Paging method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and in particular to a paging method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: in a first paging cycle, a first terminal device monitoring a first paging message only in a first period of time, wherein the first paging message is used for group paging of a plurality of second terminal devices, the plurality of second terminal devices comprise the first terminal device, and the duration of the first period of time is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle; and when the first terminal device receives the first paging message in the first period of time, responding to the first paging message. Using the method provided in the present application can reduce transmission overhead of group paging processes.

Description

A paging method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411990454.8, filed on December 28, 2024, entitled “A paging method and related apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a paging method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] When a terminal device is not sending or receiving data, it typically enters either the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or the RRC inactive state. When data transmission is required, the network device sends a paging message to page the terminal device in the RRC idle or inactive state. Correspondingly, the terminal device can periodically wake up and monitor the paging message according to the discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism. After correctly receiving a paging message for itself, the terminal device will respond to the message and reconnect to the network device. Furthermore, to improve paging efficiency, group paging technology has been proposed, whereby the network device can page multiple terminal devices simultaneously with a single paging message. However, existing paging methods incur significant transmission overhead when performing group paging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a paging method and related apparatus that can reduce the transmission overhead of the group paging process.

[0005] The following sections introduce this application from multiple perspectives. It is easy to understand that the implementation methods of these multiple aspects can be referenced from each other.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a paging method applicable to a first terminal device or a device within the first terminal device (such as a module, communication module, circuit, processor, chip, or chip system in the first device). Alternatively, the method is applicable to a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first terminal device. The following description uses the application of this method to a first terminal device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: a first terminal device monitoring a first paging message only during a first time period in a first paging cycle. The first paging message is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, and the duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle. It is understood that monitoring the first paging message only during the first time period means that the first terminal device will not monitor the first paging message during other time periods in the first paging cycle. This first paging message is a type of group paging message. Furthermore, if the first terminal device receives the first paging message during the first time period, it responds to the first paging message.

[0008] In the above implementation, during the first paging cycle, the first terminal device only monitors the first paging message during the first time period, and does not monitor the first paging message during the second time period. This allows the network device to achieve group paging of multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, by sending the first paging message only during the first time period, instead of sending paging messages for multiple second terminal devices at every paging opportunity within the first paging cycle. Therefore, this paging method effectively reduces the transmission overhead during group paging.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, the end time of the first time period is the end time of the first paging cycle.

[0010] It should be understood that the location of the first time period within the first paging cycle can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the network device, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0011] In the above implementation, setting the first time period at the beginning or end of the first paging cycle makes it easier for the first terminal device to determine the paging timing in the part of the first paging cycle other than the first time period based on its identifier.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving first information. The first information indicates at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging occasions (POs) in the first time period. That is, the first terminal device can determine the aforementioned first time period within a first paging cycle based on the first information and the start or end time of the first time period described above.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving second information. The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: each paging frame or each paging timing within the first time period. That is, the first terminal device can directly determine each paging frame or each paging timing included in the first paging cycle based on the second information, thereby determining the first time period.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during a first time period, including: the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only at each paging opportunity within the first time period. That is, each paging opportunity within the first time period is used by the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message.

[0015] In the above implementation, the design enables the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message at each paging opportunity within the first time period, which can improve the reception efficiency of the first paging message and thus ensure paging efficiency. Furthermore, this implementation also allows the network device to send the first paging message at any paging opportunity within the first time period, providing high flexibility.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first paging message is monitored and received by the first terminal device at a first paging opportunity within a first time period. This first paging message includes third information. This third information indicates that N1 subsequent third paging opportunities are all used to monitor the first paging message, where N1 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. It should be understood that, in this case, other paging opportunities within the first time period following the N1 third paging opportunities are not used to monitor the first paging message.

[0017] In the above implementation, the first terminal device does not need to monitor the first paging message at every paging opportunity within the first time period, which can reduce the power consumption of the first terminal device. In addition, when multiple paging services are running in parallel, the above scheme can also make the paging opportunities corresponding to different paging services as different as possible, which can distribute the terminals under different services to different locations to a certain extent, thereby reducing the probability of collisions during the terminal device access process and improving the access success rate.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, all N1 third paging opportunities are included within the first time period. Here, limiting these N1 second paging opportunities to the first time period can prevent situations where certain paging opportunities indicated by the third information cannot be used to monitor the first paging message because they are outside the first time period.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the third information is also used to indicate that other paging opportunities in the first time period, other than the first paging opportunity and N1 third paging opportunities, are not used to receive the first paging message.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during a first time period, including: the first terminal device determines the first paging timing only from the first time period based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. The first terminal device monitors the first paging message during the first paging timing.

[0021] In the above implementation, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during the first paging time when it is associated with the first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices in the first time period. This allows the network device to send the first paging message only during the first paging time, which can further reduce the transmission overhead of the first paging message.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame. Here, the first paging frame is included in the first time period.

[0023] In the above implementation, associating the first paging timing used to monitor the first paging message within the first time period with multiple parameters, including the first set of identifiers, enables the first terminal device to quickly and accurately determine the first paging timing from the first time period based on these multiple parameters. This can also improve the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging timing in the first paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0025] Wherein, S1 is the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M2 is the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0026] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "mod" represents the modulo operation. For example, the result of 7mod5 is 2, and the result of -7mod4 is 1.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, the first set of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time period.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0029] Wherein, SFN1 is the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle, T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0030] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, This is the floor operator. This indicates rounding x down. For example, The result is 3.

[0031] By using the above formula to determine the paging frame and paging timing, it is possible to distribute the terminal devices corresponding to different group identifiers to different time-frequency locations within the first time period, so that the terminal devices in different paging groups can receive paging messages at different paging timings.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the number M1 of paging frames in the first time period is determined based on the duration of the first time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, and the number of paging frames in the first paging cycle.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first time period includes N2 first sub-time periods, where N2 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during the first time period, including: the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during a target first sub-time period among the N2 first sub-time periods, wherein the target first sub-time period is determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0034] In the above implementation, the first time period is subdivided into N2 first sub-time periods, and the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only in the target first sub-time period associated with the first group of identifiers. This simplifies the process for the first terminal device to determine the time period for monitoring the first paging message and helps to improve paging efficiency.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period is associated with the number of first sub-time periods N2, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the first set of identifiers.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period satisfies the following formula:

[0037] Wherein, TN1 is the index of the first sub-time period of the target within the first time period. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier.

[0038] Using the above formula can simplify the determination of the first sub-time period of the target and reduce the computational complexity of the first terminal device.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during a target first sub-period within N2 first sub-periods, including: the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during a first paging opportunity within the target first sub-period within the N2 first sub-periods, wherein the first paging opportunity is determined within the target first sub-period based on a first paging opportunity index, and the first paging opportunity index is configured by the network device or predefined by the protocol. It should be understood that the first paging opportunity index can be an index of the first paging opportunity within the target first sub-period.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first time period includes N3 second sub-time periods, where N3 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The first terminal device monitors the first paging message only within the first time period, including: the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only at N3 first paging times corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods, wherein the N3 second sub-time periods correspond one-to-one with the N3 first paging times, and the N3 first paging times are determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0041] In the above implementation, the first time period is divided into N3 second sub-time periods, so that each second sub-time period has a first paging opportunity to monitor the first paging message, and the first paging message in each second sub-time period is associated with the first set of identifiers. This not only further reduces the transmission overhead of the first paging message, but also improves the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0042] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first terminal device performing the following paging timing determination operation on the i-th second sub-period among N3 second sub-periods: determining a third paging frame from the i-th second sub-period based on the duration of the first period, the first set of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices, the number of paging frames in the first period, and the value of i; determining the i-th first paging opportunity among N3 first paging opportunities from the third paging frame based on the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first period, and the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame. The first terminal device determines the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-periods based on the result obtained by performing the above paging timing determination operation on each of the N3 second sub-periods. Wherein, i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N3.

[0043] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0044] Wherein, SFN3 is the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier.

[0045] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0046] Where Si is the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame. M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M5 is the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0047] By using the above formula to determine the paging frame and paging timing, the first terminal device can receive paging messages at multiple time-frequency positions within a paging cycle. This means that if the first terminal device misses its corresponding paging message, it does not need to wait until the next paging cycle, thereby improving paging efficiency and enabling the first terminal device to respond to network devices earlier and more promptly.

