Communication method, apparatus, and system

Abstract

A communication method, apparatus, and system, which are applied to a satellite system. The method comprises: receiving first information from a network device; and sending third information to the network device. The first information comprises information of at least one relay terminal group, the at least one relay terminal group comprising a first relay terminal group, and information of the first relay terminal group comprising at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal. The first information is used for indicating the establishment of a connection between a first remote terminal and the at least one first relay terminal, and the third information is used for indicating the completion of the establishment of the connection between the at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal. On the basis of the described solution, the first remote terminal can establish a connection with the at least one relay terminal group, thereby preventing frequent path switching and reducing processing complexity and delay overhead.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411748294.6, filed on November 29, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) include nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones. They have significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations. They have been widely used in fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation.

[0004] NTN communication has long distances, but due to the limited transmission capabilities of handheld terminals, uplink transmission rates are particularly limited, necessitating advanced technologies to improve uplink speeds and meet service demands. For example, Sidelink Relay technology supports path switching when the communication channel quality at the remote terminal deteriorates; that is, the network device triggers the selection of a suitable relay terminal for forwarding communication, ensuring service continuity. Furthermore, Sidelink Relay technology includes multi-path features to support user aggregation scenarios. However, in the NR R18 standard, communication between the remote terminal and the network device only supports one non-direct path based on the relay terminal. Moreover, in actual communication, frequent path switching may be required, leading to excessive processing complexity and high latency overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that can simplify processing complexity and reduce latency overhead.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first remote terminal. Unless otherwise specified, the "first remote terminal" in this application can refer to the first remote terminal itself, or a component in the first remote terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first remote terminal responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first remote terminal.

[0007] In this method, first information is received from a network device. The first information includes information about at least one relay terminal group, which includes a first relay terminal group. The information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and the network device. The first set of indexes is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of at least one first relay terminal indicates the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The first information is used to indicate that a first remote terminal establishes a connection with at least one first relay terminal. Third information is sent to the network device. The third information is used to indicate that the connection between at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0008] Using the above method, the first remote terminal can establish a connection with at least one relay terminal group, that is, establish a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, so that the first remote terminal can communicate with network devices through at least one relay terminal group. This can solve the problem of frequent path switching required in Sidelink Relay scenario in order to make full use of relay terminal capabilities, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead. In other words, it can realize flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within the group, make full use of the relay terminal capabilities, save path switching and maintenance delay, simplify processing complexity, and reduce latency overhead.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information from the network device, the method further includes: sending packet information to the network device, the packet information indicating at least one packet for a plurality of candidate relay terminals, each of the at least one packet including at least one candidate relay terminal among the plurality of candidate relay terminals.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the first remote terminal can send packet information to the network device to indicate at least one packet, so that the network device can select or determine at least one relay terminal group from it, so that the first remote terminal can establish a connection with at least one relay terminal group, establish a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, avoid frequent path switching, and simplify processing complexity.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, at least one group includes a first group, which includes M candidate relay terminals, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the first relay terminal group is the first group; or, at least one first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group is K candidate relay terminals in the first group, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than M.

[0012] In other words, when at least one relay terminal group is the first relay terminal group, and at least one packet includes the first packet, assuming the first packet includes M candidate relay terminals, the at least one first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group is one of K candidate relay terminals in the first packet, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M. That is to say, the first relay terminal group can be the entire set or a subset of the first packet, without limitation.

[0013] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the packet information to the network device, the method further includes: receiving configuration information from the network device, the configuration information being used to instruct grouping multiple candidate relay terminals; wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: grouping method, number of groups, maximum number of candidate relay terminals included in each group, at least one network temporary identifier, at least one group index, or identifiers of multiple candidate relay terminals, the at least one network temporary identifier including a first network temporary identifier, and the at least one group index including a first group index.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the first remote device can determine the effective grouping of multiple candidate relay terminals based on the acquired configuration information, so that subsequent network devices can select or determine at least one relay terminal group from at least one group, enabling the first remote terminal to establish a connection with at least one relay terminal group, establish a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, avoid frequent path switching, and simplify processing complexity.

[0015] In some implementations of the first aspect, the grouping method is determined based on at least one of the following: the capabilities of multiple candidate relay terminals, the connection information between multiple candidate relay terminals and the first remote terminal, or the connection information between multiple candidate relay terminals and network devices.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the packet information includes at least one of the following: a network temporary identifier corresponding to each packet, an index of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, a group index of each packet, a number of candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, an identifier of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, group capability information of each packet, or capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving configuration information from the network device, the method further includes: sending a request message to the network device, the request message being used to request the forwarding of signaling and / or data between the first remote terminal and the network device in the form of a relay terminal group.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, by sending a request message, the network device can be requested to forward the signaling and / or data between the first remote terminal and the network device in the form of a relay terminal group, thereby establishing a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, avoiding frequent path switching and simplifying processing complexity.

[0019] In some implementations of the first aspect, sending third information to a network device includes: sending third information to the network device through at least one first target relay terminal, wherein the at least one first target relay terminal belongs to at least one first relay terminal.

[0020] In some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the third information to the network device via at least one first target relay terminal, the method further includes: receiving fifth information from the network device, the fifth information being used to instruct the sending of the third information via at least one first target relay terminal.

[0021] Based on the above scheme, the first remote terminal can determine the first target relay terminal according to the instructions of the network device, and then forward the third information through the first target relay terminal.

[0022] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first scheduling information to at least one second target relay terminal, the first scheduling information being used to instruct at least one second target relay terminal to forward first data between a first remote terminal and a network device, wherein at least one second target relay terminal belongs to at least one first relay terminal.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, by sending the first scheduling information, at least one second target relay terminal in the first relay terminal group can be flexibly scheduled for communication. This enables flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within the group, fully utilizing the capabilities of the relay terminals, while saving path switching and maintenance delays, simplifying processing complexity, and reducing latency overhead.

[0024] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one second target relay terminal, an index of at least one second target relay terminal, a first resource, or first data, wherein the first resource is used to transmit part or all of the first data.

[0025] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending information about a first relay terminal group to at least one first relay terminal.

[0026] In some implementations of the first aspect, at least one relay terminal group further includes a second relay terminal group. The information of the second relay terminal group includes at least one of a second network temporary identifier, a second set of indexes, an identifier of at least one second relay terminal, or an index of at least one second relay terminal. The second network temporary identifier is used for communication between at least one second relay terminal and the network device. The second set of indexes is used to indicate the second relay terminal group. The index of at least one second relay terminal indicates the identifier of at least one second relay terminal in the second relay terminal group. The first information is also used to indicate that a first remote terminal establishes a connection with at least one second relay terminal. The method further includes sending a sixth message to the network device, the sixth message being used to indicate that the connection between at least one second relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0027] Based on the above solution, the technical solution of this application also supports scenarios where the first remote terminal establishes a connection with multiple relay terminal groups, that is, the network device can identify multiple relay terminal groups, and each relay terminal group includes one or more relay terminals. Furthermore, the first remote terminal can establish connections with multiple relay terminal groups respectively.

[0028] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending second scheduling information to at least one third target relay terminal, the second scheduling information being used to instruct at least one third target relay terminal to forward second data between the first remote terminal and the network device, wherein at least one third target relay terminal belongs to at least one second relay terminal.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, by sending the second scheduling information, at least one third target relay terminal in the second relay terminal group can be flexibly scheduled for communication. This enables flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within the group, fully utilizing the capabilities of the relay terminals, while saving path switching and maintenance delays, simplifying processing complexity, and reducing latency overhead.

[0030] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a second network temporary identifier, a second set of indexes, an identifier of at least one third target relay terminal, an index of at least one third target relay terminal, a second resource, or second data, wherein the second resource is used to transmit part or all of the second data.

[0031] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first target relay terminal. Unless otherwise specified, the "first target relay terminal" in this application can refer to the first target relay terminal itself, or a component in the first target relay terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first target relay terminal responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first target relay terminal).

[0032] In this method, second information is received from a network device. The second information includes information about a first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct a first target relay terminal to establish a connection with a first remote terminal. The first target relay terminal belongs to the first relay terminal group. The information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, at least one first relay terminal identifier, or at least one index of a first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for at least one first relay terminal to communicate with the network device. The first group index is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of at least one first relay terminal represents the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct the first relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal. Third information is received from the first remote terminal and sent to the network device. The third information is used to instruct the first target relay terminal to complete the connection establishment with the first remote terminal.

[0033] Using the above method, the first target relay terminal in the first relay terminal group can establish a connection with the first remote terminal, that is, establish a non-direct connection path based on the first relay terminal group. This allows the first remote terminal to communicate with network devices through at least one first target relay terminal. This solves the problem of frequent path switching required in the Sidelink Relay scenario to fully utilize the relay terminal capabilities, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead. In other words, it can realize flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within the group, fully utilize the relay terminal capabilities, save path switching and maintenance delays, simplify processing complexity, and reduce latency overhead.

[0034] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a fourth message to a network device, the fourth message indicating that the connection between the first target relay terminal group and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0035] In some implementations of the second aspect, the second information further includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the third information from the first remote terminal is forwarded to the network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first target relay terminal.

[0036] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first scheduling information from a first remote terminal, the first scheduling information being used to instruct a first target relay terminal to forward first data between the first remote terminal and the network device, the first target relay terminal belonging to at least one first relay terminal.

[0037] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of a first target relay terminal, an index of the first target relay terminal, a first resource, or first data, wherein the first resource is used to transmit part or all of the first data.

[0038] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving third scheduling information from a network device, the third scheduling information being used to instruct a first target relay terminal to forward third data between a first remote terminal and the network device.

[0039] In some implementations of the second aspect, the third scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of a first target relay terminal, an index of the first target relay terminal, a third resource, or third data, wherein the third resource is used to transmit part or all of the third data.

[0040] The beneficial effects of the second aspect and some implementations thereof can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device. Unless otherwise specified, "network device" in this application can refer to the network device itself, or a component in the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the network device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0042] In this method, at least one relay terminal group is determined, the at least one relay terminal group including a first relay terminal group, the first relay terminal group including at least one first relay terminal; second information is sent to the at least one relay terminal group, the second information including information of the first relay terminal group, the second information being used to instruct the at least one relay terminal group to establish a connection with a first remote terminal; first information is sent to the first remote terminal, the first information including information of the at least one relay terminal group; wherein, the information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set index, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, the first network temporary identifier being used for at least one first relay terminal to communicate with a network device, the first set index being used to indicate the first relay terminal group, the index of at least one first relay terminal representing the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group, and the first information being used to instruct the first remote terminal to establish a connection with the at least one relay terminal group.

[0043] Using the above method, the network device identifies at least one relay terminal group, thereby enabling the first remote terminal to establish a connection with each of the at least one relay terminal group. This establishes a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, allowing the first remote terminal to communicate with the network device through at least one relay terminal group. This solves the problem of frequent path switching required in Sidelink Relay scenarios to fully utilize relay terminal capabilities, which causes significant processing complexity and latency overhead. In other words, it enables flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within a group, fully utilizing the relay terminal capabilities while saving path switching and maintenance latency, simplifying processing complexity, and reducing latency overhead.

[0044] In some implementations of the third aspect, before determining at least one group of relay terminals, the method includes: receiving packet information from a first remote terminal, the packet information indicating at least one packet for a plurality of candidate relay terminals, each of the at least one packet including a plurality of candidate relay terminals; determining at least one group of relay terminals includes: determining at least one group of relay terminals based on the packet information.

