Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can be applied to support IEEE protocols, such as an IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi7 / EHT protocol, an IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, an Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, an IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol and an IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, or a NearLink standard protocol. In the method, a group leader node can indicate to a group member node whether it is necessary to give feedback on first multicast data, so that the group member node determines whether to send first feedback information. In this way, unnecessary feedback from the group member node can be avoided, and the power consumption of sending feedback information by the group member node and the power consumption of listening for the feedback information by the group leader node can be reduced.

Description

A communication method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for communication. Background Technology

[0002] StarSpot access technology provides a node-to-multipoint multicast capability, where one node acts as the leader node in the one-to-many transmission, and the multiple nodes act as member nodes. The leader node can send data packets, and the member nodes send feedback information to the leader node based on the received data packets, indicating whether the data packet transmission was successful. The leader node, based on the feedback information from the member nodes, determines whether to send new data packets or retransmit old data packets.

[0003] During the above process, the power consumption of the leader node and member nodes is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and communication device that can reduce the power consumption of the device and save air interface resources.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a group leader node or by components of the group leader node (such as chips, circuits, or chip systems).

[0006] The method includes: generating first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information, the first information being used to indicate whether member nodes need to send first feedback information, the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received; and sending the first multicast data on the multicast link.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the group leader node can indicate to the group member nodes whether feedback is needed for the first multicast data, so that the group member nodes can determine whether to send the first feedback information. This can avoid unnecessary feedback from the group member nodes, reduce the power consumption of the group member nodes sending feedback information and the power consumption of the group leader node listening to feedback information.

[0008] In addition, this solution can also save air interface transmission resources.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first information includes N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the first information can include N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, thus enabling rapid indication, and is simple and efficient.

[0011] For example, if one of the N bits is 1, it means that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information; if one of the N bits is 0, it means that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the method also includes: receiving first feedback information.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: receiving second feedback information, the second feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first instance was successfully received; and determining the first information based on the second feedback information.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, this application can be used in retransmission scenarios. For member nodes that have successfully received the first multicast data, the leader node can instruct them not to provide feedback again, thereby avoiding unnecessary feedback.

[0015] In this implementation, the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

[0016] For example, the first information is carried in the receive sequence number field or the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback field in the physical control information.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, this application can reuse fields in the physical control information to carry the first information, and has better compatibility.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: sending a second message, the second message being used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first message.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, the group leader node can refer to whether to enable or disable the scheme of this application, which can better ensure compatibility with existing protocols and improve scalability.

[0020] For example, the second information is carried in asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling or asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling.

[0021] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first member node or by a component of the first member node (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0022] The method includes: receiving first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information; determining whether to send first feedback information based on the first information, the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, determining whether to send the first feedback information based on the first information includes: sending the first feedback information when the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1; or not sending the first feedback information when the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: sending second feedback information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received, wherein the second feedback information is used to determine the first information.

[0025] In this implementation, the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes: receiving second information from the first node, the second information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which can be a group leader node or a component of the group leader node (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0028] The device includes: a processing unit for generating first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information, the first information being used to indicate whether member nodes need to send first feedback information, and the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received; and a transceiver unit for sending the first multicast data on the multicast link.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive the first feedback information.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive second feedback information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received; the processing unit is also used to: determine the first information based on the second feedback information.

[0031] In this implementation, the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: send second information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which can be a first member node or a component of the first member node (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0034] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information; and a processing unit for determining whether to send first feedback information based on the first information, the first feedback information indicating whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

[0035] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is specifically used to: send the first feedback information when the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1; or, not send the first feedback information when the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: send second feedback information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received, wherein the second feedback information is used to determine the first information.

[0037] In this implementation, the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

[0038] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive second information from the first node, the second information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information.

[0039] It should be understood that any aspects not described in detail in the second to fourth aspects, and their beneficial effects, can be referred to the first aspect.

[0040] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0041] In one implementation, the device is either a group leader node or a first group member node.

[0042] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in the leader node or the first member node.

[0043] Sixthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and a communication interface, the at least one processor being configured to obtain a computer program or instructions stored in a memory via the communication interface to execute the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. The communication interface may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0044] In one implementation, the device also includes a memory.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided for performing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0047] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a node, the program code including methods for performing any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0048] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any of the above aspects or their implementations. The communication interface can be implemented in hardware or software.

[0050] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0051] When the method provided in this application is executed by a chip, this application does not limit the specific number of chips implementing the method. For example, it can be executed by one chip, or by two or more chips. Furthermore, when the number of chips implementing the method is two or more, the chip manufacturers are not limited; they can be from the same manufacturer or different manufacturers.

[0052] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the methods provided by any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations to be executed.

[0053] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the group leader node and the first group member node mentioned above.

[0054] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects five through twelfth and any of their implementations can be referenced from aspects one through two and any of their implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the asynchronous multicast link establishment process.

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the time resource configuration for data multicast transmission.

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a retransmission scenario.

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario where data packets are sent to different receiving group members.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application.

[0061] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of two formats of physical control information provided in this application.

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the reconfiguration process of the asynchronous multicast link provided in this application.

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided in this application.

[0064] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1000 provided in this application.

[0065] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems (or New Radio (NR) systems), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application support short-range communication.

[0068] For example, short-range communication enables communication between electronic devices that are relatively close to each other. Current mainstream access technologies for short-range communication include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and ZigBee. With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), new application scenarios such as smart cars, smart homes, smart terminals, and smart manufacturing have emerged, giving rise to a new generation of short-range access technologies. Taking Sparklink Alliance access technology as an example, it includes, but is not limited to, Sparklink Basic (SLB) access technology and Sparklink Low Energy (SLE) access technology. SLB access technology can support high-bandwidth services such as screen projection, virtual reality (VR), and vehicular communication, while SLE access technology can support low-bandwidth, low-data-rate, and low-power services such as audio playback, keyboard, mouse, and electronic pen input. For ease of description, in the following embodiments, SLB access technology will be referred to as SLB, and SLE access technology as SLE. Unless otherwise specified, the access technology mentioned in the following description refers to short-range access technology.