[0048] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method may further include: the first terminal device monitoring the second paging message only during a second paging opportunity within a second time period. The second paging message is used to paging the first terminal device. It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the second paging message is a paging message used only for paging the first terminal device and not for paging other devices besides the first terminal device. In some possible implementations, the second paging message may also be referred to as a dedicated paging message for the first terminal device (i.e., a special paging message for the first terminal device). The aforementioned second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period. Alternatively, the first paging cycle may consist of a first time period and a second time period, where the first time period is used only for group paging, and the second time period is used only for paging a single terminal device.

[0049] In the above implementation, a method for paging a single terminal device in the second time period other than the first time period in the first paging cycle is added. This allows both group paging and paging of a single terminal device to be realized in the first paging cycle without affecting each other, thus ensuring the integrity and reliability of the paging method.

[0050] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging opportunity in the second paging frame is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and the number of paging frames in the second time period. The second paging frame includes the second paging opportunity, and this second paging frame is included in the second time period.

[0051] In the above implementation, associating the second paging timing used to monitor the second paging message within the second time period with multiple parameters, including the identifier of the first terminal device, enables the first terminal device to quickly and accurately determine the second paging timing from the second time period based on these multiple parameters. This can improve the success rate of receiving the second paging message and thus ensure paging efficiency.

[0052] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging timing in the second paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0053] Wherein, S2 is the index of the second paging opportunity in the second paging frame. M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, M4 is the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0054] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period.

[0055] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0056] Wherein, SFN2 is the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, T2 is the duration of the second time period, M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0057] By using the above formula to determine the paging frame and paging timing, different terminal devices can be distributed to different time-frequency locations within the second time period based on the device identifier of the terminal device, so that different terminal devices can receive paging messages at different paging timings within the second time period.

[0058] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the second time period includes N4 third sub-time periods, where N4 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The method further includes: the first terminal device monitoring the second paging message during a target third sub-time period within the N4 third sub-time periods.

[0059] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the target third sub-time period in the second time period is associated with the duration of the second time period, the value of N4, the duration of the first time period, and a first random number. The first random number is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to N4.

[0060] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index in the second time period of the target third sub-time period satisfies:

[0061] Wherein, TN2 is the index of the target third sub-time period in the second time period. T2 is the duration of the second time period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, n is the first random number, and T is the duration of the first paging cycle.

[0062] The above formula simplifies the way the first terminal device determines the target third sub-time period, reduces the computational complexity and power consumption of the first terminal device, and makes the method provided in this application more suitable for low-power and low-complexity IoT terminals.

[0063] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, monitoring the second paging message during the third sub-period of the target includes: monitoring the second paging message during the third paging opportunity within the third sub-period of the target.

[0064] Optionally, the third paging timing is determined based on the second paging timing index. The second paging timing index can be a network device configuration or a protocol predefined index. It should be understood that the second paging timing index can be an index of the third paging timing within the target third sub-time period. In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device also includes multiple third terminal devices, which correspond to a second set of identifiers, and the first and second sets of identifiers are different. That is, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device corresponding to other paging service groups. Alternatively, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device in other paging groups.

[0065] In the above implementation, the design enables the first terminal device to support different group paging services, allowing different group paging services to initiate paging of the first terminal device at different paging times, thereby improving system capacity.

[0066] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned multiple second terminal devices have the same device type. That is, during the initial grouping phase, terminal devices of the same device type can be assigned to the same paging group based on their device type, thus enabling group paging for terminal devices of a specific device type.

[0067] Secondly, this application provides a paging method applicable to network devices or devices within network devices (such as modules, communication modules, circuits, processors, chips, or chip systems in a first device). Alternatively, the method is applicable to logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. The following description uses the application of this method to a network device as an example.

[0068] The method includes: determining a first paging message, wherein the first paging message is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices, the multiple second terminal devices including the first terminal device. Alternatively, the first paging message is a group paging message used to paging a paging group comprising multiple second terminal devices. In a first paging cycle, the first paging message is sent only during a first time period. The duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle.

[0069] In the above implementation, within the first paging cycle, the network device only sends the first paging message during the first time period, and does not send the first paging message during other time periods. Since the network device does not need to send paging messages for multiple second terminal devices at every paging opportunity within the first paging cycle, this paging method can effectively reduce the transmission overhead in the group paging process.

[0070] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, the end time of the first time period is the end time of the first paging cycle.

[0071] It should be understood that the location of the first time period within the first paging cycle can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the network device, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0072] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending first information to the first terminal device. The first information indicates at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period. That is, the first terminal device can subsequently determine the aforementioned first time period within a first paging cycle based on the first information and the start or end time of the first time period described above.

[0073] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending third information to the first terminal device. The third information indicates at least one of the following: each paging frame or each paging timing within the first time period. That is, the first terminal device can subsequently determine the each paging frame or each paging timing included in the first time period based on the third information during the first paging cycle, thereby determining the first time period.

[0074] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the first paging message only during a first time period, including: the network device sends the first paging message only at any paging opportunity within the first time period. Alternatively, the network device sends the first paging message at every paging opportunity within the first time period.

[0075] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the first paging message only during a first time period, including: the network device sending the first paging message at a first paging opportunity within the first time period and at N1 subsequent third paging opportunities. The first paging message includes second information indicating that the N1 subsequent third paging opportunities are all used to monitor the first paging message, where N1 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. It should be understood that, in this case, other paging opportunities following the N1 subsequent third paging opportunities within the first time period are not used to monitor the first paging message.

[0076] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, all N1 third paging opportunities mentioned above are included in the first time period.

[0077] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the first paging message only during a first time period, including: the network device determining the first paging opportunity only from the first time period based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. The network device sends the first paging message during the first paging opportunity.

[0078] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame. Here, the first paging frame includes the first paging opportunity, and the first paging frame is included in the first time period.

[0079] In the above implementation, associating the first paging timing used to monitor the first paging message within the first time period with multiple parameters, including the first set of identifiers, enables the first terminal device to quickly and accurately determine the first paging timing from the first time period based on these multiple parameters. This can also improve the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0080] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging timing in the first paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0081] Wherein, S1 is the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M2 is the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0082] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, the first set of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time period.

[0083] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0084] Wherein, SFN1 is the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle, T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0085] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the number M1 of paging frames in the first time period is determined based on the duration of the first time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, and the number of paging frames in the first paging cycle.

[0086] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first time period includes N2 first sub-time periods, where N2 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The network device sends the first paging message only during the first time period, including: the network device sends the first paging message only during a target first sub-time period among the N2 first sub-time periods, wherein the target first sub-time period is determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0087] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the target first sub-time period is associated with the number of first sub-time periods N2, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the first set of identifiers.

[0088] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period satisfies the following formula:

[0089] Wherein, TN1 is the index of the first sub-time period of the target within the first time period. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier.

[0090] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the first paging message only during the target first sub-period within the N2 first sub-periods. This includes: the network device sending the first paging message only at the first paging opportunity within the target first sub-period within the N2 first sub-periods, wherein the first paging opportunity is determined within the target first sub-period based on a first paging opportunity index, which is determined by the network device itself or predefined by the protocol. It should be understood that the first paging opportunity index can be an index of the first paging opportunity within the target first sub-period.

[0091] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first time period includes N3 second sub-time periods, where N3 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The network device sends the first paging message only within the first time period, including: the network device sends the first paging message only at N3 first paging times corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods, wherein the N3 second sub-time periods correspond one-to-one with the N3 first paging times, and the N3 first paging times are determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0092] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device performing the following paging timing determination operation on the i-th second sub-period among N3 second sub-periods: determining a third paging frame from the i-th second sub-period based on the duration of the first period, the first set of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices, the number of paging frames in the first period, and the value of i; determining the i-th first paging opportunity among N3 first paging opportunities from the third paging frame based on the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first period, and the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame. The network device determines the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-periods based on the result obtained by performing the above paging timing determination operation on each of the N3 second sub-periods. Where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N3.

[0093] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0094] Wherein, SFN3 is the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier.

[0095] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0096] Where Si is the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame. M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M5 is the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers.

[0097] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method may further include: the network device sending a second paging message only at a second paging time within the second time period. This second paging message is used to page the first terminal device. It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the second paging message is used only to page the first terminal device and not to page other devices. The aforementioned second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period. Alternatively, the first paging cycle may consist of a first time period and a second time period, where the first time period is used only for group paging, and the second time period is used only for paging a single terminal device.

[0098] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging opportunity in the second paging frame is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and the number of paging frames in the second time period. The second paging frame includes the second paging opportunity, and this second paging frame is included in the second time period.

[0099] In the above implementation, associating the second paging timing used to monitor the second paging message within the second time period with multiple parameters, including the identifier of the first terminal device, enables the first terminal device to quickly and accurately determine the second paging timing from the second time period based on these multiple parameters. This can improve the success rate of receiving the second paging message and thus ensure paging efficiency.

