Communication method, communication device, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The method comprises: receiving a paging message sent by a second device, wherein the paging message indicates a device required to respond; and a first protocol layer determining, on the basis of the device required to respond, whether to respond to the paging message, wherein a first device includes an access stratum and an upper layer located above the access stratum, and the first protocol layer is one of the following: the access stratum; and the upper layer. The present disclosure achieves the determination of whether an A-IoT device responds to a paging message.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, storage media and computer program products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in various industries, the large-scale deployment of IoT devices powered by traditional batteries is limited by factors such as environment, cost, energy conservation and environmental protection, and cannot meet the needs in some scenarios.

[0003] In light of this, an IoT technology supporting ambient energy is proposed. An ambient energy-enabled IoT device can be a battery-free device or a device with limited energy storage capacity (e.g., a device using capacitors). This IoT device can utilize energy sources present in the environment (such as radio waves, light, motion, heat, energy provided by wireless signals emitted by other devices, or any other suitable energy source) to power itself for communication and data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, storage medium, and computer program product to avoid frequent uplink information transmission over the air interface, reduce the occupation of air interface resources, and reduce device power consumption.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first device, the method comprising: receiving a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond; and determining whether to respond to the paging message by a first protocol layer as required by the device to respond; wherein the first device includes an access layer and an upper layer located above the access layer, and the first protocol layer is one of the following: an access layer; an upper layer.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, deployed on a first device. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver module for receiving a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond; and a processing module for determining whether to respond to the paging message based on the device that needs to respond; the first device includes an access layer and an upper layer located above the access layer, the transceiver module being the access layer, and the processing module being located in the access layer or the upper layer.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing a computer program; wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided that includes code, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0011] The technical solution provided in this disclosure enables A-IoT devices to determine whether to respond to paging messages.

