Path selection method, internet of things (IOT) device, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a path selection method, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: determining a first path; and sending IoT service data to a first device by means of the first path. The present disclosure improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT scenarios and / or A-IoT scenarios, and improves the availability of IoT technology and / or A-IoT technology.

Description

Path selection methods, IoT devices, systems, and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to path selection methods, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In Internet of Things (IoT) networks, traditional IoT devices are typically powered by conventional batteries with limited lifespans. To improve network performance and sustainability, the Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT), also known as battery-free IoT, has been proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To improve the availability of IoT technology and / or A-IoT technology, embodiments of this disclosure provide a path selection method, an IoT device, a system, and a storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a path selection method is provided, the method being executed by an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the method comprising:

[0005] Determine the first path;

[0006] IoT service data is sent to the first device via the first path.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device comprising:

[0008] The processing module is configured to determine the first path;

[0009] The transceiver module is configured to send IoT service data to the first device via the first path.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, comprising:

[0011] One or more processors;

[0012] The processor is used to execute the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising:

[0014] An Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being configured to implement the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects;

[0015] First equipment.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the path selection method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0018] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the IoT device can autonomously select a path and send IoT service data to the first device based on the selected first path, thereby improving the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios and enhancing the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the path selection method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 is an exemplary flowchart of a path selection method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 is an exemplary block diagram of an Internet of Things (IoT) device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0028] This disclosure presents a path selection method, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a system, and a storage medium.

[0029] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a path selection method, which is executed by an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The method includes: determining a first path; and sending IoT service data to a first device through the first path.

[0030] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can autonomously select a path and send IoT service data to the first device based on the selected first path, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first path includes at least one of the following: storing historical path information, determining available paths based on historical paths, and determining the first path based on the available paths; wherein the priority of the historical paths is higher than the priority of paths determined using the first method; determining available paths based on at least one path found through traversal, and determining the first path based on the available paths; determining available paths based on a first type of path, and determining the first path based on the available paths; wherein the priority of the first type of path is higher than the priority of a second type of path, the second type of path being the path through which the IoT device accesses the network device via an intermediate node; wherein the first type of path is the path for direct communication between the IoT device and the network device; determining available paths based on first priority information, and determining the first path based on the available paths; wherein the first priority information is used to determine the priority order of different paths.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can determine the first path using at least one of the above methods, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios, and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the historical path information includes at least one of the following: historical device information; wherein the historical device information is used to indicate device information on the historical path; wherein the historical device information includes historical device identification information; historical cell information; wherein the historical cell information includes historical cell identification information; authorization information; wherein the authorization information is used to indicate that the historical path is authorized to serve the IoT device; and authorization condition information, wherein the authorization condition information is used to indicate the conditions for the historical path to authorize the IoT device to serve the IoT device.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the historical path information may include at least one of the above. The IoT device can preferentially select the historical path as the first path based on the stored historical path information, which reduces the path search time, improves the timeliness of data transmission, reduces the energy consumption of the IoT device, and has high availability.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the authorization condition information includes at least one of the following: the historical path authorization service is for the IoT service type of the IoT device; the historical path authorization service is for the location information of the IoT device.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the authorization condition information may include at least one of the above. The IoT device can determine whether the historical path is authorized to serve the IoT device based on the authorization condition information, thereby improving the reliability of path selection.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: determining the first priority information based on the capabilities of the IoT device; determining the first priority information based on a first policy; receiving second priority information sent by a network device, and determining the first priority information based on the second priority information.

[0038] In the above embodiments, IoT devices can determine first priority information based on at least one of the above methods, thereby selecting a path, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios, and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first priority information includes at least one of the following: priority path information; priority information; wherein the priority information is used to indicate the priority corresponding to different paths; path priority conditions.

[0040] In the above embodiments, IoT devices can quickly determine the preferred path in order to identify the first path, thereby improving the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios and enhancing the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the priority path information includes at least one of the following: priority path type information; priority path identification information.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the priority path information may include at least one of the above, which improves the efficiency of IoT devices in path selection and has high availability.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the path priority condition includes at least one of the following: IoT device information; wherein the IoT device information includes IoT device identification information, IoT device type information and / or IoT device capability information; IoT service information; wherein the IoT service information includes IoT service identification information, IoT service type information and / or IoT service requirement information; and condition information corresponding to the channel measurement results.

[0044] The above embodiments improve the reliability and availability of IoT devices in path selection.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first path based on the available paths includes at least one of the following: if there is an available path, the available path is determined as the first path; if there are multiple available paths, at least one of the multiple available paths is determined as the first path.

[0046] In the above embodiments, IoT devices can select the first path based on the number of available paths, which is simple and highly available.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one available path among the plurality of available paths as the first path includes: determining at least one candidate path among the plurality of available paths based on a first channel measurement condition, and determining the first path based on the at least one candidate path.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can first filter out at least one candidate channel from multiple available paths, thereby speeding up the path selection efficiency and reducing the energy consumption of the IoT device.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining at least one available path among the plurality of available paths as the first path includes: determining at least one available path among the plurality of available paths that satisfies a first condition as the first path; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the earliest time it was determined as an available path; the latest storage; the optimal channel measurement result; and satisfying a first strategy.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can quickly determine the first path among multiple available paths, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios, and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining an available path includes at least one of the following: the channel measurement result of the path is greater than or equal to a first threshold, thus determining the path as the available path; the path is authorized to serve the IoT device, thus determining the path as the available path; the path is authorized to serve the IoT service executed by the IoT device, thus determining the path as the available path; the path supports the IoT device, thus determining the path as the available path; the path supports the IoT service executed by the IoT device, thus determining the path as the available path; the network identifier on the path matches a first identifier, thus determining the path as the available path; wherein, the first identifier is the network identifier corresponding to the IoT device.

[0052] In the above embodiments, IoT devices can use the above method to determine available paths, which improves the efficiency of path selection, enhances the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios, and improves the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: determining the first threshold based on a predefined method; determining the first threshold based on a preconfiguration; determining the first threshold based on indication information sent by the first device; wherein the indication information is used to indicate the first threshold.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can quickly determine the first threshold, which improves the efficiency of determining the available path.

[0055] Secondly, this disclosure provides an Internet of Things (IoT) device, which includes: a processing module configured to determine a first path; and a transceiver module configured to send IoT service data to a first device through the first path.

[0056] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an Internet of Things (IoT) device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0057] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: an Internet of Things (IoT) device configured to implement the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects; and a first device.

[0058] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the path selection method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the path selection method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0060] Understandably, the aforementioned IoT devices, communication systems, and storage media are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] This disclosure provides a path selection method, an IoT device, a system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms path selection method, communication method, and data transmission method can be used interchangeably; the terms path selection device, communication device, and data transmission device can be used interchangeably; and the terms path selection system, data transmission system, and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0062] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0063] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0064] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0065] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the aforementioned," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0066] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0067] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0068] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0069] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0070] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0071] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0072] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "entity", "body", etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0074] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0075] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0076] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes an IoT device 101 and a first device 102.

[0078] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 may be an IoT device acting as a tag. In an IoT scenario, IoT device 101 may include, but is not limited to, devices that send data and / or signaling after being triggered by other devices, such as terminals or network devices. It is equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and can be read by other devices, such as terminals or network devices, for operations such as tag inventory and data reporting.

[0079] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 may be replaced by A-IoT device, which may include at least one of the following: a device that sends data and / or signaling after being triggered by other devices, a sensor-type device, a smart home device, a smart meter, a smart water meter, a traffic light, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be an intermediate node, which may be located between the IoT device 101 and a network device, such as an access network device. When the first device 102 is an intermediate node, it may be any one of the following: a relay node, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a regular terminal, or a repeater node.