[0100] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging timing in the second paging frame satisfies the following formula:

[0101] Wherein, S2 is the index of the second paging opportunity in the second paging frame. M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, M4 is the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0102] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. The second paging frame includes the aforementioned second paging timing and is included within the second time period.

[0103] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula:

[0104] Wherein, SFN2 is the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, T2 is the duration of the second time period, M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0105] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second time period includes N4 third sub-time periods, where N4 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The method further includes: the first terminal device monitoring the second paging message during a target third sub-time period within the N4 third sub-time periods.

[0106] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index of the target third sub-time period in the second time period is associated with the duration of the second time period, the value of N4, the duration of the first time period, and a first random number. The first random number is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to N4.

[0107] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index in the second time period of the target third sub-time period satisfies:

[0108] Wherein, TN2 is the index of the target third sub-time period in the second time period. T2 is the duration of the second time period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, n is the first random number, and T is the duration of the first paging cycle.

[0109] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device also includes multiple third terminal devices, which correspond to the second set of identifiers, and the first set of identifiers and the second set of identifiers are different. That is to say, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device corresponding to other paging service groups. Alternatively, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device in other paging groups.

[0110] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned multiple second terminal devices have the same device type. That is, during the initial grouping phase, terminal devices of the same device type can be assigned to the same paging group based on their device type, thus enabling group paging for terminal devices of a specific device type.

[0111] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes modules, units, or means for implementing the communication method described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible implementations of the communication method described in any of the foregoing aspects. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0112] It should be understood that the communication device may be a first terminal device involved in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a network device involved in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0113] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. The communication device may include at least one processor. This at least one processor is configured to execute the paging method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute the paging method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0114] Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. Furthermore, the memory may be coupled to the processor, or it may be independent of the processor.

[0115] Optionally, the communication device may further include a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving information involved in the communication method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or for performing the communication method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0116] Optionally, the communication device may also include a bus system through which at least one processor, memory, and transceiver can be coupled.

[0117] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in any of the foregoing aspects or the paging method described in any possible implementation of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0118] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed, implements the paging method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or implements the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0119] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system that includes at least a processor. The processor executes computer execution instructions to cause a device equipped with the chip system to perform the paging method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the paging method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0120] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the chip system may further include interface circuitry. This interface circuitry is used to receive computer execution instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[0121] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device, which may include a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the paging method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof through logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions, or to implement the paging method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0122] It should be understood that the communication device can be a first terminal device involved in the communication method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or an apparatus containing the first terminal device, or an apparatus contained in the first terminal device, such as a chip system. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device involved in the communication method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or an apparatus containing the network device, or an apparatus contained in the network device, such as a chip system.

[0123] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system. The communication system may include the first terminal device and network device described above. Optionally, the communication system may also include other second terminal devices besides the first terminal device among the plurality of second terminal devices described above.

[0124] The first terminal device is used to implement the paging method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The network device is used to implement the paging method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0125] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0126] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0127] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a paging method provided in this application;

[0128] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another paging method provided in this application;

[0129] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another paging method provided in this application;

[0130] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0131] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0132] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0133] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0134] It should be understood that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) systems, or new radio (NR) systems. In addition, they can also be applied to subsequent evolution systems, such as 6G communication systems.

[0135] The following will exemplarily illustrate the communication system to which the technical solutions provided in this application are applicable.

[0136] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 130. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal is connected to the RAN node wirelessly. The RAN node is connected to the core network 130 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in the core network 130 and the RAN node in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices, or they may be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0137] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0138] In the communication system shown in Figure 1, RAN nodes, sometimes also referred to as access network devices, network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, constitute part of the communication system and are used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes in the communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN nodes and terminals are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station. However, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN nodes and terminals are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0139] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0140] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0141] In the communication system shown in Figure 1, the terminal can be a device or module that accesses the communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0142] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application. It should be understood that Figure 2 describes a communication system based on ambient internet of things (A-IoT) technology, also known as an A-IoT network architecture. It should be noted that A-IoT technology can be implemented based on cellular network communication infrastructure, consisting of a reader and passive, semi-passive, or active A-IoT terminals. Its main services may include inventory management, positioning, and sensing, and its typical application scenarios may include logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, and environmental monitoring. The method provided in this application mainly targets active A-IoT terminals. Here, the A-IoT terminal can be understood as a tag connected to the reader.

[0143] As shown in Figure 2(a), the communication system may include a network device 201 and an A-IoT terminal 202. The network device 201 and the A-IoT terminal 202 can communicate with each other via a UU interface, meaning they can communicate over the air. Here, the communication between the network device 201 and the A-IoT terminal 202 may include the reception and transmission of environmental IoT data, and / or the reception and transmission of environmental IoT signaling.

[0144] The description of network device 201 can be found in Figure 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] The A-IoT terminal 202, also known as an electronic A-IoT terminal or a radio frequency identification (RFID) A-IoT terminal, refers to a device or terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system that uses various information sensors, RFID technology, GPS, infrared sensors, laser scanners, and other devices and technologies to collect real-time information on any object or process that needs to be inspected, connected, or interacted with. This information includes sound, light, heat, electricity, mechanics, chemistry, biology, and location data. Through various possible network access methods, it enables ubiquitous connectivity between things and between things and people, achieving intelligent sensing, identification, and management of objects and processes. It can be applied in fields such as smart homes, industrial control, and health monitoring.

[0146] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2(b), the communication system may include a network device 201, an A-IoT terminal 202, and an intermediate node 203. The A-IoT terminal 202 communicates bidirectionally with the network device 201 through the intermediate node 203. Here, the intermediate node 203 may be a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a terminal device, or an A-IoT terminal, all of which are connected to the A-IoT terminal 202 through communication with the network device 201. The intermediate node 203 transmits environmental IoT data and / or signaling between the network device 201 and the A-IoT terminal 202. The network device 201 and the A-IoT terminal 202 are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0147] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2(c), the communication system may include a network device 201, an A-IoT terminal 202, and an auxiliary node 204. The A-IoT terminal 202 can receive environmental IoT data and / or signaling from the auxiliary node 204 and send this environmental IoT data and / or signaling to the network device 201. Alternatively, the A-IoT terminal 202 can receive environmental IoT data and / or signaling from the network device 201 and send this environmental IoT data and / or signaling to the auxiliary node 204. That is, the auxiliary node 204 assists the network device 201 and the A-IoT terminal 202 in realizing environmental IoT. Here, similar to the intermediate node 203, the auxiliary node 204 can also be a repeater, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, terminal device, A-IoT terminal, etc., that are communicatively connected to the A-IoT terminal 202 through both its connection to the network device 201. For network device 201 and A-IoT terminal 202, please refer to the previous text, and they will not be repeated here.

[0148] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2(d), the communication system may include terminal device 205 and A-IoT terminal 202. Terminal device 205 and A-IoT terminal 202 can communicate with each other via a side link. Here, the communication between terminal device 205 and A-IoT terminal 202 may include the reception and transmission of environmental IoT data, and / or the reception and transmission of environmental IoT signaling. The description of terminal device 205 can be found in the description of the terminal device in Figure 1 above, and will not be repeated here. The description of A-IoT terminal 202 can also be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] The network structure of the communication system to which the paging method provided in this application is applicable has been described above. The implementation process of the paging method provided in this application will be described in detail below.

[0150] To facilitate understanding of the paging method provided in this application, the existing paging mechanisms will be explained first.

[0151] When a terminal device is not sending or receiving data, it enters an idle or inactive state. When data transmission is needed, the network device sends a paging message to the terminal device in the idle or inactive state. Correspondingly, the terminal device can periodically wake up and monitor for paging messages according to a discontinuous reception mechanism. After correctly receiving a paging message indicating that it is being paged, the terminal device will respond to the paging message and reconnect to the network device.

[0152] Depending on the target of the paging, paging can be divided into paging for a single terminal device (i.e., per UE paging) and paging for multiple terminal devices simultaneously (i.e., group paging, where these multiple terminal devices form a paging group). The paging process is explained below using per UE paging as an example. In any paging cycle (let's assume it's paging cycle A), the network device and the terminal device can perform the following steps:

[0153] S1, the network device determines a paging opportunity (here assumed to be paging opportunity B) within paging cycle A.