[0045] In some implementations of the third aspect, at least one group includes a first group, which includes M candidate relay terminals, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the first relay terminal group is the first group; or, at least one first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group is K candidate relay terminals in the first group, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than M.

[0046] In some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the packet information from the first remote terminal, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the first remote terminal, the configuration information being used to instruct the grouping of multiple candidate relay terminals; wherein the configuration information includes a grouping method, a number of groups, a maximum number of candidate relay terminals included in each group, at least one network temporary identifier, at least one group index, or at least one of multiple candidate relay terminal identifiers, the at least one network temporary identifier including a first network temporary identifier, and the at least one group index including a first group index.

[0047] In some implementations of the third aspect, the grouping method is determined based on at least one of the following: the capabilities of multiple candidate relay terminals, the connection information between multiple candidate relay terminals and the first remote terminal, or the connection information between multiple candidate relay terminals and network devices.

[0048] In some implementations of the third aspect, the packet information includes at least one of the following: a network temporary identifier corresponding to each packet, an index of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, a group index of each packet, a number of candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, an identifier of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet, group capability information of each packet, or capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each packet.

[0049] In some implementations of the third aspect, before sending configuration information to the first remote terminal, the method further includes: receiving a request message from the first remote terminal, the request message being used to request the forwarding of signaling and / or data between the first remote terminal and the network device in the form of a relay terminal group.

[0050] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information from a first remote terminal, the third information indicating that a connection between at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established; and / or receiving fourth information from a first target relay terminal, the fourth information indicating that a connection between at least one relay terminal group and the first remote terminal has been established, the first target relay terminal belonging to the first relay terminal group.

[0051] In some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the third information from the first remote terminal, the method further includes: sending fifth information to the first remote terminal, the fifth information being used to instruct the third information to be forwarded through the first target relay terminal.

[0052] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending third scheduling information to at least one fourth target relay terminal, the third scheduling information being used to instruct at least one fourth target relay terminal to forward third data between the first remote terminal and the network device, wherein at least one fourth target relay terminal belongs to at least one first relay terminal.

[0053] In some implementations of the third aspect, the third scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one fourth target relay terminal, an index of at least one fourth target relay terminal, a third resource, or third data, wherein the third resource is used to transmit part or all of the third data.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the third aspect and some implementations thereof can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0056] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for receiving first information from a network device, the first information including information about at least one relay terminal group, the at least one relay terminal group including a first relay terminal group, the information of the first relay terminal group including at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, the first network temporary identifier being used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and the network device, the first set of indexes being used to indicate the first relay terminal group, the index of at least one first relay terminal indicating the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group, and the first information being used to indicate that a first remote terminal establishes a connection with at least one first relay terminal; the communication unit is further configured to send third information to the network device, the third information being used to indicate that the connection between at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0057] The communication unit can perform the receiving and transmitting processes described in the first aspect above, and the processing unit can perform other processes described in the first aspect above besides receiving and transmitting.

[0058] The aforementioned communication device may be a first remote terminal, or a communication module in the first remote terminal, or a chip in the first remote terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logic node, logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first remote terminal.

[0059] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a communication unit for receiving second information from a network device, the second information including information about a first relay terminal group, the second information being used to instruct a first target relay terminal to establish a connection with a first remote terminal, the first target relay terminal belonging to the first relay terminal group, the information of the first relay terminal group including at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, at least one first relay terminal identifier, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, the first network temporary identifier being used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and the network device, the first group index being used to indicate the first relay terminal group, the index of at least one first relay terminal indicating the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group, and the second information being used to instruct the first relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal; the communication unit is further configured to receive third information from the first remote terminal and send the third information to the network device, wherein the third information is used to instruct the first target relay terminal and the first remote terminal to establish a connection.

[0061] The communication unit can perform the receiving and transmitting processes described in the second aspect above, and the processing unit can perform other processes described in the second aspect above besides receiving and transmitting.

[0062] The aforementioned communication device may be a first target relay terminal, or a communication module in the first target relay terminal, or a chip in the first target relay terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first target relay terminal.

[0063] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the third aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the third aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0064] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a processing unit for determining at least one relay terminal group, the at least one relay terminal group including a first relay terminal group, the first relay terminal group including at least one first relay terminal; a communication unit for sending second information to the at least one relay terminal group, the second information including information of the first relay terminal group, the second information being used to instruct the at least one relay terminal group to establish a connection with a first remote terminal; the communication unit is further configured to send first information to the first remote terminal, the first information including information of the at least one relay terminal group; wherein the information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, the first network temporary identifier being used for at least one first relay terminal to communicate with a network device, the first set of indexes being used to indicate the first relay terminal group, the index of at least one first relay terminal indicating the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group, and the first information being used to instruct the first remote terminal to establish a connection with the at least one relay terminal group.

[0065] The communication unit can perform the receiving and transmitting processes described in the third aspect above, and the processing unit can perform other processes described in the third aspect above besides receiving and transmitting.

[0066] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0067] A seventh aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is capable of executing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of any of the first, second, or third aspects described above.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication device may further include at least one interface circuit. This interface circuit is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0069] In one possible design, the communication device may further include at least one interface circuit and / or at least one memory. The at least one processor is coupled to the at least one memory. The at least one memory is used to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any of the first, second, or third aspects described above. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication functions within the communication device and / or the communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0070] In one possible design, the at least one processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the at least one interface circuit.

[0071] The aforementioned communication device may be a first remote terminal, or a communication module in the first remote terminal, or a chip in the first remote terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logic node, logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first remote terminal.

[0072] The aforementioned communication device may be a first target relay terminal, or a communication module in the first target relay terminal, or a chip in the first target relay terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first target relay terminal.

[0073] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module, or a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0074] Eighthly, a communication system is provided. This communication system includes at least one of the communication devices described in the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects.

[0075] Ninthly, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes at least one processing circuitry for executing a computer program or instructions, causing the chip or chip system to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect, the third aspect, and any possible implementation thereof.

[0076] The chip or chip system may include output circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and input circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0077] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects to be implemented.

[0078] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects to be implemented.

[0079] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects to be implemented.

[0080] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the fourth to twelfth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first to third aspects mentioned above and any possible implementation methods, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Figures 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the intra-gNB path handover process from a directly connected path to a non-directly connected path.

[0083] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the intra-gNB path handover process from a non-directly connected path to a non-directly connected path.

[0084] Figures 6 to 9 are schematic flowcharts of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture applicable to this application;

[0086] Figure 11 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the baseband processor in the terminal provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0091] First, in this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0092] Second, 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 are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0093] Third, in this application, the terms "first," "second," "#1," and "#2," as well as various numerical designations, are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] Fourth, in this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can include whether the instruction information directly or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction information carries A.

[0095] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0096] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0097] Fifth, in this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as fifth-generation (5G) protocols. th This application does not limit the scope of network protocols such as generation (5G), New Radio (NR) protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication systems. "Predefined" may include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device; this application does not limit the implementation method.

[0098] Sixth, in this application, terms such as "message," "information," "signal," or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0099] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information to that device directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information from that device directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0100] "Communication" can also be described as data transmission, information transmission, data processing, etc. "Transmission" includes sending and / or receiving. "Transmission" can be described as output. "Sending" can also be understood as the output of a chip interface, and "receiving" can be understood as the input of a chip interface. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0101] For example, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For instance, "a network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the network device sending information to logical module 2 within the network device. Similarly, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For instance, "a network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 within the network device receiving information from logical module 2 within the network device.

[0102] Seventh, in this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," "corresponding," and "associate" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0103] Eighth, in this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration, such as radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI), or system information blocks (SIBs). Optionally, the signaling configuration can be provided to the terminal device by pre-configured signaling configuration, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration refers to defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance using a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device during communication. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to a network.

[0104] Ninth, in this application, when comparing A and B, the description "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B" can be implemented in a way that is "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; when A is less than B, execute method B"; or it can be "when A is greater than B, execute method A; or when A is less than or equal to B, execute method B". This application does not limit this. For ease of description, the implementation methods provided in this application are all illustrated using "when A is greater than or equal to B, execute method A; or when A is less than B, execute method B" as an example. In other words, "<" means less than, "≤" means less than or equal to, and "<" and "≤" can be interchanged without limitation. Similarly, ">" means greater than, "≥" means greater than or equal to, and ">" and "≥" can be interchanged without limitation. The examples provided in this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0105] The following describes the communication system to which this application applies.

[0106] The technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as satellite communication systems and high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, including integrated communication and navigation (ICaN) systems and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. These mobile communication systems can be 5G or NR systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), etc. The technical solution 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), Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, or other communication systems.

[0107] For example, a satellite communication system may include terminal equipment and network equipment.

[0108] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be referred to as user equipment (UE). The terminal device in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of communicating with one or more core networks via a satellite base station. The terminal device can also be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. The terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (e.g., on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, smartphone, mobile phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.; or, the terminal device can also be a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, drone device, or a terminal in the Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle network, 5G network, or any form of terminal in future networks, relay user equipment, or terminal in future networks, etc. This application does not limit the type or category of the terminal device.

[0109] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a chip. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0110] The network equipment in this application embodiment may include one or more satellite and ground station devices. The network equipment can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a radio access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network equipment can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or RAN device, or RAN entity) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. (R)AN can be considered a sub-network of the operator's network, serving as the implementation system between service nodes and terminal devices within the operator's network. For example, for a terminal device to access the operator's network, it first goes through the network equipment, and then connects to the service nodes of the operator's network via the network equipment. The aforementioned RAN can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: next-generation node base stations (gNBs) in 5G systems, evolved node Bs (eNBs) in LTE, radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node Bs, or home node Bs (HNBs)), base band units (BBUs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), small cell equipment, mobile switching centers, or network equipment in future networks. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with access network equipment functions may differ. For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the aforementioned devices providing wireless communication functions for terminal devices are collectively referred to as access network equipment or simply RAN or AN. It should be understood that this document does not limit the specific type of access network equipment.

[0111] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0112] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0113] Network equipment can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of that mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0114] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the access network device can be a network device or an apparatus capable of supporting the access network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a chip. This apparatus can be installed in the access network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0115] For example, a satellite communication system may also include a core network (CN). The core network may include, but is not limited to, the following network functions (NFs): user plane function (UPF), network exposure function (NEF), network function repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management function (UDM), unified data repository function (UDR), application function (AF), authentication server function (AUSF), access and mobility management function (AMF), and session management function (SMF).

[0116] It is understandable that the aforementioned network elements or functions can be physical entities in hardware devices, software instances running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a shared platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Simply put, an NF can be implemented in hardware or software.

[0117] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0118] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the system architecture 100 may include terminal equipment, satellite base stations (e.g., satellite base station 101 and satellite base station 102), a core network 103, and a data network (DN) 104, etc. The data network can also be called a packet data network (PDN), which is usually a network located outside the operator's network, such as a third-party network. In some implementations, the DN may also be deployed by the operator, that is, the DN is part of the public land mobile network (PLMN). This application does not limit whether the DN belongs to the PLMN. Various services can be deployed on the DN, which can provide data and / or voice services to terminal equipment.

[0119] Each satellite can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to terminal devices via multiple beams. In this scenario, satellites include low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), highly elliptical orbit (HEO), and geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites. Satellite base station 102 connects to a ground gateway station (such as an NTN Gateway), which can also be called a gateway station, signaling station, or ground station equipment. The satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and different beams can communicate via one or more of time-division, frequency-division, and space-division multiplexing. The satellite communicates wirelessly with terminal devices through broadcast communication signals and navigation signals, and can also communicate wirelessly with ground station equipment. The satellite mentioned in this application embodiment can be a satellite base station, or it can include an orbital receiver or repeater for relaying information, or network-side equipment mounted on the satellite. For ease of description, in this application embodiment, a satellite with access network functionality is referred to as a satellite access network device, or a base station deployed on a satellite is referred to as a satellite base station.