[0081] For example, when the first device 102 is a common terminal, it includes at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0083] The access network equipment includes, for example, nodes or devices that connect ordinary terminals or intermediate nodes to the wireless network. The access network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation evolved Node B (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul equipment, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0084] The access network equipment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network equipment. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only option.

[0085] The core network equipment can be a single device, including one or more network elements, or multiple devices or a group of devices. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0086] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0087] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0088] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0089] In some embodiments, the Internet of Things (IoT) is an intelligent service system that connects objects, people, systems, and information resources through sensing devices according to agreed protocols, enabling the processing and response to information in the physical and virtual worlds. With social and economic development, the demand for IoT in various sectors of life, production, and society is gradually increasing, and IoT has become widely used to serve national welfare and people's livelihoods.

[0090] To date, mobile communication technology has continuously evolved, and the cellular networks provided by mobile operators, with their broad coverage and high-quality service, have become a significant driver of the digitalization and informatization of the social economy, laying a solid connectivity foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT). The high data rates, low latency, high reliability, and widespread availability offered by 4G have greatly supported IoT applications such as wearable devices, video surveillance, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in factories.

[0091] Mobile IoT technologies, represented by Category 1 (Cat1) and Category 4 (Cat4), provide low-cost connectivity for terminals, reducing the implementation cost of IoT and supporting scenarios such as smart meter reading, shared bicycles, and environmental monitoring.

[0092] Currently, there are three main scenarios for IoT: Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra Reliable & Low Latency Communication (uRLLC), and Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). Building upon the continuous improvement of narrowband IoT coverage, reduced capability (RedCap) and other IoT capabilities have further evolved, emphasizing support for massive connectivity, high reliability, and low latency. As a result, IoT has achieved greater connectivity, wider coverage, and a better user experience. Its applications in home, industry, energy, transportation, and urban management are beginning to show results. These applications have facilitated people's lives, improved their quality of life, reduced production costs, and increased the intelligence and automation of management, bringing the interconnection of everything into all aspects of production, life, and society.

[0093] As production and daily life continue to move towards digitalization and intelligence, there is a growing demand for the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to more application scenarios. This also brings numerous challenges to the current state of the IoT. In terms of network throughput, with the increase in IoT devices and the widespread adoption of high-bandwidth services, the total network data throughput will experience explosive growth, posing a challenge to the existing network capacity.

[0094] Regarding transmission speed, with the increasing prevalence of IoT applications requiring real-time transmission of large amounts of data, such as holographic imaging, the current IoT speed needs further improvement. For example, real-time, high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging requires even higher transmission rates. In terms of communication latency, latency has already been reduced to the millisecond level. In extreme scenarios such as remote surgery and remote industrial control, transmission latency of hundreds of microseconds may be required, with some scenarios needing to be below 50 microseconds. Regarding network coverage, future IoT is expected to provide connectivity to high altitudes, the open sea, and deep underground, overcoming the distortion of communication signals caused by the Doppler effect. Regarding power consumption, many IoT devices are distributed across wide geographical areas and require long operating times, posing challenges to battery life and charging infrastructure. Future IoT development needs to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Regarding information security, IoT data is vulnerable to cyberattacks, leading to serious consequences such as data breaches and unauthorized access, making information security increasingly important. Regarding capability integration, many existing IoT capabilities are independent, making deep integration between different capabilities difficult. For example, many IoT terminals only have basic sensing capabilities and lack network transmission or computing capabilities, which makes them unable to be applied to a wider range of scenarios.

[0095] The future 6G Internet of Things (IoT) will be an IoT system built on 6G networks as its communication infrastructure. 6G will provide the IoT with ultra-high-speed, low-latency, high-connectivity, energy-efficient, intelligent, and secure data transmission. Deeply empowered by 6G technology, end-to-end IoT systems will achieve greater intelligence and autonomy, enabling real-time and accurate environmental sensing, intelligent decision-making, and personalized services. The 6G IoT will integrate next-generation mobile communication and IoT technologies, and is expected to become the next stage of IoT development.

[0096] In some embodiments, Device-Originated–Device-Terminated Triggered (DO-DTT) and Device-Terminated (DT) service use cases are given priority. These use cases rely on network control and signaling triggering and are suitable for scenarios where the network needs to directly control data transmission. For use cases where devices actively initiate service data transmission, this pattern is difficult for the network to predict, thus requiring more granular access control policies.

[0097] With advancements in IoT technology, it is expected that device-originating (DO) use cases will receive more attention in the future. Especially in anticipated 6G application scenarios, 6G IoT is expected to achieve lower power consumption, lower cost, higher speed, more reliable, more deterministic, more secure, easier deployment, and maintenance-free communication through the integration and combination of different IoT technologies. This will meet the differentiated needs of various scenarios across three major areas: daily life, production, and society. Furthermore, IoT devices will need to interact with the outside world more intelligently and continuously learn and evolve in open environments to meet personalized user needs. Therefore, 6G scenario use cases place higher demands on data transmission volume and device capabilities. It is anticipated that a large number of IoT devices will need to proactively send service data to the network, such as video surveillance. Consequently, DO use cases will receive more attention and research to support the future proactive data transmission needs of IoT devices.

[0098] In 6G IoT scenarios, the following topologies may exist:

[0099] Topology 1, direct path communication, means that IoT devices communicate directly with the base station.

[0100] Topology 2 is a non-direct path communication, which means that there are intermediate nodes. IoT devices communicate indirectly with network devices through intermediate nodes. The intermediate nodes provide data signaling forwarding functions between IoT devices and network devices, thereby improving coverage.

[0101] For DO (traffic type) transmission, the network device cannot predict the status of the service data, so it cannot select a suitable path to trigger link communication for the IoT device. Therefore, it is possible to consider path selection initiated by the IoT device.

[0102] To improve the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies, this disclosure provides the following path selection methods, IoT devices, systems, and storage media.

[0103] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a path selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a path selection method, which includes:

[0104] In step S2101, IoT device 101 determines the first path.

[0105] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 can be replaced with an A-IoT device. This disclosure will subsequently use IoT devices as examples; however, it is understood that the solutions disclosed herein are also applicable to A-IoT devices or other Internet of Things devices.

[0106] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 can autonomously select the first path in a DO scenario.

[0107] In some embodiments, the IoT device 101 can autonomously select the first path in other scenarios, such as DO-DTT and DT scenarios.

[0108] For example, IoT device 101 can select a path based on the instruction information sent by first device 102 in DO-DTT and DT scenarios.

[0109] In some embodiments, this disclosure does not limit the scenario in which the IoT device 101 autonomously selects a path.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first path is a path autonomously selected by the IoT device 101 for transmitting IoT service data.

[0111] In some embodiments, the name of the first path is not limited and can be interchanged with the target path, the actual path, etc.

[0112] In some embodiments, the IoT device 101 may determine a first path by selecting a path in at least one of the following ways:

[0113] Method 1: Path selection based on prior information.

[0114] In one example, IoT device 101 stores historical path information, prioritizes this historical path information, determines whether the historical path is available, identifies available paths in the historical path, and then determines the first path based on the available paths.

[0115] In Method 1, historical paths have higher priority than paths determined by the first method. The first method includes, but is not limited to, traversal search. Of course, the first method can also be other methods, such as having a base station cell, core network functional node, or intermediate node provide at least one path for the IoT device 101. In other words, when selecting a path, the IoT device 101 can first determine whether historical path information is stored, and if so, identify an available path from the historical paths to determine the first path.

[0116] Understandably, using method 1 for path selection can effectively reduce the network search and path selection time of IoT device 101, reduce the energy consumption of IoT device 101, and improve the real-time performance of communication.

