Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: performing communication on the basis of a DRX configuration; receiving first information, the first information being used for indicating deactivation of the DRX configuration; and performing random access when the DRX configuration is deactivated. The technical solution can reduce the access time for AIoT devices to access the network side.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999591.8, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of wireless networks and the evolution of business needs, there are massive numbers of ambient internet of things (AIoT) devices in the network. These AIoT devices are characterized by low cost, small size, and inability to carry large-capacity batteries.

[0004] To reduce the power consumption of AIoT devices, the network side can send a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration to the AIoT device. The DRX configuration indicates the duration of continuous reception and the sleep period. After receiving the DRX configuration, the AIoT device will continuously receive data during the duration of continuous reception and sleep during the sleep period to reduce power consumption.

[0005] However, AIoT devices that communicate based on DRX configuration may have issues with the duration of network access. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce the power consumption of AIoT devices while also reducing the time it takes for terminals to access the network.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the AIoT device side, such as the AIoT device itself or its communication module, or the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions within the AIoT device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). In this application, an AIoT device is used as an example for description.

[0008] The communication method includes: communicating according to a discontinuous reception DRX configuration; receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate deactivation of the DRX configuration; and performing random access in the case of deactivation of the DRX configuration.

[0009] The first message is used to indicate that the DRX configuration should be deactivated. It can also be understood as: the first message is used to indicate that the DRX configuration should not be used for communication; the first message is used to indicate continuous reception; and the first message is used to indicate that sleep should no longer be performed.

[0010] The above-mentioned random access execution when the DRX configuration is deactivated includes: performing random access according to the received second information, the second information being information used to trigger the execution of random access.

[0011] Based on the communication method provided in the first aspect, the network side instructs the AIoT device communicating based on DRX configuration to enter a continuous reception state by sending a first message, so that the AIoT device can perform random access in the continuous reception state. Understandably, compared to AIoT devices communicating based on DRX configuration performing random access, performing random access in the continuous reception state reduces the probability that the AIoT device will miss the message sent by the network side to trigger the terminal to perform random access, thereby reducing the access time for the AIoT device to connect to the network side.

[0012] The network side can use various methods to instruct AIoT devices to activate DRX configuration via the first information.

[0013] For example, the first information can be carried in the first message, which may be, for example, a master information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB).

[0014] In the first implementation, when the first information is carried in the first message, the second information is also carried in the first message. In this case, the AIoT device performs random access based on the received second information, which can also be understood as the AIoT device performing random access based on the first message. That is, in this implementation, the first message sent by the network side not only instructs the AIoT device to activate the DRX configuration but also triggers the AIoT device to perform random access. This implementation, compared to the network side sending the first information first and then the second information to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access, can further reduce the access time of the AIoT device to the network side.

[0015] In the second implementation, where the first information is carried in the first message, the second information is carried in the second message, which is a non-periodic system message, such as a paging message. Correspondingly, the AIoT device performs random access based on the received second information, which can also be understood as the AIoT device performing random access based on the second message. In other words, in this implementation, the network side instructs the AIoT device to deactivate the DRX configuration via the first message, and then triggers the AIoT device to perform random access via the second message. Compared to the first implementation, this second implementation can reduce the signaling overhead of the SIB or MIB.

[0016] For example, the second information is carried in the third message, which is a non-periodic system message; the first information is carried in the third message. For example, the third message could be a paging message. Correspondingly, after receiving the third message, the AIoT device enters a continuous receiving state and executes a random access procedure.

[0017] The second information mentioned above may include random access configuration information, which includes one or more of the following: information indicating time-domain resources for random access, information indicating frequency-domain resources for random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of at least one device includes the identifier of the AIoT device. Correspondingly, the AIoT device executes the random access procedure based on the random access configuration information included in the second information.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a fourth message, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates communication based on the DRX configuration. Correspondingly, after receiving the fourth message, the AIoT device continues communication based on the DRX configuration.

