-SDT configuration grant retransmission timer (cg-SDT-RetransmissionTimer) expires but the configuration grant timer (configuredGrantTimer) has not expired, the terminal device will automatically retransmit and continue monitoring the CG response. The CG-SDT configuration grant retransmission timer is used for uplink automatic retransmission. When the configuration grant timer is started, the configuration grant associated with the timer is considered valid during the timeout period, and the terminal device can perform data transmission based on this configuration grant. If the configuration grant timer expires and the terminal device still has not received a CG response, the terminal device will consider the SDT to have failed and will then return to the RRC Idle state.

[0005] When Cell DRX is directly combined with CG-SDT, the performance of CG-SDT may be affected. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and storage medium for defining the transmission behavior of a terminal device when the network device is in the Cell DRX OFF state.

[0007] This application provides a communication method, optionally, in which the execution subject of the method may be a first device, which may be a terminal device, a component or device applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Taking the terminal device as an example, the terminal device sends a first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on a first unscheduled resource. If a first downlink signal is received, the terminal device performs at least one of the following according to the first downlink signal: random access (RA) transmission, initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. The first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0008] Based on the first aspect of this application, the network device is woken up by sending a first uplink signal, and the network device's response to the first uplink signal determines whether data can be sent on the first unscheduled resource. This clarifies the transmission behavior of the terminal device when the network device's Cell DRX is active, reducing the probability of the terminal device performing invalid transmissions.

[0009] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0010] In this embodiment of the application, by determining the second resource used in subsequent transmissions, the transmission behavior of the terminal device during subsequent transmissions is clarified, thereby reducing the probability of the terminal device performing invalid subsequent transmissions.

[0011] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the terminal device obtains first information, which is used to indicate the association between the first uplink signal and the first scheduling-free resource;

[0012] In this embodiment of the application, since the first uplink signal is associated with the first unscheduled resource, the blind detection range of the receiver of the first uplink signal is reduced, thus saving the power consumption of the receiver of the first uplink signal.

[0013] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the terminal device receives a first configuration, which is used to determine first information.

[0014] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the terminal device acquires second information, which is used to generate multiple uplink signals. The second information includes one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the multiple uplink signals. The first uplink signal is determined based on the first information and the second information.

[0015] In this embodiment of the application, by defining second information, the terminal device and the network device can determine the first uplink signal based on the second information, thereby reducing the blind detection range of the network device and reducing power consumption.

[0016] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission and subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0017] In this embodiment, since the network device may miss the first uplink signal, the terminal device may mistakenly believe that the network device does not allow uplink transmission and thus cancel the transmission. Therefore, the network device explicitly defines the transmission behavior of the terminal device by sending different downlink signals, thereby distinguishing between the network device missing the first uplink signal and the network device not allowing uplink transmission. This allows the network device and the terminal device to synchronize their transmission behavior and reduces the possibility of SDT interruption.

[0018] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, if the first downlink signal is not received, the terminal device will retransmit the first uplink signal until the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches the first threshold.

[0019] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, if the first downlink signal is not received within a first time period or the number of times the first downlink signal is sent reaches a first threshold, the terminal device cancels the transmission.

[0020] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first duration is determined according to a transmission request timer.

[0021] Based on the first aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the terminal device may further send a second uplink signal for initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The terminal device receives a fifth downlink signal, which is a response signal to the second uplink signal and indicates that the terminal device is permitted to perform subsequent transmissions on the second resource.

[0022] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can reserve the second resources used for subsequent transmission through the second uplink signal, thereby reducing the possibility of the terminal device performing invalid subsequent transmission.

[0023] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method. Optionally, the execution subject of this method may be a second device, which may be a network device, a component or device applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device (e.g., a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU)). Taking a network device as an example, the network device receives a first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on a first unscheduled resource. The network device sends a first downlink signal, which is used to instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of the following: performing RA transmission, performing initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, performing subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or performing subsequent transmission on a second resource. The first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0024] Based on the second aspect of this application, the network device instructs the terminal device to perform transmission actions by sending a first downlink signal, thereby clarifying the transmission behavior of the terminal device when Cell DRX is active, and reducing the probability that the terminal device will perform invalid CG transmission when the network device's Cell DRX is active.

[0025] Based on the second aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0026] Based on the second aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the network device sends a first configuration, the first configuration being used by the terminal device to determine first information, the first configuration being determined based on the first information.

[0027] Based on the second aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission and subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0028] Based on the second aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the network device receives a first uplink signal according to second information, the second information including one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the first uplink signal.

[0029] Based on the second aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the network device receives N uplink signals from N terminal devices, the N uplink signals including a first uplink signal, which are used to wake up the network device on a first unscheduled resource. The network device sends M downlink signals to M of the N terminal devices, the M downlink signals including the first downlink signal, which are used to instruct the M terminal devices to perform at least one of the following: performing RA transmission, performing an initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or performing a subsequent transmission on a second resource, where M is a positive integer and N is an integer greater than or equal to M.

[0030] In this embodiment of the application, resource conflicts between different terminal devices are avoided by instructing the transmission behavior of some terminal devices.

[0031] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0032] The interface module is used to send a first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource;

[0033] The processing module is configured to, upon receiving a first downlink signal, perform at least one of the following: random access (RA) transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource, wherein the first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0034] Based on a third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the second resource includes any one of a first unscheduled resource, a second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0035] Based on the third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is further configured to obtain first information, which is used to indicate the association between the first uplink signal and the first unscheduled resource;

[0036] Based on a third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is further configured to obtain first information, including:

[0037] The interface module is specifically used to receive the first configuration, which is used to determine the first information.

[0038] Based on the third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is further configured to acquire second information, which is used to generate multiple uplink signals. The second information includes one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the multiple uplink signals. The first uplink signal is determined based on the first information and the second information.

[0039] Based on the third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission and subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0040] Based on the third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is further configured to retransmit the first uplink signal if the first downlink signal is not received, until the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches a first threshold.

[0041] Based on a third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the processing module is further configured to cancel transmission if the first downlink signal is not received within a first duration or the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches a first threshold.

[0042] Based on a third aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first duration is determined according to a transmission request timer.

[0043] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0044] The interface module is used to receive the first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource.