[0012] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating wireless communication based on backscattering according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of another architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of another architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of another architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1G is a schematic diagram of a passive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2B is another exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2C is another exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3A is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of Scheme 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4B is another interactive schematic diagram of Scheme 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4C is another interactive illustration of Scheme 2 provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising: receiving a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond; and determining whether to respond to the paging message by a first protocol layer as required by the device to respond; wherein the first device includes an access layer and an upper layer located above the access layer, and the first protocol layer is one of the following: an access layer; an upper layer.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first protocol layer in the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message based on the device indicated by the paging message. This enables the A-IoT device to determine whether to respond to the paging message. Furthermore, since the paging message indicates the device that needs to respond, the first device can accurately determine whether to respond to a service request from the network, thereby ensuring that the network can efficiently locate the device that needs to respond and avoiding unnecessary device wake-ups and resource waste.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: if the first protocol layer determines that it responds to the paging message, the access layer sends a first random access message to the second device; if the first protocol layer determines that it does not respond to the paging message, the access layer ignores the paging message; wherein the first random access message is used to trigger the random access procedure of the first device.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the paging message includes at least one of the following: device identification information, indicating the device that needs to respond; device group identification information, indicating the device group to which the device that needs to respond belongs; and a mask, indicating the device that needs to respond.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the paging message does not include device identification information and / or device group identification information, and the devices that need to respond include one or more devices that received the paging message.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the paging message sent by the second device, the above method further includes: sending first information from the access layer to the upper layer, the first information indicating the device that needs to respond, the first information being used by the upper layer to determine whether to respond to the paging message, and the first protocol layer being the upper layer.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent from the access layer to the upper layer if one of the following conditions is met: the device requiring a response includes one or more devices that received the paging message; the access layer stores identification information of the first device.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: when the upper layer determines that a paging message is being responded to, the upper layer sends second information to the access layer, the second information being used to trigger the access layer to send a first random access message to the second device, the second information indicating at least one of the following: a paging message being responded to; identification information of the first device.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the above method further includes: obtaining the identification information of the first device by the access layer based on the second information; and sending the identification information of the first device to the second device by the access layer.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is carried in a third random access message, which is sent by the access layer to the second device based on a second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the access layer obtains the identification information of the first device based on the second information, including: the access layer requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device based on the second information; the upper layer provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer; wherein the second information indicates a response to a paging message.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is requested by the access layer from the upper layer after receiving the second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: when the access layer determines that it is responding to a paging message, the access layer requests the upper layer to provide identification information of the first device; the upper layer provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer; and the access layer sends the identification information of the first device to the second device; wherein the first protocol layer is the access layer.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is requested by the access layer from the upper layer after receiving the second random access message. The second random access message is a response message to the first random access message. The second random access message is used to trigger the access layer to send a third random access message to the second device according to the second random access message. The identification information of the first device is carried in the third random access message.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: in the event of a random access failure of the first device, the access layer instructs the upper layer to indicate the access failure.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device deployed on a first device. The communication device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond; and a processing module configured to determine whether to respond to the paging message based on the device that needs to respond. The first device includes an access layer and an upper layer located above the access layer, the transceiver module being the access layer, and the processing module being located in the access layer or the upper layer.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first random access message to the second device when the processing module determines that it responds to the paging message; and to ignore the paging message when the processing module determines that it does not respond to the paging message; wherein the first random access message is used to trigger the random access procedure of the first device.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the paging message includes at least one of the following: device identification information, indicating the device that needs to respond; device group identification information, indicating the device group to which the device that needs to respond belongs; and a mask, indicating the device that needs to respond.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the paging message does not include device identification information and / or device group identification information, and the devices that need to respond include one or more devices that received the paging message.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send first information to the processing module after receiving a paging message sent by the second device. The first information indicates the device that needs to respond. The first information is used for the processing module to determine whether to respond to the paging message. The processing module is located at the upper layer.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send to the processing module when one of the following conditions is met: the device requiring a response includes one or more devices that received the paging message; the access layer stores identification information of the first device; and the processing module is located at the upper layer.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to send second information to the transceiver module when a paging message response is determined. The second information is used to trigger the transceiver module to send a first random access message to the second device. The second information indicates at least one of the following: a paging message response; identification information of the first device. The processing module is located at the upper layer.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to obtain the identification information of the first device based on the second information; and send the identification information of the first device to the second device.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is carried in the third random access message, which is sent by the transceiver module to the second device based on the second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to provide the identification information of the first device according to the second information request processing module; the processing module is further configured to provide the identification information of the first device to the access layer; wherein the second information indicates a response paging message, and the processing module is located at the upper layer.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is requested by the transceiver module from the processing module after receiving the second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to: upon determining a response to a paging message, request the upper layer to provide identification information of the first device; receive the identification information of the first device provided by the upper layer; and send the identification information of the first device to the second device; wherein the processing module is located in the access layer.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the first device is requested by the access layer from the upper layer after receiving the second random access message. The second random access message is a response message to the first random access message. The second random access message is used to trigger the access layer to send a third random access message to the second device according to the second random access message. The identification information of the first device is carried in the third random access message.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to indicate access failure to the upper layer in the event of a random access failure of the first device.

[0062] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing a computer program; wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects and its possible implementations.

[0063] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects and its possible implementations.

[0064] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects and its possible implementations.

[0065] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program including code that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0066] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects and their possible implementations.

[0067] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, computer program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, paging method, etc., can be used interchangeably; terms such as terminal, communication device, information processing device, information transmission device, A-IoT device, reader, network device, communication equipment, network function, network entity, etc., can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system, information processing system, information transmission system, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0069] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0070] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0071] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0072] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as “a,” “one,” “a kind,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “this,” etc., can mean “one and only one,” or “one or more,” “at least one,” etc. For example, when articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are used in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0073] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0074] In some embodiments, terms such as “at least one (at least one, one or more)” and “one or more” can be used interchangeably.

[0075] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0077] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "third information" and "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0078] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0079] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0081] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0082] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0083] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0086] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0087] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0088] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0089] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0090] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In one embodiment, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0091] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things terminal, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In one embodiment, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following: an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a radio backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] In some embodiments, the technical solutions in this disclosure can be applied to the open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0094] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a CU and a DU. The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0095] In some embodiments, the CU and DU can be centrally deployed on one access network device or distributed across multiple access network devices.