[0154] In specific implementation, the network device can determine a paging frame (here, we assume it's paging frame C) from paging period A based on the terminal device's identifier. Then, the network device can determine the paging timing B from paging frame C based on the terminal device's identifier. For example, paging frame C can satisfy the formula: (SFN + PF_offset) mod T = (T / N) * (UE_ID mod N). Where SFN is the index of the paging frame in paging period A, PF_offset is the paging frame offset corresponding to paging period A, T is the length of paging period A, N is the number of paging frames included in paging period A, and UE_ID is the value of the terminal device's identifier. Furthermore, the paging timing B satisfies the formula: Where i_s is the index of paging timing B in paging frame C, and Ns is the number of paging cycles contained in paging frame C.

[0155] In the embodiments of this application, a paging opportunity can refer to a set (or a group) of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring opportunities, which can consist of multiple slots. A paging opportunity can include one or more synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) beams. Here, PBCH is an abbreviation for physical broadcast channel block, which can be described as physical broadcast channel.

[0156] S2, the network device sends a paging message for the terminal device at paging time B.

[0157] Specifically, the network device will send a scheduling message through the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) at paging time B. This scheduling message is used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), which is used to transmit the content contained in the paging message.

[0158] S3, the terminal device determines the paging opportunity B in the paging cycle A.

[0159] Here, the terminal device also determines the paging timing B from the paging cycle A based on its identifier. The specific process is similar to that of the network device in determining the paging timing B, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0160] S4, the terminal device monitors the paging message at paging time B.

[0161] Specifically, after determining paging opportunity B, the terminal device can monitor the physical downlink control channel (PLC) at paging opportunity B. If the terminal device detects the PLC, it can receive scheduling information sent by the network device and receive the paging message content according to the scheduling information. Furthermore, if the terminal device correctly receives the paging message, it can respond to the paging message. If the terminal device does not detect the PLC at paging opportunity B, or fails to successfully receive the paging message content through the shared physical downlink channel, it can monitor the PLC again at the corresponding paging opportunity in the next paging cycle.

[0162] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the process by which the network device sends a physical downlink control channel at paging time B to schedule the transmission of the physical downlink shared channel can be described as the network device sending a paging message at paging time B. The process by which the terminal device monitors the physical downlink control channel at paging time B to further receive the physical downlink shared channel can be described as the terminal device monitoring and receiving the paging message at paging time B.

[0163] It should also be noted that the process of group paging for multiple terminal devices by the network device is similar to the per-UE paging process described above. The difference is that the network device sends a group paging message for multiple terminal devices at each paging opportunity within paging cycle A, and this group paging message also includes the group identifier corresponding to these multiple terminal devices. Accordingly, each of these multiple terminal devices determines its own paging opportunity based on its own identifier, and after receiving the group paging message at that paging opportunity, it checks whether the group paging message contains the group identifier of its own paging group. If it does, it can respond to the paging message. If it does not, it will monitor the corresponding group paging message again in another paging cycle.

[0164] It should be understood that, as described above, in existing paging methods, when group paging a group of terminal devices, the network device sends a paging message at each paging opportunity within the paging cycle. This paging message contains the group identifier corresponding to the group of terminal devices. This implementation method results in significant transmission overhead during the group paging process. Furthermore, with the continuous evolution of environmental IoT technology, wide-area inventory scenarios will emerge, where each inventory service requires inventorying a large number of A-IoT terminals. Using the current group paging scheme to implement inventory services in such scenarios would lead to excessive transmission overhead for network-side devices.

[0165] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is: how to reduce the transmission overhead of the group paging process.

[0166] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart illustrating a paging method provided in this application. This paging method is applicable to the communication system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. For ease of understanding, the following description uses a first terminal device and a network device as the execution entities to illustrate the various steps of the paging method provided in this application. It should be noted that since the execution process of the paging method provided in this application is the same in each paging cycle, the following description will take the first paging cycle as an example. As shown in Figure 3, the paging method may include the following steps:

[0167] S301, the network device determines a first paging message, which is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device.

[0168] In some feasible implementations, when group paging is required for multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, the network device can determine a first paging message. This first paging message is used to paging the aforementioned multiple second terminal devices. Optionally, the first paging message may include a first group identifier corresponding to these multiple second terminal devices.

[0169] It should be noted that the aforementioned multiple second terminal devices can be understood as a paging group, which can correspond to a paging filter. In this application, the filter can be an identifier of the terminal device or a group identifier, which can be used to paging a specific terminal device or a group of terminal devices. Alternatively, the filter can also indicate the type of terminal device, which can be used to paging a type of terminal device. It is understood that the filter can be used to filter terminal devices, and the filter can also be called filtering information. The specific name of the filter is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In addition, the aforementioned multiple second terminal devices can also be understood as a terminal group under a mask. Here, the mask can be used to filter terminal devices. For example, the mask carried by the paging signaling is "0000", and the mask of terminal device A is "00001111". Since the first 4 bits in "00001111" are the mask carried by the paging signaling, terminal device A meets the selection range of the paging signaling, and terminal device A can respond to the paging signaling. Furthermore, the aforementioned first paging message can be understood as a group paging message for these multiple second terminal devices. Accordingly, the first set of identifiers can be the identifier of the paging object corresponding to this paging group. For example, the first set of identifiers may include the identifiers of each of the plurality of second terminal devices.

[0170] S302, the network device sends the first paging message to the first terminal device only during the first time period in the first paging cycle.

[0171] In some feasible implementations, after determining the first paging message, the network device may send the first paging message to the first terminal device only during a first time period in the first paging cycle. That is, the network device sends the first paging message to the first terminal device during the first time period of the first paging cycle, and will not send the first paging message during other time periods of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, in the first paging cycle, the network device may initiate group paging to multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, only during the first time period, and will not initiate group paging to multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, during other time periods of the first paging cycle. Here, the first time period is a portion of the first paging cycle, or in other words, the duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle.

[0172] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the paging period refers to a periodic time period used for network devices and terminal devices to send and receive paging messages. The first paging period can be understood as a certain time period used for paging. For example, the first paging period can be a certain DRX period, and the duration of the first paging period can be the duration of this DRX period.

[0173] As described above, during the first paging cycle, the first terminal device only monitors the first paging message during the first time period, and does not monitor it during the second time period. This allows the network device to achieve group paging of multiple second terminal devices, including the first terminal device, by sending the first paging message only during the first time period, instead of sending paging messages for multiple second terminal devices at every paging opportunity within the first paging cycle. Therefore, the paging method provided in this application effectively reduces the transmission overhead in the group paging process. Furthermore, using the paging method provided in this application in a wide-area storage scenario can overcome the problem of excessive transmission overhead of network-side devices in existing paging schemes.

[0174] This application provides several implementation methods for network devices to send the first paging message to the first terminal device only in the first time period, which will be described below.

[0175] Method 1 for sending the first paging message:

[0176] The network device can send the first paging message to the first terminal device at each paging opportunity within the first time period.

[0177] Method 2 for sending the first paging message:

[0178] The network device can determine the first paging opportunity from multiple paging opportunities included in the first time period based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. Then, the network device can send the first paging message to the first terminal device only at the first paging opportunity.

[0179] Optionally, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging period is associated with the duration of the first paging period, the duration of the first time segment, the first set of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time segment. The first paging frame is included in the first time segment. In other words, the network device can determine the first paging frame from the multiple paging frames included in the first time segment based on the duration of the first paging period, the duration of the first time segment, the first set of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time segment.

[0180] For example, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle can satisfy the following formula (1):

[0181] Here, SFN1 is the index of the first paging frame in the first paging period. For example, suppose the first paging period includes H paging frames, numbered 0, 1, 2 to H-1 respectively. Then, the index of the first paging frame in the first paging period can be its number within the first paging period. Here, H is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. For instance, if the first paging frame is the 2nd paging frame in the first paging period, then SFN1 equals 1. Or, if the first paging frame is the Hth paging frame in the first paging period, then SFN1 equals H-1.

[0182] Additionally, T represents the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 represents the duration of the first time period, M1 represents the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 represents the first group of identifiers.

[0183] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "mod" represents the modulo operation. For example, the result of 7mod5 is 2, and the result of -7mod4 is 1.

[0184] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first time period typically includes an integer number of paging frames.

[0185] Optionally, the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame. That is, the first paging opportunity can be determined from the multiple paging opportunities included in the first paging frame based on the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame.

[0186] In the above implementation, associating the first paging opportunity used to monitor the first paging message within the first time period with multiple parameters, including the first set of identifiers, enables the network device to quickly and accurately determine the first paging opportunity from the first time period based on these multiple parameters, and send the paging message at the first paging opportunity, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0187] For example, the index of the first paging time in the first paging frame can satisfy the following formula (2):

[0188] Here, S1 is the index of the first paging opportunity within the first paging frame. For example, suppose the first paging frame contains G paging opportunities, numbered 0, 1, 2 to G-1 respectively. Then, the index of the first paging opportunity within the first paging frame can be its number within the first paging frame. Here, G is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. For instance, if the first paging opportunity is the 2nd paging opportunity within the first paging frame, then S1 equals 1. Or, if the first paging opportunity is the Gth paging opportunity within the first paging frame, then S1 equals G-1.