[0019] For example, the fourth message is a MIB or SIB or a non-periodic system message.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the above method further includes: receiving a fifth message, which is a system message, and the fifth message includes fourth information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: the period of a periodic system message, the period of a periodic system message changing and the period of a periodic system message after the change, the period of a periodic synchronization signal (SS), the period of a periodic SS changing and the period of a periodic SS after the change, the time-domain position of the next aperiodic system message, and the time-domain position of the next SS signal.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the access network equipment side, such as the access network equipment or the communication module within the access network equipment, or the circuits or chips (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores) responsible for communication functions within the access network equipment. In this application, an access network equipment is used as an example for description.

[0022] The communication method includes: sending a first message, which is used to indicate the deactivation of the DRX configuration; and sending a second message, which is used to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access.

[0023] Based on the communication method provided in the second aspect, the access network device instructs the AIoT device communicating based on DRX configuration to enter a continuous reception state by sending first information to the AIoT device, so that the AIoT device performs random access in the continuous reception state. Understandably, compared to the AIoT device communicating based on DRX configuration performing random access, the AIoT device performing random access in the continuous reception state can reduce the probability that the AIoT device misses the message sent by the network side to trigger the terminal to perform random access, thereby reducing the access time of the AIoT device to the network side.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information carries the first message, which is either a MIB or a SIB.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the first message.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a second message, which is an aperiodic system message.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a third message, which is an aperiodic system message; wherein the first information is carried in the third message.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a fourth message, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates communication based on the DRX configuration.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second information includes configuration information for random access, which includes one or more of the following: information for indicating time-domain resources for random access, information for indicating frequency-domain resources for random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of at least one device includes an identifier of an AIoT device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the second or third message mentioned above is a paging message.

[0031] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0032] The first communication device is, for example, an AIOT device, or other device that includes the functions of an AIOT device, or a chip system (or chip or circuit) or other functional module that can realize the functions of an AIOT device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, set in an AIOT device.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0034] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0035] The communication device is, for example, an access network device, or other device that includes the functions of an access network device, or a chip system (or, chip or circuit) or other functional module that can realize the functions of the access network device, and the chip system or functional module is, for example, disposed in the access network device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, with the transceiver unit being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0037] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the processor is configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, and / or, by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the aspects.

[0039] The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and / or data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0040] The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned device may be an AIoT device, or a communication module within an AIoT device, or a chip within an AIoT device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned device may be an access network device, or a communication module in the access network device, or a chip in the access network device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0043] Sixthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any aspect.

[0044] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0045] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0048] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system including the aforementioned AIOT device and access network device. The AIOT device is used to instruct the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; the access network device is used to execute the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0049] The third to ninth aspects mentioned above correspond to the technical solutions of the first or second aspects of this application. The beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system to which this application applies;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the applicable communication architecture when the access network device and the AIoT device of this application communicate;

[0052] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of DRX;

[0053] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the AIoT device provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 7 is another structural schematic diagram of the AIoT device provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that the system architecture described in this application embodiment is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application embodiment and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0061] 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.

[0062] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 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; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0066] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart 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. A 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.

[0067] With the development of wireless networks and the evolution of service demands, a massive number of AIoT devices exist in the network. These AIoT devices are characterized by low cost, small size, and inability to carry large-capacity batteries. For example, there are currently four types of AIoT devices:

[0068] The first type has a peak power consumption level of approximately 1 microwatt (μW), and uplink transmission is based on an externally provided carrier.

[0069] The second type: peak power consumption level is less than or equal to several hundred μW, and uplink transmission is based on an externally provided carrier.

[0070] The third type: peak power consumption level is less than or equal to several hundred μW, and uplink transmission is based on an internally generated carrier.

[0071] The fourth type: peak power consumption level is less than or equal to several hundred milliwatts (mW), and uplink transmission is based on an internally generated carrier.

[0072] It can be seen that the second, third, and fourth types of AIoT devices have relatively high peak power consumption levels.