[0120] Taking 5G networks as an example, ground-based terminal devices can communicate with satellite base stations using the 5G New Radio (NR). For instance, satellite base stations can wirelessly communicate with terminal devices via broadcast communication signals and navigation signals. The connection between the terminal device and the satellite base station can be called a service link. Satellite base stations can wirelessly communicate with ground stations (also known as gateway stations, ground access points, or signaling gateways) via the NG interface (e.g., for exchanging signaling such as NAS in the core network and user service data). Satellite base stations can also communicate with the core network via ground access points. Ground stations are primarily responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations and the core network; the connection between satellite base stations and ground stations can be called a feeder link. Simultaneously, inter-satellite links (ISL) exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between 5G access network devices. For example, satellite base station 101 can wirelessly communicate with satellite base station 102 via the Xn interface (e.g., for handover signaling interaction). Normally, the service link between the terminal device and the satellite base station, as well as the feeder link between the satellite base station and the ground station, are connected. That is, uplink and downlink messages between the terminal device and the core network can be transmitted through the satellite base station and the ground station.

[0121] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 2, when the remote UE 211 is outside the network coverage area or the signal quality between it and the access network device RAN 220 is poor (e.g., below a preset threshold), the remote UE 211 can be assisted by a relay UE 212. Communication between the remote UE 211 and the RAN 220 is achieved through communication between the remote UE 211 and the relay UE 212, and through communication between the relay UE 212 and the RAN 220. In the user plane architecture, the remote UE 211 can perform user plane communication through the UE-RAN-UPF-AF path, that is, the remote UE 211 can communicate with the RAN 220 through the relay UE 212 device.

[0122] Terrestrial communication networks (such as LTE networks, 5G networks, and future communication networks) and NTN communication systems are integrated to form a globally seamless, land, sea, space, and ground-based integrated communication network, which can meet various user service needs. Current communication networks support a regenerator satellite mode, where the NTN communication system provides seamless coverage to terminal devices by deploying access network equipment or part of its functionality on non-terrestrial surfaces (e.g., high-altitude platforms or satellites). This can also be described as access network equipment using New Radio (NR) to provide satellite access to terminal devices. For ease of description, in this application embodiment, satellites with deployed access network functionality are referred to as satellite access network equipment, or base stations deployed on satellites are referred to as satellite base stations.

[0123] It should be noted that the communication system shown in Figure 2 is illustrated using a satellite communication system combined with a 5G system as an example. When the satellite communication system is combined with other terrestrial communication systems, the network elements and interfaces involved can have other names, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0124] NTN communication has long distances, but the limited transmission capabilities of handheld terminals severely restrict uplink transmission rates, necessitating advanced technologies to improve uplink speeds and meet service demands. NR Sidelink Relay technology can select a suitable Relay UE for forwarding when the communication channel quality of a Remote UE deteriorates, ensuring service continuity. Furthermore, Release 18 adds multi-path features to the Sidelink Relay enhancements, supporting UE aggregation scenarios. For example, an NTN handheld terminal can request other nearby terminals, such as high-power user equipment (HPUE), other mobile phones, wearable devices, IoT devices, and laptops, to help forward all or part of the data, thereby improving uplink transmission rates. On one hand, to meet specific absorption rate (SAR) requirements, HPUEs have a duty cycle and cannot communicate continuously; during idle times, Relay UEs can be switched to fully utilize their resources. On the other hand, low-power devices like wearables or IoT devices cannot communicate continuously due to power consumption considerations. Therefore, in this scenario, it is necessary to frequently switch Relay UEs, but currently only one indirect path of the Relay UE is supported, making the path switching process complex.

[0125] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 3(a), when the communication channel quality of the remote UE deteriorates, a suitable relay UE is selected for forwarding to ensure service continuity. That is, the remote UE communicates with the satellite base station through the relay UE. As shown in Figure 3(b), in UE aggregation scenarios, the path for direct communication between the remote UE and the satellite base station is called the direct path, and the path for communication between the satellite base station UE and the satellite base station through the relay UE is called the indirect path. In other words, the remote UE can forward information through the relay UE, utilizing the relay UE's capabilities to improve uplink speed, reliability, service stability, or reduce latency. In UE aggregation scenarios, information exchange between the remote UE and the relay UE can be achieved through side-link communication, i.e., PC5 connection, or through non-3GPP (Non-3GPP Connectivity, N3C) connection, such as Bluetooth, WIFI, etc.

[0126] The following examples illustrate the path switching method in the NR Sidelink Relay scenario, using Figures 4 and 5 as examples.

[0127] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an intra-gNB path switching process from a direct path to an indirect path. As shown in Figure 4, it includes several steps; for parts not described in detail, please refer to existing protocols.

[0128] S401, the remote UE and gNB transmit uplink / downlink data via a direct connection path.

[0129] S402, the remote UE interacts with the gNB to configure measurement and report measurement.

[0130] For example, the gNB sends a measurement configuration to the remote UE, which includes the UE IDs of at least one candidate relay UE (e.g., Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3, Relay UE4). Correspondingly, the remote UE performs measurements on at least one candidate relay UE according to the measurement configuration indicated by the gNB, obtaining measurement results. The remote UE then reports the measurement results to the gNB in ​​a measurement report. The measurement results include at least one of the following: the UE ID of at least one candidate relay UE, the serving cell ID of at least one candidate relay UE, and the signal quality of the sidelink.

[0131] S403, gNB determines the target relay UE from at least one candidate relay UE.

[0132] For example, if the signal quality of at least one candidate relay UE reported by the remote UE is in descending order as Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3 and Relay UE4, then the gNB can select Relay UE1 as the target relay UE.

[0133] In step S404, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #1 (e.g., RRC Reconfiguration for Remote UE) to the target relay UE. Correspondingly, the target relay UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #1 from the gNB and sends it to the relay UE. The reconfiguration message #1 includes at least one of the following: the remote UE's local ID and layer 2 identifier (L2 ID), configuration of the Uu Relay RLC channel and PC5 Relay RLC channel for the relay, and bearer mapping configuration, etc. Further, the target relay UE can send an RRC reconfiguration complete message #1 to the gNB.

[0134] S405, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #2 (e.g., RRC Reconfiguration message) to the remote UE, and the remote UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #2 from the gNB. The reconfiguration message #2 includes at least one of the following: the target relay UE ID, the local ID of the remote UE, and the PC5 Relay RLC channel configuration for relaying.

[0135] Furthermore, the remote UE can stop user plane and control plane data transmission on the direct path.

[0136] S406, A PC5 connection is established between the remote UE and the target relay UE. The specific implementation method is not limited.

[0137] S407, the remote UE sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message (e.g., RRC Reconfiguration Complete message) to the gNB through the target relay UE, and the gNB receives the RRC reconfiguration complete message from the remote UE through the target relay UE.

[0138] S408, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through the target relay UE.

[0139] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an intra-gNB path switching process from an indirect path to an indirect path. As shown in Figure 5, it includes several steps; for parts not described in detail, please refer to existing protocols.

[0140] S501, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through the source relay UE (e.g., Relay UE2).

[0141] S502, Remote UE interacts with gNB to configure measurement and report measurement.

[0142] For example, the gNB sends a measurement configuration to the remote UE, which includes the UE IDs of at least one candidate relay UE (e.g., Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3, Relay UE4). Correspondingly, the remote UE performs measurements on at least one candidate relay UE according to the measurement configuration indicated by the gNB, obtaining measurement results. The remote UE then reports the measurement results to the gNB in ​​a measurement report. The measurement results include at least one of the following: the UE ID of at least one candidate relay UE, the serving cell ID of at least one candidate relay UE, and the signal quality of the sidelink.

[0143] S503, gNB determines the target relay UE from at least one candidate relay UE.

[0144] For example, if the signal quality of at least one candidate relay UE reported by the remote UE is in descending order as Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3 and Relay UE4, then the gNB can select Relay UE1 as the target relay UE.

[0145] In step S504, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #1 to the target relay UE. Correspondingly, the target relay UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #1 from the gNB and sends it to the relay UE. The reconfiguration message #1 includes at least one of the following: the remote UE's local ID and L2 ID, the configuration of the Uu Relay RLC channel and PC5 Relay RLC channel for relaying, and the bearer mapping configuration, etc. Further, the target relay UE can send an RRC reconfiguration complete message #1 to the gNB.

[0146] S505, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #2 to the remote UE, and the remote UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #2 from the gNB. The reconfiguration message #2 includes at least one of the following: the target relay UE ID, the local ID of the remote UE, and the PC5 Relay RLC channel configuration for relaying.

[0147] Furthermore, the remote UE can stop user plane and control plane data transmission on the direct path.

[0148] S506, a PC5 connection is established between the remote UE and the target relay UE, and the specific implementation method is not limited.

[0149] S507, the remote UE sends RRC reconfiguration completion information to the gNB through the target relay UE, and correspondingly, the gNB receives the RRC reconfiguration completion information from the remote UE through the target relay UE.

[0150] S508, gNB sends RRC reconfiguration message #3 to source relay UE, and correspondingly, source relay UE receives RRC reconfiguration message #3 from gNB.

[0151] S509, the PC5 connection between the remote UE and the source relay UE is released.

[0152] S510, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through the target relay UE.

[0153] Based on the above scheme, it is clear that the Sidelink Relay path switching is determined by the gNB, which then executes the path switching process. In NTN scenarios, Relay UEs have a certain duty cycle and cannot communicate continuously. For example, a 29 dBm HPUE has a 25% duty cycle, meaning that communication is only possible for 25% of the time within a duty cycle window. Furthermore, due to considerations of Relay UE power consumption and energy usage, frequent Sidelink Relay path switching is required to fully utilize the capabilities of multiple Relay UEs. This leads to problems such as excessive processing complexity, excessive transmission latency, and excessive Sidelink Relay path switching latency.

[0154] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication device, namely a flexible NTN relay communication method based on UE groups, which enables a first remote terminal to establish a communication connection with at least one relay terminal group, thereby avoiding frequent path switching and reducing processing complexity and latency overhead.

[0155] The communication method and communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and can be applied to the communication systems shown in Figures 1 to 3 above. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to scenarios where the sending end and the receiving end communicate.

[0156] It is understood that this application uses a first remote terminal, a first target relay terminal, and a network device as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the first remote terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication module in the first remote terminal or by the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the first remote terminal (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip); the method executed by the first target relay terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication module in the first target relay terminal or by the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the first target relay terminal (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip); the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by the communication module in the network device or by the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the network device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip).

[0157] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes the following steps; for parts not detailed herein, please refer to existing protocols.

[0158] S610, the network device identifies at least one relay UE group.

[0159] In this embodiment, at least one relay terminal group includes a first relay terminal group, and the first relay terminal group includes at least one first relay terminal. That is, the network device can identify one or more relay terminal groups, and each relay terminal group includes one or more relay terminals. This application does not limit the number of relay terminals included in each relay terminal group, or whether the number of relay terminals included in each relay terminal group is the same.

[0160] In one implementation, the network device determines at least one relay terminal group based on packet information.

[0161] The grouping information is used to indicate at least one group for a plurality of candidate relay terminals, and each of the at least one group includes at least one of the candidate relay terminals. That is, there are a plurality of candidate relay terminals and one or more groups, each group including one or more candidate relay terminals. Optionally, the number of candidate relay terminals in each group can be the same or different, and this is not limited.