[0117] For example, historical path information may include at least one of the following: historical device information; historical cell information; authorization information; authorization condition information.

[0118] Historical device information can be used to indicate device information on a historical path, such as at least one of intermediate node information and network device information (e.g., base station information) on the historical path.

[0119] The intermediate node is located between the IoT device and the network device. This disclosure does not limit the name of the "intermediate node" and it can be interchanged with "relay node" or "intermediate device".

[0120] Understandably, historical device information can also be used to indicate information about historical devices, which are intermediate nodes or network devices that IoT device 101 has previously connected to.

[0121] For example, historical device information may include, but is not limited to, historical device identification information. For instance, intermediate node identification information and base station identification information on the historical path.

[0122] Historical cell information can be used to indicate cell information along a historical path, or it can be used to indicate information about historical cells, such as information about cells that IoT device 101 has previously accessed.

[0123] For example, historical cell information may include historical cell identification information, such as the physical cell identifier (PCI) of a historical cell.

[0124] The authorization information can be used to instruct the historical path authorization service to be provided to IoT device 101.

[0125] Of course, the authorization information can also be used to indicate that the historical path did not authorize the service to IoT device 101. This disclosure does not limit the content indicated by the authorization information.

[0126] The authorization condition information can be used to indicate the conditions under which a historical path is authorized to serve the IoT device 101. In other words, if the authorization conditions are met, the historical path can be authorized to serve the IoT device 101; if the authorization conditions are not met, the historical path cannot be authorized to serve the IoT device 101.

[0127] For example, the authorization condition information may include at least one of the following: the IoT service type of the historical path authorization service of the IoT device 101; and the location information of the IoT device 101. The location information may be cell information, geographic location range information, etc.

[0128] For example, the authorization condition information includes IoT service type #1 and IoT service type #2. If the service type performed by IoT device 101 is IoT service type #1 or IoT service type #2, the historical path can be authorized to serve the IoT device 101. If the service type performed by IoT device 101 is IoT service type #3, the historical path cannot be authorized to serve the IoT device 101.

[0129] For example, if the authorization condition information includes cell #2, and IoT device 101 is located in cell #2, then this historical path can be authorized to serve IoT device 101. If IoT device 101 is located in another cell, such as cell #3, then this historical path cannot be authorized to serve IoT device 101.

[0130] For example, the authorization conditions include IoT service type #2 and geographical location range #1. If IoT device 101 is located within geographical location range #1 and the service type it is performing is IoT service type #2, then this historical path can be authorized to serve the IoT device 101. If IoT device 101 is located in another cell, such as cell #3, and / or the service type performed by IoT device 101 is another service type, then this historical path cannot be authorized to serve the IoT device 101.

[0131] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the specific content of historical path information.

[0132] In one example, IoT device 101 prioritizes historical paths to determine available paths.

[0133] The available path refers to the path that the IoT device 101 can use, such as a path that can access the network.

[0134] For example, IoT device 101 determines the available path in the following way:

[0135] One approach is to determine available paths based on channel measurement results.

[0136] The channel measurement results may include measurements obtained from measuring the signal strength and / or signal quality along the path.

[0137] Signal strength can be measured using the Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) and Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).

[0138] Signal quality can be measured by metrics such as Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), and Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR).

[0139] For example, if the channel measurement result of a historical path is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the historical path can be identified as an available path.

[0140] The first threshold can be determined based on a predefined method, such as IoT device 101 directly determining the first threshold based on protocol agreement.

[0141] The first threshold may be pre-configured to the IoT device 101 by a specific node. The specific node may be at least one of a base station cell, an intermediate node, or a core network functional node. For example, the specific node may pre-configure the first threshold for the IoT device 101.

[0142] The first threshold can be determined based on first indication information sent by a specific node, which may include at least one of a base station cell, an intermediate node, and a core network functional node. It is understood that the first threshold indicated by different nodes through the first indication information may be the same or different, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0143] The name of the base station cell is not limited and can be interchanged with "access network equipment", "network equipment", "network side", "gNB", "cell", etc. Similarly, the name of the core network functional node is not limited and can be interchanged with "core network equipment" or "core network functional element".

[0144] Among them, base station cells and core network functional nodes can be collectively referred to as "network equipment" or "network side", and this disclosure does not limit them.

[0145] The first threshold can be stored inside the IoT device 101, for example, written into the IoT device 101 when the IoT device leaves the factory.

[0146] The first threshold can be specific to IoT services. The first thresholds for different IoT services can be the same or different. Specific to IoT services can be understood as specific to IoT service type and / or specific to IoT service identifier.

[0147] The first threshold can be specific to an IoT device. The first threshold for different IoT devices can be the same or different. Specific to an IoT device can be understood as specific to the type of IoT device and / or specific to the identifier of the IoT device.

[0148] The first threshold can be path-specific, and the first thresholds for different paths can be the same or different. Path-specific can be understood as path-type specific and / or path-identifier specific. The path type includes at least one of a first type of path and a second type of path. The first type of path refers to the path where the IoT device directly accesses the network device, and the second type of path refers to the path where the IoT device accesses the network device through an intermediate node.

[0149] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the name of the first type of path is not limited and can be interchanged with "direct path", "direct path", etc. The name of the second type of path is not limited and can be interchanged with "non-direct path", "indirect path", etc.

[0150] The first threshold can be determined based on a predefined method and preconfiguration. For example, the protocol stipulates a set of first thresholds, and a specific node pre-configures one of the first thresholds in the set for IoT device 101.

[0151] The first threshold can be determined based on a predefined method and first indication information. For example, the protocol stipulates a set of first thresholds, and a specific node can indicate one of the first thresholds in the first threshold set through the first indication information.

[0152] The first threshold can be determined based on a pre-configuration method and first indication information. For example, a specific node can pre-configure multiple first thresholds for IoT device 101, and then indicate one of them using the first indication information.

[0153] The first threshold can also be determined based on a predefined method, a preconfigured method, and first indication information. For example, the protocol stipulates a set of first thresholds, and a specific node pre-configures multiple values ​​from the first threshold set to the IoT device 101, and then indicates one of them through the first indication information.

[0154] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the method for determining the first threshold.

[0155] Another approach is to determine available paths based on path authorization.

[0156] For example, if a historical path is authorized to serve IoT device 101, then IoT device 101 can determine that historical path as an available path.

[0157] For example, a historical path is authorized to serve the IoT business performed by IoT device 101, and IoT device 101 can determine the historical path as an available path.

[0158] This authorization can be determined based on a predefined method, preconfiguration, or a second indication message sent by a specific node. The specific node includes at least one of the following: a base station cell, an intermediate node, and a core network functional node.

[0159] The second instruction information may be the same as or different from the first instruction information; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0160] The way in which IoT device 101 determines authorization based on predefined methods, preconfiguration, and second indication information sent by a specific node is similar to the way IoT device 101 determines the first threshold, and will not be described in detail here.

[0161] Another approach is to determine available paths based on path capabilities.

[0162] For example, if a historical path is authorized to support the IoT device 101, the IoT device 101 can determine that historical path as an available path.

[0163] For example, a historical path may be authorized to support IoT services performed by IoT device 101, and IoT device 101 may determine that historical path as an available path.

[0164] This support can be determined based on predefined methods, preconfiguration, or third-party instruction information sent by specific nodes. Specific nodes include at least one of the following: base station cells, intermediate nodes, and core network functional nodes.

[0165] The third instruction information may be the same as or different from the first instruction information, and / or may be the same as or different from the second instruction information; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0166] The method by which IoT device 101 determines the supported method based on predefined methods, preconfiguration, and second indication information sent by specific nodes is similar to the method by which IoT device 101 determines authorization, and will not be described in detail here.