[0073] To reduce the power consumption of AIoT devices, one implementation method is as follows: the access network device sends a DRX configuration to the AIoT device, which indicates the duration and sleep periods (as shown in Figure 2). Correspondingly, after receiving the DRX configuration, the AIoT device receives and / or transmits signals during the duration period, and does not receive or transmit signals during the sleep period, thereby reducing power consumption. In other words, the AIoT device can transmit and receive signals during the duration period but does not transmit or receive signals during the sleep period.

[0074] The fact that AIoT devices are not transmitting or receiving signals can also be understood as AIoT devices entering a sleep state.

[0075] In this application, the duration can also be described as an activation period, a continuous reception period, a working period, etc. The dormancy period can also be described as a deactivation period, a power-saving period, etc.

[0076] However, for AIoT devices that communicate based on DRX configuration, there may be issues with the length of time it takes to access the network, i.e., low access efficiency for AIoT devices.

[0077] To facilitate understanding, the process of connecting AIoT devices to the network will be explained.

[0078] The process of an AIoT device accessing the network is as follows: The AIoT device receives a trigger message, which triggers the AIoT device to perform random access. After receiving the trigger message, the AIoT device receives a query message sent by the access network device. This query message carries a Q parameter. The AIoT device generates a random number m between (0, 2^Q-1) based on this Q parameter. If the random number m generated based on the Q parameter is 0, the AIoT device initiates random access to the network. Otherwise, it continues to receive repeated query (QueryRep) messages sent by the access network device. Each time a QueryRep message is received, m = m-1 is executed once, until m is 0, at which point the AIoT device initiates random access to the network. In this application, the timing when m = 0 is also referred to as the access timing. That is, the AIoT device can determine its access timing based on Q.

[0079] Understandably, when AIoT devices communicate based on DRX configuration, there is a possibility that the AIoT device is in a sleep state when the access network device sends a trigger message, thus missing the opportunity to receive the trigger message and resulting in a long access time.

[0080] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication device to improve the access efficiency of AIoT devices.

[0081] Before introducing the communication method of this application, it should be noted that this application does not restrict the specific architecture adopted between the AIoT device and the access network device.

[0082] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), AIoT devices communicate directly with access network devices via the air interface.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 3(b), AIoT devices communicate with access network devices through relay nodes.

[0084] For example, as shown in Figure 3(c), the uplink architecture between the AIoT device and the access network device can be assisted by other terminals. In this architecture, the AIoT device can receive downlink data sent by the access network device but cannot directly send uplink data to the access network device. The AIoT device needs the assistance of another terminal to send uplink data to the access network device.

[0085] For example, as shown in Figure 3(d), the downlink architecture between the AIoT device and the access network device can be assisted by other terminal devices. In this architecture, the AIoT device can directly send uplink data to the access network device but cannot directly receive downlink data sent by the access network device. The AIoT device needs the assistance of another terminal to receive the downlink data sent by the access network device.

[0086] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application. It is understood that this application uses an access network device and an AIoT device as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the access network device in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device; similarly, the method executed by the AIoT device in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the AIoT device, or by a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip containing a modem core, or a SIP chip) in the AIoT device responsible for communication functions.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, the method includes S410 to S430.

[0089] S410: AIoT devices communicate with access network devices according to DRX configuration.

[0090] As described above regarding DRX, the DRX configuration indicates a continuous period and a sleep period. During the continuous period, AIoT devices can receive and / or transmit signals, while during the sleep period, they neither receive nor transmit signals, thus saving power. In other words, AIoT devices can transmit and receive signals during the continuous period but not during the sleep period.

[0091] AIoT devices communicate with access network devices according to DRX configuration. This can be alternatively described as follows: AIoT devices communicate with access network devices based on two states (or modes): an active state (or wake-up state) and a sleep state. In the active state, the AIoT device can transmit and receive signals; in the sleep state, it does not transmit or receive signals. Alternatively, it can be described as follows: AIoT devices communicate with access network devices using a discontinuous reception method. Or, it can be described as follows: AIoT devices communicate with access network devices using an energy-saving method.