[0045] The processing module is used to generate the first downlink signal;

[0046] The interface module is also used to send a first downlink signal, which is used to instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of RA transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. The first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0047] Based on the fourth aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0048] Based on the fourth aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is further configured to send a first configuration, the first configuration being used by the terminal device to determine first information, the first configuration being determined based on the first information.

[0049] Based on the fourth aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform an initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, the third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform an initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource, and the fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0050] Based on the fourth aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is configured to receive a first uplink signal, including:

[0051] The interface module is specifically used to receive a first uplink signal based on second information, the second information including one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the first uplink signal.

[0052] Based on the fourth aspect of this application, in some possible implementations, the interface module is configured to receive a first uplink signal, including:

[0053] The interface module is specifically used to receive N uplink signals from N terminal devices. The N uplink signals include a first uplink signal, and the N uplink signals are used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource.

[0054] The interface module is used to send the first downlink signal, including:

[0055] The interface module is specifically used to send M downlink signals to M of the N terminal devices. The M downlink signals include a first downlink signal. The M downlink signals are used to instruct the M terminal devices to perform at least one of the following: RA transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. M is a positive integer, and N is an integer greater than or equal to M.

[0056] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a first device or a second device, or a component applied to the first device or the second device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software (e.g., CU, DU, or RU) capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device or the second device. The communication device includes:

[0057] A processor for executing a program that causes a communication device to perform the method described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory; the memory is used to store programs.

[0059] The sixth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a line, the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0060] The communication interface in the chip can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory storing instructions. The memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register or cache, or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself, such as a read-only memory or random access memory.

[0062] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication system, including a communication device that performs the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and a communication device that performs the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0063] An eighth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above, or cause the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0064] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above, or cause the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the DRX cycle in this application;

[0066] Figure 2 is a network structure diagram in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates a possible application scenario of the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method in this application;

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the DRX cycle in this application;

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the first scheduling-free resource in this application;

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the first and second scheduling-free resources in this application;

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the first scheduling-free resource in this application;

[0073] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method in this application;

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0075] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0076] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0077] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and storage medium. By sending a first uplink signal to wake up the base station, and by determining whether data can be sent on the first unscheduled resource based on the network device's response to the first uplink signal, the transmission behavior of the terminal device is clarified when the network device Cell DRX is active, thereby reducing the probability of the terminal device performing invalid transmissions.

[0079] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0080] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the description of embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0081] In this application, expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional items for this project. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0082] First, some technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced.

[0083] 1) Grant-based (GB) transfer:

[0084] GB transmission, also known as uplink transmission based on dynamic grant, refers to the technology by which terminal devices perform uplink transmission based on downlink control information (DCI), dynamic grant (DG), dynamic scheduling, or dynamic resource configuration issued by network devices.

[0085] 2) Unlicensed transmission:

[0086] Unlicensed transmission, also known as grant-free (GF) transmission, refers to the technology where terminal devices can transmit data uplink without the network device issuing a Dynamic Access Control (DCI) for dynamic authorization, scheduling, or resource configuration. Unlicensed transmission includes one or more of the following: transmission based on random access (RA); transmission based on configured grant (CG) resources in 5G new radio (NR) systems; transmission based on preconfigured uplink resources (PUR) in long term evolution (LTE) systems; transmission based on semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resources in LTE systems; transmission based on semi-static channel state information (SP-CSI); small data transmission (SDT); or other technologies that transmit data without dynamic authorization. RA includes two-step random access (2-step RA) and four-step random access (4-step RA).

[0087] When a terminal device performs unlicensed transmission, it may transmit one or more of the following: data channels (such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)), control channels (such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH)), physical random access channels (PRACH), or physical layer signals (such as reference signals). The channels or signals transmitted in unlicensed transmission are related to the scenario of unlicensed transmission or the technology used. For example, unlicensed transmission based on two-step random access may transmit PRACH and / or PUSCH. As another example, unlicensed transmission based on PUR, SPS, or CG may transmit PUSCH.

[0088] Unlicensed resources, also known as unscheduled resources, refer to resources agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the network device for terminal devices for unlicensed transmission. For example, unlicensed resources may include one or more of the following resources: time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, beam-domain resources, code-domain resources, sequence resources, and power-domain resources. Code-domain resources may include a signature for non-orthogonal multiple access. Sequence resources (also known as pilot resources) may include one or more of the following: demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequences, preamble sequences, or sequences used by other reference signals (RS).

[0089] For example, unlicensed resources can be configured in one or more of the following ways: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, media access control (MAC) control element (CE), or DCI. Among these, the DCI configuration of unlicensed resources can include semi-static or static configuration. Furthermore, when configuring unlicensed resources, the protocol or network device can also agree on or configure transmission parameters for unlicensed transmission. These transmission parameters can include one or more of the following: the period of the time-domain resource, open-loop power control related parameters, waveform, redundancy version sequence, repetition count, frequency hopping mode, resource allocation type, number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, DMRS related parameters, modulation and coding scheme table, resource block group (RBG) size, time-domain resource, frequency-domain resource, or modulation and coding scheme (MCS). It is understood that unlicensed resources can be periodic.

[0090] 3) GF blind detection reception:

[0091] Unlike dynamic scheduling, in the GF mechanism, the access network device is unaware whether there is data from a terminal device on the currently configured GF resource. Therefore, the access network device must first determine whether a target signal exists on the GF resource. During this determination process, the access network device assumes that a terminal device is sending a signal on the GF resource using a certain transmission configuration. The access network device detects the received signal according to each transmission configuration. If at least one of the detected configurations meets a preset condition, the access network device considers that at least one terminal device has used that configuration to send data on the GF resource and performs subsequent data reception processing according to that configuration. If no configuration meets the preset condition, the access network device considers that no terminal device has sent data and will interrupt the processing flow.