[0167] Another approach is to determine available paths based on network identifiers on the path.

[0168] For example, if a network identifier on a historical path matches a first identifier, the IoT device 101 can determine that historical path as an available path. Here, the first identifier is the network identifier corresponding to the IoT device 101.

[0169] The network can be a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a Non-Public Network (NPN), wherein the NPN includes at least one of a Standalone Non-Public Network (SNPN) and a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN), and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0170] After determining at least one available path from historical paths, IoT device 101 can further determine the first path in the following manner:

[0171] For example, if there is an available path, the IoT device 101 directly identifies the available path as the first path.

[0172] For example, if there are multiple available paths, the IoT device 101 can identify at least one of the multiple available paths as the first path.

[0173] Among them, IoT device 101 can identify at least one available path that meets the first condition from multiple available paths as the first path.

[0174] The first condition may include at least one of the following: the earliest time it was determined to be an available path; the latest storage; the best channel measurement results; and satisfaction of the first strategy.

[0175] For example, IoT device 101 can identify at least one of the earliest available paths as the first path among multiple available paths.

[0176] For example, IoT device 101 can determine at least one available path with the latest storage time as the first path among multiple available paths.

[0177] For example, IoT device 101 can determine the first path from among multiple available paths, choosing the one with the best channel measurement results, such as the largest RSRP value.

[0178] The first strategy can refer to the strategy of the IoT device 101 itself. For example, if the first strategy is random selection, then the IoT device 101 can randomly select at least one available path from multiple available paths as the first path.

[0179] In the case of multiple available paths, the IoT device 101 can first determine at least one candidate path based on the first channel measurement conditions among the multiple available paths, and then determine the first path based on the at least one candidate path.

[0180] The first channel measurement condition can refer to a channel measurement value that is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0181] Among them, the IoT device 101 can also first filter out some paths from multiple available paths based on the first channel measurement conditions. The filtered paths can be called "candidate paths". If there is a candidate path, the IoT device 101 directly determines the candidate path as the first path.

[0182] Alternatively, IoT device 101 can first filter out some paths from multiple available paths based on the first channel measurement conditions. The filtered paths can be called "candidate paths". If there are multiple candidate paths, IoT device 101 can determine the first path based on the candidate paths that meet the first conditions.

[0183] The method by which IoT device 101 determines the first path from multiple candidate paths based on candidate paths that meet the first condition is similar to the method described above for determining the first path from multiple available paths based on candidate paths that meet the first condition, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the scheme by which the IoT device 101 prioritizes the storage of historical path information for path selection.

[0185] It should be noted that if the IoT device 101 does not store historical path information, or if the IoT device 101 stores historical path information but there is no available path in the historical path, then the IoT device 101 may determine the first path based on at least one of the following methods 2, 3 or 4, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0186] For example, Method 2 is a traversal search method. The IoT device 101 can determine the first path by traversing and searching even if it has not stored historical path information or if it has stored historical path information but there is no available path in the historical path.

[0187] For example, Method 3 is a direct communication priority method. The IoT device 101 can prioritize determining the first path in the direct path even if it has not stored historical path information, or if it has stored historical path information but there is no available path in the historical path.

[0188] For example, Method 4 is a path selection method based on the first priority information. The IoT device 101 can determine the first path based on the first priority information when it has not stored historical path information, or when it has stored historical path information but there is no available path in the historical path.

[0189] Method 2: Traversal search method.

[0190] In one example, IoT device 101 may perform a traversal search upon initial power-on or when IoT service data needs to be sent, determine an available path based on at least one path found during the traversal search, and determine the first path based on the available path.

[0191] In one example, the process of IoT device 101 traversing and searching can refer to the process of discovering intermediate nodes and / or network devices.

[0192] In one example, the process of IoT device 101 traversing the search may include broadcasting discovery signals and / or listening for discovery signals sent by other devices, thereby identifying surrounding networks and communication paths.

[0193] In one example, IoT device 101 may select at least one path, at least one frequency point, and / or at least one frequency band to begin searching, based on its own capabilities, implementation, and / or policy (e.g., a first policy), including broadcasting discovery signals and / or listening to discovery signals sent by other devices, thereby identifying surrounding networks and communication paths.

[0194] In one example, IoT device 101 can determine an available path by traversing at least one of the searched paths:

[0195] One approach is to determine available paths based on channel measurement results.

[0196] For example, if the channel measurement result of a certain path found through the traversal search is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the path can be identified as an available path.

[0197] The first threshold can be determined based on at least one of the following: a predefined method, a preconfiguration, or a fourth indication message sent by a specific node. The determination process is similar to that in method 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] The first threshold can be stored inside the IoT device 101, for example, written into the IoT device 101 when the IoT device leaves the factory.

[0199] The first threshold can be specific to IoT services. The first thresholds for different IoT services can be the same or different. Specific to IoT services can be understood as specific to IoT service type and / or specific to IoT service identifier.

[0200] The first threshold can be specific to an IoT device. The first threshold for different IoT devices can be the same or different. Specific to an IoT device can be understood as specific to the type of IoT device and / or specific to the identifier of the IoT device.

[0201] The first threshold can be path-specific; different paths may have the same or different first thresholds. Path-specific can be understood as path-type specific and / or path-identifier specific. Path types include first-type paths and second-type paths. First-type paths refer to paths where IoT devices directly access network devices, while second-type paths refer to paths where IoT devices access network devices through intermediate nodes.

[0202] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the name of the first type of path is not limited and can be interchanged with "direct path", "direct path", etc. The name of the second type of path is not limited and can be interchanged with "non-direct path", "indirect path", etc.

[0203] It is understood that the first threshold in method 2 may be the same as or different from the first threshold in method 1, and this disclosure does not limit this. Another method is to determine the available path based on path authorization.

[0204] For example, if the path found through the search is authorized to serve IoT device 101, then IoT device 101 can determine that the path as an available path.

[0205] For example, if the path found through the search is authorized to serve the IoT business performed by IoT device 101, then IoT device 101 can determine the path as an available path.

[0206] This authorization can be determined based on a predefined method, preconfiguration, or a fifth instruction message sent by a specific node. The specific node includes at least one of the following: a base station cell, an intermediate node, or a core network functional node.

[0207] The way in which IoT device 101 determines authorization based on predefined methods, preconfiguration, and the fifth indication information sent by a specific node is similar to the way IoT device 101 determines the first threshold, and will not be described in detail here.

[0208] Another approach is to determine available paths based on path capabilities.

[0209] For example, if the path found through the search is authorized to support the IoT device 101, then the IoT device 101 can determine that path as an available path.

[0210] For example, if the path found through the search is authorized to support the IoT services performed by IoT device 101, IoT device 101 can determine the path as an available path.

[0211] This support can be determined based on a predefined method, preconfiguration, or a sixth indication message sent by a specific node. The specific node includes at least one of the following: base station cell, intermediate node, and core network functional node.

[0212] Another approach is to determine available paths based on network identifiers on the path.

[0213] For example, if the network identifier on the traversed search path matches the first identifier, the IoT device 101 can determine that path as a usable path. Here, the first identifier is the network identifier corresponding to the IoT device 101.

[0214] The network can be a PLMN or an NPN, wherein the NPN includes at least one of SNPN and PNI-NPN, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0215] After determining at least one available path from the traversed and searched paths, IoT device 101 can further determine the first path in the following way:

[0216] For example, if there is an available path, the IoT device 101 directly identifies the available path as the first path.

[0217] For example, if there are multiple available paths, the IoT device 101 can identify at least one of the multiple available paths as the first path.

[0218] Among them, IoT device 101 can identify at least one available path that meets the first condition from multiple available paths as the first path.