[0069] The embodiments of this application can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), for example, supporting IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 6, also known as the high efficient (HE) standard), 802.11be standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 7, also known as the extremely high throughput (EHT) standard), 802.11bn standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 8, also known as the ultra high reliability (UHR) standard) or next-generation Wi-Fi 8 standards, and also include 802.11ad, 802.11ay standards, etc. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems that support integrated millimeter wave (IMMW), wireless local area network systems that support ultra-wideband (UWB) such as the 802.15 series standards, sensing systems such as the 802.11bf series standards, or wireless positioning such as 802.11az. This application can also support standard protocols such as Sparklink and Nearlink.

[0070] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited thereto.

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a transmitting device 110 and a receiving device 120, which can communicate based on wireless communication technology. Exemplarily, the transmitting device 110 refers to a device that transmits multicast data, and the receiving device 120 refers to a device that receives multicast data. The transmitting device can also be referred to as a transmitting node, etc., and the receiving device can also be referred to as a receiving node, peer node, etc.

[0072] It should be noted that Figure 1 is only used as an example to illustrate that the communication system 100 includes a transmitting end device 110 and a receiving end device 120, but the communication system 100 is not limited to including more other devices, and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0073] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the transmitting device 110 or the receiving device 120 can be any device with wireless transceiver function. For example, the transmitting device 110 is a radio access network (RAN) node or terminal, and the receiving device 120 is an RAN node or terminal.

[0074] In this application, the RAN node, also known as a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help a terminal access a communication system wirelessly. In one application scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, or a donor node. In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can cooperate to help a terminal achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU (Radio Control Unit) performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RAN) protocol and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU (Radio Link Control Unit) performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) layer and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of each of these protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications. The RU (Radio Receiver Unit) can be used to implement radio frequency (RF) signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0075] In different systems, RAN nodes can have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). In this application, the RAN node can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, the RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a network device or base station is used as an example of a RAN node below.

[0076] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D communication, V2X communication, MTC, IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control (e.g., smart manufacturing), autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, smartphones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, aircraft, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminals.

[0077] In some embodiments, the transmitting device 110 and the receiving device 120 may support at least one short-range access technology, for example, both may support SLB access technology. Optionally, the transmitting device 110 and / or the receiving device 120 may also support SLE access technology. For example, devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and wearable devices may support both SLE and SLB simultaneously. Furthermore, VR glasses, in-vehicle control panels, and cameras may support SLB.

[0078] For example, in a communication process supporting SLB or SLE access technologies, one of the sending device 110 and the receiving device 120 can act as a grant (G) node, and the other can act as a terminal (T) node. The grant node can be referred to as a master control node device, G node, G device, or first node, etc.; the terminal node can be referred to as a T node, T device, or second node, etc. This application does not limit the device names, as long as they can perform the corresponding functions. For ease of description, the grant node will be abbreviated as G node, and the terminal node as T node. Generally, as a G node, resources can be uniformly scheduled and managed. Therefore, the G node can send data scheduling information, and the T node can receive data scheduling information and send data according to the data scheduling information.

[0079] It should be understood that the above description of the transmitting device 110 and the receiving device 120 is merely exemplary, and this application does not limit the specific form of the transmitting device 110 and the receiving device 120.

[0080] SLE access technology provides a multicast capability between multiple nodes (i.e., one-to-many transmission or 1:N, where N is a positive integer), where one node is the leader node and the other nodes are the member nodes. Based on transmission reliability, multicast data links can be divided into asynchronous data links and synchronous data links. Specifically, asynchronous data links are used for reliable transmission between system nodes G and T, and between two T nodes. In an asynchronous data link, if a sending node does not receive an acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK) from the peer node after sending a data packet, it will continuously retransmit the data packet. ACK and NACK are collectively referred to as feedback information. Synchronous data links are used for unreliable transmission between system nodes G and T, and between two T nodes. In a synchronous data link, if a sending node does not receive an ACK or a NACK from the peer node after sending a data packet within a certain time, it will discard the data packet and will not retransmit it.

[0081] Multicast data is sent, received, and fed back periodically according to multicast-related parameters. Establishing a multicast session is marked by the establishment of an asynchronous multicast link.

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the asynchronous multicast link establishment process. As shown in Figure 2, the process mainly includes the following steps.

[0083] S201, one G node and one T node establish a linked asynchronous data link.

[0084] S202, G node and T node perform multicast link establishment signaling interaction on this link.

[0085] Specifically, node G sends an asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling to node T. This signaling includes parameters of the multicast link provided by node G, such as the effective time of the signaling. Then node T configures the multicast link according to the parameters.

[0086] S203, G node and T node are enabled at the specified effective time, that is, the multicast between the two nodes is established.

[0087] Figure 2 illustrates the process of establishing an asynchronous multicast link between one G node and one T node. If multiple T nodes want to join the multicast, each T node repeats steps S201 to S203 to join the multicast task. It should be understood that G nodes and T nodes represent the roles of two devices on a link. Each link has one G node and one T node. During the establishment of the asynchronous multicast link, the group leader node may be a G node on different links, or it may be a G node on some links and a T node on others. For example, suppose that when establishing link #a, the group leader node is a G node and the member node #a is a T node. Then, when establishing link #b, the group leader node can remain a G node (in which case member node #b is a T node), or it can be a T node (in which case member node #b is a G node).