[0092] 4) Wake-up signal (WUS):

[0093] WUS can be divided into uplink WUS (UL WUS) and downlink WUS (DL WUS). DL WUS is a signal used to wake up a terminal device, allowing it to resume data reception from sleep mode. Terminal devices typically enter sleep mode to conserve battery life. Therefore, they need to be woken up when they need to receive data. The DL WUS signal is a short message, a special signal format, or a special signal waveform, usually sent by access network devices in the network. When a terminal device receives a DL WUS, it responds by resuming from sleep mode and beginning data reception. In NR, WUS signals are very short, typically only a few milliseconds, allowing devices to wake up quickly and begin receiving data while conserving battery life. The counterpart to DL WUS is UL WUS, which is used to wake up sleep-state access network devices. When a terminal device has data to send to the access network device, it sends a UL WUS signal to wake up the target base station. The discussions in NR protocol versions R16-R19 mainly focused on DL WUS, and there has been no specific discussion on UL WUS. However, given the benefits of DL WUS, it is foreseeable that UL WUS will also be another important means of energy saving for base stations.

[0094] 5) Low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS):

[0095] To further reduce device power consumption, two sets of receiving modules can be introduced. One is a main communication receiver module responsible for receiving regular signals, and the other is a low-power wake-up signal receiver module (LP WUS receiver, LP WUR). The main communication module is in a dormant state for a long time, and the device uses the LP WUR to monitor LP-WUS. If LP-WUS is detected, the main communication receiver module is woken up. Both modules can be deployed in access network equipment or terminal equipment. When deployed in access network equipment, LP-WUS (UL LP-WUS) is used for the uplink (UL) link. In this case, the main communication receiver module receives regular uplink signals / uplink channels sent by the UE, such as PRACH, PUCCH, PUSCH, etc., while the LP-WUR receives LP-WUS from the terminal equipment. When deployed on terminal equipment, the LP-WUS (DL LP-WUS) used for the downlink (DL) link receives downlink signals / downlink channels from the access network equipment, such as synchronization signal block (SSB), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The LP-WUR receives the LP-WUS from the access network equipment. In the NR Release 18 discussion, various alternative LP-WUS waveforms were proposed, including low-power signals based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation, frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation signals, and on-off keying (OOK) modulation signals. These signals can significantly reduce the receiving power consumption of the LP WUR, making it significantly lower than the power consumption of the main communication receiving module.

[0096] 6) Cell discontinuous reception (Cell DRX):

[0097] Cell DRX is a technology used in wireless communication systems to save base station power consumption. It allows access network devices to enter a sleep state when there is no data transmission demand, reducing the power consumption of the receiving circuitry. Cell DRX works based on a pre-configured periodic reception mechanism. The access network device is configured with a Cell DRX cycle. Within this cycle, the device only activates the receiver at specific times to receive uplink signals (such as PUSCH) sent by the terminal device, and shuts down the receiver at other times to save power. The period during which the access network device activates the receiver is called the ON period or active period, and the state of the access network device is called the Cell DRX ON state. The period during which the access network device shuts down the receiver is called the OFF period or sleep period, and the state of the access network device is called the Cell DRX OFF state. In this way, the access network device can receive uplink control or uplink data in discontinuous time periods, while shutting down the receiver when data reception is not needed, thus achieving energy saving. The DRX configuration typically includes the following parameters:

[0098] DRX cycle: The total time of the access network device during the ON and OFF periods within the DRX cycle.

[0099] ON period: The time during which the access network device activates the receiver to receive uplink signals sent by the UE.

[0100] OFF period: The time during which access network equipment turns off its receiver to save power.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1, the access network equipment is in a sleep state during time period T1, so time period T1 is called the OFF time period. The access network equipment activates the receiver during time period T2, so time period T2 is called the ON time period. Time periods T1 and T2 together form a DRX cycle.

[0102] Normally, when Cell DRX is Off, the UE is prohibited from sending CG-PUSCH, Schedule Request (SR), periodic or semi-persistent CSI reports, and periodic or semi-persistent SRS (sounding reference signal) except for location SRS. In an emergency, the terminal device can wake up the access network device by sending PRACH, so that the access network device switches from Cell DRX OFF state to Cell DRX ON state.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 2. The network architecture on which the communication method in this embodiment is based is briefly described below:

[0104] Figure 2 is a possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 2, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 2, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 2). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0105] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G, 5G, or future mobile communication system. RAN 100 can also be an open-radio access network (ORAN), a cloud-radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0106] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 2 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 2 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0107] In one possible scenario, access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNodeB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenario, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication system. For example, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), TRP, or TP in an NR system; or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) in a base station in a 5G mobile communication system; or, access network equipment can also be network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point. Examples include centralized units (CU), distributed units (DU), centralized unit control planes (CU-CP), centralized unit user planes (CU-UP), or radio units (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units. For example, in remote radio units (RRU), active antenna units (AAU), or remote radio heads (RRH). Alternatively, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). It should be understood that the aforementioned TRP can be a device or module located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system and having corresponding communication functions.The TRP typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. The TRP can also be configured with program instructions for the corresponding communication functions.

[0108] The access network equipment also includes RAN equipment mounted on the flight platform. When the RAN equipment is mounted on the flight platform, it moves synchronously with the flight platform. The RAN equipment and the flight platform can be considered as a single unit; in this case, the flight platform can be viewed as the RAN equipment, or it can be described as the flight platform operating in regenerative mode, meaning the flight platform possesses the functions of the RAN equipment. Furthermore, the communication link between the flight platform and the terminal equipment can be called a service link. When the communication system includes multiple flight platforms, the flight platforms can communicate with each other through the Xn interface. In practical applications, the network equipment can also be RAN equipment distributed on the flight platform based on DU, or it can directly function as the flight platform; the specifics are not limited here.

[0109] The aforementioned flight platform can be a satellite, drone, or other aircraft. For example, the flight platform may include geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, non-geostationary orbit satellites, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geosynchronous orbit satellites, unmanned flight system platforms, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), hot air balloons, or high-orbit satellites, etc., without being limited here.

[0110] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open-distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open-centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open-centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not limit the specific names. Any of the units CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0111] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element can implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0112] Table 1

[0113] It should be noted that in the ORAN system, the access network equipment in this application can be one or more network elements listed in Table 1 above.

[0114] The architecture of the CU and DU of the access network equipment is described below. The access network equipment includes at least one CU and at least one DU. Optionally, the access network equipment may also include at least one RU.

[0115] The following description uses an access network device consisting of one CU and one DU as an example. The CU has some core network functions and can include CU-CP and CU-UP. The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., RRC and / or SDAP layers). The DU may be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, and / or physical (PHY) layers). Alternatively, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer (e.g., RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU may be configured to implement the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers).