[0219] The first condition may include at least one of the following: the earliest time it was determined to be an available path; the latest storage; the best channel measurement results; and satisfaction of the first strategy.

[0220] For example, IoT device 101 can identify at least one available path that is first determined to be available among multiple available paths as the first path. In the traversal search method, IoT device 101 can determine whether each path is available after it is searched. Once the path is determined to be available, it can be directly designated as the first path, and the traversal search process can be stopped, thereby saving resources and energy consumption of IoT device 101.

[0221] For example, IoT device 101 can determine the most recently used available path from among multiple available paths as the first path. For instance, each time IoT device 101 finds a path, it determines whether that path is available. If it is available, it can store the data, and subsequently, the most recently used available path can be designated as the first path.

[0222] For example, IoT device 101 can select at least one available path with the best channel measurement result (e.g., the largest RSRP value) from multiple available paths as the first path. For instance, IoT device 101 can perform channel measurements on each available path found, determine the channel measurement results, and select at least one available path with the best channel measurement results as the first path.

[0223] The first strategy can refer to the strategy of the IoT device 101 itself. For example, if the first strategy is random selection, then the IoT device 101 can randomly select at least one available path as the first path after determining multiple available paths in the traversed search paths.

[0224] In the case of multiple available paths, the IoT device 101 can first determine at least one candidate path based on the first channel measurement conditions among the multiple available paths, and then determine the first path based on the at least one candidate path.

[0225] The first channel measurement condition can refer to a channel measurement value that is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0226] Among them, the IoT device 101 can also first filter out some paths from multiple available paths based on the first channel measurement conditions. The filtered paths can be called "candidate paths". If there is a candidate path, the IoT device 101 directly determines the candidate path as the first path.

[0227] Alternatively, IoT device 101 can first filter out some paths from multiple available paths based on the first channel measurement conditions. The filtered paths can be called "candidate paths". If there are multiple candidate paths, IoT device 101 can determine the first path based on the candidate paths that meet the first conditions.

[0228] The method by which IoT device 101 determines the first path from multiple candidate paths based on candidate paths that meet the first condition is similar to the method described above for determining the first path from multiple available paths based on candidate paths that meet the first condition, and will not be repeated here.

[0229] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the scheme for IoT device 101 to select paths based on traversal search.

[0230] It should be noted that if the IoT device 101 fails to find a usable path during the traversal search, the IoT device 101 may combine other methods, such as at least one of method 1, method 3 or method 4, to determine the first path. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0231] Method 3 prioritizes path selection based on the first type of path.

[0232] The first type of path is the path for direct communication between the IoT device 101 and the network device.

[0233] The name of the first type of path is not limited and can be interchanged with direct communication path, direct path, etc.

[0234] In one example, direct communication can offer lower latency and higher data transfer rates, which is particularly important for applications requiring real-time responses. For IoT devices, prioritizing direct paths ensures efficient data transmission and fast response times, which is crucial for many IoT applications that rely on rapid data exchange. For instance, in scenarios such as smart manufacturing, remote medical monitoring, and autonomous driving, direct paths ensure the real-time performance and reliability of IoT services.

[0235] Specifically, when selecting a path, IoT device 101 can determine that the priority of the first type of path is higher than that of the second type of path. The second type of path can be a path where the IoT device accesses network devices through an intermediate node. IoT device 101 can first check if an available first type of path, i.e., a direct path, exists. This process involves the IoT device detecting whether there are base station cells whose channel measurement results (e.g., signal strength and / or signal quality) meet the requirements, thereby ensuring that a stable direct path can be established, which can reduce latency during data transmission and improve the real-time performance of communication.

[0236] Understandably, in some situations, direct connection paths may be unavailable due to various factors (such as base station coverage, signal interference, device location, etc.). In such cases, IoT devices still need to transmit IoT service data, and a second type of path, namely a non-direct connection path, can be chosen. Of course, this means that the IoT device needs to establish an indirect connection with the base station cell through one or more intermediate nodes. However, choosing a second type of path can also expand the scope of IoT service data transmission. It's understood that intermediate nodes can be other IoT devices, gateways, or any device capable of forwarding signals, thereby helping IoT devices connect to network facilities that are geographically more distant.

[0237] Based on the above, in this embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to consider supporting the IoT device 101 to preferentially select a direct connection path.

[0238] Understandably, if IoT device 101 prioritizes the first type of path, then if there is no first type of path or no available first type of path, IoT device 101 can further investigate whether there is an available second type of path. The second type of path is a path where IoT device 101 and the network device cannot communicate directly; for example, a second type of path is a path where there are intermediate nodes between IoT device 101 and the network device.

[0239] In one example, IoT device 101 can filter first-type paths in historical paths and determine whether the first-type paths are available paths, thereby determining the first path based on at least one available path.

[0240] In one example, IoT device 101 can perform a traversal search to determine a first type of path, and further, determine whether the first type of path is an available path, thereby determining a first path based on at least one available path.

[0241] In one example, IoT device 101 may use other methods to determine the first type of path, and further, may determine whether the first type of path is an available path, thereby determining the first path based on at least one available path.

[0242] In one example, the IoT device 101 determines the available path based on the first type of path in a similar way to the methods described in Method 1 and Method 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0243] The first threshold may be stored inside the IoT device 101, or it may be specific to the IoT business, or it may be specific to the IoT device, or it may be specific to the path (specifically, it may be specific to the first type of path). The specific details will not be elaborated here.

[0244] Of course, when determining an available path in the first type of path, the first threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold in method 1 and method 2, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0245] In one example, after IoT device 101 determines the available path based on the first type of path, the method of determining the first path based on the available path is similar to the method of determining the first path in the aforementioned method 1 and method 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In one example, if IoT device 101 determines that a first-type path does not exist, or that no available path exists within the first-type path, it can determine a second-type path, and then identify an available path within the second-type path, thereby determining the first path. The specific determination method will not be elaborated here.

[0247] In one example, if IoT device 101 determines that there is no first type of path or that there is no available path among the first type of paths, it may also determine the available path and the first path based on other methods, such as at least one of method 1, method 2, and method 4. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0248] Method 4: Path selection based on priority strategy.

[0249] The priority strategy can refer to the strategy adopted by the IoT device 101 when determining the priority order of different paths.

[0250] In one example, this priority strategy can be represented by first priority information. First priority information is used to determine the priority order of different paths.

[0251] For example, the first priority information may include at least one of the following: priority path information; priority information; path priority conditions.

[0252] The priority path information can be information about paths with higher priority, including priority path type information and / or priority path identification information.

[0253] For example, the priority path type information can be either a first-class path or a second-class path.

[0254] For example, if the priority path identification information can be path #1 and path #3, then IoT device 101 can determine that the priority of these two paths is higher than the priority of other paths.

[0255] The priority information is used to indicate the priority of different paths.

[0256] For example, the priority information indicates that path #1 has a priority of n1, path #2 has a priority of n2, path #3 has a priority of n3, and so on.

[0257] Among them, the path priority condition can refer to the conditions that need to be met when path priority is applied.

[0258] For example, path priority conditions may include at least one of the following: IoT device information; IoT service information; and condition information corresponding to channel measurement results.

[0259] The IoT device information includes IoT device identification information, IoT device type information, and / or IoT device capability information. The IoT device capabilities may include at least one of storage capacity, battery power, signal power, and lifespan. If the IoT device 101 matches this IoT device information, it determines that the path priority condition is met.

[0260] The IoT service information includes IoT service identification information, IoT service type information, and / or IoT service requirement information. The IoT service requirement information may include, but is not limited to, latency requirements, such as latency below a specific threshold. If the service being executed by the IoT device 101 conforms to this IoT service information, it determines that the path priority condition is met.