[0092] It should be noted that in this application, when the AIoT device communicates with the access network device according to the DRX configuration, the AIoT device has not yet successfully accessed the network, so it can also be understood that the AIoT device is in an idle state.

[0093] In this application, the AIoT device communicates with the access network device according to the DRX configuration, including receiving synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and / or system messages broadcast by the access network device during continuous periods. System messages can be periodic or aperiodic. Periodic system messages can be, for example, MIBs or SIBs. However, it should be understood that MIBs and SIBs are merely examples of periodic system messages and should not constitute a limitation of this application.

[0094] Specifically, the SSB mentioned above can include a synchronization signal (SS) and a physical broadcasting channel block (PBCH). The SS includes a time synchronization signal (TSS) and a frequency fynchronization signal (FSS). The TSS is used by AIoT devices to determine the start time of SSB transmission so that the AIoT devices can perform clock calibration based on this start time. The FSS is used by AIoT devices to perform carrier frequency offset (CFO) calibration. The PBCH can be used to indicate some public information, such as cell identifier and frame number.

[0095] In one implementation, the AIoT device begins communicating with the access network device using DRX configuration after receiving the first SSB or the first system message. In other words, the AIoT device does not communicate based on DRX configuration before receiving the first SSB or the first system message; that is, the AIoT device will not enter sleep mode before receiving the first SSB or the first system message.

[0096] S420, the access network device sends first information to the AIoT device, the first information being used to instruct the deactivation of DRX configuration; correspondingly, the AIoT device receives the first information.

[0097] The first message is used to indicate deactivation of the DRX configuration. This can also be interpreted as indicating that the DRX configuration should not be used for communication, indicating continuous reception, indicating that sleep mode should be discontinued, or indicating that the AIoT device should end the DRX configuration before communicating. Correspondingly, after receiving the first message, the AIoT device will no longer use the DRX configuration to communicate with the access network device; that is, the AIoT device can continuously transmit and receive signals after receiving the first message.

[0098] In other words, the first information can be understood as a switching indication that instructs the AIoT device to switch from communication based on DRX configuration to communication without DRX configuration. Alternatively, the first information can also be understood as a switching indication that instructs the AIoT device to switch from being able to sleep to no longer being able to sleep. For example, the first information can be a 1-bit information. For example, when the 1-bit information is 0, it indicates deactivating the DRX configuration; when the 1-bit information is 1, it indicates communication based on the DRX configuration, or vice versa.

[0099] There are different ways to implement the sending of the first information by the access network device.

[0100] For example, in the first implementation, the access network device can carry the first information in a first message, where the first message is a MIB or SIB. Since MIBs or SIBs are typically system messages sent periodically by the access network device, it can also be assumed that the access network device carries the first information in a periodic system message. Correspondingly, if the AIoT device receives the first message during a continuous period, the AIoT device activates the DRX configuration based on the first information in the first message.

[0101] For example, in the second implementation, the access network device can carry the first information in the third message. This third message includes information to trigger random access and is a non-periodic message. That is, the third message can be considered a non-periodic message that can trigger the AIoT device to instruct random access. For example, the third message could be the paging message described above. Correspondingly, if the AIoT device receives the third message during a continuous period, it activates the DRX configuration based on the first information in the third message.

[0102] In the following text, the information used to trigger random access will also be referred to as the second information; that is, the second information can be used to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access. For example, the second information includes configuration information for random access, which includes one or more of the following: information indicating time-domain resources for random access, information indicating frequency-domain resources for random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of at least one device includes the identifier of the AIoT device. Correspondingly, the AIoT device performs random access based on the random access configuration information included in the second information.