[0088] On an asynchronous multicast link, multicast data transmission, as well as multicast parameter interaction requests or responses, multicast parameter update requests or indications, disconnecting the multicast link, and other related operations can be performed.

[0089] Based on the different transmission and feedback directions of multicast data, it can be divided into three categories: data multicast, bidirectional multicast, and feedback multicast. Through the configuration of event and event group time resources, data multicast transmission, bidirectional multicast transmission, or feedback multicast transmission from one node to multiple nodes can be achieved.

[0090] (1) Data multicast, also known as unidirectional multicast, refers to a leader node sending data packets and receiving feedback from multiple member nodes. Based on the feedback from the member nodes, the leader node determines whether to send new data packets or retransmit old data packets. In other words, in data multicast, data is sent from the leader node to the member nodes. In this application, feedback information can also be called ACK / NACK information (abbreviated as A / N information) or ACK / NACK feedback, which refers to information used to indicate whether data has been successfully received.

[0091] (2) Bidirectional multicast refers to a multicast where, in addition to unidirectional multicast, the leader node receives data packets from multiple member nodes and includes feedback information from these member nodes within a single data packet. Member nodes then determine whether to send a new data packet or retransmit an old one based on the feedback information from the leader node. In other words, in bidirectional multicast, data can be sent from the leader node to member nodes, or vice versa.

[0092] (3) Feedback multicast refers to a leader node receiving data packets from multiple member nodes and including feedback information from multiple member nodes in a single data packet. Member nodes then determine whether to send a new data packet or retransmit an old data packet based on the feedback information sent by the leader node.

[0093] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of data multicast transmission time resource configuration. As shown in Figure 3, the leader node sends multicast data packets at the start time of each event group (such as the start time of event group #1, event group #2, etc. in Figure 3), and all member nodes (node ​​1, node 2, and node 3 in Figure 3) listen and receive at that time. Subsequently, each member node provides feedback sequentially at a determined time offset according to its own intra-event interval configuration value.

[0094] To facilitate understanding, some concepts involved in Figure 3 will be briefly introduced below.

[0095] (1) An event group may include one or more events, or in other words, an event group is a data transmission process consisting of multiple events. Here, an event refers to the smallest basic process of data transmission. It can be a process in which two devices send and receive data one after another, or a process in which a broadcast device sends data once. For example, as shown in Figure 3, event group #1 includes event #1 and event #2.

[0096] (2) The intra-event interval refers to the time between the end time of transmission of the first node and the start time of transmission of the subsequent node in an event. The intra-event interval is configured by the group leader node during the multicast establishment process, that is, it can be a configuration value. For example, as shown in Figure 3, “Intra-event interval of node 1 (configuration value)”, “Intra-event interval of node 2 (configuration value)”, and “Intra-event interval of node 3 (configuration value)”.

[0097] (3) The inter-event interval refers to the time between the end time of the transmission of the preceding event and the start time of the transmission of the following event in two adjacent events within an event group. It is determined by the end time of the transmission of the preceding event and the start time of the transmission of the following event. In other words, the inter-event interval is a constraint value. For example, as shown in Figure 3, “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 1”, “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 2”, and “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 3”.

[0098] (4) The inter-event interval refers to the time between the end time of the transmission of the last event in the preceding event group and the start time of the transmission of the first event in the following event group for two adjacent event groups. It is determined by the end time of the transmission of the last event in the preceding event group and the start time of the transmission of the first event in the following event group. In other words, the inter-event interval is a constraint value. For example, as shown in Figure 3, “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 1”, “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 2”, and “Inter-event interval (constraint value) for node 3”.

[0099] However, during the process described above, member nodes may send data packets without needing to do so, thus increasing unnecessary power consumption. For example, depending on the data packet transmission, unnecessary power consumption may occur in the following scenarios.

[0100] Scenario 1: Retransmission Scenario. Specifically, at certain times, some team members may provide a NACK or not provide any feedback, requiring the team leader to retransmit the data.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4, assume the group leader node is node G0, and there are three member nodes: T1, T2, and T3. TX represents sending, RX represents receiving, A represents ACK, and N represents NACK. At time t1, the start of event group 1, the group leader node sends the data packet to all members. Assume nodes T1 and T2 successfully receive the data packet, while node T3 fails to receive it. Therefore, nodes T1 and T2 respectively send back ACK (A in Figure 4), and node T3 sends back NACK (N in Figure 4). Because node T3 sent back NACK, in event group 2, the group leader node will retransmit the data packet, and all member nodes will continue to send back A / N. Assume that node T3 successfully receives the data packet in this retransmission, so nodes T1 and T2 continue to send back ACK, and node T3 also sends back ACK.

[0102] In the above scenario, nodes T1 and T2 have already successfully received the data packet and responded with an ACK in event group 1. Therefore, in event group 2, node G0 only needs to listen for the feedback from node T3. The feedback from nodes T1 and T2 is redundant, and the behavior of node G0 listening for nodes T1 and T2 is also redundant. These redundant behaviors will cause power consumption and waste air interface resources.

[0103] Scenario 2: Data packets are sent to different receiving group members. Specifically, at certain times, the group leader node may transmit data with some of the group member nodes; that is, the group members participating in the reception are dynamically variable.

[0104] Assume the group leader node is node G0, and there are three member nodes: nodes T1, T2, and T3. At time t1, the group leader node only needs to send data packets to nodes T1 and T2, meaning it transmits data with some member nodes. At time t2, the group leader node needs to send data packets to nodes T1, T2, and T3, meaning it transmits data with all member nodes. At time t3, the group leader node needs to send data packets to nodes T2 and T3, meaning it transmits data with some member nodes.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, at time t1, which is the start time of event group 1, the group leader node sends data packets to nodes T1 and T2. Assuming that nodes T1 and T2 successfully receive the data packets, they each send an ACK (A in Figure 5). Since node T3 is unaware that it is not the recipient of this multicast, it did not receive the data packet and therefore sends a NACK (N in Figure 5). Because node G0 received the NACK from node T3 in event group 1, in event group 2, node G0 will retransmit the data packets, and all member nodes will continue to send A / N. Assuming that node T3 successfully receives the data packets in this retransmission, nodes T1 and T2 each send an ACK, and node T3 also sends an ACK.