[0261] Among them, the condition information corresponding to the channel measurement results can indicate the conditions that the channel measurement results of the path meet, for example, the RSRP value of the channel is higher than a certain threshold.

[0262] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the content of the first priority information.

[0263] For example, IoT device 101 can determine the first priority information based on its own capabilities.

[0264] The capabilities of an IoT device may include at least one of the following: processing speed, storage capacity, battery life, and signal power.

[0265] For example, IoT device 101 may determine the first priority information based on a first strategy.

[0266] The first strategy is the strategy of the IoT device 101 itself, which may include at least one of the following: the location of the IoT device, the service latency of the IoT device, and the priority of the IoT device.

[0267] For example, IoT device 101 can determine the first priority information based on the second priority information sent by the network device. The network device here can be an access network device or a core network device. The network device can directly send the second priority information to the IoT device, or the network device can send the second priority information to an intermediate node, which will then forward it to the IoT device.

[0268] The second priority information is used to assist the IoT device 101 in determining the first priority information.

[0269] The content of the second priority information may be the same as or different from the content of the first priority information, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0270] Understandably, IoT device 101 can determine the first priority information according to the instructions of the network device. At this time, the content of the second priority information may be the same as or different from the content of the first priority information.

[0271] Alternatively, IoT device 101 may determine first priority information according to the instructions of network device and its own actual situation, such as its own capabilities and / or first strategy. In this case, the content of second priority information may be the same as or different from the content of first priority information, and this disclosure does not limit either of them.

[0272] In one example, IoT device 101 may determine an available path based on first priority information, and determine the first path based on the available path.

[0273] For example, if the channel measurement result of a path selected based on the first priority information is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the path can be determined as an available path.

[0274] The first threshold may be stored inside the IoT device 101, or it may be specific to the IoT business, or it may be specific to the IoT device, or it may be specific to the path. The specific details will not be elaborated here.

[0275] The first threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold in the aforementioned methods 1, 2 and 3, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0276] For example, if a path selected based on the first priority information serves IoT device 101, or is authorized to serve the IoT services performed by IoT device 101, then that path can be determined as an available path.

[0277] For example, if a path selected based on the first priority information supports the IoT device 101 or supports the IoT services performed by the IoT device 101, the path can be determined as an available path.

[0278] For example, if the network identifier on a path selected based on the first priority information matches the first identifier, that path can be determined as an available path. Here, the first identifier is the network identifier corresponding to the IoT device 101.

[0279] The specific method for determining available paths is similar to the process described in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] For example, the first priority information includes priority path information. The IoT device 101 can determine the priority path type and / or priority path based on the priority path information, and then determine the available path among the determined priority path type and / or priority path, thereby determining the first path.

[0281] For example, priority path information includes priority for the first type of path. The IoT device 101 can first determine the first type of path (e.g., based on historical paths, traversal search or other methods to determine the first type of path). After determining the available paths in the first type of path, it then determines the first path based on the available paths. The specific determination method will not be elaborated here.

[0282] For example, the priority path information includes path #1 and path #2. IoT device 101 can determine whether path #1 and path #2 are available paths. Assuming path #1 is available, IoT device 101 can determine path #1 as the first path. Assuming both path #1 and path #2 are available, IoT device 101 can choose the path that meets the first condition as the first path, or it can first filter out candidate paths and then determine the first path.

[0283] For example, the priority path information includes a first type of path and path #2. The IoT device 101 can determine whether path #2 of the first type of path is an available path. Assuming that path #2 is an available path, the IoT device 101 can determine path #2 as the first path. Assuming that path #2 is not an available path, the IoT device 101 can determine the first path based on other methods. The specific determination method is not limited in this disclosure.

[0284] For example, the first priority information includes priority information. The IoT device 101 can determine whether a path is an available path according to the path priority from high to low, and determine the first path based on the available paths.

[0285] For example, if the priority information is that path #1 has a higher priority than path #2, and path #2 has a higher priority than path #3, IoT device 101 can first determine whether path #1 is a usable path. If it is a usable path, it can directly determine path #1 as the first path. Otherwise, IoT device 101 can continue to determine whether path #2 is a usable path. If path #3 is still not a usable path, IoT device 101 can use other methods to determine the first path. The specific determination method is not limited in this disclosure.

[0286] For example, if the first priority information does not include priority information, the IoT device 101 may assume that multiple paths have equal priority or consider the priority information invalid.

[0287] For example, for multiple paths that indicate equal priority in the first priority information or multiple paths that the IoT device considers to have equal priority, the IoT device 101 can determine the available path among the multiple paths, and determine the first path based on the available path, for example, determining the first path among the multiple available paths based on the first strategy. The specific determination method will not be described in detail here.

[0288] It is understandable that multiple paths with equal priority can be of the same type, for example, multiple paths can be either type 1 or type 2 paths. Multiple paths with equal priority can also be of different types, for example, at least one of the multiple paths is type 1 path, and the other paths are type 2 paths.

[0289] For example, the first priority information includes path priority conditions. After determining multiple paths, the IoT device 101 can determine the path that meets or satisfies the path priority conditions, determine the available path among the paths that meet the path priority conditions, and then determine the first path.

[0290] For example, the path priority condition includes a channel measurement result higher than a threshold #1. The IoT device 101 can determine at least one path where the channel measurement result is higher than the threshold #1, further determine the available paths, and determine the first path.

[0291] For example, if the first priority information does not include path priority conditions, the IoT device 101 can directly determine the available path based on at least one of the priority path information and priority information, and thus determine the first path.

[0292] The above is merely an illustrative example, and this disclosure does not limit the scheme for IoT device 101 to select a path based on the first priority information.

[0293] In some embodiments, the IoT device 101 may determine a first path based on one of the four methods described above.

[0294] For example, if there is at least one available path in the historical path, the IoT device can determine the first path based on method 1.

[0295] For example, if at least one available path is found through traversal and searching, the IoT device can determine the first path based on method 2.

[0296] For example, if there is at least one available path among the identified first-type paths, the IoT device can determine the first path based on method 3.

[0297] For example, if at least one available path is determined based on the first priority information, the IoT device can determine the first path based on method 4.

[0298] In some embodiments, the IoT device 101 may determine the first path based on two of the four methods described above.

[0299] For example, the IoT device determines a first path based on method 1 and method 2. If the IoT device does not store historical path information or the historical path is unavailable, the IoT device performs a traversal search. Alternatively, if the path searched by the IoT device is unavailable or no path can be found, the IoT device determines the first path based on the historical path.

[0300] For example, an IoT device determines a first path based on method 1 or method 3. The IoT device can use method 3 to determine the first path if historical path information is not stored or if historical paths are unavailable. Alternatively, the IoT device can prioritize the first type of path from historical paths if it determines that the first type of path has a higher priority than the second type of path.

[0301] For example, the IoT device determines the first path based on method 1 or method 4. If the IoT device stores historical path information or the historical path is unavailable, the IoT device determines the first path based on the first priority information according to method 4. Alternatively, if the IoT device cannot determine an available path based on the first priority information, it determines the first path from the historical paths.

[0302] For example, an IoT device determines a first path based on methods 2 and 3. The IoT device traverses and searches for available first-class paths to determine the first path.

[0303] For example, the IoT device determines the first path based on methods 2 and 4. The IoT device performs a traversal search based on the first priority information to determine the first path.

[0304] For example, the IoT device determines the first path based on method 3 and method 4. The IoT device determines the first path based on the measurement of the first priority information and the priority of the first type of path.

[0305] In some embodiments, the IoT device 101 may determine a first path based on three or a combination of four of the above four methods.