[0162] For example, the group information includes at least one of the following: a network temporary identifier corresponding to each group, a group index of each group, the number of candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the identifier of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the index of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, group capability information of each group, or capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, as specifically interpreted below.

[0163] (1) The network temporary identifier corresponding to each packet, such as the radio network temporary identity (RNTI). Assume there are 3 packets, and the network temporary identifiers corresponding to each packet are RNTI1, RNTI2, and RNTI3, respectively.

[0164] (2) Group index of each group. Assume there are 3 groups, and the group index of each group is group1, group2, and group3 respectively.

[0165] (3) The number of candidate relay terminals in each group. Assume there are 3 groups, and the number of candidate relay terminals in each group are 2, 3, 4, or 1, 2, 2, or 3, 4, 4.

[0166] (4) The identifiers of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group. Assuming there are 3 groups, the identifiers of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group are as follows: Group 1 {Relay UE1, Relay UE2}, Group 2 {Relay UE3, Relay UE4, Relay UE5}, Group 3 {Relay UE6, Relay UE7, Relay UE8, Relay UE9};

[0167] (5) Group capability information for each group, such as transmit power, number of streams, and duty cycle of each group. Assume there are 3 groups: Group 1 has a transmit power of 23dBm, 2 streams, and a duty cycle of 1; Group 2 has a transmit power of 26dBm, 3 streams, and a duty cycle of 1; Group 3 has a transmit power of 29dBm, 1 stream, and a duty cycle of 75%.

[0168] (6) Capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, such as the power level of the candidate relay terminals and the number of streams supported by the candidate relay terminals;

[0169] (7) The index of the candidate relay terminal contained in each group represents the identifier of the candidate relay terminal in each group. For example, the first group contains 3 candidate relay terminals, and the corresponding indices are UE1, UE2 and UE3.

[0170] For example, assuming the candidate relay terminals include candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, candidate Relay UE3, and candidate Relay UE4, when at least one packet is a single packet, such as group 1, then group 1 may include candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, candidate Relay UE3, and candidate Relay UE4; when at least one packet is multiple packets, such as group 1 and group 2, group 1 may include candidate Relay UE1 and candidate Relay UE2, and group 2 may include candidate Relay UE3 and candidate Relay UE4; or, group 1 may include candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, and candidate Relay UE3, and group 2 may include candidate Relay UE4, etc.

[0171] For example, when at least one relay terminal group is a first relay terminal group, the at least one relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group may be some or all of the candidate relay terminals included in one of the at least one groups. In other words, the first relay terminal group may be the entire set or a subset of the one group, without limitation.

[0172] For example, when at least one relay terminal group is the first relay terminal group, and at least one packet includes the first packet, the first relay terminal group can be the first packet. For instance, the first packet includes M candidate relay terminals, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, if M = 4, and the first packet includes candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, candidate Relay UE3, and candidate Relay UE4, then the first relay terminal group can include candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, candidate Relay UE3, and candidate Relay UE4.

[0173] For example, when at least one relay terminal group is the first relay terminal group, and at least one packet includes the first packet, the at least one first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group is K candidate relay terminals in the first packet, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than M. For example, if M=4, K=3, and the first packet includes candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, candidate Relay UE3, and candidate Relay UE4, then the first relay terminal group may include candidate Relay UE1, candidate Relay UE2, and candidate Relay UE3.

[0174] In summary, when at least one relay terminal group is the first relay terminal group and at least one packet includes the first packet, assuming the first packet includes M candidate relay terminals, the first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group is K candidate relay terminals in the first packet, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to M.

[0175] Optionally, before the network device determines at least one relay terminal group based on the packet information, the network device obtains the packet information, that is, before performing step S610, the method may include the following step S601 (not shown in the figure).

[0176] S601, the first remote terminal sends packet information to the network device;

[0177] Correspondingly, the network device receives packet information from the first remote terminal.

[0178] Optionally, before the first remote terminal sends the packet information of the first remote terminal, the first remote terminal may request the network device to forward the packet in the form of a relay UE group. That is, before executing step S601, the method may include the following step S602 (not shown in the figure).

[0179] S602, the first remote terminal sends a request message to the network device;

[0180] Correspondingly, the network device receives a request message from the first remote terminal.

[0181] The request message is used to request the forwarding of signaling and / or data between the first remote terminal and the network device in the form of a relay terminal group.

[0182] Optionally, the signaling and / or data between the first remote terminal and the network device can be forwarded in the form of a relay terminal group, or it can be reported to the network device as capability information; there is no limitation on this.

[0183] Optionally, before the first remote terminal sends its packet information, the network device can send a measurement configuration (i.e., configuration information) to the first remote terminal to request measurement and packetization of multiple candidate relay UEs. That is, before executing step S601, the method may include the following step S603 (not shown in the figure).

[0184] S603, the network device sends configuration information to the first remote terminal;

[0185] Correspondingly, the first remote terminal receives configuration information from the network device.

[0186] This configuration information is used to instruct the grouping of multiple candidate relay terminals.

[0187] For example, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: grouping method, number of groups, maximum number of candidate relay terminals in each group, at least one network temporary identifier (RNTI), at least one group index, or identifiers of multiple candidate relay terminals, wherein at least one network temporary identifier includes a first network temporary identifier, and at least one group index includes a first group index.

[0188] The grouping method can be determined based on at least one of the following: the capabilities of multiple candidate relay terminals, the connection information between multiple candidate relay terminals and the first remote terminal, or the connection information of multiple candidate relay terminal network devices, as specifically explained below.

[0189] (1) Group the candidate relay terminals according to their power level, for example, group the candidate relay terminals with similar power levels together;

[0190] (2) Group candidates based on the number of streams they support, for example, group candidates with similar numbers of streams together;

[0191] (3) Group the candidate relay terminals according to their location, for example, group the candidate relay terminals that are close in location into one group;

[0192] (4) Group according to the signal power / path loss of the receiving network device, for example, group candidate relay terminals with similar signal power / path loss of the receiving network device into one group;

[0193] (5) Group according to the power / path loss of the received sidelink (SL) signal, for example, group candidate relay terminals with similar power / path loss of the received sidelink signal into one group;

[0194] (6) Group according to cell ID or beam ID, for example, group candidate relay terminals corresponding to the same cell or the same beam into one group;

[0195] (7) Group according to specific absorption rate (SAR) requirements, for example, requiring a certain distance between candidate relay terminals (e.g., HPUE Relay UE) within the group, such as an interval greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0196] Optionally, the grouping method can be predefined or preconfigured, or it can be indicated by the network device through signaling, or it can be determined autonomously by the first remote terminal, without any limitation.

[0197] For ease of description and understanding, the following example uses at least one relay terminal group as the first relay terminal group.

[0198] S620, the network device sends the second information to the first relay terminal group;

[0199] Correspondingly, the first relay terminal group receives the second information from the network device.

[0200] For example, the second information includes information #2 of the first relay terminal group, which is used to instruct the first relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal.

[0201] The information #2 of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, as specifically defined below.

[0202] (1) A first network temporary identifier, such as RNTI1, is used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and network device.

[0203] (2) The first group index, such as group 1, is used to indicate the first relay terminal group.

[0204] (3) An identifier for at least one first relay terminal, such as the L2 ID of at least one first relay terminal, used to identify at least one first relay terminal. For example, the first relay terminal group includes 4 first relay terminals, and the corresponding identifiers are: Relay UE ID1, Relay UE ID2, Relay UE ID3, and Relay UE ID4.

[0205] (4) An index of at least one first relay terminal, representing the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. For example, the first relay terminal group includes 4 first relay terminals, with corresponding indices of UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4.

[0206] Optionally, the information #2 of the first relay terminal group also includes at least one of the following: the local ID of the first remote terminal, the L2 ID of the first remote terminal, the configuration of the Uu Relay RLC channel and the PC5 Relay RLC channel used for relaying, or the bearer mapping configuration.

[0207] Optionally, the first remote terminal may also send the information #2 of the first relay terminal group to the first relay terminal group. For example, the network device may send the information #2 of the first relay terminal group to the first remote terminal in advance, and then the first remote terminal forwards the information #2 of the first relay terminal group to the first relay terminal group. Optionally, the information #2 of the first relay terminal group, such as the first network temporary identifier, may be carried in the configuration information of step S603 above, and there is no limitation on this.

[0208] Optionally, the second information also includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is used to instruct the third information from the first remote terminal to be forwarded to the network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first target relay terminal. That is, the network device can instruct the first target relay terminal to forward the third information from the first remote terminal to the network device.

[0209] In other words, this application does not limit the source of the information #2 obtained by the first relay terminal group; it can come from network equipment or from the first remote terminal, and there is no limitation on this.

[0210] S630, optionally, the first target relay terminal sends fourth information to the network device;

[0211] Correspondingly, the network device receives the fourth information from the first target relay terminal.

[0212] The first target relay terminal belongs to the first relay terminal group. This application does not limit the method for determining the first target relay terminal. For example, the first target relay terminal may be indicated by a network device via signaling. In one example, the network device sends indication information to the first relay terminal group, which instructs the first target relay terminal; or, in other words, the indication information instructs the first relay terminal to feed back the fourth information. Optionally, this indication information may be carried in the second information of step S620, or it may be sent independently; this is not limited.

[0213] S640, the network device sends the first information to the first remote terminal;

[0214] Correspondingly, the first remote terminal receives the first information from the network device.

[0215] The first information is used to instruct the first remote terminal to establish a connection with the first relay terminal group (or at least one first relay terminal).

[0216] For example, the first information includes information #1 of the first relay terminal group, wherein the information #1 of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, as specifically interpreted below.

[0217] (1) A first network temporary identifier, such as RNTI1, is used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and network device.

[0218] (2) The first group index, such as group 1, is used to indicate the first relay terminal group.

[0219] (3) An identifier for at least one first relay terminal, such as the L2 ID of at least one first relay terminal, used to identify at least one first relay terminal. For example, the first relay terminal group includes 4 first relay terminals, and the corresponding identifiers are: Relay UE ID1, Relay UE ID2, Relay UE ID3, and Relay UE ID4.

[0220] (4) An index of at least one first relay terminal, representing the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. For example, the first relay terminal group includes 3 first relay terminals, with corresponding indices of UE1, UE2, and UE3.

[0221] Optionally, the first information may also include at least one of the following: the local ID of the first remote terminal, the PC5 Relay RLC channel configuration, or end-to-end radio bearer information.

[0222] It should be noted that the information #1 of the first relay terminal group carried in the first information in step S640 and the information #2 of the first relay terminal group carried in the second information in step S620 may be the same or different, and there is no limitation on this.

[0223] Based on this, the first remote terminal can establish a PC5 connection with the first relay terminal group; that is, the first remote terminal can establish a PC5 connection with at least one first relay terminal included in the first relay terminal group. Furthermore, the network device or the first remote terminal can subsequently flexibly schedule one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group to transmit data and / or signaling by indicating a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, the identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or the index of at least one first relay terminal.

[0224] S650, the first remote terminal sends third information to the network device through the first target relay terminal;

[0225] Correspondingly, the network device receives third information from the first remote terminal through the first target relay terminal.

[0226] The third piece of information is used to indicate that the connection between the first relay terminal group (or at least one first relay terminal) and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0227] In other words, the first remote terminal can send third information to the network device through a non-directly connected path. Understandably, for Sidelink multi-path Relay UE aggregation scenarios, the first remote terminal can also send third information to the network device through a directly connected path, or the first remote terminal can send third information to the network device through both directly connected and non-directly connected paths simultaneously; there are no restrictions on this.