[0096] In some embodiments, the access network device may be implemented using one or more access network devices. An access network device may include a CU and at least one DU. A CU may be connected to multiple DUs, while a DU may only be connected to one CU.

[0097] In some embodiments, core network equipment may be, for example, a network function within the core network. In one embodiment, core network equipment may be a single device including one or more network functions, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of one or more network elements. Network functions may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a 5G core (5GC) network, a next-generation core (NGC) network, and a 6G core network.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms “network element”, “network function”, “network entity”, “network function entity”, “core network equipment”, “core network function entity”, “core network function”, and “core network element” can be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, the communication system may also include other network elements located outside the core network, such as at least one of an application server and an application function (AF), which is not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0100] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0101] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6G, computing power network (CPN), computing-aware network (CAN), computing first network (CFN), metro computing network (MCN), future radio access (FRA), new-radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), global system for mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, ultra-mobile broadband (UMB), and IEEE. IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi, registered trademark), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX, registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth, registered trademark), public land mobile network (PLMN), device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G, or a combination of 5G and 6G).

[0103] In some cases, with the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology across various industries, the large-scale deployment of IoT devices powered by traditional batteries is limited by factors such as environment, cost, and energy conservation. This makes it unsuitable for certain scenarios and negatively impacts user experience. In some embodiments, the astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the proliferation of IoT devices, has pushed network maintenance costs, including labor and battery costs, to unprecedented levels. Furthermore, billions of traditional batteries are discarded annually, with only a small fraction being effectively recycled, causing harmful impacts on the Earth's ecosystem. Maintaining IoT networks and replacing batteries can be extremely challenging under extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, battery-free IoT (also known as passive IoT) communication has been proposed, which improves network performance and sustainability and expands application scenarios. Moreover, battery-free communication is more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. By eliminating traditional batteries, device size and cost can be significantly reduced, paving the way for a variety of new applications.

[0104] In some embodiments, various low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies, such as machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and reduced-capability (RedCap) terminals, have been developed to meet the growing demands of vertical industries. These LPWA technologies achieve low cost, low power consumption, and massive connectivity, satisfying the requirements of many applications. However, the following issues still need to be addressed: 1. In some scenarios (such as extreme environmental conditions, such as high pressure, extremely high / low temperatures, and humid environments), traditional battery-powered devices are not suitable. 2. Maintenance-free devices (such as devices that do not require replacement of traditional batteries) are needed. 3. Devices with ultra-low complexity, very small device size (e.g., millimeter (mm) thickness), and longer lifespan are required. To meet these unmet needs, ambient energy-enabled IoT is a promising technology.

[0105] In some embodiments, an ambient energy-enabled IoT device is an IoT device powered by harvested energy. Such IoT devices are battery-free devices or devices with limited energy storage capacity (e.g., the device uses capacitors). An ambient energy-enabled IoT device can power itself by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source to drive the IoT device for wireless communication or data transmission.

[0106] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned IoT devices that support ambient energy can be used interchangeably with terms such as passive devices, passive IoT devices, ambient energy-based devices, and ambient IoT (A-IoT) devices.

[0107] In some embodiments, energy harvested from the environment can power IoT devices that support ambient energy for data transmission and wireless communication. Current mainstream low-power IoT communication chips (such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chips, long-range radio (LoRa) chips, and NB-IoT chips) consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transmission and reception, while energy harvested from the environment is only in the microwatt range, insufficient to power devices with these types of chips. Therefore, a new wireless communication technology is needed to reduce communication power consumption to tens or even less than ten microwatts. Backscatter (BS) communication technology can be used for this purpose. Backscatter communication is one of the key technologies for building a green, energy-efficient, low-cost, and flexibly deployable future IoT, and is an important means of realizing "intelligent interconnection of everything."