[0106] In the above scenario, the recipients of the data packet at time t1 should be nodes T1 and T2. Node T3 does not need to listen to the data packet or provide feedback. Therefore, listening and sending feedback at the corresponding position by node T3 is redundant. Furthermore, the data packet has already been successfully sent to the recipients T1 and T2 in event group 1, so the retransmission by node G0 is unnecessary. In other words, the entire occurrence of event group 2 is redundant. These redundant actions all contribute to power consumption and waste air interface resources.

[0107] In view of this, this application proposes a communication method and communication device that can reduce the power consumption of the device and save air interface resources.

[0108] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below illustrate the method by using a group leader node and a first group member node as examples of interactive execution entities. However, this application does not limit the execution entity; any program that can run the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application. The execution entity of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a group leader node or a first group member node, or a functional module in the group leader node or the first group member node that can call and execute a program. For example, the group leader node in Figure 6 can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the methods that the group leader node can implement, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the group leader node; the first group member node in Figure 6 can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the methods that the terminal node can implement, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first group member node.

[0109] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 includes the following steps.

[0110] S610, the group leader node generates the first multicast data.

[0111] In this application, the group leader node acts as the controller in a one-to-many transmission. It is a single node that can provide parameters for the multicast link, such as time configuration. The group leader node can also be replaced by the first node. The group leader node can be the sending device described above.

[0112] For example, the group leader node establishes a multicast link with N1 group member nodes, each of which can be called a second node, where N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0113] Alternatively, in one implementation, N1 can also be equal to 1. When N1 = 1, the group leader node establishes a multicast link with one group member node. This can be regarded as a special type of multicast, similar to a 1:1 link.

[0114] For example, the first multicast data can be any multicast data, where "multicast" means that the data is sent only once but can be received by multiple receivers. In this application, data can also be referred to as a service message, which refers to information on the data plane.

[0115] The first multicast data includes first information, which is used to indicate whether member nodes need to send first feedback information, or whether member nodes need to provide feedback on the first multicast data, or whether member nodes need to provide feedback on whether the first multicast data was successfully received, or whether member nodes need to provide feedback on which member nodes need to provide feedback on the first multicast data and which member nodes do not need to provide feedback on the first multicast data.

[0116] In this application, feedback information (such as the first feedback information described here and the second feedback information described below) is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, or in other words, whether the first multicast data was successfully transmitted, or whether the first multicast data was successfully sent. The feedback information can be either ACK or NACK.

[0117] For example, the first multicast data may refer to the multicast data of the physical layer. The generation of the first multicast data by the group leader node may refer to the first multicast data payload being generated by the link layer of the group leader node, and then the physical layer of the group leader node generating physical layer control information including the first information, thereby forming the first multicast data.

[0118] S620, the group leader node sends the first multicast data on the multicast link, and correspondingly, the first group member node receives the first multicast data on the multicast link.

[0119] In this application, the first member node is any one of the multiple member nodes that have established a multicast link with the group leader node. Therefore, "the first member node receives the first multicast data on the multicast link" in S620 can be replaced with each member node receiving the first multicast data on the multicast link respectively.

[0120] It should be understood that the group leader node establishes a multicast link with N1 group member nodes. When the group leader node sends the first multicast data on the multicast link, all N1 group member nodes can receive the first multicast data.

[0121] For example, when receiving the first multicast data, the first member node can use methods such as checksum, hash value, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) or digital signature to determine whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

[0122] For example, the first member node can be the receiving device described above.

[0123] S630, the first member node determines whether to send the first feedback information based on the first information.

[0124] Specifically, when the first message indicates that the first member node needs to send the first feedback message, the first member node sends the first feedback message. For example, when the first multicast data is successfully received, the first feedback message is ACK; when the first multicast data is not successfully received (or reception failed), the first feedback message is NACK. When the first message indicates that the first member node does not need to send the first feedback message, the first member node does not send the first feedback message. Optionally, the first member node may discard or ignore the first multicast data in this case. Optionally, the first member node may also choose not to determine whether the first multicast data was successfully received in this case.

[0125] Based on the above scheme, the group leader node can indicate to the group member nodes whether feedback is needed for the first multicast data, so that the group member nodes can determine whether to send the first feedback information. This can avoid unnecessary feedback from the group member nodes, reduce the power consumption of the group member nodes sending feedback information and the power consumption of the group leader node listening to feedback information.

[0126] In addition, this solution can also save air interface transmission resources.

[0127] For example, the first information is used to instruct M member nodes (or M target nodes) that the M member nodes need to send the first feedback information, where M is less than or equal to N1 and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. That is, these M member nodes are M out of N1 member nodes.

[0128] In one implementation, the first information consists of N bits, where each bit indicates whether the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In other words, the first information can be a bitmap.

[0129] For example, N bits correspond to N member nodes, and N equals N1. That is, the N1 member nodes that establish a multicast link with the group leader node can each correspond to 1 bit. The value of each of the N bits is used to indicate whether each member node needs to send the first feedback information. For example, N1 = N = 4, and the 4 bits correspond to nodes #1, #2, #3, and #4 respectively. The first bit of the 4 bits is used to indicate whether node #1 needs to send the first feedback information, the second bit of the 4 bits is used to indicate whether node #2 needs to send the first feedback information, the third bit of the 4 bits is used to indicate whether node #3 needs to send the first feedback information, and the fourth bit of the 4 bits is used to indicate whether node #4 needs to send the first feedback information.