[0103] Optionally, the AIoT device receives a fourth message before receiving the first message. This fourth message includes the third information, which indicates communication based on the DRX configuration. In other words, the fourth message can instruct the AIoT device to continue communication based on the DRX configuration. Correspondingly, after receiving the fourth message, the AIoT device continues communication based on the DRX configuration. For example, the fourth message can be a periodic system message or a non-periodic system message; a periodic system message could be, for example, an SIB or MIB. For instance, if the AIoT device receives a fourth message (e.g., a MIB or SIB) during duration 1 while communicating based on the DRX configuration, and the fourth message instructs the AIoT device to continue communication based on the DRX configuration, then the AIoT device determines to continue communication based on the DRX configuration. Subsequently, the AIoT device receives the first information during duration 2, at which point the AIoT device determines to deactivate the DRX configuration. This first information could be carried in the MIB or SIB, or in a paging message. Optionally, the AIoT device receives a fifth message before receiving the first message. The fifth message includes four pieces of information. The fourth piece of information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the period of the periodic system message, the period of the periodic system message changes and the period of the periodic system message after the change, the period of the periodic SS, the period of the periodic SS changes and the period of the periodic SS after the change, the time domain position of the next non-periodic system message, and the time domain position of the next SS signal. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device determines whether reception needs to be performed during the continuous period based on the received fourth piece of information during the communication configured according to DRX.

[0104] S430, AIoT devices perform random access with DRX configuration deactivated.

[0105] That is, AIoT devices can perform random access without using DRX configuration or after switching to continuous reception.

[0106] Specifically, the AIoT device performing random access includes: performing random access based on received second information. As described in S420, the second information is information used to trigger the execution of the random access.

[0107] In this application, the access network device can also send the second information in different ways.

[0108] In the first implementation, the second information is carried within the first message mentioned in S420. In this implementation, the access network device carries both the first and second information within the first message (e.g., SIB or MIB). The first information indicates the deactivation of the DRX configuration, and the second information indicates the triggering of random access. In other words, the first message can be considered to have two functions: one is to trigger the A-IoT device to activate the DRX configuration, and the other is to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access. Correspondingly, if the AIoT device receives the first message during a continuous period of DRX configuration communication, the AIoT device will deactivate the DRX configuration based on the first information in the first message and perform random access based on the second information in the first message.

[0109] In the second implementation, the first information is carried in the first message mentioned in S420, and the second information is carried in the second message. The second message is an aperiodic system message. That is, the second message can be considered an aperiodic system message that can trigger the AIoT device to perform random access. For example, the second message is a paging message. Compared with the first implementation, in this second implementation, the access network device sends the first and second information through two messages. The first message triggers the AIoT device to activate the DRX configuration, and the second message triggers the AIoT device to perform random access. Correspondingly, after receiving the first and second messages during the continuous period, the AIoT device activates the DRX configuration based on the first information in the first message and performs random access based on the second information in the second message.

[0110] As can be seen, in the communication method provided in this application, the access network device sends first information to the AIoT device to instruct the AIoT device communicating based on DRX configuration to enter a continuous reception state, so that the AIoT device performs random access in the continuous reception state. Understandably, compared to the AIoT device communicating based on DRX configuration performing random access, the AIoT device performing random access in the continuous reception state can reduce the probability that the AIoT device misses the message sent by the network side to trigger the terminal to perform random access, thereby reducing the access time of the AIoT device to the network side.

[0111] For example, Figure 5 illustrates an AIoT device switching from communication based on DRX configuration to communication without DRX configuration. As shown in Figure 5, during communication based on DRX configuration, the AIoT device can enter a sleep state, while after switching to communication without DRX configuration, the AIoT device will no longer enter a sleep state.

[0112] The communication method provided in this application has been described above. It can be seen that in the technical solutions described above, the access network device instructs the AIoT device to activate the DRX configuration by sending first information to the AIoT device; this can be understood as explicitly instructing the AIoT device to activate the DRX configuration. Step S420 can also be optional. For example, without step S420, in implementation, when the access network device sends a paging message to the AIoT device, it does not set additional fields in the paging message to indicate the first information. Instead, it sets some parameters in the signaling header of the paging message so that the AIoT device can determine that it is currently receiving a paging message based on the signaling header. Therefore, after receiving the paging message, it first activates the DRX configuration and then performs random access while the DRX configuration is deactivated.