[0108] In some embodiments, backscatter communication utilizes the principle of backscattering radio frequency signals to design an extremely low-power modulation and transmission technology. As shown in Figure 1B, which is a schematic diagram illustrating wireless communication based on backscattering according to an embodiment of this disclosure, an excitation source 11 transmits a radio frequency signal to a passive device 12. When the radio frequency signal reaches the passive device 12, a portion is reflected. The passive device 12 can adjust the matching between its receiving antenna and impedance according to the information to be transmitted to enhance the reflection of the radio frequency signal and modulate the information to be transmitted onto the backscattered signal for transmission. This process is similar to a reflector. Compared to other communication technologies, backscatter transmission does not require complex radio frequency structures, reducing the use of devices such as power amplifiers, high-precision crystal oscillators, duplexers, and high-precision filters. It also does not require complex baseband processing, thus simplifying terminal design and significantly reducing terminal node costs.

[0109] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal is used to provide energy for the passive device 12 to transmit signals. Therefore, the radio frequency signal can be referred to as an excitation signal or a trigger signal.

[0110] In some embodiments, the excitation source 11 may be the reader of the passive device 12 or the anchor point of the reader.

[0111] In some embodiments, backscatter communication has been widely used in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, resulting in many large-scale commercial applications. Its working principle is that the receiver (typically an RFID reader) sends a radio frequency excitation signal to activate a passive node (typically an RFID tag). The tag uses backscatter communication to modulate its own information onto the radio frequency signal. The reader receives the reflected signal from the tag and demodulates it to achieve information transmission.

[0112] However, current RFID technology also has many drawbacks, such as short coverage distance (the wireless signal experiences double-path fading during communication, resulting in significant path loss and a short effective communication distance), single-channel transmission, the need for precise tag alignment, and the lack of power control. There is significant room for improvement in the communication aspects of RFID technology. For example, integrating 3GPP communication technologies is needed to improve the wireless communication performance of RFID in A-IoT.

[0113] In some embodiments, when A-IoT technology is integrated into the communication system 100 described above, the present disclosure embodiments may provide, but are not limited to, the following A-IoT system architectures:

[0114] Architecture 1: As shown in Figure 1C, Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of an A-IoT system architecture according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Uplink and / or downlink transmissions are directly performed between the passive device 12 and the network device 20 (such as an access network device).

[0115] Architecture 2: As shown in Figure 1D, Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of another architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The passive device 12 and the network device 20 (such as an access network device) indirectly perform uplink and / or downlink transmissions through an intermediate node 30.

[0116] In some embodiments, intermediate node 30 forwards uplink and / or downlink transmissions. For example, intermediate node 30 may be a relay node, an access integration backhaul (IAB) node, a terminal, a repeater, etc.

[0117] Architecture 3: As shown in Figure 1E, Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of another architecture of an A-IoT system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The passive device 12 and the network device 20 (such as an access network device) directly perform one of the uplink and downlink transmissions, and indirectly perform the other of the uplink and downlink transmissions through an auxiliary node 40.

[0118] In some embodiments, the auxiliary node 40 forwards uplink and / or downlink transmissions. For example, the auxiliary node 40 may be a relay node, an access integration backhaul (IAB) node, a terminal, a repeater, etc.

[0119] Architecture 4: As shown in Figure 1F, Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of another architecture of the A-IoT system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The passive device 12 and the terminal 50 directly perform uplink and downlink transmissions. The terminal 50 is responsible for collecting data from the passive device 12 and forwarding the collected data to the network side.

[0120] In some embodiments, the excitation source of the passive device 12 may include at least one of the network device 20, intermediate node 30, auxiliary node 40, and terminal 50.

[0121] In some embodiments, the A-IoT system can support both Architecture 1 and Architecture 2 topologies described above. In one embodiment, when the A-IoT system can communicate using either Architecture 1 or Architecture 2, the available spectrum resources can include three deployment modes: in-band mode, guard-band mode, or stand-alone mode. In-band mode refers to transmission using general uplink and / or downlink spectrum resources. Guard-band mode refers to transmission using the guard band spectrum resources between the general uplink and downlink spectrum. Stand-alone mode refers to transmission using spectrum resources unrelated to the general transmission spectrum.

[0122] In some embodiments, FIG1G is a schematic diagram of a passive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1G, the passive device 12 may be, but is not limited to, the following three types:

[0123] Type A: No energy storage and no independent signal generation / amplification, and transmission is based on backscattering.