[0306] For example, the IoT device determines the first path based on methods 1, 2, and 3. If the IoT device does not store historical path information or the historical path is unavailable, the IoT device performs a traversal search. It prioritizes determining the first path based on the first type of path found during the traversal search. Alternatively, if the path searched by the IoT device is unavailable or no path can be found, the IoT device determines the first path based on the first type of path in its historical paths.

[0307] For example, the IoT device determines the first path based on methods 1, 2, and 4. If the IoT device does not store historical path information or the historical path is unavailable, the IoT device traverses and searches based on the first priority information to determine the first path. Alternatively, if the path traversed and searched by the IoT device is unavailable or no path can be found, the IoT device determines the first path based on the first priority information and a first-type path priority strategy.

[0308] For example, an IoT device determines a first path based on methods 2, 3, and 4. The IoT device traverses and searches for available first-class paths based on first-priority information to determine the first path.

[0309] For example, IoT devices determine the first path based on method 1, method 2, method 3, and method 4.

[0310] The above is merely an illustrative example. For IoT devices, at least one of the above methods can be combined with other methods to determine the first path. This disclosure does not limit this approach.

[0311] In some embodiments, when selecting a communication path, the IoT device 101 may comprehensively consider its own capabilities and a preset strategy (i.e., a first strategy). The device's capabilities include, but are not limited to, processing speed, storage capacity, battery life, and signal transmission power. These factors directly affect the types and range of communication the device can support. For example, for devices with low signal transmission power, indirect communication may be a more suitable choice because this communication method has relatively low signal strength requirements, reducing the device's energy consumption. The IoT device's strategy information includes the device's location information, service characteristics, or user-defined priorities. For example, if the IoT device is located in a remote area, there may not be sufficient signal strength to support direct communication, making indirect communication a necessary choice. For applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as remote medical monitoring or emergency response systems, the IoT device may need to prioritize direct communication to ensure data immediacy and reliability.

[0312] Furthermore, the communication strategies of IoT devices can be influenced by the network environment. In situations of network congestion or severe signal interference, even if a device is capable of direct communication, it may choose indirect communication to avoid data transmission delays or packet loss. This ability to dynamically adjust strategies allows IoT devices to adapt more flexibly to different communication environments, ensuring the efficiency and stability of data transmission.

[0313] This disclosure does not limit the scheme for IoT devices to select paths based on at least one of the above methods and taking into account the above factors.

[0314] In step S2102, IoT device 101 sends IoT service data to first device 102.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first device 102 receives IoT service data.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be a network device, such as an access network device or a core network device.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be an intermediate node, such as a relay, terminal, IAB node, repeater, etc.

[0318] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 sends IoT service data to first device 102 via a first path.

[0319] In some embodiments, after receiving IoT service data, the first device 102 can send signaling and / or data to the IoT device 101 through a first path to trigger the IoT device 101 to perform operations such as inventory and commands. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0320] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0321] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0322] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0323] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc.

[0324] In some embodiments, the path selection method involved in the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S2101+S2102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0325] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0326] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps S2101 to S2102 is not limited.

[0327] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can autonomously select a path and send IoT service data to the first device based on the selected first path, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0328] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a path selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a path selection method, which can be executed by terminal 101, and includes the following steps:

[0329] Step S3101: Determine the first path.

[0330] In some embodiments, step S3101 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2101 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0331] Step S3102: Send IoT service data.

[0332] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 sends IoT service data to first device 102.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first device 102 receives IoT service data.

[0334] In some embodiments, IoT device 101 sends IoT service data to first device 102 via a first path.

[0335] In some embodiments, step S3102 may refer to steps in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, such as step S2102 in FIG2 and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] In the above embodiments, the IoT device can autonomously select a path and send IoT service data to the first device based on the selected first path, which improves the flexibility and timeliness of data transmission in IoT and / or A-IoT scenarios and enhances the availability of IoT and / or A-IoT technologies.

[0337] The above process is further illustrated with examples below.

[0338] In some embodiments, a path selection method for IoT devices in DO scenarios is proposed. Of course, the solutions disclosed herein are not limited to DO scenarios.

[0339] Example 1: Path selection based on prior knowledge.

[0340] If the IoT device has stored previous path information, it will prioritize this information to determine if the stored path is still available. If the path is available, it will be selected; otherwise, other available paths will be searched. The advantage of this approach is that it reduces the time spent searching and selecting networks, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving the real-time performance of communication.

[0341] The path information includes intermediate node information or base station cell information, and further includes identification information and / or authorization information. The authorization information indicates whether the path is authorized to serve the IoT device, and may indicate whether service to the IoT device is authorized under specific conditions, including specific IoT services, specific locations, etc.

[0342] Determining path availability includes satisfying at least one of the following conditions:

[0343] The measurement result meets a first threshold, which can be determined according to protocol agreement, pre-configured values, or first indication information sent by the node. The first node can be a base station cell or an intermediate node. For intermediate nodes and base station cells, the threshold can be the same or different.

[0344] The path is authorized to serve the IoT device or IoT service, and the authorization can be determined according to the protocol, pre-configuration, or first indication information sent by the node. The first node can be a base station cell, an intermediate node, or a core network functional node.

[0345] The path supports the IoT device or IoT service, and this support can be determined based on protocol agreements, pre-configuration, or first indication information sent by the node. The first node can be a base station cell, an intermediate node, or a core network functional node.

[0346] The path matches the network identification information of the IoT device, and the network can be a PLMN or an NPN.

[0347] If there are multiple storage paths or multiple available storage paths, the IoT device can choose the path with the latest storage, the path with the best measurement results, or make a selection based on the IoT device's implementation.

[0348] Example 2: Traversal search selection.

[0349] When an IoT device first powers on or needs to send data, it by default searches for intermediate nodes and / or base station cells and selects a path based on the measurement results. This process may include broadcasting or listening for discovery signals to identify surrounding networks and communication paths.

[0350] The path selection includes: once it is determined that there is an available path (i.e. there are available intermediate nodes and / or base station cells), selecting the node for access; or, measuring the signal quality of different communication paths, including base station cells and intermediate nodes, comparing these measurement results, and then the IoT device selects an available path based on the measurement results and / or its own strategy.

[0351] The conditions for determining path availability are as described in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] When selecting an available path, the IoT device can identify intermediate nodes and / or base station cells that meet a second threshold as candidate paths. If multiple candidate paths exist, the device will select one of them based on implementation, or select the path with the best measurement results and determine its availability. Alternatively, the device can select the path with the best signal quality from among multiple paths and determine its availability.

[0353] The second threshold can be determined based on protocol agreement, pre-configuration, or second indication information sent by the node. The first node can be a base station cell or an intermediate node. For intermediate nodes and base station cells, the threshold can be the same or different.

[0354] Example 3: Direct communication is preferred.

[0355] Direct communication typically offers lower latency and higher data transfer rates, which is especially important for applications requiring real-time responses. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize direct communication for IoT devices and only choose alternative communication paths when direct communication is unavailable.

[0356] Specifically, the IoT device first determines whether a direct communication path exists, i.e., whether there are available base station cells that can be used to establish a direct connection. If a suitable direct communication path cannot be found, the IoT device will further check whether an indirect communication path exists, i.e., whether there are available intermediate nodes that can be used to establish an indirect connection.

[0357] The conditions for determining path availability are as described in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0358] Understandably, direct communication is particularly important in applications requiring real-time response due to its low latency and high data transmission rate. For IoT devices, prioritizing direct communication ensures efficient data transmission and fast response times, which is crucial for many IoT applications that rely on rapid data exchange. For example, in scenarios such as smart manufacturing, remote medical monitoring, and autonomous driving, direct communication provides the necessary real-time performance and reliability.