[0189] Additionally, M1 represents the number of paging frames in the first time period, M2 represents the number of paging opportunities within the first paging frame, and ID1 represents the first group identifier. It should be understood that, in this embodiment of the application, This indicates the floor function. For example, The result is 3. It should also be understood that in some possible implementations, You can also use "floor x" instead, where "floor" also means flooring down.

[0190] Based on the preceding content, the network device can calculate SFN1 according to formula (1) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (1), and determine the paging frame indexed as SFN1 within the first paging cycle as the first paging frame. Furthermore, the network device can calculate S1 according to formula (2) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (2), and determine the paging timing indexed as S1 within the first paging frame as the first paging timing.

[0191] By using the above formulas (1) and (2) to determine the paging frame and paging timing, it is possible to distribute the terminal devices corresponding to different group identifiers to different time and frequency positions within the first time period, so that the terminal devices in different paging groups can receive paging messages at different paging timings.

[0192] It should be noted that the number of paging frames M1 in the first time period can be determined based on the duration of the first time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, and the number of paging frames in the first paging cycle.

[0193] For example, the number of paging frames M1 in the first time period can satisfy the following formula (3):

[0194] M6 represents the number of paging frames included in the first paging cycle.

[0195] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, the first set of identifiers can be determined by the core network and provided to network devices and / or terminal devices. For example, an AMF network element can identify multiple second terminal devices, including a first terminal device, as belonging to the same paging group, and generate a first set of identifiers for that paging group based on the identifiers of each of these multiple second terminal devices. Then, the AMF network element can inform the network devices that these multiple second terminal devices belong to the same paging group and correspond to the first set of identifiers. Similarly, the network device can inform the terminal devices that these multiple second terminal devices belong to the same paging group and correspond to the first set of identifiers during initial access. It should be understood that, in actual implementation, the core network can configure only one paging group and its corresponding group identifier for the network device each time, or it can configure multiple paging groups and their corresponding different group identifiers simultaneously; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0196] Optionally, the core network can use a variety of possible implementation methods to determine that the above-mentioned multiple second terminal devices belong to the same paging group.

[0197] For example, the core network can allocate paging groups to terminal devices based on their device type. For instance, an AMF network element can group multiple second terminal devices of the same device type into the same paging group, thus enabling group paging for terminal devices of a specific device type.

[0198] For example, the core network can also allocate paging groups to terminal devices based on the type of paging service. For instance, an AMF network element can identify multiple second terminal devices corresponding to the same type of paging service as the same paging group.

[0199] In another possible implementation, the first set of identifiers can also be predefined by the protocol, meaning that the protocol has predefined the corresponding group identifiers for different terminal devices. For example, the protocol can determine the corresponding group identifier based on the unique identifier of the terminal device. For instance, the corresponding group identifier can be predefined based on the terminal device's System Architecture Evolution Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (SAE, S-TMSI) or a partial identifier of the S-TMSI. Here, SAE is an abbreviation for System Architecture Evolution.

[0200] Furthermore, in some feasible implementations, the first terminal device also includes multiple third terminal devices, which correspond to a second set of identifiers, and the first and second sets of identifiers are different. That is, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device corresponding to other group paging services. Alternatively, the first terminal device can also be a terminal device in other paging groups. Here, the design enables the first terminal device to support different group paging services, allowing different group paging services to initiate paging of the first terminal device at different paging times, thereby improving system capacity.

[0201] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the number of paging frames contained in each paging cycle is the same, and the number of paging opportunities contained in each paging frame is also the same. For example, each paging frame in the first paging cycle contains the same number of paging opportunities.

[0202] Method 3 for sending the first paging message:

[0203] The network device can select a paging time (here, we assume it to be the first paging time) within a first time period and send the first paging message only at that first paging time. For example, the network device can randomly select a paging time from multiple paging times within the first time period as the first paging time.

[0204] Here, the network device randomly selects a paging opportunity from the first time period to send the first paging message. This method is simple and easy to implement, and can further ensure paging efficiency.

[0205] Method 4 for sending the first paging message:

[0206] Network devices can send the first paging message at certain paging times within the first time period.

[0207] In a first possible implementation, the network device may send the first paging message at a first paging time in a first time period and at N1 third paging times following the first paging time.

[0208] Optionally, the first paging message includes third information, which indicates that the N1 third paging opportunities following the first paging opportunity are all used to monitor the first paging message, where N1 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. It is understood that the third information can also be used to indicate that other paging opportunities following the N1 third paging opportunities in the first time period are not used to monitor the first paging message.

[0209] Furthermore, the third information may be included only in the first paging message sent at the first paging time, and the first paging message sent at each of the third paging times in the aforementioned N1 third paging time may not include the aforementioned third information.

[0210] Optionally, the first of the N1 third paging opportunities mentioned above can be the next paging opportunity after the first paging opportunity, that is, the first paging opportunity and the N1 third paging opportunities mentioned above are consecutive in the first time period.

[0211] Optionally, all N1 third paging opportunities are included in the first time period. By limiting these N1 second paging opportunities to the first time period, it is possible to avoid situations where certain paging opportunities indicated by the third information cannot be used to monitor the first paging message because they are outside the first time period.

[0212] Optionally, the first paging opportunity may be randomly selected by the network device during the first time period, or it may be determined by the network device from multiple paging opportunities included in the first time period based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices (for details, please refer to the corresponding description in the sending method 1 of the first paging message above), or it may be predefined by the protocol. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0213] It should be further noted that the aforementioned first paging opportunity can also be included in the aforementioned N1 third paging opportunities, meaning that the network device sends the first paging message on N1 paging opportunities, including the first paging opportunity. In this case, N1 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. Accordingly, in this case, the third information can be used to indicate that all N1 third paging opportunities, including the first paging opportunity, are used to monitor the first paging message, and can also be used to indicate that other paging opportunities in the first time period besides these N1 third paging opportunities are not used to monitor the first paging message.

[0214] It should also be noted that, for either the first or second possible implementation described above, if some or all of the N1 third paging opportunities are not included in the first time period, then these third paging opportunities will not be used by the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message. For example, assuming the first paging opportunity is the last paging opportunity in the first time period, then none of these N1 third paging opportunities are included in the first time period. In this case, these N1 third paging opportunities will not be used by the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message.

[0215] Method 5 for sending the first paging message:

[0216] The aforementioned first time period may include N2 first sub-time periods, where N2 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In this case, the network device may send the first paging message only during the target first sub-time period among these N2 first sub-time periods. The target first sub-time period may be determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0217] In the above implementation, the first time period is subdivided into N2 first sub-time periods, and the first paging message is sent only in the target first sub-time period associated with the first group of identifiers. This simplifies the sending process of the first paging message and helps to improve paging efficiency.

[0218] Optionally, the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period is associated with the number of first sub-time periods N2, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the first set of identifiers. That is, the network device can determine the target first sub-time period from N2 first sub-time periods based on the number of first sub-time periods N2, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the first set of identifiers.

[0219] For example, the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period satisfies the following formula (4):

[0220] Wherein, TN1 is the index of the target first sub-time period in the first time period. For example, TN1 can be the number of the target first sub-time period in these N2 first sub-time periods. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier. It should be understood that the network device can calculate an index according to formula (4) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (4), and determine the first sub-time period corresponding to the index among the N2 first sub-time periods as the target first sub-time period.

[0221] Using the above formula (4) can simplify the determination of the first sub-time period of the target and reduce the computational complexity of the first terminal device.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the network device can send the first paging message over the entire first sub-period of the target. That is, the aforementioned N2 first sub-periods can be regarded as N2 new paging opportunities in the first period, and the network device can send the first paging message at this new paging opportunity corresponding to the first sub-period of the target.

[0223] In another possible implementation, the network device may send the first paging message only at the first paging opportunity in the target first sub-period within N2 first sub-periods. Specifically, after determining the target first sub-period according to formula (4), the network device may determine the first paging opportunity among the multiple paging opportunities contained in the target first sub-period, and send the first paging message to the first terminal device only at the first paging opportunity.

[0224] The first paging timing can be determined by the network device based on the first paging timing index within the target first sub-time period. It should be understood that the first paging timing index can be an index of the first paging timing within the target first sub-time period. Here, the first paging timing index can be determined by the network device itself or predefined by the protocol.