[0116] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0117] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF in a 5G system. The AMF is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0118] CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices.

[0119] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0120] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0121] It should be noted that the access network equipment can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; this application does not impose any specific limitation. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "access network equipment" can refer to the access network equipment itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the access network equipment that performs the method provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitation.

[0122] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0123] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0124] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart homes, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. Terminals typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. Terminals can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0125] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other future communication technologies. The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will understand, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0126] Figure 3 illustrates an application scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application. SDT (Short Transmission Data Transmission) is a mechanism introduced to support the transmission of uplink small packet data to access network devices when a terminal device is in an inactive state. SDT transmission methods mainly include CG-SDT and RA-SDT. As shown in Figure 3, in CG-SDT, the network device pre-configures relevant resources for uplink small packet transmission for the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to directly transmit small packet data based on these resources. This method reduces the resource allocation process before transmission and improves transmission efficiency. CG transmission includes initial transmission (hereinafter referred to as initial transmission) and subsequent transmissions. When the terminal device initiates the initial CG transmission, it monitors the response message of the initial transmission, i.e., the CG Response. When the cg-SDT-RetransmissionTimer expires and the configuredGrantTimer has not expired, the terminal device automatically retransmits and continues to monitor the CG Response. When the configuredGrantTimer expires and the terminal device still has not received the CG Response, the terminal device considers the SDT to have failed and falls back to the RRC idle state.

[0127] When the network device is in the Cell DRX OFF state, the behavior of the terminal device and the network device is not yet defined. Therefore, if the terminal device continues to transmit on CG resources when the network device is in the Cell DRX OFF state, DCI feedback will not be performed because the network device has turned off the receiver, causing CG-SDT transmission to fail and the terminal device to fall back to the RRC idle state. If the terminal device remains silent when the network device is in the Cell DRX OFF state, it will lead to increased transmission latency, which does not conform to the purpose of SDT.

[0128] Based on this, this application provides a method. Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 4 is executed interactively by a first terminal device and a network device. The first terminal device can be a terminal device, a component or device applied to a terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The network device can be a network device, a component or device applied to a network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions (e.g., a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU)). The method includes:

[0129] 401. The first terminal device sends a first uplink signal to the network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink signal from the first terminal device.

[0130] When the transmission conditions of CG-SDT are met, the first terminal device sends a first uplink signal to the network device. The first uplink signal is a UL WUS signal, used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource.

[0131] Specifically, the terminal device needs to determine whether the amount of data to be transmitted is less than a preset data amount threshold. Simultaneously, the terminal device needs to measure the reference signal received power (RSRP) between itself and the target cell and determine whether it exceeds a preset RSRP threshold. When the data amount is less than this threshold, the RSRP is greater than the preset RSRP threshold, the CG resources meet the requirements, and the timing advance (TA) on the terminal device side is effective, the terminal device considers the current link quality sufficiently good and can perform CG-SDT.

[0132] The first terminal device determines the UL WUS based on the first unscheduled resource and sends the UL WUS to the network device, causing the network device to be in the Cell DRX ON state on the first unscheduled resource. For CG-SDT, the first unscheduled resource includes one or more of the time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, beam-domain resources, code-domain resources, sequence resources, or power-domain resources corresponding to the first CG resource. For example, the UL WUS can be used to instruct the network device to wake up on the time-domain resource corresponding to the first CG resource and maintain the Cell DRX ON state.

[0133] It should be noted that the first uplink signal used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource can mean either that the first uplink signal instructs the network device to switch from the Cell DRX OFF state to the Cell DRX ON state on the first unscheduled resource, or that the first uplink signal instructs the network device to remain in the Cell DRX ON state on the first unscheduled resource. The specific meaning is not limited here. Specifically, the network device remaining in the Cell DRX ON state on the first unscheduled resource can be understood as the network device already being in the Cell DRX ON state before the time period corresponding to the first unscheduled resource (e.g., being woken up by another terminal device). In this case, the first uplink signal instructs the network device to remain in the Cell DRX ON state on the first unscheduled resource and not switch to the Cell DRX OFF state.

[0134] As shown in Figure 5, the network device wakes up during each UL WUS window and switches to the UL-WUS-RX-ON state. In this state, the network device detects the UL WUS from the first terminal device. If the network device detects the UL WUS, it executes step 402. If the network device does not detect the UL WUS, it does not execute step 402.

[0135] Optionally, if the network device detects UL WUS and does not allow the first terminal device to perform CG-SDT, the network device can instruct itself not to allow the first terminal device to perform CG-SDT by not executing step 402. In this case, the first terminal device can perform RA-SDT, or fall back to the RRC idle state.

[0136] In this embodiment, when the terminal device is in RRC inactive state and needs to perform CG-SDT, it first sends a UL WUS associated with the first unscheduled resource to wake up the network device. Then, it determines whether data can be sent on the CG resource based on the network device's response to the UL WUS. The above process clarifies the terminal device's transmission behavior when Cell DRX is active, reducing the probability of the terminal device performing invalid CG transmission when the network device's Cell DRX is active.

[0137] 402. The network device sends a first downlink signal to the first terminal device, and correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first downlink signal from the network device.

[0138] If the network device detects UL WUS, it sends a first downlink signal to the first terminal device. The first terminal device performs at least one of the following based on the first downlink signal: RA transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. The first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the network device can instruct the first terminal device to perform at least one of the following: RA transmission, initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on the second resource, by carrying indication information in the first downlink signal.

[0140] As an example, the indication information can be 1 bit. If the indication information is 1, it means that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform CG-SDT transmission on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7. If the indication information is 0, it means that the network device does not allow CG-SDT transmission on the first unscheduled resource. In this case, the first terminal device can choose RA resource for SDT transmission.

[0141] Optionally, when the indication information is 1, the first terminal device may default to the network device allowing the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 7. If the network device does not allow the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource after the initial CG transmission is completed, it will also instruct the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the second resource, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8. The second resource is either the second unscheduled resource (as shown in Figure 6) or a scheduled resource (as shown in Figure 8). The scheduled resource is also referred to as a dynamically scheduled resource or a DG resource. Optionally, the configuration information of the second resource is carried in the CG Response, or it can be sent by additional signaling.