[0124] Type B: Has energy storage but no independent signal generation, and transmits based on backscattering. The energy stored in passive device 12 can be used to amplify the backscattered signal.

[0125] Type C: It has energy storage to enable independent signal generation and uses active radio frequency components for transmission.

[0126] In some embodiments, the following constraints may be imposed on A-IoT devices:

[0127] The overall goal should be to research a coordinated air interface design that minimizes the differences in IoT environments (where necessary) to enable the following devices:

[0128] Peak power consumption is approximately 1 μW, with energy storage capability. Initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) is as high as 10Xppm (per million units). The device contains neither DL nor UL amplification. The UL transmission of this device is backscattered on an externally provided carrier.

[0129] Peak power consumption ≤ several hundred μW, with energy storage capability, initial SFO up to 10X ppm, and DL and / or UL amplification capabilities. The UL transmission of the device can be generated internally or backscattered on an externally provided carrier.

[0130] The above X will be decided within the work group (WG).

[0131] In some cases, in order to support data transmission of passive device 12, a device in the network needs to support at least one of the following functions:

[0132] The function of serving as an energy source (ES) is only used for type B passive devices 12 and type C passive devices 12.

[0133] The downlink transmission (DT) function sends an indication message to the passive device 12, thereby triggering the uplink transmission of the passive device 12. This function is only used for type A passive devices 12.

[0134] As a continuous wave (CW) function, it is only used for Type A passive devices 12 and Type B passive devices 12. Type A passive devices 12 achieve uplink transmission through backscattered CW. CW is actually also a type of energy storage (ES), and Type A passive devices 12 can receive CW and store energy.

[0135] The uplink receive (UR) function receives uplink information backscattered by the passive device 12, or receives uplink information actively transmitted by the passive device 12, and is only used for type A passive devices 12.

[0136] It should be noted that the devices that perform the above-mentioned ES, DT, CW, UR and other functions can be terminals, repeaters, relay nodes or network devices, etc.

[0137] In some embodiments, a passive device 12 may support only one of the above functions. Alternatively, a passive device 12 may support only a number of the above functions. Or, a passive device 12 may support only all of the above functions.

[0138] In some embodiments of the A-IoT system, since there is no non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, the access process for A-IoT devices does not need to carry NAS-like signaling, such as service requests. In this case, how the A-IoT device determines whether to respond to a paging message is a problem that needs to be addressed.

[0139] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, communication device, storage medium, and computer program product to enable A-IoT devices to determine whether to respond to paging messages and to accurately determine whether a first device needs to respond to a service request from the network. This ensures that the network can efficiently locate devices that require a response, avoiding unnecessary device wake-ups and resource waste.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first device may be an A-IoT device.

[0141] In some embodiments, the second device can be a reader of the A-IoT device or an anchor point for the reader. In one example, the reader of the A-IoT device can be the network device 20 in Architecture 1 described above. In another example, the reader of the A-IoT device can be the intermediate node 30 in Architecture 2 described above. Of course, the reader of the A-IoT device can also be the excitation source of the A-IoT device in other architectures, such as the network device 20 in Architecture 3, the auxiliary node 40 in Architecture 3, the terminal 50 in Architecture 4, etc., and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0142] As shown in Figure 2A, Figure 2A is an exemplary interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method executed by the aforementioned A-IoT system. The communication method includes steps S2101 to S2110.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first device includes an access stratum (AS) and an upper layer. The upper layer sits above the access stratum. In one example, the access stratum may be a media access control (MAC) layer, and the upper layer may be an IoT layer. In one embodiment, the upper layer may also be referred to as NAS-like.

[0144] In step S2101, the second device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second device sends a paging message. In some embodiments, the paging message may be sent by the second device, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first device receives a paging message. In some embodiments, the paging message may be received by the first device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0147] In some embodiments, in the first device, the paging message sent by the second device is received by the access layer (such as the MAC layer).

[0148] In some embodiments, the paging message may be triggered by a service request message. In one embodiment, the A-IoT core network (CN) may send a service request message to a second device, and the second device responds to the service request message by sending a paging message to the first device. In one embodiment, the service request message may be an inventory request message, a command request message, etc.