[0130] For example, N bits correspond to N groups of member nodes, and all N groups of member nodes constitute N1 member nodes. That is, the N1 member nodes that establish a multicast link with the group leader node can be divided into N groups. The value of each of the N bits indicates whether each group of member nodes needs to send the first feedback information. Each group can have one or more member nodes, and the number of member nodes in each group can be the same or different; there is no restriction. In this example, the N bits can also be referred to as the bits corresponding to the N groups of member nodes. For example, N1 = 8, N = 3, nodes #1, #2, and #3 form one group, nodes #4, #5, and #6 form another group, and nodes #7 and #8 form yet another group. The first bit of the three bits is used to indicate whether nodes #1, #2, and #3 need to send the first feedback information, the second bit of the three bits is used to indicate whether nodes #4, #5, and #6 need to send the first feedback information, and the third bit of the three bits is used to indicate whether nodes #7 and #8 need to send the first feedback information.

[0131] In this implementation, one bit out of the N bits is set to 1, indicating that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback message; another bit out of the N bits is set to 0, indicating that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback message. In other words, a bit out of the N bits being 1 indicates that the corresponding member node needs to provide feedback on the first multicast data, and a bit out of the N bits is set to 0, indicating that the corresponding member node does not need to provide feedback on the first multicast data. Alternatively, one bit out of the N bits can be set to 0, indicating that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback message, and another bit out of the N bits can be set to 1, indicating that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback message.

[0132] In this implementation, the N bits correspond to N member nodes, or the N groups of member nodes include a first member node. The first member node can determine whether it needs to send the first feedback information in the following ways: If the bit position corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1, the first member node needs to send the first feedback information. If the bit position corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0, the first member node does not need to send the first feedback information. Alternatively, if the bit position corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0, the first member node needs to send the first feedback information. If the bit position corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1, the first member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

[0133] The correspondence between the N bits and the N member nodes or the N groups of member nodes can be configured in advance by the group leader node to the member nodes, or it can be predefined by the protocol.

[0134] For example, when all N bits are set to 1 (i.e., M = N1), it means that all member nodes need to send the first feedback message. When all N bits are set to 0 (i.e., M = 0), it means that none of the member nodes need to send the first feedback message. In this case, multicast can be understood as broadcast.

[0135] Based on the above scheme, the first information can include N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, thus enabling rapid indication, and is simple and efficient.

[0136] In another implementation, the first information carries the identifiers of the M member nodes that need to send the first feedback information. For example, the first information consists of 3 bits, which can take 8 values, each value identifying a member node. For the first member node that receives the first information, it can determine whether it needs to send the first feedback information based on whether the first information carries its own identifier. If the first information carries the identifier of the first member node, the first member node needs to send the first feedback information. If the first information does not carry the identifier of the first member node, the first member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

[0137] The correspondence between the value of the first information and the identifier of the member node can be configured in advance by the group leader node to the member node, or it can be predefined by the protocol.

[0138] Based on the above scheme, the first information may include the identifier of the member node that needs to send the first feedback information, which can save the resources of the instruction.

[0139] It should be understood that when the first information indicates that the first member node needs to send the first feedback information, the first member node sends the first feedback information. Correspondingly, the method also includes: the group leader node receiving the first feedback information. When the first information indicates that the first member node does not need to send the first feedback information, the first member node does not send the first feedback information, and correspondingly, the group leader node does not listen for the feedback time of the first member node.

[0140] For example, the multicast between the group leader node and the N1 member nodes is a data multicast, and the corresponding multicast link is a data multicast link. The first information can be carried in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field in the physical control information.

[0141] Specifically, physical control information has two formats. One format, labeled A4, is used in radio frames transmitted by the leader node of data multicast, bidirectional multicast, and feedback multicast in linked asynchronous and synchronous data links, and is called A4 physical control information. The other format, labeled B1, is used in phase shift keying (PSK) modulated messages transmitted in unicast links based on transport block (TB) feedback, unicast links based on code block group (CBG) feedback, data multicast links, and bidirectional multicast links, as well as in PSK modulated messages transmitted by member nodes in feedback multicast links, and is called B1 physical control information.

[0142] As shown in Figure 7(a), the A4 physical control information includes the following fields: link quality indicator (8 bits), packet type indicator (2 bits), empty packet indicator (1 bit), sending sequence number (1 bit), receiving sequence number (8 bits), flow control (1 bit), asynchronous link scheduling indicator (1 bit), reservation (3 bits), data length indicator (11 bits), and cyclic redundancy check (12 bits). The receiving sequence number field corresponds to feedback information, which is sent by the group leader node to the group member nodes, indicating the sequence number of the data packets that the group member nodes are expected to send. Therefore, this field is mainly used in bidirectional multicast and feedback multicast; in data multicast, the group leader node does not use this field. In this application, the receiving sequence number field can be reused to carry the first information. For example, the first information is 8 bits, with a total of 6 group member nodes. The first 6 bits correspond to one group member node, and each bit is used to indicate whether the corresponding group member node needs to send the first feedback information.

[0143] Alternatively, the first information can also be carried in the reserved field of the A4 physical control information, or the first information can be carried by 11 bits consisting of the receive sequence number field and the reserved field.