[0142] Optionally, when the indication information is 1, the first terminal device may default to the network device allowing the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent CG transmission on the second resource, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8. The second resource is either the second unscheduled resource or a scheduled resource. If the network device allows the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource after the initial CG transmission is completed, it will instruct the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource in the CG Response, as shown in Figure 7.

[0143] Optionally, the indication information may also carry an additional 1 bit to indicate that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or to indicate that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform both initial and subsequent CG transmissions on the first unscheduled resource. Specifically, if the indication information is 11, it indicates that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform both initial and subsequent CG transmissions on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 7; if the indication information is 10, it indicates that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent CG transmissions on the second resource, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8.

[0144] The first terminal device performs initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent CG transmission on the second resource. The second resource is the second unscheduled resource, located within the T2 time period shown in Figure 6, meaning that subsequent CG transmission needs to be performed when the network device is in the Cell DRX ON state.

[0145] It should be noted that the first unscheduled resource is not affected by the Cell DRX mechanism and can be used for CG transmission during the T1 time period shown in Figure 1. The second resource is constrained by the Cell DRX mechanism and only exists during the T2 time period shown in Figure 2.

[0146] As another example, the indication information can be 2 bits. If the indication information is 11, it means that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 7. If the indication information is 10, it means that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, and subsequent CG transmission needs to be performed when the network device is in the Cell DRX ON state, as shown in Figure 6. If the indication information is 00, it means that the network device does not allow the first terminal device to perform CG-SDT, and the first terminal device can choose to perform RA-SDT.

[0147] The above instructions are merely examples. In practical applications, network devices may instruct the first terminal device to transmit data in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0148] In another possible implementation, the network device can instruct a terminal device to perform CG-SDT or RA-SDT through different downlink signals.

[0149] As an example, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. Specifically, the second downlink signal instructs the network device to allow the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource (as shown in Figure 7); the third downlink signal instructs the network device to allow the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent CG transmission on the second resource (as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8); and the fourth downlink signal instructs the network device to allow the terminal device to perform RA transmission.

[0150] Optionally, the third downlink signal is an indication signaling carrying second resource information. The first downlink signal includes at least one of the second downlink signal, the third downlink signal, or the fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate to the network device that the first terminal device is allowed to perform CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, the third downlink signal is used to indicate the location information of the second resource, and the fourth downlink signal is used to indicate to the network device that the terminal device is allowed to perform RA transmission.

[0151] In other words, when the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, the network device can send only the second downlink signal. In other words, if the first terminal device detects only the second downlink signal within the first time period, it means that the first terminal device can perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource.

[0152] When the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent CG transmission on the second resource, the network device can send a second downlink signal and a third downlink signal. In other words, if the first terminal device detects the second downlink signal and the third downlink signal within a first time period, the first terminal device performs initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, and determines the second resource based on the location information carried by the third downlink signal, and performs subsequent CG transmission on the second resource. The second resource can be a second unscheduled resource (as shown in Figure 6) or a scheduled resource (as shown in Figure 8).

[0153] Correspondingly, if the first terminal device detects the second downlink signal, it means that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource;

[0154] If the first terminal device detects the third downlink signal, it means that the network device allows the first terminal device to perform the initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource and the subsequent CG transmission on the second resource;

[0155] If the first terminal device detects the fourth downlink signal, it means that the network device allows the terminal device to perform RA transmission.

[0156] If the first terminal device fails to detect any one of the second, third, or fourth downlink signals within the first time period, it indicates that the network device missed detecting the first uplink signal, and therefore the first terminal device needs to retransmit the first uplink signal. In other words, the first terminal device will wait for a response from the network device indefinitely if it fails to detect any one of the second, third, or fourth downlink signals.

[0157] Optionally, the first downlink signal also includes a fifth downlink signal, which is used to indicate to the network device that the first terminal device is not allowed to perform CG-SDT or RA-SDT. In other words, the fifth downlink signal is used to indicate to the terminal device to cancel CG transmission.

[0158] In this embodiment, since the network device may miss the first uplink signal, the terminal device may believe that the network device does not allow uplink transmission and thus cancel the transmission. Therefore, the network device explicitly defines the terminal device's SDT transmission behavior by sending different downlink signals, thereby distinguishing between the network device missing the first uplink signal and the network device not allowing uplink transmission. This allows the network device and the terminal device to synchronize their SDT transmission behavior and reduces the possibility of SDT interruption.

[0159] If the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 6, the network device wakes up on the first unscheduled resource and maintains the Cell DRX ON state until the initial transmission ends. The network device instructs the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the second resource. The second resource is, for example, the second unscheduled resource in the T2 time period shown in Figure 6. That is, the network device instructs the first terminal device to perform subsequent transmission on the second unscheduled resource when the network device is in the Cell DRX ON state. The second resource can also be a scheduled resource, as shown in Figure 8, but this is not limited here.

[0160] Optionally, before initiating the initial CG-SDT transmission, the network device configures a timer, SDT-UL-Active Timer, the duration of which can be related to the initial transmission time. For example, the SDT-UL-Active Timer can be configured according to CG-SDT-TAT or configuredGrantTimer, where CG-SDT-TAT or configuredGrantTimer is used to indicate the time of one CG-SDT transmission.

[0161] If the network device allows the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission and subsequent CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource, as shown in Figure 7, the network device wakes up on the first unscheduled resource and keeps the Cell DRX ON state. After the initial CG transmission ends, the network device keeps the Cell DRX ON state until the subsequent CG transmission ends.

[0162] Optionally, in the scenario shown in Figure 7, the network device extends the duration of the SDT-UL-Active Timer after the initial CG transmission ends. As an example, the duration of the SDT-UL-Active Timer can be an integer multiple of CG-SDT-TAT or configuredGrantTimer.

[0163] Optionally, in the scenario shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, the first downlink signal instructs the network device to allow the first terminal device to perform initial CG transmission on the first unscheduled resource. After the initial CG transmission ends, when the network device sends a CG Response, it instructs the first terminal device to perform subsequent CG transmission on the second resource.

[0164] In this embodiment, the network device can adjust the startup method and resources of the initial transmission and subsequent transmission according to the energy-saving strategy, so as to maintain energy saving while ensuring the stability of CG transmission.