[0225] Method 6 for sending the first paging message:

[0226] The aforementioned first time period may include N3 second sub-time periods, where N3 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In this case, the network device may send the first paging message only on the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods. Here, the N3 second sub-time periods correspond one-to-one with the N3 first paging opportunities, that is, each second sub-time period includes only one first paging opportunity. Furthermore, these N3 first paging opportunities may be determined based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices.

[0227] In the above implementation, the first time period is divided into N3 second sub-time periods, so that each second sub-time period has a first paging opportunity to monitor the first paging message, and the first paging message in each second sub-time period is associated with the first set of identifiers. This not only further reduces the transmission overhead of the first paging message, but also improves the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0228] Since the process by which network devices determine the first paging opportunity corresponding to each second sub-time period based on the first set of identifiers is similar, to avoid redundancy, the process of determining the i-th first paging opportunity corresponding to the i-th third sub-time period among these N3 second sub-time periods will be used as an example to explain the process of determining the above N3 first paging opportunities. Here, i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N3.

[0229] For example, the network device may perform the following paging timing determination operation for the i-th second sub-time period: Step 1, determine the third paging frame from the i-th second sub-time period based on the duration of the first time period, the first group of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the value of i. Step 2, determine the i-th first paging opportunity among the N3 first paging opportunities from the third paging frame based on the first group of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame. It should be understood that by performing the above paging timing determination operation for each of the N3 second sub-time periods, the network device can determine the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods.

[0230] Optionally, the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula (5):

[0231] Wherein, SFN3 is the index of the third paging frame in the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, and ID1 is the first group identifier.

[0232] Furthermore, the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame satisfies the following formula (6):

[0233] Where Si is the index of the i-th first paging opportunity in the third paging frame. M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M5 is the number of paging opportunities in the third paging frame, and ID1 is the first set of identifier values. It should be noted that in this implementation, each of the N3 second sub-time periods includes at least one paging frame, and the number of paging frames included in each second sub-time period can be the same.

[0234] Based on the above, the network device can calculate SFN3 according to formula (5) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (5), and determine the paging frame indexed as SFN3 in the i-th third sub-period as the third paging frame. Furthermore, the network device can calculate Si according to formula (6) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (6), and determine the paging opportunity indexed as Si in the third paging frame as the i-th first paging opportunity among the N3 first paging opportunities.

[0235] By using the above formulas (5) and (6) to determine the paging frame and paging timing, the first terminal device can receive paging messages at multiple time-frequency positions within a paging cycle. This means that if the first terminal device misses its corresponding paging message, it does not need to wait until the next paging cycle, thereby improving paging efficiency and enabling the first terminal device to respond to network devices earlier and more promptly.

[0236] S303, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message from the network device only during the first time period in the first paging cycle.

[0237] In some feasible implementations, during the first paging cycle, the first terminal device may monitor the first paging message from the network device only during a first time period. It is understood that "monitoring the first paging message only during a first time period" means that the first terminal device will not monitor the first paging message during any other time period within the first paging cycle.

[0238] This application provides several implementation methods for terminal devices to monitor the first paging message only in the first time period, which will be described below.

[0239] Monitoring method 1 for the first paging message:

[0240] The first terminal device can monitor the first paging message only at each paging opportunity within the first time period. In other words, each paging opportunity within the first time period is used by the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message. This design, which allows the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message at each paging opportunity within the first time period, can improve the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0241] It should be understood that, in the case that the network device adopts any one of the first paging message sending methods 1 to 6 described in step S302 above, the first terminal device can use this implementation method to monitor the first paging message.

[0242] Method 2 for monitoring the first paging message:

[0243] When the network device adopts the first paging message transmission method 2 described in step S302 above, the first terminal device can also determine the first paging opportunity from the multiple paging opportunities included in the first time period based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices. Then, the first terminal device can monitor the first paging message only at that first paging opportunity. Here, the process by which the first terminal device determines the first paging opportunity based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices can be referred to in step S302 above, which describes the process by which the network device determines the first paging opportunity based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to the multiple second terminal devices, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] Here, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only during the first paging time when it is associated with the first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices in the first time period. This allows the network device to send the first paging message only during the first paging time, which can further reduce the transmission overhead of the first paging message.

[0245] Method 3 for monitoring the first paging message:

[0246] When the network device adopts the first paging message transmission method 4 described in step S302 above, the first terminal device can start monitoring the first paging message from the first paging opportunity within the first time period. After the first terminal device monitors and correctly receives the first paging message at the first paging opportunity within the first time period, it can obtain the third information included in the first paging message and determine, based on the third information, that the N1 third paging opportunities following the first paging opportunity are all used to monitor the first paging message. Then, the first terminal device can also monitor the first paging message at each of these N1 third paging opportunities. It should be understood that in this case, other paging opportunities within the first time period besides the first paging opportunity and the N1 third paging opportunities are not used to monitor the first paging message.

[0247] For an explanation of the third information, please refer to the corresponding description in the first paging message sending method 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0248] In the above implementation, monitoring the first paging message only at some paging times in the first time period can eliminate the need for the first terminal device to monitor the first paging message at all paging times in the first time period, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first terminal device.

[0249] Optionally, all N1 third paging opportunities are included in the first time period. By limiting these N1 second paging opportunities to the first time period, it is possible to avoid situations where some paging opportunities indicated by the third information cannot be used to monitor the first paging message because they are outside the first time period.

[0250] Optionally, if some or all of the N1 third paging opportunities are not included in the first time period, the first terminal device may not monitor the first paging message on these third paging opportunities. For example, assuming the first paging opportunity is the last paging opportunity in the first time period, then none of the N1 third paging opportunities are included in the first time period. In this case, the first terminal device does not need to monitor the first paging message on these N1 third paging opportunities.

[0251] Method 4 for monitoring the first paging message:

[0252] When the network device adopts the first paging message transmission method 5 described in step S302 above, the first terminal device can monitor the first paging message only in the target first sub-period of N2 first sub-periods.

[0253] In the above implementation, the first time period is subdivided into N2 first sub-time periods, and the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only in the target first sub-time period associated with the first group of identifiers. This simplifies the process of monitoring the first paging message and helps to improve paging efficiency.

[0254] Here, the process by which the first terminal device determines the target first sub-time period in N2 first sub-time periods can be referred to in the process by which the network device determines the target first sub-time period in N2 first sub-time periods as described in the method 5 for sending the first paging message, and will not be repeated here.

[0255] Optionally, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message at each paging opportunity within the target first sub-time period.

[0256] Optionally, the first terminal device monitors the first paging message only at the first paging opportunity within the target first sub-time period. Specifically, the terminal device can obtain the first paging opportunity index and determine the first paging opportunity from multiple paging opportunities included in the target first sub-time period based on the first paging opportunity index. Then, the first terminal device can monitor the first paging message only at the first paging opportunity. The first paging opportunity index can be configured for the first terminal device by the network device. For example, the network device can configure the aforementioned first paging opportunity index for the first terminal device through a system information block (SIB) message or other broadcast messages. Alternatively, the first paging opportunity index can be predefined by the protocol.

[0257] Method 5 for monitoring the first paging message:

[0258] When the network device adopts the first paging message transmission method 6 described in step S302 above, the first terminal device can monitor the first paging message only on the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods. These N3 first paging opportunities can be determined based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. Here, the process by which the first terminal device determines the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods based on the first set of identifiers can be referred to in the process described in the first paging message transmission method 6, which describes the network device determining the N3 first paging opportunities corresponding to the N3 second sub-time periods based on the first set of identifiers, and will not be repeated here.

[0259] In the above implementation, the first time period is divided into N3 second sub-time periods, so that each second sub-time period has a first paging opportunity to monitor the first paging message, and the first paging message in each second sub-time period is associated with the first set of identifiers. This not only further reduces the transmission overhead of the first paging message, but also improves the success rate of receiving the first paging message, thereby ensuring paging efficiency.

[0260] S304, if the first terminal device receives the first paging message in the first time period, it responds to the first paging message.

[0261] In some feasible implementations, if the first terminal device monitors and receives the first paging message in the first time period, it can respond to the first paging message.

[0262] For example, after receiving the first paging message, the first terminal device can obtain the first set of identifiers included in the first paging message. Then, the first terminal device determines that the first set of identifiers includes or indicates its corresponding identifier, and determines that the first paging message is used to page itself. Further, the first terminal device can initiate random access to the network device.

[0263] It should be further noted that if the first terminal device determines that the first set of identifiers does not include or indicates its corresponding identifier, then it determines that the first paging message is not used to page itself. Furthermore, the first terminal device can continue to monitor paging messages during other paging cycles.