[0144] As shown in Figure 7(b), the B1 physical control information includes the following fields: frame format indicator (1 bit), HARQ feedback field (8 bits), data packet sequence number (1 bit), modulation and coding rate indicator (4 bits), data length indicator (11 bits), flow control indicator (1 bit), upper-level link signaling indicator (1 bit), and cyclic redundancy check (24 bits). When the HARQ feedback field is used in a multicast link consisting of one leader node and multiple member nodes, the bit position corresponding to each member node is configured by higher-layer signaling. The HARQ feedback field has a similar meaning to the receive sequence number field in Figure 7(a), also corresponding to feedback information. This feedback information is sent by the leader node to the member nodes, indicating the data packets that the leader node expects the member nodes to send. Therefore, this field is mainly used in bidirectional multicast and feedback multicast; in data multicast, the leader node does not use this field. In this application, the HARQ feedback field can be reused to carry the first information. For example, the first information consists of 8 bits, with a total of 5 member nodes. The first 5 bits of the 8 bits correspond to one member node, and each bit is used to indicate whether the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information.

[0145] Based on the above scheme, this application can reuse fields in the physical control information to carry the first information, and has better compatibility.

[0146] Alternatively, the physical control information may also have other formats, for example, it may include an indication field for the first information.

[0147] Optionally, prior to S610, the method 600 further includes: S601, whereby the first member node sends second feedback information to the group leader node, and correspondingly, the group leader node receives the second feedback information. Further, the group leader node can determine the first information based on the second feedback information.

[0148] Specifically, method 600 can be applied to a retransmission scenario. In this scenario, the group leader node can trigger a retransmission of the first multicast data based on the second feedback information. During retransmission, the group leader node can carry first information indicating whether member nodes need to provide feedback on the first multicast data, i.e., S620. The member node indicated in the first information as needing to send the first feedback information can be a node that provides a NACK in the second feedback information. For example, the first information can be determined based on multiple second feedback messages from different member nodes.

[0149] In this scenario, the second feedback information can be used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received, and the first feedback information can be used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received. The first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission can be the first multicast data transmitted before S620, and the retransmitted first multicast data can refer to the first multicast data transmitted in S620.

[0150] For example, taking the scenario shown in Figure 4, the second feedback information can be the ACK returned by nodes T1 and T2 in event group 1, and the NACK returned by node T3. Therefore, when the group leader node retransmits the data packet in event group 2, it can carry the first information, which can be 001, indicating that nodes T1 and T2 do not need to send the first feedback information, while node T3 needs to send it. Based on the first information, nodes T1 and T2 will not need to provide feedback in event group 2, and only node T3 will send an ACK (an example of the first feedback information) in event group 2.

[0151] For example, the first feedback information in this application can also serve as the second feedback information to trigger the next retransmission. For instance, taking the scenario shown in Figure 4 as an example, if node T3 still sends a NACK in event group 2 (i.e., another example of the first feedback information), then the group leader node can continue to retransmit the data packet in the next event group, carrying the first information. The first information can be 001, indicating that nodes T1 and T2 do not need to send feedback, while node T3 needs to send feedback.

[0152] Optionally, the group leader node can also determine the first information based on the target device information of the first multicast data. Specifically, method 600 can also be applied to scenarios where data packets are directed to different receiving group members. For example, assuming the group leader node is node G0, and there are three group member nodes: node T1, node T2, and node T3. At time t1, the group leader node only needs to send data packets to nodes T1 and T2, i.e., data transmission with some group member nodes. At time t2, the group leader node needs to send data packets to nodes T1, T2, and T3, i.e., data transmission with all group member nodes. At time t3, the group leader node needs to send data packets to nodes T2 and T3, i.e., data transmission with some group member nodes. Then, at time t1, the data packet sent by the group leader node can carry the first information 110, indicating that nodes T1 and T2 need to respond, while node T3 does not. At time t2, the data packet sent by the group leader node can carry the first information 111, indicating that all group member nodes need to respond. At time t3, the data packet sent by the group leader node can carry the first information as 011, indicating that node T1 does not need to provide feedback, while nodes T2 and T3 do.

[0153] For example, the target device information of the first multicast data can be automatically determined by the higher layer of the group leader node (such as the application layer) according to business rules, or it can be determined by the group leader node according to the user's instructions.

[0154] It should be understood that the first information in this application indicates the M target nodes that need to provide feedback on the first multicast data, rather than the nodes that receive the first multicast data. Multicast data is sent in the form of multicast, and all member nodes will receive it. However, according to the method of this application, some member nodes can choose not to send the first feedback information according to the indication of the first information, thereby reducing device power consumption and saving transmission resources.

[0155] It should also be understood that retransmission is information determined and triggered by the physical layer. For example, when it is determined that multicast data has not been successfully received, member nodes can send a NACK through the physical layer. Correspondingly, the physical layer of the leader node can recognize the NACK, thereby triggering a retransmission.

[0156] For example, S620 to S630 can be referred to as an event group. Before S620, the group leader node pre-configures the start time and duration of the event group, as well as the intra-event time interval, inter-time interval, and inter-event group time interval. In S620, the group leader node sends multicast data at the start time of the event group. Correspondingly, each member node listens to the multicast data to determine whether the multicast data has been successfully received. Then, in S630, each member node determines the time to send its first feedback information based on at least one of the intra-event time interval, inter-time interval, and inter-event group time interval. The specific time configuration can be referred to Figure 3.

[0157] Optionally, the method 600 further includes: S602, whereby the group leader node sends second information to the first group member node, and correspondingly, the first group member node receives the second information.

[0158] The second information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information. Alternatively, the second information is used to enable the presence of the first information. Or, the second information is used to indicate whether the target device indication function is enabled.

[0159] For example, the second information can be 1 bit. When this 1 bit is set to 1, it indicates that the first multicast data includes the first information; when this 1 bit is set to 0, it indicates that the first multicast data does not include the first information. For example, the first information can be carried in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field of the physical control information. If the second information indicates that the first multicast data includes the first information, then the meaning of the bits in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field of the physical control information will be the meaning of the first information. If the second information indicates that the first multicast data does not include the first information, then the meaning of the bits in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field of the physical control information will be unrelated to the first information.

[0160] As an example, the second message can be carried in asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling.