[0228] Therefore, step S650 above can be replaced by: the first remote terminal sending third information to the network device, specifically including: the first remote terminal sending third information to the network device through the first target relay terminal, and / or, the first remote terminal sending third information directly to the network device.

[0229] In this application, the number of first target relay terminals can be one or more, and there is no limitation thereto. That is, after the first remote terminal and the first relay terminal group establish a PC5 connection, the first remote terminal can send third information back to the network device through one or more first target relay terminals in the first relay terminal group.

[0230] Optionally, before the first remote terminal sends the third information to the network device through the first target relay terminal, the first remote terminal determines the first target terminal, that is, before executing step S650, the method may include the following step S604 (not shown in the figure).

[0231] S604, the first remote terminal identifies the first target relay terminal.

[0232] In one implementation, the first target relay terminal is determined by the first remote terminal itself. For example, the network device sends indication information to the first remote terminal, instructing that third information be sent through at least one relay device in the first relay terminal group. Correspondingly, after receiving the indication information, the first remote terminal can select at least one relay device (i.e., the first target relay terminal) from the first relay terminal group to forward the third information.

[0233] In another implementation, the first target relay terminal is determined by the network device. For example, the network device sends fifth information to the first remote terminal, which instructs that third information be sent through the first target relay terminal. Correspondingly, after receiving the fifth information, the first remote terminal can determine that the third information should be sent through the first target relay terminal. Optionally, the fifth information includes an identifier of the first target relay terminal.

[0234] Understandably, after the first remote terminal and the first relay terminal group establish a PC5 connection, the network device or the first remote terminal can flexibly schedule one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group to transmit data and / or signaling.

[0235] In one implementation, a first remote terminal schedules one or more first relay terminals in a first relay terminal group to transmit data and / or signaling.

[0236] For example, a first remote terminal sends first scheduling information to at least one second target relay terminal, and correspondingly, at least one second target relay terminal receives the first scheduling information from the first remote terminal. The first scheduling information instructs at least one second target relay terminal to forward first data between the first remote terminal and the network device. The at least one second target relay terminal belongs to at least one first relay terminal, or in other words, at least one second target relay terminal belongs to a group of first relay terminals.

[0237] The first scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one second target relay terminal, an index of at least one second target relay terminal, a first resource, or first data, wherein the first resource is used to transmit part or all of the first data. The first resource may include one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, or polarization resources.

[0238] Optionally, the first scheduling information may also indicate a starting position for determining the data to be transmitted in the first data. For example, if the first remote terminal has 10 data packets (i.e., the first data), and assuming that 3 data packets have already been scheduled, the starting position indicates the 4th data packet to be scheduled.

[0239] For example, suppose the first relay terminal group includes Relay UE1, Relay UE2, and Relay UE3, and the network temporary identifier corresponding to the first relay terminal group is RNTI1. This indicates that the network uses RNTI1 to scramble the first scheduling information. At least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group receives and descrambles the information to obtain the first scheduling information. The group index corresponding to the first relay terminal group is group 1, and the indices corresponding to Relay UE1, Relay UE2, and Relay UE3 in the first relay terminal group are UE1, UE2, and UE3, respectively. If the first scheduling information is scrambled using RNTI1 and includes RNTI1, group 1, and A, it means that the first remote terminal schedules Relay UE1 in the first relay terminal group to forward the first data between the first remote terminal and the network device on the first resource.

[0240] Optionally, the second target relay terminal may be the same as or different from the first target relay terminal, and this is not limited. That is, the first target relay terminal used to forward third information in this application and the second target relay terminal used to schedule data and / or signaling transmission may be the same relay terminal or different relay terminals.

[0241] In another implementation, the network device schedules one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group to transmit data and / or signaling.

[0242] For example, a network device sends third scheduling information to at least one fourth target relay terminal, and correspondingly, at least one fourth target relay terminal receives the third scheduling information from the network device. The third scheduling information instructs at least one fourth target relay terminal to forward third data between the first remote terminal and the network device, and the at least one fourth target relay terminal belongs to at least one first relay terminal.

[0243] For example, the third scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one fourth target relay terminal, an index of at least one fourth target relay terminal, a third resource, or third data, wherein the third resource is used to transmit part or all of the third data.

[0244] Optionally, the third scheduling information can also indicate a starting position to determine the data to be transmitted in the third data. For example, if a network device has 6 data packets (i.e., the third data), and assuming 2 data packets have already been scheduled, the starting position indicates the 3rd data packet to be scheduled.

[0245] For example, suppose the first relay terminal group includes Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3 and Relay UE4, and the network temporary identifier corresponding to the first relay terminal group is RNTI1, which means that the network device uses RNTI1 to scramble the third scheduling information. Then at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group receives and descrambles to obtain the third scheduling information. The group index corresponding to the first relay terminal group is group 1. The indices corresponding to Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3 and Relay UE4 in the first relay terminal group are UE1, UE2, UE3 and UE4 respectively. If the third scheduling information is scrambled using RNTI1 and includes RNTI1, group 1, UE3 and UE4, it means that the network device schedules Relay UE3 and Relay UE4 in the first relay terminal group. That is, after descrambling Relay UE1, Relay UE2, Relay UE3 and Relay UE4 in the first relay terminal group to obtain the third scheduling information, the network device determines that Relay UE3 and Relay UE4 will forward the first data between the first remote terminal and the network device on the first resource through the index UE3 and UE4 carried in the third scheduling information.

[0246] Optionally, the fourth target relay terminal may be the same as or different from the first target relay terminal or the second target relay terminal, and this is not limited. That is to say, the first target relay terminal used for forwarding third information, the second target relay terminal scheduled by the first remote device for transmitting data and / or signaling, and the fourth target relay terminal scheduled by the network device for transmitting data and / or signaling in this application may be the same relay terminal or different relay terminals.

[0247] It is understood that the above description uses at least one relay terminal group, including a first relay terminal group, as an example. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can determine multiple relay terminal groups, each relay terminal group including one or more relay terminals. Further, the first remote terminal can establish PC5 connections with multiple relay terminal groups respectively.

[0248] In one implementation, at least one relay terminal group may further include a second relay terminal group, which includes at least one second relay terminal. The information of the second relay terminal group includes at least one of a second network temporary identifier, a second set of indexes, an identifier of at least one second relay terminal, or an index of at least one second relay terminal. The second network temporary identifier is used for communication between at least one second relay terminal and the network device. The second set of indexes is used to indicate the second relay terminal group. The index of at least one second relay terminal indicates the identifier of at least one second relay terminal in the second relay terminal group. The first information is also used to instruct a first remote terminal to establish a connection with at least one second relay terminal. The method further includes: the first remote terminal sending sixth information to the network device, the sixth information indicating that the connection between at least one second relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0249] For a detailed explanation of the information regarding the second relay terminal group, and the specific implementation method for establishing a connection between the first remote terminal and the second relay terminal group, please refer to the detailed explanation of the information regarding the first relay terminal group and the relevant description of establishing a connection between the first remote terminal and the first relay terminal group above. It will not be explained here.

[0250] Furthermore, after the first remote terminal establishes a PC5 connection with multiple relay terminal groups, the network device or the first remote terminal can flexibly schedule one or more relay terminals in one or more relay terminal groups to transmit data and / or signaling.

[0251] In one implementation, a first remote terminal sends second scheduling information to at least one third target relay terminal, and the at least one third target relay terminal receives the second scheduling information from the first remote terminal. The second scheduling information instructs the at least one third target relay terminal to forward second data between the first remote terminal and the network device, and the at least one third target relay terminal belongs to at least one second relay terminal.

[0252] For example, the second scheduling information includes at least one of the following: a second network temporary identifier, a second set of indexes, an identifier of at least one third target relay terminal, an index of at least one third target relay terminal, a second resource, or second data, wherein the second resource is used to transmit part or all of the second data.

[0253] Optionally, the second scheduling information may also indicate a starting position for determining the data to be transmitted in the second data. For example, if the first remote terminal has four data packets (i.e., the second data), and assuming two data packets have already been scheduled, the starting position indicates the third data packet to be scheduled.

[0254] For a detailed explanation of the second scheduling information, please refer to the relevant description of the first scheduling information above; it will not be explained here.

[0255] For example, there are relay terminal group 1 and relay terminal group 2. Relay terminal group 1 includes Relay UE1, Relay UE2 and Relay UE3, and relay terminal group 2 includes Relay UE4 and Relay UE5. The network device or the first remote terminal can schedule Relay UE1 in relay terminal group 1 to transmit data and / or signaling, or it can schedule Relay UE1 and Relay UE2 in relay terminal group 1 to transmit data and / or signaling, or it can schedule Relay UE4 in relay terminal group 2 to transmit data and / or signaling, or it can schedule Relay UE4 and Relay UE5 in relay terminal group 2 to transmit data and / or signaling, or it can schedule Relay UE1 in relay terminal group 1 and Relay UE4 in relay terminal group 2 to transmit data and / or signaling, etc., without limitation.

[0256] In other words, the network device or the first remote terminal can schedule one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group to communicate, or it can schedule one or more second relay terminals in the second relay terminal group to communicate, or it can simultaneously schedule one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group and one or more second relay terminals in the second relay terminal group to communicate, without any limitation.

[0257] It should be noted that the names of the messages transmitted between the execution entities in the above embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding, and this application does not impose specific limitations on the message names.

[0258] Based on the above scheme, the first remote terminal can establish a connection with at least one relay terminal group, that is, establish a non-direct connection path based on the relay terminal group, so that the network device can communicate with the first remote terminal through the relay terminal group. This can solve the problem that in the Sidelink Relay scenario, in order to make full use of the relay terminal capabilities, frequent path switching is required, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead. In other words, it can realize flexible scheduling among multiple relay terminals within the group, make full use of the relay terminal capabilities, save path switching and maintenance latency, simplify processing complexity, and reduce latency overhead.

[0259] For ease of understanding, the following examples, in conjunction with Figures 7 to 9, illustrate different implementation methods for path switching and flexible scheduling. In the examples below, the first remote terminal is referred to as the remote UE, the first target relay terminal as relay UE1, and the network device as the gNB as the execution entity. It is understood that this application does not limit the number of relay UE1s. It is also understood that the processes described below are merely illustrative examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Content not described in detail below can be referred to the relevant descriptions in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 7, this method provides an example of path handover from a remote UE to a relay UE group, and flexible scheduling of the gNB based on the relay UE group. It mainly includes the following steps, and the parts not described in detail can be referred to existing protocols.

[0261] S701, the remote UE and gNB transmit uplink / downlink data (UL / DL data) through a direct connection path.

[0262] S702, the remote UE interacts with the gNB to exchange measurement configuration (i.e., configuration information) and measurement report.

[0263] For example, the gNB sends a measurement configuration to the remote UE, which includes the UE IDs of at least one candidate relay UE (e.g., relay UE1, relay UE2, relay UE3, and relay UE4). Correspondingly, the remote UE performs measurements on at least one candidate relay UE according to the measurement configuration indicated by the gNB and obtains the measurement results. The remote UE then reports the measurement results to the gNB in ​​a measurement report. The measurement results include at least one of the following: the UE ID of at least one candidate relay UE, the serving cell ID of at least one candidate relay UE, and the signal quality of the sidelink (e.g., sidelink discovery reference signal received power (SD-RSRP) or sidelink reference signal received power (SL-RSRP)).

[0264] Understandably, the UE ID of at least one candidate relay UE can be the L2 ID of the relay UE.