[0165] After sending the first uplink signal, the first terminal device begins detecting the first downlink signal. If the first terminal device does not detect the first downlink signal within a first time period, it retransmits the first uplink signal. If the number of times the first terminal device sends the first uplink signal reaches a preset threshold, the first terminal device cancels CG-SDT and falls back to the RRC idle state.

[0166] Optionally, if the first terminal device does not detect the first downlink signal within the first time period, the CG-SDT is directly canceled and the device falls back to the RRC idle state.

[0167] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first duration is determined based on the transmission request timer CG-SDT-Active-Request Timer.

[0168] In this embodiment, steps 401 and 402 are also referred to as the pre-transmission phase, which is used to reserve the CG resources used for CG transmission. The naming of these resources is not limited in this embodiment.

[0169] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 further includes step 400a. Step 400a may be performed before step 401.

[0170] 400a. The first terminal device acquires the first information;

[0171] The first information, also known as signal configuration information, indicates the association between the first uplink signal and the first unscheduled resource. This first information can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the network device and sent to the first terminal device.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the association between multiple uplink signals and multiple unscheduled resources. For example, see Table 2 below.

[0173] Table 2: Correlation between uplink signals and scheduling-free resources, and the time-domain resources corresponding to scheduling-free resources.

[0174] As shown in Table 2, the first information can indicate the association between the uplink signal and the unscheduled resource, as well as the time domain resource corresponding to the unscheduled resource, thereby determining the uplink signal used to request the corresponding unscheduled resource and the time for sending the uplink signal.

[0175] For example, the first terminal device needs to perform CG transmission on CG resource 1, therefore UL WUS1 is determined as the first uplink signal. Since the time domain resource corresponding to CG resource 1 is time period 1, assuming the start time of time period 1 is t1, the first terminal device needs to send the first uplink signal at time t2 = t1 - Δt. Here, Δt can be included in the first information, or it can be determined based on the first information. Alternatively, t2 can be included in the first information; the specific determination is not limited here.

[0176] The relationships in Table 2 above are just examples. In practical applications, the relationships in Table 2 may also include the relationships between scheduling-free resources and frequency domain resources or spatial domain resources. No specific limitations are made here.

[0177] In another possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the association between the uplink signal and the unscheduled resource. The first terminal device determines the time-domain resource corresponding to the unscheduled resource based on predefined rules or by receiving configuration information from the network device. For example, the first information includes the association between the uplink signal and the unscheduled resource, as shown in Table 3 below.

[0178] Table 3: Correlation between uplink signals and scheduling-free resources

[0179] For example, the first terminal device needs to perform CG transmission on CG resource 1, so it determines UL WUS1 as the first uplink signal. The first terminal device determines the time domain resource corresponding to the scheduling-free resource according to predefined rules, as shown in Table 4 below.

[0180] Table 4: Time-domain resources corresponding to scheduling-free resources

[0181] The first terminal device determines the time domain resource corresponding to CG resource 1 according to Table 4 and CG resource 1, and determines the transmission time of the first uplink signal as t2 = t1 - Δt according to time period 1.

[0182] Optionally, the first terminal device may receive a first configuration from the network device, and the first terminal device determines first information based on the first configuration. The first configuration includes a time, space, or frequency association mapping between uplink signals and unscheduled resources.

[0183] If the network device detects the first uplink signal and allows the first terminal device to perform CG-SDT or RA-SDT, then the network device needs to perform t2+Δt. a up to t2+Δt b The first downlink signal is sent between these points. Where Δt... a Δt is the time it takes for the network device to process the first uplink signal. bThe latest time for the network device to send the first downlink signal, and satisfying 0 < Δt a <Δt b <Δt.

[0184] Correspondingly, the first terminal device will be at t2+Δt a up to t2+Δt b The system detects a first downlink signal and performs at least one of the following based on the first downlink signal: performing RA transmission, performing an initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or performing a subsequent transmission on a second resource.

[0185] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the first duration can be |(t2+Δt) b )-(t2+Δt a )|=|Δt b -Δt a In other words, the transmission request timer CG-SDT-Active-Request Timer can be configured as |Δt. b -Δt a |

[0186] In this embodiment of the application, by defining the first information, both the first terminal device and the network device can determine the associated uplink or downlink signal according to the above configuration, thereby reducing the blind detection range of the network device or the first terminal device and reducing power consumption.

[0187] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 further includes step 400b. Step 400b may be performed before step 401.

[0188] 400b, The first terminal device acquires the second information;

[0189] The second information is used to generate multiple first uplink signals. The second information includes generation parameter information for multiple first uplink signals, including one or more of the following: signal type carrying the first uplink signal, signal format of the first uplink signal, time-frequency resource location information of the first uplink signal, spatial information of the first uplink signal transmission, and transmission power information of the first uplink signal. The first uplink signal is determined based on the first information and the second information.

[0190] The first uplink signal can be uplink control information (UCI) carried on PUCCH or PUSCH, or it can be a specific signal, such as the PRACH signal discussed in NR R19, or a low-power transmit signal, such as the OOK signal. The base station can predefine the type of the first uplink signal and send the generation parameters of the first signal in the second information, such as time-frequency resource location, transmit power, transmit beam information, coding and modulation scheme, and signal repetition count. When the UE supports more than one type of first uplink signal, the base station will indicate the type of first uplink signal used by the UE in the first information and send the generation parameters of the first uplink signal indicated in the first information; alternatively, it can send the generation parameters of all potential first uplink signals in the second information and then indicate the specific first uplink signal in the first information.

[0191] Optionally, the second information may also include generation parameter information for multiple first downlink signals associated with the first uplink signal, including a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. This includes one or more of the following: the format / signal type of the first downlink signal, the signal format of the first downlink signal, the time-frequency resource location information of the first downlink signal, the transmission spatial information of the first downlink signal, and the transmission power information of the first downlink signal. The first downlink signal may be carried on the PDCCH downlink control information (DCI), or it may be RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling, or it may be a specific downlink signal, such as a low-power downlink wake-up signal (LP-WUS) or an OOK signal. The base station may predefine the type of the first downlink signal and send the generation parameters of the first downlink signal in the second information.