[0113] The communication method provided in this application has been described above. It should be noted that this application does not impose any specific limitations on the structure of the AIoT device mentioned in the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0114] For example, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a chip architecture for an AIoT device. As shown in Figure 6, this chip architecture includes the following modules:

[0115] Antenna: Used for receiving or transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals.

[0116] Matching network: Used to match the impedance between the antenna and other parts (including modules related to the RF energy harvester and receiver).

[0117] RF energy harvester: includes a rectifier used to convert radio frequency signals (AC) into DC.

[0118] Energy storage: Used to store the energy collected by the RF energy harvester.

[0119] Power Management Unit (PMU): Manages the energy stored by the energy storage module from the RF energy harvester and provides energy to the active modules that require energy supply.

[0120] Clock generator: Used to provide clock signals.

[0121] RF bandpass filter (RF BPF): Used to improve frequency selectivity.

[0122] RF envelope detector: converts RF signals to baseband.

[0123] Baseband low-pass filter (BB LPF): Filters out harmonics and high-frequency components, improving the quality of the signal input to the comparator.

[0124] Comparator: determines the high or low level of the output signal.

[0125] Baseband logic (bb logics): includes functional modules such as encoders, controllers, and decoders.

[0126] Memory includes two types: non-volatile memory, which can permanently store device identifiers (IDs), such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); and registers, which temporarily store information only when there is sufficient energy in the energy storage.

[0127] Backscatter modulator: Switches the impedance to modulate the backscatter signal using the transmit signal from the baseband logic.

[0128] For example, Figure 7 illustrates another chip architecture diagram for an AIoT device. As shown in Figure 7, this chip architecture includes the following modules:

[0129] Mixer 1: Converts RF signals to intermediate frequency signals.

[0130] Local oscillator (LO): Generates the carrier frequency for the transmitter or the carrier frequency offset for the intermediate frequency (IF) receiver.

[0131] Intermediate frequency amplifier: amplifies intermediate frequency signals.

[0132] Intermediate frequency (IF) filter: filters out unwanted RF and LO signals from the intermediate frequency (IF) signal.

[0133] Intermediate frequency envelope detector: detects the envelope from the intermediate frequency signal.

[0134] Baseband amplifier: may or may not be included, depending on the implementation.

[0135] Baseband low-pass filter: filters out harmonics and high-frequency components, improving the signal quality input to a comparator or N-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0136] Modulator: Modulates baseband bits according to the modulation scheme. This part can also be included in the baseband logic.

[0137] Digital-to-analog converter (DAC): Converts digital signals into analog signals.

[0138] Low-pass filter: filters out unwanted low-pass signals.

[0139] Mixer 2: Upconverts the baseband signal to the RF frequency range.

[0140] Power amplifier (PA): Amplifies the power of a signal.

[0141] The descriptions of the antenna, matching network, RF energy harvester, energy storage, energy management unit, clock generator, and RF bandpass filter shown in Figure 7 can be found in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the device 800 includes: a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802.

[0143] For example, device 800 can be applied to AIoT devices.

[0144] Specifically, processing module 802 is used for communication based on DRX configuration; transceiver module 801 is used for receiving first information, which is used to indicate deactivation of DRX configuration; processing module 802 is also used for performing random access when DRX configuration is deactivated. In one possible implementation, processing module 802 is further used for: performing random access based on received second information, which is used to trigger the execution of random access.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the first information carries the first message, which is either a MIB or a SIB.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the first message.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a second message, which is an aperiodic system message.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a third message, which is an aperiodic system message; wherein the first information is carried in the third message.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to receive a fourth message, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates communication according to the DRX configuration.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the second information includes configuration information for random access, which includes one or more of the following: information for indicating time-domain resources for random access, information for indicating frequency-domain resources for random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of at least one device includes an identifier of an AIoT device.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to receive a fifth message, which is a system message. The fifth message includes fourth information, which indicates one or more of the following: the period of a periodic system message, the period of a periodic system message changing and the period of a periodic system message after the change, the period of a periodic SS, the period of a periodic SS changing and the period of a periodic SS after the change, the time domain position of the next aperiodic system message, and the time domain position of the next SS signal.