[0265] S703, gNB determines the target relay UE group (i.e., the first relay terminal group).

[0266] For example, if the gNB determines, based on the received measurement results, that the signal quality of the side link corresponding to relay UE1, relay UE2, and relay UE3 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, and the signal quality of the side link corresponding to relay UE4 is less than the preset threshold, then relay UE1, relay UE2, and relay UE3 can be selected to form a target relay UE group.

[0267] For details on how to implement this, please refer to the description of step S610 in Figure 6 above.

[0268] S704, the gNB sends RRC reconfiguration message #1 (i.e., second information) to the target relay UE group, and the target relay UE group receives RRC reconfiguration message #1 from the gNB.

[0269] The reconfiguration message #1 includes information about the target relay UE group (i.e., information about the first relay terminal group). Specifically, the information about the target relay UE group includes: the network temporary identifier of the target relay UE group, such as RNTI1; the group index corresponding to the target relay UE group, such as group 1; the identifier of at least one relay terminal in the target relay UE group; or the index of at least one relay terminal in the target relay UE group.

[0270] For example, the information of the remote UE includes at least one of the following: the local ID of the first remote terminal, the L2 ID of the first remote terminal, the configuration of the Uu Relay RLC channel and the PC5 Relay RLC channel for relaying, or the bearer mapping configuration.

[0271] For example, the information of the target relay UE group includes at least one of the following: the network temporary identifier corresponding to the target relay UE group, such as RNTI1 (i.e., the first network temporary identifier), the group index corresponding to the target relay UE group, such as group 1 (i.e., the first group index), the identifier of each relay UE in the target relay UE group, such as the L2 ID of the relay UE (i.e., the identifier of at least one first relay terminal), or the index of each relay UE in the target relay UE group, i.e., the identifier of each relay UE in the target relay UE group (i.e., the index of at least one first relay terminal). For a specific interpretation, please refer to the relevant description of the information #2 of the first relay terminal group in Figure 6 above.

[0272] S705, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #2 (i.e., the first information) to the remote UE, and the remote UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #2 from the gNB.

[0273] The reconfiguration message #2 includes information about the target relay UE group. This information includes at least one of the following: the network temporary identifier corresponding to the target relay UE group, such as RNTI1 (i.e., the first network temporary identifier); the group index corresponding to the target relay UE group, such as group 1 (i.e., the first group index); the identifier of each relay UE in the target relay UE group, such as the L2 ID of the relay UE (i.e., the identifier of at least one first relay terminal); or the index of each relay UE in the target relay UE group, i.e., the identifier of each relay UE in the target relay UE group (i.e., the index of at least one first relay terminal). For a detailed explanation, please refer to the relevant description of the information #1 of the first relay terminal group in Figure 6 above.

[0274] In addition, reconfiguration message #2 includes at least one of the following: the local ID of the remote UE, the PC5 Relay RLC channel configuration for relay, or end-to-end radio bearer information.

[0275] Furthermore, the remote UE can stop user plane and control plane data transmission on the direct path.

[0276] S706, the remote UE establishes a PC5 connection with all relay UEs in the target relay UE group, and the specific implementation method is not limited.

[0277] S707, the remote UE sends RRC reconfiguration completion information (i.e., the third information) to the gNB through relay UE1 (i.e., the first target relay UE). Correspondingly, the gNB receives the RRC reconfiguration completion information from the remote UE through relay UE1. The RRC reconfiguration completion information is used to indicate that the connection between the remote UE and the target relay UE group has been established.

[0278] S708, gNB schedules relay UE1 from the target relay UE group.

[0279] For example, the gNB sends scheduling information (i.e., third scheduling information) to the target relay UE group to schedule one or more relay UE1s to communicate with the remote UE. This scheduling information includes at least one of the following: RNTI1, an index of the target relay UE group, an identifier of one or more relay UE1s, or an index of one or more relay UE1s, data, or resources. In other words, the gNB flexibly schedules one or more relay UE1s from the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE through one or more relay UE1s.

[0280] Optionally, the scheduling information may also indicate a starting position for determining a specific piece of data to be transmitted within the data.

[0281] Specifically, for downlink transmission, the gNB uses RNTI1 to send downlink data to one or more relay UE1s. After receiving the downlink data, the one or more relay UE1s forward it to the remote UE. For example, it can be I / Q signals, log-likelihood ratio (LLR), data bits (i.e., third data), etc. For uplink transmission, the gNB uses RNTI1 to schedule one or more relay UE1s to send uplink data. After receiving the uplink data, the one or more relay UE1s forward it to the gNB.

[0282] Optionally, the gNB can also schedule other relay UEs in the relay terminal group, such as relay UE2, relay UE3, and relay UE4. That is, the relay UE scheduled by the gNB can be the same as or different from the relay UE that forwards the RRC reconfiguration completion information, without any limitation.

[0283] For details on how the gNB schedules relay UE1 from the target relay UE group, please refer to the description in Figure 6 above regarding the network device scheduling one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group for data and / or signaling transmission.

[0284] S709, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through relay UE1.

[0285] Based on the above scheme, gNB can select one or more relay UEs as target relay UE groups, enabling remote UEs to establish PC5 connections with target relay UE groups. gNB can flexibly schedule one or more relay UEs in the target relay UE group to communicate with remote UEs through group scheduling. This can solve the problem of frequent path switching required in Sidelink Relay scenarios to fully utilize relay UE capabilities, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead.

[0286] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 8, this method provides an example of path handover from a remote UE to a relay UE group, and flexible scheduling of the UE based on the relay UE group. It mainly includes the following steps, and the parts not described in detail can be referred to existing protocols.

[0287] S801, the remote UE and gNB transmit uplink / downlink data (UL / DL data) through a direct connection path.

[0288] S802, the remote UE interacts with the gNB to measure configuration (i.e., configuration information) and measurement reports.

[0289] For specific interpretations of measurement configuration and measurement reports, as well as their implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in step S702 above.

[0290] S803, the remote UE groups at least one candidate relay UE to obtain group information.

[0291] S804, the remote UE sends packet information to the gNB, and correspondingly, the gNB receives packet information from the remote UE.

[0292] For details on the implementation of remote UE grouping and the specific interpretation of grouping information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 6 above.

[0293] S805, gNB determines the target relay UE group (i.e., the first relay terminal group) based on the packet information.

[0294] For details on how gNB determines the target relay UE group based on grouping information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 6 above.

[0295] S806, the gNB sends a broadcast message to the target relay UE group, and correspondingly, the target relay UE group receives the broadcast message from the gNB.

[0296] For example, the gNB broadcasts the association between the RNTI and the relay UE group, and one or more relay UEs in the relay UE group, to multiple surrounding relay UE groups, including the target relay UE group.

[0297] S807, the gNB sends RRC reconfiguration message #1 (i.e., second information) to the target relay UE group, and the target relay UE group receives RRC reconfiguration message #1 from the gNB.

[0298] For a detailed explanation of reconfiguration message #1, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0299] S808, the gNB sends RRC reconfiguration message #2 (i.e., first information) to the remote UE, and the remote UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #2 from the gNB.

[0300] For a detailed explanation of reconfiguration message #2, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0301] Furthermore, the remote UE can stop user plane and control plane data transmission on the direct path.

[0302] S809, the remote UE establishes a PC5 connection with all relay UEs in the target relay UE group, and the specific implementation method is not limited.

[0303] S810, the remote UE sends RRC reconfiguration completion information (i.e., third information) to the gNB through relay UE1 (i.e., the first target relay UE), and correspondingly, the gNB receives the RRC reconfiguration completion information from the remote UE through relay UE1.

[0304] For a detailed explanation of the RRC reconfiguration completion information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0305] S811, the remote UE schedules relay UE1 from the target relay UE group.

[0306] For example, the remote UE sends scheduling information (i.e., first scheduling information) to the target relay UE group to schedule one or more relay UE1s to communicate with the remote UE. This scheduling information includes at least one of the following: RNTI1, an index of the target relay UE group, an identifier of one or more relay UE1s, or an index of one or more relay UE1s, data, or resources. In other words, the gNB flexibly schedules one or more relay UE1s from the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE through one or more relay UE1s.

[0307] Optionally, the scheduling information may also indicate a starting position for determining a specific piece of data to be transmitted within the data.

[0308] Understandably, the remote UE schedules the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE, and the remote UE pre-configures or flexibly indicates which relay UE will communicate uplink with the gNB through the PC5 connection. The flexible scheduling function is pushed down to the remote UE, which can flexibly adjust the scheduling strategy according to the relay UE's power. It can also dynamically and flexibly add or remove relay UEs in the target relay UE group without needing to update the status of the relay UE group to the gNB in ​​real time. The status of the target relay UE group and the candidate relay UE group can be updated to the gNB as needed.

[0309] For example, for pre-configuration, such as a target relay UE group including four HPUEs with a transmit power of 29dBm, the remote UE can indicate the resource occupancy of the four HPUEs within a cycle, for example, using a bitmap. The time-domain resource patterns are (1,0,0,0), (0,1,0,0), (0,0,1,0), and (0,0,0,1). Assuming the resource configuration can be time-domain configured, "0" or "1" represents "no transmission" or "transmission" within a time-domain unit, respectively. Since the time-domain pattern is pre-configured, the relay UE can respond to the gNB's scheduling in a timely manner. Optionally, the resource configuration can also be frequency-domain, code-domain, spatial-domain, or polarization-domain resource configuration, or the resource configuration can also include power control information, etc.

[0310] For example, for flexible indication, before the gNB schedules uplink data, the remote UE indicates which relay UE will complete the next uplink transmission; or when the gNB schedules uplink data transmission, the remote UE indicates which relay UE will perform the uplink transmission based on the status of the relay UE. In this case, it is necessary to pre-configure or report the scheduling delay to the gNB, and the scheduling delay must be greater than the PC5 interaction delay. This implementation method makes the scheduling of relay UEs more flexible.

[0311] Optionally, the remote UE can also schedule other relay UEs in the relay terminal group, such as relay UE2, relay UE3, and relay UE4. That is, the relay UE scheduled by the gNB can be the same as or different from the relay UE that forwards the RRC reconfiguration completion information, and there is no limitation on this.

[0312] For details on how a remote UE schedules relay UE1 from a target relay UE group, please refer to the description in Figure 6 above regarding the first remote terminal scheduling one or more first relay terminals in the first relay terminal group for data and / or signaling transmission.

[0313] S812, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through relay UE1.

[0314] Based on the above scheme, gNB can determine the target relay UE group according to the group information, so that the remote UE can establish a PC5 connection with the target relay UE group. The remote UE can flexibly schedule one or more relay UEs in the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE through group scheduling. This can solve the problem that in order to make full use of the relay UE capabilities in the Sidelink Relay scenario, frequent path switching is required, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead.

[0315] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application. As shown in Figure 9, this method provides an example of path handover from a remote UE to a relay UE group, and flexible scheduling of the UE based on the relay UE group. The difference from Figure 8 is that the remote UE broadcasts the SLG-RNTI and the associated Relay UE ID to the target relay UE group. This method mainly includes the following steps; for parts not described in detail, please refer to existing protocols.

[0316] S901, the remote UE and gNB conduct uplink / downlink data transmission (UL / DL data) through a direct connection path.

[0317] S902, the remote UE interacts with the gNB to measure configuration (i.e., configuration information) and measurement reports.

[0318] For specific interpretations of measurement configuration and measurement reports, as well as their implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in step S702 above.