[0192] The first terminal device can detect the first downlink signal, including the second downlink signal, the third downlink signal, or the fourth downlink signal, based on the second information.

[0193] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 further includes step 403. Step 403 may be performed after step 401.

[0194] 403. The first terminal device sends a second uplink signal to the network device, and the network device receives the second uplink signal from the first terminal device.

[0195] The second uplink signal is used for initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource; that is, the second uplink signal carries the data packets for the initial transmission. In one possible implementation, if the network device does not send the first downlink signal, the first terminal device assumes that the network device will wake up on the first unscheduled resource and keep the Cell DRX ON state. Therefore, the first terminal device will still send the second uplink signal to perform the initial transmission even if the first downlink signal is not detected.

[0196] In another possible implementation, when the first downlink signal is used to indicate to the network device that the first terminal device is allowed to perform CG transmission (e.g., when the aforementioned 1-bit indication information is 1), the first terminal device reserves the unscheduled resources used for subsequent transmissions in the second uplink signal.

[0197] Optionally, step 403 in this embodiment is executed when the network device does not send the first downlink signal (i.e., step 402 is not executed), or when the network device uses the first downlink signal to instruct the network device to allow the first terminal device to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The first terminal device can request information about the second resource from the network device through the second uplink signal.

[0198] Optionally, the embodiment shown in Figure 4 further includes step 404. Step 404 may be performed after step 403.

[0199] 404. The network device sends a sixth downlink signal to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device receives the sixth downlink signal from the network device.

[0200] The sixth downlink signal is a response signal to the second uplink signal, i.e., CG Response. The sixth downlink signal is used to instruct the network device to allow the first terminal device to perform subsequent transmissions on the second resource (as shown in Figure 6), or to perform subsequent transmissions on the first unscheduled resource (as shown in Figure 7), the specifics of which are not limited here.

[0201] When the network device allows the first terminal device to transmit CG (such as when the aforementioned 1-bit indication information is 1), the first terminal device can determine the location of the second resource through the sixth downlink signal, wherein the sixth downlink signal carries the location information of the second resource.

[0202] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of another communication method in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 9 is executed interactively by a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a network device. The first terminal device can be a terminal device, a component or device applied to a terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The second terminal device can be a terminal device, a component or device applied to a terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The network device can be a network device, a component or device applied to a network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions (e.g., CU, DU, or RU). The method includes:

[0203] 901. The first terminal device sends a first uplink signal to the network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink signal from the first terminal device.

[0204] Step 901 in this embodiment is similar to step 401 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and the specific details are not limited here.

[0205] 902. The second terminal device sends a third uplink signal to the network device, and the network device receives the third uplink signal from the second terminal device.

[0206] The second terminal device uses a different UL WUS signal than the first uplink signal, i.e., a third uplink signal, to reserve scheduling-free resources from the network device. Because the first uplink signal and the third uplink signal are different, the network device can distinguish between different terminal devices based on the different uplink signals.

[0207] For example, if both the first terminal device and the second terminal device need to use the first unscheduled resource for CG transmission, and the network device only allows the first terminal device to use the first unscheduled resource, then the network device executes step 903. Since the second terminal device does not receive a downlink signal from the network device, it will continue to send an uplink signal to the network device.

[0208] In this embodiment, by assigning different signal configurations to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the uplink signal used by the first terminal device to request scheduling-free resources is different from the uplink signal used by the second terminal device to request scheduling-free resources. Therefore, the network device can distinguish different users based on the different uplink signals, thereby realizing multi-user contention transmission and improving the transmission success rate.

[0209] 903. The network device sends a first downlink signal to the first terminal device, and correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first downlink signal from the network device.

[0210] Step 903 in this embodiment is similar to step 402 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and the specific details are not limited here.

[0211] In this embodiment of the application, by assigning different signal configurations to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the downlink signal indicating the transmission behavior of the first terminal device and the downlink signal indicating the transmission behavior of the second terminal device are different, thereby avoiding resource conflicts between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0212] The communication method in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The communication device in the embodiments of this application is described below. Referring to Figure 10, the communication device 1000 can be used to execute the process performed by the first terminal device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a component or device applied to a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0213] The communication device 1000 includes an interface module 1001 and a processing module 1002.

[0214] The processing module 1002 is used for data processing. The interface module 1001 can implement corresponding communication functions. The interface module 1001 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1002 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1000 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0216] The communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first terminal device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be the first terminal device, a communication module within the first terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the first terminal device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1000 can be the first terminal device or a component configurable on the first terminal device. The processing module 1002 is used to perform processing-related operations on the first terminal device side in the above method embodiments. The interface module 1001 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the first terminal device side in the above method embodiments.

[0217] Optionally, the interface module 1001 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0218] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the actions performed by the first terminal device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in Figure 4; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0219] For example, the communication device 1000 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0220] Interface module 1001 is used to send a first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource;

[0221] The processing module 1002 is configured to, upon receiving a first downlink signal, perform at least one of the following: random access (RA) transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource, wherein the first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0223] In another possible implementation, the interface module 1001 is also used to obtain first information, which is used to indicate the association between the first uplink signal and the first unscheduled resource;

[0224] In another possible implementation, interface module 1001 is also used to obtain first information, including:

[0225] Interface module 1001 is specifically used to receive the first configuration, which is used to determine the first information.

[0226] In another possible implementation, the interface module 1001 is also used to acquire second information, which is used to generate multiple uplink signals. The second information includes one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the multiple uplink signals. The first uplink signal is determined based on the first information and the second information.

[0227] In another possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial and subsequent transmissions on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmissions on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmissions on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0228] In another possible implementation, the interface module 1001 is also used to retransmit the first uplink signal if the first downlink signal is not received, until the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches the first threshold.

[0229] In another possible implementation, the processing module 1002 is further configured to cancel the transmission if the first downlink signal is not received within the first time period or the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches a first threshold.

[0230] In another possible implementation, the first duration is determined based on the transmission request timer.

[0231] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0232] Optionally, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, the processing module 1002 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The interface module 1001 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The interface module 1001 may also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0233] Optionally, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processing cores. The function of the interface module 1001 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0234] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 11, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0235] The communication device 1100 includes an interface module 1101. Optionally, a processing module 1102.