[0359] Specifically, when an IoT device attempts to establish communication, it first checks if a direct communication path exists. This involves detecting the presence of a base station cell with suitable signal strength and quality, enabling the establishment of a stable direct connection. This direct connection reduces latency during data transmission and improves real-time communication.

[0360] However, in some situations, direct communication may be unfeasible due to various factors such as base station coverage, signal interference, and device location. In such cases, IoT devices need to find alternatives, namely, non-direct communication paths. This typically means that the device needs to establish an indirect connection through one or more intermediate nodes. These intermediate nodes can be other IoT devices, gateways, or any device capable of forwarding signals, helping IoT devices connect to more distant network infrastructure.

[0361] Example 4: Determine priority strategies based on equipment capabilities and policies.

[0362] IoT devices determine whether to prioritize direct communication with a base station cell or indirect communication with an intermediate node based on their own capabilities (such as processing speed, storage, battery life, signal power) and / or preset strategies (based on location, service latency, device priority, etc.).

[0363] Specifically, the IoT device determines whether to prioritize initiating direct communication with the base station cell or initiating indirect communication with an intermediate node based on the first priority indication information. The first priority indication includes at least one of the following:

[0364] - Priority path information, including path type information or path identifier information.

[0365] - Priority information: If no corresponding priority is indicated, the default is equal priority or the priority information is invalid. If equal priority exists, the priority depends on the IoT device implementation.

[0366] - Path priority condition: If the IoT device determines that the priority condition is met, a priority association path is determined; otherwise, if the path priority condition is not indicated, the availability of the priority path is directly determined. The path priority condition includes at least one of IoT device information, IoT service information, and measurement result condition information (e.g., above a third threshold). The IoT device information includes at least one of IoT device identification information, IoT device type information, and IoT device capability information (e.g., storage capacity, battery level, signal power, etc.). The IoT service information includes IoT service identification information, IoT service type information, and IoT service requirement information (e.g., latency below a certain threshold).

[0367] The first priority indication information may be agreed upon by the protocol or pre-configured to the IoT device, or sent to the IoT device by the base station cell, intermediate node, or core network functional node.

[0368] When selecting a communication path, IoT devices need to comprehensively consider their own capabilities and preset strategies. Device capabilities include processing speed, storage capacity, battery life, and signal transmission power. These factors directly affect the types and range of communication the device can support. For example, for devices with low signal transmission power, indirect communication may be a more suitable choice because this communication method has relatively lower signal strength requirements, reducing device power consumption. The IoT device's strategy information includes the device's location information, service characteristics, or user-defined priorities. For example, if the device is located in a remote area, there may not be sufficient signal strength to support direct communication, making indirect communication the inevitable choice. However, for applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as remote medical monitoring or emergency response systems, devices may need to prioritize direct communication to ensure data immediacy and reliability.

[0369] Furthermore, the communication strategies of IoT devices can be influenced by the network environment. In situations of network congestion or severe signal interference, even if a device is capable of direct communication, it may choose indirect communication to avoid data transmission delays or packet loss. This ability to dynamically adjust strategies allows IoT devices to adapt more flexibly to different communication environments, ensuring the efficiency and stability of data transmission.

[0370] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0371] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0372] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0373] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an Internet of Things (IoT) device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The IoT device 4100 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the IoT device 4100 may include at least one of a processing module 4101 and a transceiver module 4102.

[0374] In some embodiments, the processing module 4101 described above is used to determine a first path.

[0375] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4102 is used to send IoT service data to the first device through the first path.

[0376] Optionally, the processing module 4101 described above is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S2101, but not limited thereto) executed by the IoT device 4100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0377] Optionally, the transceiver module 4102 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by the IoT device 4100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0378] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0379] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0380] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0381] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports IoT devices in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0382] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0383] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0384] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0385] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0386] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0387] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0388] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0389] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 5202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto).

[0390] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0391] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0392] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0393] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0394] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0395] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

A path selection method, characterized in that, The method is executed by an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and the method includes: Determine the first path; IoT service data is sent to the first device via the first path. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the first path includes at least one of the following: The system stores historical path information, determines available paths based on historical paths, and determines the first path based on the available paths; wherein the priority of the historical paths is higher than the priority of the paths determined using the first method. Based on at least one path found through traversal and searching, an available path is determined, and based on the available path, the first path is determined; Based on the first type of path, an available path is determined, and based on the available path, the first path is determined; wherein, the priority of the first type of path is higher than the priority of the second type of path; wherein, the first type of path is the path for direct communication between the IoT device and the network device, and the second type of path is the path for the IoT device to access the network device through an intermediate node; Based on the first priority information, an available path is determined, and based on the available path, the first path is determined; wherein, the first priority information is used to determine the priority order of different paths. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The historical path information includes at least one of the following: Historical device information; wherein the historical device information is used to indicate device information on the historical path; wherein the historical device information includes historical device identification information; Historical cell information; wherein, the historical cell information includes the historical cell identification information; Authorization information; wherein the authorization information is used to indicate that the historical path authorization service is provided to the IoT device; Authorization condition information, which is used to indicate the conditions under which the historical path authorization service is applied to the IoT device. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The authorization conditions information includes at least one of the following: The historical path authorization service applies to the IoT service type of the IoT device. The historical path authorization service is used for the location information of the IoT device. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The first priority information is determined based on the capabilities of the IoT device; Based on the first strategy, the first priority information is determined; Receive second priority information sent by the network device, and determine the first priority information based on the second priority information. The method according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The first priority information includes at least one of the following: Priority path information; Priority information; wherein, the priority information is used to indicate the priority corresponding to different paths; Path priority condition. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The priority path information includes at least one of the following: Priority path type information; Priority path identification information. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The path priority condition includes at least one of the following: IoT device information; wherein, the IoT device information includes IoT device identification information, IoT device type information and / or IoT device capability information; IoT service information; wherein, the IoT service information includes IoT service identification information, IoT service type information and / or IoT service requirement information; Conditional information corresponding to the channel measurement results. The method according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, Determining the first path based on the available paths includes at least one of the following: There exists an available path, and the available path is identified as the first path; There are multiple available paths, and at least one of the multiple available paths is determined as the first path. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of determining at least one available path among the plurality of available paths as the first path includes: Among the plurality of available paths, at least one candidate path is determined based on a first channel measurement condition, and the first path is determined based on the at least one candidate path. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The step of determining at least one available path among the plurality of available paths as the first path includes: At least one available path among the plurality of available paths that satisfies a first condition is identified as the first path; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The earliest time it was determined to be a usable path; Latest storage; The channel measurement results are optimal. Satisfy the first strategy. The method according to any one of claims 2-11, characterized in that, The determination of available paths includes at least one of the following: If the channel measurement result of the path is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the path is determined to be the available path; The path authorization service is provided to the IoT device to determine the path as the available path; The path authorization service is used to determine the available paths for the IoT services performed by the IoT device. The path supports the IoT device, and the path is determined to be the available path; The path supports the IoT services executed by the IoT device, and the path is determined as the available path; The path is determined as an available path if the network identifier on the path matches the first identifier; wherein the first identifier is the network identifier corresponding to the IoT device. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The first threshold is determined based on a predefined method; The first threshold is determined based on the pre-configuration; The first threshold is determined based on the indication information sent by the first device; wherein the indication information is used to indicate the first threshold. An Internet of Things (IoT) device, characterized in that, The IoT devices include: The processing module is configured to determine the first path; The transceiver module is configured to send IoT service data to the first device via the first path. An Internet of Things (IoT) device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the path selection method according to any one of claims 1-13. A communication system, characterized in that, include: An Internet of Things (IoT) device, the IoT device being configured to implement the path selection method according to any one of claims 1-13; First equipment. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the path selection method as described in any one of claims 1-13. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program is used to implement the path selection method according to any one of claims 1-13.

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