[0152] For example, device 800 can be applied to access network equipment.

[0153] Specifically, the transceiver module 801 is used to send first information, which is used to instruct the deactivation of DRX configuration; the transceiver module 801 is also used to send second information, which is used to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the first information carries the first message, which is either a MIB or a SIB.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the first message.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a second message, which is an aperiodic system message.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in a third message, which is an aperiodic system message; wherein the first information is carried in the third message.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is also used to send a fourth message, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates communication according to the DRX configuration.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the second information includes configuration information for random access, which includes one or more of the following: information for indicating time-domain resources for random access, information for indicating frequency-domain resources for random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of at least one device includes an identifier of an AIoT device.

[0160] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device shown in Figure 9 can be used to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0161] As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 of this embodiment includes a memory 901 and a processor 902. In one implementation, the device 900 further includes a communication interface 903 and a bus 904. The memory 901, processor 902, and communication interface 903 are interconnected via the bus 904.

[0162] The memory 901 can be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 901 can store programs, and when the program stored in the memory 901 is executed by the processor 902, the processor 902 performs the various steps of the method shown in FIG4.

[0163] The processor 902 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the method shown in FIG4 of the embodiment of this application.

[0164] The processor 902 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method in Figure 4 of this embodiment can be accomplished through integrated logic circuits in the processor 902 or through software instructions.

[0165] The processor 902 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. 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 a conventional processor, etc.

[0166] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside 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 901. The processor 902 reads the information in memory 901 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions of the embodiment shown in FIG4.

[0167] The communication interface 903 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 900 and other devices or communication networks.

[0168] Bus 904 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 900 (e.g., memory 901, processor 902, communication interface 903).

[0169] It should be understood that the apparatus 900 shown in the embodiments of this application can be deployed in network devices or terminals.

[0170] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or 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 website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0171] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article 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 existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0172] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means 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 multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0173] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0177] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0178] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0179] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applications in environmental IoT (AIoT) devices include: Communicate according to the discontinuous reception DRX configuration; Receive first information, which is used to instruct the deactivation of the DRX configuration; Perform random access with the DRX configuration deactivated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of random access includes: Random access is performed based on the received second information, which is used to trigger the execution of the random access.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information carries a first message, in which the first message is either a main information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the first message.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a second message, which is an aperiodic system message.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a third message, which is an aperiodic system message; The first information is carried in the third message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is received, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates communication according to the DRX configuration.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The second information includes configuration information for the random access, which includes one or more of the following: information for indicating time-domain resources for the random access, information for indicating frequency-domain resources for the random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of the at least one device includes the identifier of the AIoT device.

9. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second message or the third message is a paging message.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access network equipment, including: Send a first message, which is used to instruct the deactivation of the DRX configuration; Send a second message, which is used to trigger the AIoT device to perform random access.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information carries a first message, in which the first message is either a main information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the first message.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a second message, which is an aperiodic system message.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a third message, which is an aperiodic system message; The first information is carried in the third message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which includes third information. The fourth message is a system message, and the third information indicates that communication should be performed according to the DRX configuration.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The second information includes configuration information for the random access, which includes one or more of the following: information for indicating time-domain resources for the random access, information for indicating frequency-domain resources for the random access, an identifier of at least one device, and a paging identifier, wherein the identifier of the at least one device includes the identifier of the AIoT device.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; or, it includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor, The processor is configured to execute a computer program and / or, via logic circuitry, cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; or to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be implemented; or cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16 to be implemented.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be implemented; or causes the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16 to be implemented.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a communication device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and a communication device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

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