[0236] The processing module 1102 is used for data processing. The interface module 1101 can implement corresponding communication functions. The interface module 1101 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0237] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1102 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1100 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0238] The communication device 1100 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip within a network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1100 can be a network device or a component configurable within a network device. The processing module 1102 is used to perform processing-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments. The interface module 1101 is used to perform reception-related operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0239] Optionally, interface module 1101 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0240] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1100 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1100 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in Figure 4; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0241] For example, the communication device 1100 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0242] Interface module 1101 is used to receive a first uplink signal, which is used to wake up the network device on the first unscheduled resource;

[0243] Processing module 1102 is used to generate the first downlink signal;

[0244] Interface module 1101 is also used to send a first downlink signal, which is used to instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of RA transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. The first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or a scheduled resource.

[0246] In another possible implementation, the interface module 1101 is also used to send a first configuration, which is used by the terminal device to determine first information, and the first configuration is determined based on the first information.

[0247] In another possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial and subsequent transmissions on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmissions on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmissions on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs RA transmission.

[0248] In another possible implementation, interface module 1101 is used to receive the first uplink signal, including:

[0249] Interface module 1101 is specifically used to receive a first uplink signal according to second information, the second information including one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the first uplink signal.

[0250] In another possible implementation, interface module 1101 is used to receive the first uplink signal, including:

[0251] Interface module 1101 is specifically used to receive N uplink signals from N terminal devices, the N uplink signals including a first uplink signal, and the N uplink signals are used to wake up the network device on the first scheduling-free resource;

[0252] Interface module 1101 is used to send a first downlink signal, including:

[0253] Interface module 1101 is specifically used to send M downlink signals to M of the N terminal devices. The M downlink signals include a first downlink signal. The M downlink signals are used to instruct the M terminal devices to perform at least one of the following: RA transmission, initial transmission on a first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on a second resource. M is a positive integer, and N is an integer greater than or equal to M.

[0254] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0255] The processing module 1102 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The interface module 1101 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The interface module 1101 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0256] The following describes a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device may be a network device or a first terminal device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device or the first terminal device in implementing the above methods. This communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0257] The communication device may include one or more processors 1201, which are connected to a memory 1202, an input / output unit 1203, and a bus 1204. The processor 1201 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal, terminal chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0258] Optionally, the communication device may include one or more memories 1202, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1201 to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1202 may also store data. The processor 1201 and the memories 1202 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0259] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver and an antenna. A transceiver, also called a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, is used to implement transmission and reception functions. A transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter; the receiver, also called a receiver circuit, is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter, also called a transmitter or transmitting circuit, is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0260] In another possible design, the processor 1201 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0261] In another possible design, the processor 1201 may optionally store instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The instructions may be stored in the processor 1201; in this case, the processor 1201 may be implemented in hardware.

[0262] In another possible design, the communication device may include a circuit that can perform the sending or receiving or communication functions of the network device or the first terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0263] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a first terminal device, but the scope of the communication device described in the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited to FIG12. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0264] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0265] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and instructions;

[0266] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0267] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0268] (5) Receivers, terminals, smart terminals, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.

[0269] (6) Others, etc.

[0270] For communication devices that can be chips or chip systems, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip structure shown in Figure 13. The chip 1300 shown in Figure 13 includes a processor 1301 and an interface 1302. Optionally, it may also include a memory 1303. The number of processors 1301 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1302 can be multiple.

[0271] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device or the first terminal device in the embodiments of this application:

[0272] The interface 1302 is used to receive or output signals;

[0273] The processor 1301 is used to perform data processing operations of network devices or terminal devices.

[0274] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the communication device given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0275] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above 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.

[0276] 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 RAK 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.

[0277] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0278] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0279] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] 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 an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0281] 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.

[0282] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0283] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned 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.

[0284] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. 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 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 accessible to a computer 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., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first uplink signal, the first uplink signal being used to wake up the network device on a first unscheduled resource; If a first downlink signal is received, at least one of the following is performed based on the first downlink signal: random access transmission, initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or the subsequent transmission on a second resource, wherein the first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second resource includes a second unscheduled resource or a scheduled resource.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain first information, which is used to indicate the association between the first uplink signal and the first unscheduled resource.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first information includes: Receive a first configuration, which is used to determine the first information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second information is obtained and used to generate multiple uplink signals. The second information includes one or more of the time-frequency location information, signal format, and signal power of the multiple uplink signals. The first uplink signal is determined based on the first information and the second information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission and subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs random access transmission.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first downlink signal is not received, the first uplink signal is retransmitted until the number of times the first downlink signal is transmitted reaches the first threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first downlink signal is not received within the first time period or the number of times the first downlink signal is sent reaches the first threshold, the transmission is cancelled.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first duration is determined based on the transmission request timer.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first uplink signal, the first uplink signal being used to wake up the network device on a first scheduling-free resource; Send a first downlink signal, the first downlink signal being used to instruct the terminal device to perform at least one of random access transmission, initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or the subsequent transmission on a second resource, wherein the first downlink signal is a response signal to the first uplink signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second resource includes any one of the first unscheduled resource, the second unscheduled resource, or the scheduled resource.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first configuration, which is used by the terminal device to determine the first information, and the first configuration is determined based on the first information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The first downlink signal includes any one of a second downlink signal, a third downlink signal, or a fourth downlink signal. The second downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission and subsequent transmission on the first unscheduled resource. The third downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to perform initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource and subsequent transmission on the second resource. The fourth downlink signal is used to indicate that the terminal device performs random access transmission.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, Receiving the first uplink signal includes: The first uplink signal is received according to the second information, wherein the second information includes one or more of the following: time-frequency location information of the first uplink signal, signal format, and signal power.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, Receiving the first uplink signal includes: Receive N uplink signals from N terminal devices, wherein the N uplink signals include the first uplink signal, and the N uplink signals are used to wake up the network device on the first scheduling-free resource; The sending of the first downlink signal includes: M downlink signals are sent to M of the N terminal devices. The M downlink signals include the first downlink signal. The M downlink signals are used to instruct the M terminal devices to perform at least one of random access transmission, initial transmission on the first unscheduled resource, or subsequent transmission on the second resource. M is a positive integer, and N is an integer greater than or equal to M.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a program that causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a program that causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15.

21. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

Images