[0161] Specifically, when a member node joins a multicast, the group leader node and the member node can establish a multicast link. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the group leader node can carry second information in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling of S202.

[0162] For example, Table 1 is a list of fields included in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling. The second information can be carried in a reserved field.

[0163] Table 1

[0164] It should be understood that, since joining a multicast is a one-to-one process (i.e., performed by one G node and one T node), in this example, the group leader node sends the second information to the first group member node via a unicast link.

[0165] Based on the above scheme, the group leader node can enable or disable the scheme of this application when a member node joins the multicast, which can better support existing protocols and improve scalability.

[0166] As another example, the second piece of information can be carried in asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling. This asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling can also be called asynchronous multicast link parameter update indication signaling.

[0167] Specifically, after joining a multicast, when the parameters and other information of the multicast change, the leader node can send a reconfiguration message to the member nodes. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the leader node (e.g., node G) and the member nodes (e.g., node T) can execute S801 to S803 to perform multicast reconfiguration.

[0168] S801, G node and T node have established an asynchronous multicast link. G node needs to initiate a parameter update, and T node agrees.

[0169] S802, G node and T node perform signaling interaction for updating multicast link parameters on this multicast link.

[0170] Specifically, node G sends an asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling to node T. This signaling includes the parameters for updating the multicast link provided by node G, such as the effective time of the signaling. Then, node T performs reconfiguration based on the parameters.

[0171] S803, G nodes and T nodes are enabled at the specified effective time, which completes the update of multicast link parameters.

[0172] In this example, the group leader node can carry the second information in the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling of S802. It should be understood that since the multicast reconfiguration process is a one-to-many process (i.e., one G node configures to multiple T nodes), in this example, the group leader node sends the second information to the first group member node through the multicast link.

[0173] For example, Table 2 is a list of fields included in the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling. The second information can be carried in a reserved field.

[0174] Table 2

[0175] Based on the above scheme, the group leader node can dynamically instruct group member nodes to enable or disable the scheme of this application on the multicast link, thus enabling dynamic instruction and providing greater flexibility.

[0176] The following is a simple example illustrating the specific implementation of the above method, using Figures 9 and 10 as examples. In Figures 9 and 10, assume the group leader node is node G0, and there are three group member nodes: nodes T1, T2, and T3.

[0177] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in this application, which can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 600. As shown in Figure 9, method 900 includes the following steps.

[0178] S901, the link layer of node G0 generates message #1.

[0179] Based on the target device information of message #1, the link layer can determine that message #1 needs to be sent to all member nodes.

[0180] S902, the link layer of the G0 node sends message #1 to the physical layer of the G0 node.

[0181] S903, node G0 sends data #1 (an example of the first multicast data) through the physical layer on the multicast link. Correspondingly, nodes T1, T2, and T3 receive data #1 through the physical layer.

[0182] Data #1 includes message #1 and physical layer control information, etc.

[0183] Assume that the physical layers of both node T1 and node T2 determine that message #1 was successfully received, while the physical layer of node T2 determines that message #1 was not received.

[0184] S904, the physical layer of node T1 confirms that message #1 has been successfully received, submits message #1 to its link layer, and sends an ACK back to node G0.

[0185] S905, the physical layer of node T2 confirms that message #1 has been successfully received, submits message #1 to its link layer, and sends an ACK back to node G0.

[0186] S906, the physical layer confirmation message #1 of node T3 failed to be received, and NACK was sent back to node G0.

[0187] S903 to S906 can be understood as sending and receiving multicast data based on the current standard. Optionally, in S902, the link layer of the G0 node can also indicate to the physical layer of the G0 node that message #1 needs to be sent to all member nodes. Thus, in S903, when the G0 node sends data #1, it can carry information #1 (an example of the first information). Information #1 indicates 111, indicating that all member nodes need to provide feedback on whether message #1 has been successfully received.

[0188] S907, G0 node's physical layer determines data #2 (another example of the first multicast data), data #2 is used to retransmit message #1.

[0189] Specifically, based on the feedback from nodes T1, T2, and T3, node G0 determines that message #1 needs to be retransmitted. Since nodes T1 and T2 both send ACKs, and node T3 sends NACKs, node G0 can add information #2 (another example of the first information) to the physical layer when retransmitting message #1. Information #2 indicates 001, meaning that node T3 needs to provide feedback on whether message #1 was successfully received, and nodes T1 and T2 do not need to provide feedback again. That is, node G0 can generate data #2, which includes message #1 and physical layer control information, including information #2.

[0190] S908, node G0 sends data #2 through the physical layer on the multicast link, and correspondingly, nodes T1, T2 and T3 receive data #2 through the physical layer.

[0191] S909, the physical layer of node T1 determines that no feedback is needed based on information #2, and thus discards the retransmitted message #1.

[0192] S910, the physical layer of node T2 determines that no feedback is needed based on information #2, and thus discards the retransmitted message #1.

[0193] S911, the physical layer of node T3 determines that feedback is required based on information #2, thus confirming that message #1 was successfully retransmitted. Therefore, it submits message #1 to its link layer and sends an ACK back to node G0.

[0194] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in this application, which can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 600. As shown in Figure 10, method 1000 includes the following steps.

[0195] S1001, the link layer of node G0 generates message #1.

[0196] Based on the target device information of message #1, the link layer can determine that message #1 needs to be sent to node T1 and node T2.

[0197] S1002, the link layer of node G0 sends message #1 to the physical layer of node G0, and instructs the physical layer of node G0 that message #1 needs to be sent to nodes T1 and T2.

[0198] S1003, the physical layer of node G0 sends data #3 (another example of the first multicast data), and correspondingly, nodes T1, T2, and T3 receive data #3 through the physical layer.