[0319] Optionally, the measurement configuration may include RNTIs pre-configured by the gNB for the group, such as RNTI1, RNTI2, RNTI3 and RNTI4 pre-configured by the gNB for the group.

[0320] S903, the remote UE groups at least one candidate relay UE to obtain group information.

[0321] For example, the remote UE performs measurements and groups on multiple candidate relay UEs according to the measurement configuration, obtains grouping information for 4 groups, corresponding to RNTI1, RNTI2, RNTI3 and RNTI4 respectively, and reports the 4 grouping information to the gNB.

[0322] S904, the remote UE sends packet information to the gNB, and correspondingly, the gNB receives packet information from the remote UE.

[0323] For details on the implementation of remote UE grouping and the specific interpretation of grouping information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 6 above.

[0324] S905, the remote UE sends a broadcast message to the target relay UE group, and correspondingly, the target relay UE group receives the broadcast message from the remote UE.

[0325] For example, the remote UE informs surrounding relay UEs of the association between the RNTI in step S902 and the relay UE group, and one or more relay UEs in the relay UE group, via SL broadcast, such as the four groups corresponding to RNTI1, RNTI2, RNTI3, and RNTI4. The target relay UE group can be the group corresponding to RNTI1.

[0326] Optionally, if the gNB does not pre-configure the RNTI in the measurement configuration in step S901, the remote UE can perform the following step S908, that is, after the remote UE obtains the information of the target relay UE group from the gNB, it broadcasts the association relationship between the RNTI1 of the target relay UE group and one or more relay UEs to the surrounding relay UEs, without limitation.

[0327] S906, gNB determines the target relay UE group (i.e., the first relay terminal group) based on the packet information.

[0328] For details on how gNB determines the target relay UE group based on grouping information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 6 above.

[0329] S907, the gNB sends RRC reconfiguration message #1 (i.e., second information) to the target relay UE group, and the target relay UE group receives RRC reconfiguration message #1 from the gNB.

[0330] For example, the gNB uses the pre-configured RNTI1 from step S901 to send an RRC reconfiguration message #1 to each relay UE in the target relay UE group. For a detailed explanation of the reconfiguration message #1, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0331] S908, the gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration message #2 (i.e., the first information) to the remote UE, and the remote UE receives the RRC reconfiguration message #2 from the gNB.

[0332] For a detailed explanation of reconfiguration message #2, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0333] Furthermore, the remote UE can stop user plane and control plane data transmission on the direct path.

[0334] S909: The remote UE establishes a PC5 connection with all relay UEs in the target relay UE group. The specific implementation method is not limited.

[0335] S910, the remote UE sends RRC reconfiguration completion information (i.e., third information) to the gNB through relay UE1 (i.e., the first target relay UE), and correspondingly, the gNB receives the RRC reconfiguration completion information from the remote UE through relay UE1.

[0336] For a detailed explanation of the RRC reconfiguration completion information, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 7 above.

[0337] S911, the remote UE schedules relay UE1 from the target relay UE group.

[0338] For example, the remote UE sends scheduling information (i.e., first scheduling information) to the target relay UE group to schedule one or more relay UE1s to communicate with the network device. This scheduling information includes at least one of the following: RNTI1, an index of the target relay UE group, an identifier of one or more relay UE1s, or an index of one or more relay UE1s, data, or resources. In other words, the gNB flexibly schedules one or more relay UE1s from the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE through one or more relay UE1s.

[0339] Optionally, the scheduling information may also indicate a starting position for determining a specific piece of data to be transmitted within the data.

[0340] Optionally, the remote UE can also schedule other relay UEs in the relay terminal group, such as relay UE2, relay UE3, and relay UE4. That is, the relay UE scheduled by the gNB can be the same as or different from the relay UE that forwards the RRC reconfiguration completion information, and there is no limitation on this.

[0341] S912, the remote UE transmits uplink / downlink (UL / DL data) to the gNB through relay UE1.

[0342] Based on the above scheme, gNB can determine the target relay UE group according to the group information, so that the remote UE can establish a PC5 connection with the target relay UE group. The remote UE can flexibly schedule one or more relay UEs in the target relay UE group to communicate with the remote UE through group scheduling. This can solve the problem that in order to make full use of the relay UE capabilities in the Sidelink Relay scenario, frequent path switching is required, which causes a lot of processing complexity and latency overhead.

[0343] It should be noted that the above solution is mainly illustrated for remote UEs communicating with network devices via non-direct paths. Specifically, the remote UE establishes a PC5 connection with at least one group of relay UEs and communicates with the network device through at least one relay UE in the group. It is understood that the technical solution of this application is also applicable to Sidelink multi-path Relay UE aggregation scenarios, meaning that the remote UE can not only communicate directly with the network device via a direct path, but also communicate with the network device through at least one non-direct path via at least one relay UE. This is not limited to either approach.

[0344] As described above, the network device involved in the technical solution of this application can be O-RAN. Under the O-RAN architecture, the RIC can directly control both the gNB-CU and the gNB-DU, requiring the "network device" in the communication method steps shown in Figure 6 to be expanded to "CU" and "DU". Optionally, in various embodiments of this application, if the network device is a CU-DU separated architecture, the DU can forward the information (e.g., third information) to the CU after receiving the information from the remote UE; or, the CU can forward the information to the DU after receiving the information from the core network element (e.g., AMF).

[0345] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture applicable to this application. As shown in Figure 10, the O-RAN architecture includes: a first network unit, a second network unit, a third network unit, an O-eNB, an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, an O-RU, and an O-cloud.

[0346] The aforementioned network elements (also referred to as nodes) can be interconnected. For example, the first network unit connects to the O-cloud via the O2 interface; the first network unit connects to the third network unit, O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU via the O1 interface; the first network unit connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface; the O-DU connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface and the open fronthaul C / U / S-Plane interface; the third network unit connects to the O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, and O-DU via the E2 interface; the O-CU-CP connects to the O-DU via the F1-c interface; the O-CU-UP connects to the O-DU via the F1-u interface; and the O-CU-CP connects to the O-CU-UP via the E1 interface. For a detailed description of the interfaces shown in Figure 13, please refer to existing standards; further details are omitted here.

[0347] For example, the first network unit can be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), or a network unit with similar functionality to an SMO; there is no limitation in this regard. The second network unit can be a Non-RT RIC, or a network unit with similar functionality to a Non-RT RIC; there is no limitation in this regard. The third network unit can be a Near-RT RIC, or a network unit with similar functionality to a Near-RT RIC; there is no limitation in this regard.

[0348] O-RAN aims to achieve an intelligent and open access network. A key feature of the O-RAN architecture is the separation of hardware and software, enabling the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. Furthermore, O-RAN incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).

[0349] The communication method embodiment of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The communication device embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 11 and 12. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the preceding method embodiment.

[0350] Figure 11 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1000 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1003. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a storage unit 1001 and / or a processing unit 1002 for storing device program code and / or data. The communication unit 1003 may also be referred to as a communication interface, a transceiver unit, or an interface unit.

[0351] The communication device 1000 can be the first remote terminal in the above embodiments, such as the first remote terminal itself, or a component in the first remote terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first remote terminal responsible for communication functions), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first remote terminal.

[0352] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is configured to receive first information from a network device. The first information includes information about at least one relay terminal group, which includes a first relay terminal group. The information about the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for communication between at least one first relay terminal and the network device. The first set of indexes is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of at least one first relay terminal indicates the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The first information is used to indicate that a first remote terminal establishes a connection with at least one first relay terminal. The communication unit 1003 is also configured to send third information to the network device. The third information is used to indicate that the connection between at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

[0353] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0354] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0355] The communication device 1000 can be the first target relay terminal in the above embodiments, such as the first remote terminal itself, or a component in the first remote terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first remote terminal responsible for communication functions), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first remote terminal.

[0356] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1003 is configured to receive second information from the network device. The second information includes information about a first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct a first target relay terminal to establish a connection with a first remote terminal. The first target relay terminal belongs to the first relay terminal group. The information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, at least one first relay terminal identifier, or at least one index of a first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for at least one first relay terminal to communicate with the network device. The first group index is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of at least one first relay terminal represents the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct the first relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal. The communication unit 1003 is also configured to receive third information from the first remote terminal and send the third information to the network device. The third information is used to instruct the first target relay terminal to complete the connection establishment with the first remote terminal.

[0357] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a first target relay terminal or a communication module within the first target relay terminal, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0358] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the first target relay terminal, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0359] The communication device 1000 can be a network device in the above embodiments, such as the network device itself, or a component in the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the network device responsible for communication functions), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device.

[0360] For example, in one embodiment, processing unit 1002 is used to determine at least one relay terminal group, the at least one relay terminal group including a first relay terminal group, the first relay terminal group including at least one first relay terminal; communication unit 1003 is used to send second information to at least one relay terminal group, the second information including information of the first relay terminal group, the second information being used to instruct at least one relay terminal group to establish a connection with a first remote terminal; communication unit 1003 is also used to send first information to the first remote terminal, the first information including information of at least one relay terminal group; wherein, the information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal, the first network temporary identifier being used for at least one first relay terminal to communicate with a network device, the first set of indexes being used to indicate the first relay terminal group, the index of at least one first relay terminal representing the identifier of at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group, and the first information being used to instruct the first remote terminal to establish a connection with at least one relay terminal group.

[0361] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a chip. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit.

[0362] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, the function of the processing unit 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system in the chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1003 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the chip.

[0363] It is understandable that the division of units in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0364] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designs, or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessor units (MPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0365] In one example, storage unit 1001 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0366] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a terminal 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The terminal 2000 corresponds to the terminal device shown in Figure 1 and is used to implement the operation of the terminal in the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 12, the terminal 2000 includes: one or more antennas 2010, a radio frequency processing system 2020, and a processor system 2030.

[0367] In the downlink or sidelink direction, the RF processing system 2020 receives RF signals through the antenna 2010 and sends the RF-processed signals to the processor system 2030 for further processing. In the uplink or sidelink direction, the processor system 2030 processes the terminal-side information and sends it to the RF processing system 2020, which then processes the signal and transmits it through the antenna 2010.

[0368] In one example, the radio frequency (RF) processing system 2020 serves as the communication interface for external communication of the terminal and may include a radio frequency front end (RFFE) 2021 and an RF transceiver 2022. The RFFE 2021 is primarily used for one or more processing operations, such as shaping, passband selection, or gain adjustment, on the RF signals received by the antenna or those to be transmitted through the antenna. It may include one or more components such as RF switches, duplexers, filters, power amplifiers, antenna tuning, and low-noise amplifiers. The RFFE 2021 can be a circuit system composed of multiple discrete components or integrated into one or more chips. The RF transceiver 2022 processes the RF signals received by the RFFE into baseband / IF signals for further processing by the processor system 2030, and processes the baseband / IF signals provided by the processor system 2030 into RF signals for transmission to the RFFE 2021. The baseband / IF signals transmitted between the RF transceiver 2022 and the processor system 2030 can be digital or analog signals. An RF transceiver 2022 can be implemented by one or more chips, which are commonly referred to as RF chips.

[0369] In one example, processor system 2030 may include one or more processors for processing signals and executing one or more communication protocols. Optionally, processor system 2030 may also include memory 2036. In one example, the one or more processors include at least one baseband processor 2031 (also known as a modem processor). Memory 2036 is used to store data and / or computer program instructions. Optionally, processor system 2030 may also include one or more application processors 2032 for implementing processing of the terminal operating system and application layer. Optionally, processor system 2030 may also include one or more of a voice subsystem 2033, a multimedia subsystem 2034, or an interface circuit 2035. The voice subsystem 2033 is used to process voice signals, the multimedia subsystem 2034 is used to handle multimedia-related operations, such as video encoding / decoding, image processing, etc., and the interface circuit 2035 is used to implement communication with other terminal components, such as a display 2040, an input device 2050, memory 2060, etc. The above-mentioned components in processor system 2030 can communicate with each other via a bus or communication interface circuit.