[0264] In some feasible implementations, please refer to Figure 4, which is another flowchart of a paging method provided in this application. As shown in Figure 4, the paging method may also include the following steps:

[0265] S305, the network device sends first information to the first terminal device, the first information indicating at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first information.

[0266] In some feasible implementations, the network device may generate first information. This first information may indicate at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period. The network device may then send this first information to a first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device may receive the first information and determine at least one of the following based on the first information: the duration of the first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period.

[0267] Optionally, the start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, the end time of the first time period is the end time of the first paging cycle.

[0268] In this case, after obtaining the aforementioned first information, the first terminal device can determine the specific location of the first time period from the first paging cycle based on the content indicated by the first information and the start or end time of the first time period.

[0269] It should be understood that, in actual implementation, the start or end time of the first time period within the first paging cycle can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the network device; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, the network device can configure the start or end time of the first time period for the first terminal device via SIB messages or other broadcast messages.

[0270] It should be noted that the aforementioned first information can be obtained by the network device from the core network. For example, the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element of the core network can determine and send this first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information and then forwards it to the first terminal device.

[0271] In another possible implementation, the network device may also generate second information. This second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: each paging frame or each paging timing within the first time period. That is, the second information can be used to directly indicate the first time period within the first paging cycle. Accordingly, the first terminal device can receive the second information and, based on the second information, directly determine each paging frame or each paging timing included in the first time period within the first paging cycle, thereby determining the first time period.

[0272] Similarly, the second information mentioned above can also be obtained by network devices from the core network. The specific process is similar to that of obtaining the first information, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0273] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an exemplary description of the process by which the network device configures the first time period for the first terminal device. In actual implementation, the first terminal device may also use other implementation methods to determine the first time period within the first paging cycle, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0274] In some feasible implementations, please refer to Figure 5, which is another flowchart of a paging method provided in this application. As shown in Figure 5, the paging method may also include the following steps:

[0275] S306, the network device determines a second paging message, which is used to page the first terminal device.

[0276] In some feasible implementations, when paging only the first terminal device is required, the network device can determine a second paging message. This second paging message is used to page the first terminal device. It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the second paging message is a paging message used only for paging the first terminal device and is not used to page other devices. In other words, the second paging message is a dedicated paging message for the first terminal device. Optionally, the second paging message may include an identifier of the first terminal device.

[0277] S307, the network device sends a second paging message to the first terminal device at the second paging opportunity in the second time period.

[0278] In some feasible implementations, after determining the second paging message, the network device can send the second paging message to the first terminal device at the second paging opportunity within the second time period. The second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period. Combining this with the preceding description of the first time period, it can be seen that the first paging cycle can consist of a first time period and a second time period. The first time period is used only for group paging, and the second time period is used only for paging individual terminal devices.

[0279] Optionally, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. Alternatively, the network device can determine the second paging frame based on the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. The second paging frame is included in the second time period.

[0280] For example, the index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula (7):

[0281] Wherein, SFN2 is the index of the second paging frame within the first paging cycle. T is the duration of the first paging cycle, T1 is the duration of the first time period, T2 is the duration of the second time period, M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0282] Optionally, the index of the second paging opportunity in the second paging frame may be associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and the number of paging frames in the second time period. Alternatively, the network device may determine the second paging opportunity from the second paging frame based on the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and the number of paging frames in the second time period.

[0283] In the above implementation, associating the second paging timing used to monitor the second paging message within the second time period with multiple parameters, including the identifier of the first terminal device, enables the first terminal device to quickly and accurately determine the second paging timing from the second time period based on these multiple parameters. This can improve the success rate of receiving the second paging message and thus ensure paging efficiency.

[0284] For example, the index of the second paging timing in the second paging frame satisfies the following formula (8):

[0285] Wherein, S2 is the index of the second paging opportunity within the second paging frame. M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, M4 is the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

[0286] Based on the above, it can be seen that the network device can calculate SFN2 according to formula (7) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (7), and determine the paging frame indexed as SFN2 in the first paging cycle as the second paging frame. Furthermore, the network device can calculate S2 according to formula (8) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (8), and determine the paging timing indexed as S2 in the second paging frame as the second paging timing.

[0287] By using the above formulas (7) and (8) to determine the paging frame and paging timing, different terminal devices can be distributed to different time-frequency locations in the second time period based on the device identifier of the terminal device, so that different terminal devices can receive paging messages at different paging timings in the second time period.

[0288] S308, the first terminal device monitors the second paging message at the second paging time in the second time period.

[0289] In some feasible implementations, the first terminal device monitors the second paging message at a second paging opportunity within a second time period. The second paging opportunity is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging opportunities in the second paging frame, and the number of paging frames in the second time period. The second paging frame includes the second paging opportunity. The second paging frame is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. The process by which the first terminal device determines the paging opportunity as shown in the figure can be referred to in step S307 above, which describes the process by which the network device determines the second paging opportunity; therefore, it will not be repeated here.

[0290] Furthermore, if the first terminal device detects and receives the second paging message at the second paging time, it can respond to the second paging message.

[0291] In some feasible implementations, step S308 above can also be replaced by step S309 below.

[0292] S309, the first terminal device monitors the second paging message in the target third sub-time period within N4 third sub-time periods.

[0293] In some feasible implementations, the second time period includes N4 third sub-time periods, where N4 is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. In this case, the first terminal device can monitor the second paging message on the target third sub-time period within these N4 third sub-time periods. The target third sub-time period is associated with the duration of the second time period, the value of N4, the duration of the first time period, and a first random number. The first random number is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to N4. That is, the first terminal device can determine the target third sub-time period based on the duration of the second time period, the value of N4, the duration of the first time period, and the first random number.

[0294] For example, the index of the target third sub-time period in the second time period satisfies the following formula (9):

[0295] Wherein, TN2 is the index of the target third sub-time period within the second time period. For example, TN2 can be the number of the target third sub-time period among N4 third sub-time periods. T2 is the duration of the second time period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, n is the first random number, and T is the duration of the first paging cycle. It should be understood that the first terminal device can calculate an index according to formula (9) and the values ​​of each parameter in formula (9), and determine the third sub-time period corresponding to the index among the N4 third sub-time periods as the target third sub-time period.

[0296] The above formula (9) simplifies the way the first terminal device determines the target third sub-time period, reduces the computational complexity and power consumption of the first terminal device, and makes the method provided in this application more suitable for low-power and low-complexity IoT terminals.

[0297] Optionally, the first terminal device may monitor the second paging message at multiple paging times included in the target third sub-time period.

[0298] Optionally, the first terminal device may monitor the second paging message at a third paging timing within the target third sub-time period. The third paging timing can be determined by the first terminal device from within the target third sub-time period based on a second paging timing index. Here, the second paging timing index can be configured by the network device or predefined by the protocol. This second paging timing index can be the index of the third paging timing within the target third sub-time period.

[0299] Furthermore, if the first terminal device detects and receives the second paging message at the second paging time, it can respond to the second paging message.

[0300] Alternatively, in some possible implementations, step S307 can be replaced by "the network device sends a second paging message to the first terminal device at each paging opportunity within the second time period". This approach can improve the success rate of receiving the second paging message, thereby increasing paging efficiency.

[0301] In the above implementation, a method for paging a single terminal device in the second time period other than the first time period in the first paging cycle is added. This allows both group paging and paging of a single terminal device to be realized in the first paging cycle without affecting each other, thus ensuring the integrity and reliability of the paging method.

[0302] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The communication device provided by the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 8. It should be understood that the description of the embodiments of the communication device corresponds to the description of the embodiments of the communication method; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above.

[0303] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 may include a processing unit 601 and a transceiver unit 602.

[0304] In some feasible implementations, the communication device 600 may correspond to the first terminal device described above, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the first terminal device.

[0305] In specific implementation, the transceiver unit 602 is used to monitor the first paging message only during a first time period in the first paging cycle. The first paging message is used to paging multiple second terminal device groups, including the first terminal device. The duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle. The processing unit 601 is used to respond to the first paging message when it receives it during the first time period.

[0306] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is configured to indicate at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period.

[0307] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is used to monitor the first paging message only at each paging opportunity in the first time period.

[0308] For example, processing unit 601 is configured to determine a first paging opportunity from a first time period based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. Transceiver unit 602 is configured to monitor the first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0309] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is used to monitor the second paging message at the second paging time within the second time period, wherein the second paging message is used to paging the first terminal device, the second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period.

[0310] Additionally, other descriptions of the methods involved in the first terminal device can be found in the corresponding descriptions above. For example, as described in step S303 above, the start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, the end time of the first time period is the end time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, as described in step S303 above, the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame. To avoid redundancy, these will not be listed individually here.