[0199] Specifically, data #1 can carry information #3 (another example of the first information) on the basis of message #1. Information #3 indicates 110, indicating that nodes T1 and T2 need to provide feedback on whether message #1 has been successfully received, while node T3 does not need to provide feedback.

[0200] S1004, the physical layer of node T1 determines that feedback is required based on information #3, thus confirming that message #1 was successfully received, submitting message #1 to its link layer, and sending ACK feedback to node G0.

[0201] S1005, the physical layer of node T2 determines that feedback is required based on information #3, thus confirming that message #1 was successfully received, submitting message #1 to its link layer, and sending ACK feedback to node G0.

[0202] S1006, the physical layer of node T3 determines that no feedback is needed based on information #3, and thus discards message #1.

[0203] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the group leader node or the first group member node includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0204] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of the communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the group leader node or the first group member node in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a group leader node or a first group member node, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the group leader node or the first group member node.

[0205] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 2000 includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020. The communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the group leader node or the first group member node in the method embodiment shown in Figure 6 above.

[0206] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the member node in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the processing unit 2010 is used to generate first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information, the first information being used to indicate whether the member node needs to send first feedback information, and the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received; the transceiver unit 2020 is used to send the first multicast data on the multicast link.

[0207] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first member node in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to: receive the first multicast data, the first multicast data including the first information; the processing unit 210 is used to: determine whether to send the first feedback information according to the first information, the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

[0208] For a detailed description of the functions performed by the processing unit 2010 and the transceiver unit 2020, please refer to the relevant description in the method shown in Figure 6.

[0209] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010 and an interface circuit 3020. The processor 3010 and the interface circuit 3020 are coupled together. It is understood that the interface circuit 3020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 3000 may also include a memory 3030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 3010, or storing input data required by the processor 3010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 3010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 3020 can also be understood as part of the processor 3010, in which case the communication device 3000 includes the processor 3010.

[0210] When the communication device 3000 is used to implement the method shown in FIG6, the processor 3010 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 2010, and the interface circuit 3020 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 2020.

[0211] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the group leader node, the chip implements the functions of the group leader node in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from the first group member node, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the group leader node, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sends information to the first group member node, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the group leader node, and then sent by these modules.

[0212] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the first member node, the chip implements the functions of the first member node in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from the leader node, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first member node, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sends information to the leader node, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first member node, and then sent by these modules.

[0213] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0214] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0215] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0216] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0217] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0218] In this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances. They are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0219] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0220] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0221] 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.

[0222] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0223] 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.

[0224] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0225] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion 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.

[0226] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to group leader nodes, including: Generate first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information, the first information being used to indicate whether member nodes need to send first feedback information, the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received; The first multicast data is sent on the multicast link.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information includes N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, If one of the N bits is 1, it indicates that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information; if one of the N bits is 0, it indicates that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first feedback information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second feedback information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first time was successfully received; The first information is determined based on the second feedback information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the receive sequence number field or the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback field in the physical control information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates whether the first multicast data includes the first message.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The second information is carried in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling or the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling.

10. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to the first member node, including: Receive first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information; Based on the first information, it is determined whether to send the first feedback information, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first information includes N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, including the first member node, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, If one of the N bits is 1, it indicates that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information; if one of the N bits is 0, it indicates that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, Determining whether to send the first feedback information based on the first information includes: If the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1, then the first feedback information is sent; or, If the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0, the first feedback information is not sent.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second feedback message, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received, wherein the second feedback message is used to determine the first information.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field in the physical control information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the first node, the second information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The second information is carried in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling or the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling.

19. A communications device, characterized by include: A processing unit is configured to generate first multicast data, the first multicast data including first information, the first information being used to indicate whether member nodes need to send first feedback information, and the first feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received. The transceiver unit is used to send the first multicast data on the multicast link.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The first information includes N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, If one of the N bits is 1, it indicates that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information; if one of the N bits is 0, it indicates that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 19-21, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Receive the first feedback information.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second feedback information, the second feedback information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted for the first time was successfully received; The processing unit is further configured to: determine the first information based on the second feedback information.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 19-24, wherein, The first information is carried in the receive sequence number field or the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback field in the physical control information.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 19-25, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Send a second message, which indicates whether the first multicast data includes the first message.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein, The second information is carried in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling or the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling.

28. An apparatus for communication, the apparatus comprising: include: A transceiver unit is used to receive first multicast data, wherein the first multicast data includes first information; The processing unit is configured to determine whether to send first feedback information based on the first information, wherein the first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data has been successfully received.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein, The first information includes N bits, which correspond to N member nodes or N groups of member nodes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein, If one of the N bits is 1, it indicates that the corresponding member node needs to send the first feedback information; if one of the N bits is 0, it indicates that the corresponding member node does not need to send the first feedback information.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28-30, wherein, The processing unit is specifically used for: If the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 1, then the first feedback information is sent; or, If the bit corresponding to the first member node in the first information is 0, the first feedback information is not sent.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 28-31, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Send a second feedback message, which is used to indicate whether the first multicast data transmitted in the first transmission was successfully received, wherein the second feedback message is used to determine the first information.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein, The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the first multicast data was successfully received, including: The first feedback information is used to indicate whether the retransmitted first multicast data was successfully received.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 28-33, wherein, The first information is carried in the receive sequence number field or the HARQ feedback field in the physical control information.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 28-34, wherein, The transceiver unit is also used for: Receive second information from the first node, the second information being used to indicate whether the first multicast data includes the first information.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein, The second information is carried in the asynchronous multicast link establishment indication signaling or the asynchronous multicast link parameter reconfiguration indication signaling.

37. A communications device, characterized by include: The unit is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or includes a unit used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

38. A communications device, characterized by include: At least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, the at least one processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18.

39. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

40. A computer program product, characterised in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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