[0370] In one example, the processor system 2030 can be packaged as a single processor chip, such as a SoC chip or a SIP chip. In another example, the processor system 2030 can be a system composed of multiple chips; for example, the baseband processor 2031 can be packaged as a single chip, or packaged with part or all of the circuitry of the radio frequency processing system into a single chip.

[0371] In one example, memory 2036 can be on-chip memory, i.e., located on the processor system 2030 chip. In another example, memory 2060 can be off-chip memory, i.e. located outside the processor system 2030 chip.

[0372] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the baseband processor in the terminal 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the baseband processor 2031 may include one or more processor cores 20311 and interface circuitry 20314. The one or more processor cores 20311 are used to process signals and execute one or more communication protocols. Optionally, the baseband processor 2031 may also include a memory 20312, which is used to store at least a portion of the corresponding computer program instructions and / or data. In one example, the one or more processor cores 20311 implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments by executing the computer program instructions stored in the memory 20312. In this application, the memory 20312 is used to store corresponding computer program instructions and / or data. This can mean that the memory 20312 stores all corresponding computer program instructions and / or data for execution by the processor core 20311; or it can mean that the memory 20312 stores a portion of the corresponding computer program instructions and / or data, including the computer program instructions and / or data currently required to be executed by the processor core 20311. The memory 20312 can store different portions of computer program instructions and / or data multiple times for execution by the processor core 20311 to implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments. The interface circuit 20314 serves as a communication interface for communication with other components, such as transmitting signals with the radio frequency processing system 2020, communicating with other subsystems and related components of the processor system 2030 via a bus, such as transmitting data control signals with the application processor 2032, and transmitting data or computer program instructions with the memory 2036 or memory 2060. Optionally, in order to reduce the load on the processor core, a baseband signal processing circuit 20313 can be set to perform at least some baseband signal processing, including one or more of signal demodulation, modulation, encoding or decoding.

[0373] In one example, the communication device provided in this application may be a terminal 2000, a communication module including a processor system 2030 and a radio frequency system 2020, the processor system 2030, or a baseband processor 2031.

[0374] The processor, processor system, application processor, baseband processor, processor circuit or processor core mentioned above can be collectively referred to as a processor. The processor may include one or more of the following: CPU, DSP, MPU, MCU, GPU, FPGA, ASIC, artificial intelligence (AI) processor or neural network processing unit (NPU).

[0375] The aforementioned memory may include one or more of the following storage media: random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), cache, register, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), hard disk, etc. In one example, computer program instructions for executing the above embodiments may be stored on non-volatile memory, such as at least a portion of the aforementioned memory 2060 (e.g., one or more of ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or hard disk). When the terminal is running, the corresponding computer program instructions may be partially or wholly loaded onto a memory with a faster transfer speed than the processor, such as at least a portion of memory 2036 and / or memory 20312 (e.g., one or more of RAM, SRAM, DRAM, PCM, RERAM, MRAM, FRAM, cache, or register), for the processor to execute in order to implement the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0376] In one example, the RF transceiver 2022 and the RF front-end 2021 can also be packaged in a single chip. In another example, the RF transceiver 2022, the RF front-end 2021, and the baseband processor 2031 can also be packaged in a single chip.

[0377] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device) in the above-described method embodiments.

[0378] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as being performed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal-side device and / or a network-side device).

[0379] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal-side device and / or network-side device described in the above embodiments.

[0380] Optionally, the communication system may also include the terminal-side device and / or network-side device described in the above embodiments.

[0381] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0382] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0383] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0384] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

[0385] It should be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples, and the specific form of the devices is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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 described again here.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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 implementation scheme according to actual needs.

[0390] 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.

[0391] 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 existing solutions, 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, a server, or an access 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, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0392] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip used in a first remote terminal or a first remote terminal, including: The system receives first information from a network device. The first information includes information about at least one relay terminal group, which includes a first relay terminal group. The information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for communication between the at least one first relay terminal and the network device. The first group index is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of the at least one first relay terminal represents the identifier of the at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The first information is used to instruct a first remote terminal to establish a connection with the at least one first relay terminal. A third message is sent to the network device, the third message indicating that the connection between the at least one first relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information from the network device, the method further includes: Send packet information to the network device, the packet information being used to indicate at least one packet for a plurality of candidate relay terminals, each of the at least one packet including at least one of the plurality of candidate relay terminals.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one group includes a first group, which includes M candidate relay terminals, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The first relay terminal group is the first packet; or, The first relay terminal group includes at least one first relay terminal which is one of the K candidate relay terminals in the first group, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than M.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Before sending packet information to the network device, the method further includes: Receive configuration information from the network device, the configuration information being used to instruct the grouping of the plurality of candidate relay terminals; The configuration information includes at least one of the following: grouping method, number of groups, maximum number of candidate relay terminals in each group, at least one network temporary identifier, at least one group index, or identifiers of the multiple candidate relay terminals. The at least one network temporary identifier includes the first network temporary identifier, and the at least one group index includes the first group index.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The grouping method is determined according to at least one of the following: The capabilities of the plurality of candidate relay terminals, the connection information between the plurality of candidate relay terminals and the first remote terminal, or the connection information between the plurality of candidate relay terminals and the network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The grouping information includes at least one of the following: The network temporary identifier corresponding to each group, the group index of each group, the number of candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the identifier of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the index of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the group capability information of each group, or the capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Sending third information to the network device, including: The third information is sent to the network device through at least one first target relay terminal, wherein the at least one first target relay terminal belongs to the at least one first relay terminal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first scheduling information to at least one second target relay terminal, the first scheduling information being used to instruct the at least one second target relay terminal to forward first data between the first remote terminal and the network device, the at least one second target relay terminal belonging to the at least one first relay terminal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the first network temporary identifier, the first set of indexes, the identifier of the at least one second target relay terminal, the index of the at least one second target relay terminal, the first resource, or the first data, wherein the first resource is used to transmit the first data.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The information of the first relay terminal group is sent to the at least one first relay terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The at least one relay terminal group further includes a second relay terminal group. Information of the second relay terminal group includes at least one of a second network temporary identifier, a second group index, an identifier of at least one second relay terminal, or an index of at least one second relay terminal. The second network temporary identifier is used for communication between the at least one second relay terminal and the network device. The second group index is used to indicate the second relay terminal group. The index of the at least one second relay terminal represents the identifier of the at least one second relay terminal in the second relay terminal group. The first information is also used to instruct the first remote terminal to establish a connection with the at least one second relay terminal. The method further includes: A sixth message is sent to the network device, the sixth message indicating that the connection between the at least one second relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send second scheduling information to at least one third target relay terminal, the second scheduling information being used to instruct the at least one third target relay terminal to forward second data between the first remote terminal and the network device, the at least one third target relay terminal being a member of the at least one second relay terminal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the second network temporary identifier, the second set of indexes, the identifier of the at least one third target relay terminal, the index of the at least one third target relay terminal, the second resource, or the second data, wherein the second resource is used to transmit the second data.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip used in a first target relay terminal or a first target relay terminal includes: The system receives second information from a network device. This second information includes information about a first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct a first target relay terminal to establish a connection with the first remote terminal. The first target relay terminal belongs to the first relay terminal group. The information about the first relay terminal group includes at least one of a first network temporary identifier, a first group index, at least one first relay terminal identifier, or at least one first relay terminal index. The first network temporary identifier is used for communication between the at least one first relay terminal and the network device. The first group index is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of the at least one first relay terminal represents the identifier of the at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The second information is used to instruct the first relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal. The system receives third information from the first remote terminal and sends the third information to the network device, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the connection between the first target relay terminal and the first remote terminal has been established.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second information also includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the third information from the first remote terminal is forwarded to the network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first target relay terminal.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives first scheduling information from the first remote terminal, which instructs the first target relay terminal to forward first data between the first remote terminal and the network device. The first target relay terminal belongs to the at least one first relay terminal.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the first network temporary identifier, the first group index, the identifier of the first target relay terminal, the index of the first target relay terminal, the first resource, or the first data, wherein the first resource is used to transmit the first data.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives third scheduling information from the network device, which instructs the first target relay terminal to forward third data between the first remote terminal and the network device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the first network temporary identifier, the first set of indexes, the identifier of the first target relay terminal, the index of the first target relay terminal, the third resource, or the third data, wherein the third resource is used to transmit the third data.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Chips used in or within network devices, including: At least one relay terminal group is identified, the at least one relay terminal group including a first relay terminal group, the first relay terminal group including at least one first relay terminal; Send first information to a first remote terminal, the first information including information of the at least one relay terminal group; Send a second message to the at least one relay terminal group, the second message including information of the first relay terminal group, the second message being used to instruct the at least one relay terminal group to establish a connection with the first remote terminal; The information of the first relay terminal group includes at least one of the following: a first network temporary identifier, a first set of indexes, an identifier of at least one first relay terminal, or an index of at least one first relay terminal. The first network temporary identifier is used for communication between the at least one first relay terminal and the network device. The first set of indexes is used to indicate the first relay terminal group. The index of the at least one first relay terminal indicates the identifier of the at least one first relay terminal in the first relay terminal group. The first information is used to indicate that the first remote terminal establishes a connection with the at least one relay terminal group.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Before identifying at least one group of relay terminals, the method includes: Receive packet information from the first remote terminal, the packet information being used to indicate at least one packet for a plurality of candidate relay terminals, each of the at least one packet including a plurality of the candidate relay terminals; The determination of at least one relay terminal group includes: The at least one relay terminal group is determined based on the grouping information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The at least one group includes a first group, which includes M candidate relay terminals, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The first relay terminal group is the first packet; or, The first relay terminal group includes at least one first relay terminal which is one of the K candidate relay terminals in the first group, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than M.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Before receiving packet information from the first remote terminal, the method further includes: Send configuration information to the first remote terminal, the configuration information being used to instruct the grouping of the plurality of candidate relay terminals; The configuration information includes grouping method, number of groups, maximum number of candidate relay terminals in each group, at least one network temporary identifier, at least one group index, or at least one of the multiple candidate relay terminal identifiers, wherein the at least one network temporary identifier includes the first network temporary identifier, and the at least one group index includes the first group index.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The grouping method is determined according to at least one of the following: The capabilities of the plurality of candidate relay terminals, the connection information between the plurality of candidate relay terminals and the first remote terminal, or the connection information between the plurality of candidate relay terminals and the network device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The grouping information includes at least one of the following: The network temporary identifier corresponding to each group, the group index of each group, the number of candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the identifier of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the index of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group, the group capability information of each group, or the capability information of the candidate relay terminals contained in each group.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third scheduling information to at least one fourth target relay terminal, the third scheduling information being used to instruct the at least one fourth target relay terminal to forward third data between the first remote terminal and the network device, the at least one fourth target relay terminal belonging to the at least one first relay terminal.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The third scheduling information includes at least one of the following: the first network temporary identifier, the first set of indexes, the identifier of at least one fourth target relay terminal, the index of at least one fourth target relay terminal, the third resource, or the third data, wherein the third resource is used to transmit the third data.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 27.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed, or to cause the method of any one of claims 14 to 19 to be performed, or to cause the method of any one of claims 20 to 27 to be performed.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27 to be performed.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27 to be performed.

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