[0311] In some feasible implementations, the communication device 600 may also correspond to the network device described above, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the network device.

[0312] In specific implementation, processing unit 601 is used to determine the first paging message, which is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices. Transceiver unit 602 is used to send the first paging message only during a first time period in the first paging cycle. The duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle.

[0313] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is used to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the duration of a first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period.

[0314] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is used to send the first paging message only on all or part of the paging opportunities during the first time period.

[0315] For example, processing unit 601 is configured to determine a first paging opportunity from a first time period based on a first set of identifiers corresponding to multiple second terminal devices. Transceiver unit 602 is configured to send a first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0316] For example, the transceiver unit 602 is used to send a second paging message at a second paging time within a second time period, wherein the second paging message is used to paging the first terminal device, the second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period.

[0317] Additionally, other descriptions of the methods involved in the network device can be found in the corresponding descriptions above. For example, as described in step S302 above, the start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, the end time of the first time period is the end time of the first paging cycle. Alternatively, as described in step S302 above, the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame. To avoid redundancy, these will not be listed individually here.

[0318] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. This communication device 700 can be used to implement the operations performed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments, or, the communication device 700 can be the network device or the first terminal device described above. The communication device 700 includes: a processor 701, a memory 702, and a bus system 703.

[0319] The memory 702 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 702 is used to store related instructions and data. The memory 702 stores executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof:

[0320] Operation instructions: This includes various operation instructions used to perform various operations.

[0321] Operating system: includes various system programs used to implement various basic business functions and handle hardware-based tasks.

[0322] Figure 7 shows only one memory, but of course, multiple memories can be set as needed.

[0323] In one possible implementation, the communication device 700 may include only the processor 701 and the bus system 703, that is, it may exclude the memory 702.

[0324] The communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 704. The transceiver 704 may be a communication module or a transceiver circuit. In the embodiments of this application, the transceiver 704 is used to perform the message sending and receiving operations described in the above embodiments.

[0325] Processor 701 can be at least one, specifically it can be a controller, central processing unit (CPU), general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. Processor 701 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, DSP and microprocessor combinations, etc.

[0326] In practical applications, the various components of the communication device 700 are coupled together through a bus system 703. This bus system 703 includes not only a data bus but may also include a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 703 in Figure 7. Figure 7 is only schematically illustrated for ease of representation.

[0327] In specific implementation, the communication device 700 can execute the steps of the method performed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments. Specifically, when the communication device 700 is used to implement the various steps performed by the network device or the first terminal device in the paging method provided in the embodiments, the processor 701 can implement the function of the processing unit 601, and the transceiver 704 can implement the function of the transceiver unit 602.

[0328] It should be noted that in practical applications, the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0329] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory described in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0330] This application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the steps of the paging method executed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0331] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the steps of the paging method executed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0332] This application also provides a chip including at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to execute computer execution instructions to cause a device on which the chip is mounted to implement the steps of the paging method performed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0333] Optionally, the chip may also include interface circuitry. This interface circuitry is used to receive computer execution instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[0334] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting the apparatus on which the chip system is installed to implement the steps of the paging method executed by the network device or the first terminal device in the above embodiments, such as generating or processing the data and / or information involved in the above method. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the data transmitting device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0335] Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry. This interface circuitry can be used to receive computer-executed instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[0336] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. The communication device 800 may include a processor 801 and an interface circuit 802. The interface circuit 802 can be used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device 800 and transmit them to the processor 801, or to send signals from the processor 801 to other communication devices besides the communication device 800. The processor 801 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions through logic circuits to implement the communication methods described in the preceding embodiments.

[0337] In some possible designs, the communication device 800 may be the first terminal device described above, or a device including the first terminal device described above, or a device contained in the first terminal device described above, such as a chip system. The communication device 800 may also be the network device described above, or a device of the network device described above, or a device contained in the network device described above.

[0338] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0339] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0340] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0341] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0342] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0343] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0344] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0345] The “protocol” mentioned in this application embodiment may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0346] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0347] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0348] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0349] In the above method embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., digital video disc (DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0350] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0351] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A paging method, characterized by, The method is applicable to a first terminal device or a device within a first terminal device, and the method includes: In the first paging cycle, the first paging message is monitored only in the first time period, wherein the first paging message is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices, the multiple second terminal devices including the first terminal device, and the duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle. If the first paging message is received during the first time period, respond to the first paging message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the duration of the first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The monitoring of the first paging message only in the first time period includes: The first paging message is monitored only at each paging opportunity within the first time period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The monitoring of the first paging message only in the first time period includes: The first paging opportunity is determined from the first time period based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to the plurality of second terminal devices; Monitor the first paging message at the first paging time.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, which is included in the first time period.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The index of the first paging timing in the first paging frame satisfies the following formula: Wherein, S1 is the index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M2 is the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers. 1 represents the floor operation, and mod represents the modulo operation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The index of the first paging frame within the first paging period is associated with the duration of the first paging period, the duration of the first time period, the first group of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time period. The first paging frame includes the first paging timing and is included in the first time period.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The index of the first paging frame in the first paging period satisfies the following formula: Wherein, SFN1 is the index of the first paging frame in the first paging period, T is the duration of the first paging period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, ID1 is the first group identifier, and mod represents modulo operation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second paging message is monitored at the second paging time within the second time period, wherein the second paging message is used to paging the first terminal device, the second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. The second paging frame includes the second paging timing and is included in the second time period.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula: Wherein, SFN2 is the index of the second paging frame in the first paging period, T is the duration of the first paging period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, T2 is the duration of the second time period, M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

13. A paging method, characterized in that, The method, applicable to network devices or apparatus within network devices, includes: A first paging message is determined, wherein the first paging message is used for group paging of multiple second terminal devices; In the first paging cycle, the first paging message is sent only during a first time period, wherein the duration of the first time period is shorter than the duration of the first paging cycle.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The start time of the first time period is the start time of the first paging cycle.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, wherein the first message is used to indicate at least one of the following: the duration of the first time period, the number of paging frames in the first time period, or the number of paging opportunities in the first time period.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, Sending the first paging message only during the first time period includes: The first paging message is sent only on all or part of the paging opportunities within the first time period.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, Sending the first paging message only during the first time period includes: The first paging opportunity is determined from the first time period based on the first set of identifiers corresponding to the plurality of second terminal devices; The first paging message is sent at the first paging time.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The index of the first paging opportunity in the first paging frame is associated with the first set of identifiers, the number of paging frames in the first time period, and the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, which is included in the first time period.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The index of the first paging timing in the first paging frame satisfies the following formula: Wherein, S1 is the index of the first paging opportunity, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, M2 is the number of paging opportunities in the first paging frame, and ID1 is the first group of identifiers. 1 represents the floor operation, and mod represents the modulo operation.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The index of the first paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, the first group of identifiers, and the number of paging frames in the first time period. The first paging frame includes the first paging timing and is included in the first time period.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The index of the first paging frame in the first paging period satisfies the following formula: Wherein, SFN1 is the index of the first paging frame in the first paging period, T is the duration of the first paging period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, M1 is the number of paging frames in the first time period, ID1 is the first group identifier, and mod represents modulo operation.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second paging message is sent at a second paging time within a second time period, wherein the second paging message is used to paging a first terminal device, the plurality of second terminal devices include the first terminal device, the second time period is included in the first paging cycle, and the start time of the second time period is the end time of the first time period.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle is associated with the identifier of the first terminal device, the number of paging frames in the second time period, the duration of the first paging cycle, the duration of the first time period, and the duration of the second time period. The second paging frame includes the second paging timing and is included in the second time period.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The index of the second paging frame in the first paging cycle satisfies the following formula: Wherein, SFN2 is the index of the second paging frame in the first paging period, T is the duration of the first paging period, T1 is the duration of the first time period, T2 is the duration of the second time period, M3 is the number of paging frames in the second time period, and ID2 is the identifier of the first terminal device.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, implements the paging method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or the paging method as described in any one of claims 13-24.

26. A chip system, characterized in that, Includes processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions and transmit them to the processor, the processor is used to execute the computer execution instructions to cause the device with the chip system installed to perform the paging method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or the paging method as described in any one of claims 13-24.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product is executed by a computer using the paging method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or the paging method as described in any one of claims 13-24.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the paging method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the paging method as described in any one of claims 13-24.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes the first terminal equipment and network equipment; The first terminal device is configured to perform the paging method as described in any one of claims 1-12, and the network device is configured to perform the paging method as described in any one of claims 13-24.

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