[0149] In some embodiments, the paging message may be triggered by a preset event. In one embodiment, when the preset event occurs, the A-IoT core network (CN) or A-IoT access network (RAN) sends control information to the second device, and the second device responds to the control information by sending a paging message to the first device. In one embodiment, the preset event may be a system information communication update of the network, a need for the network to send a public warning message, a need for the network to relocate the first device, or a need for the network to synchronize with the first device, etc.

[0150] In some embodiments, a paging message indicates a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, a paging message may indicate a device that needs to respond to the paging message. In one embodiment, a paging message may indicate a device that needs to respond to a service request message. In one embodiment, the device that needs to respond is an A-IoT device that needs to respond.

[0151] In some embodiments, the paging message may include device identification information indicating the device that needs to respond. In one example, the device identification information may be the device ID of the device that needs to respond. In one implementation, the device ID may be assigned by a second device (such as an A-IoT RAN) or by the core network (such as an A-IoT CN). In one embodiment, the device ID may uniquely identify a particular device. This device ID may be a global identifier.

[0152] In some embodiments, the paging message may include identification information for a device group, indicating the device group to which the device requiring a response belongs. In other words, the identification information indicates a group of devices requiring a response. In one example, the identification information for the device group may be a group ID of the device group to which the device requiring a response belongs. In some implementations, the group ID may be assigned by a second device (such as an A-IoT RAN) or by the core network (such as an A-IoT CN). In one embodiment, the group ID may uniquely identify a particular device group. This group ID may be a global identifier.

[0153] In some embodiments, the paging message may include a mask indicating multiple devices that require a response. In one example, the mask may be a subset of bits from the identification information of the devices requiring a response. In one implementation, the mask may be assigned by a second device (such as an A-IoT RAN) or by the core network (such as an A-IoT CN). In one embodiment, the mask may uniquely identify several devices. The mask may be a global mask.

[0154] In some embodiments, the paging message may include device identification information and device group identification information, thus indicating a device in one or more device groups that needs to respond. In this case, the device identification information is not a global identifier and cannot uniquely identify a single device, but rather indicates a specific device within different device groups.

[0155] In some embodiments, the paging message may include identification information and a mask for a device group, thus indicating multiple devices in one or more device groups that need to respond. In this case, the mask is not a global mask and cannot uniquely indicate multiple devices, but rather indicates multiple devices in different device groups.

[0156] In some embodiments, the paging message may not include any identification information; in other words, the paging message does not include identification information for the device and / or the group of devices. Thus, the device indicated by the paging message that needs to respond can be one or more devices that received the paging message. In one embodiment, where the paging message does not include any identification information, the devices that need to respond can be all devices that received the paging message.

[0157] In some embodiments, the paging message may include a first field indicating that the device requiring a response is one or more devices that received the paging message. In one example, the first field may be "all".

[0158] In some embodiments, the device requiring a response may be an A-IoT device in a connected state. In some embodiments, the device requiring a response may be an A-IoT device in an idle state. In some embodiments, the device requiring a response may be an A-IoT device in an inactive state.

[0159] In step S2102, the access layer of the first device sends the first information to the upper layer.

[0160] In some embodiments, after receiving a paging message, the access layer of the first device sends first information to the upper layer according to the device that needs to respond as indicated in the paging message, so as to trigger the upper layer to make a decision on whether to respond to the paging message.

[0161] In one embodiment, the first information may indicate a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, the first information may include device identification information indicating a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, the first information may include device group identification information indicating the device group to which the device that needs to respond belongs. In one embodiment, the first information may include a mask indicating multiple devices that need to respond. In one embodiment, the first information may include both device identification information and device group identification information. In one embodiment, the first information may include device group identification information and a mask. In one embodiment, the first information may include a first field indicating that the device that needs to respond is one or more devices that received the paging message. In one example, the first field may be "all".

[0162] In some embodiments, the device requiring a response indicated by the first information is consistent with the device requiring a response indicated by the paging message. In one embodiment, when the paging message includes at least one of device identification information, device group identification information, and a mask, the access layer forwards at least one of the device identification information, device group identification information, and mask from the paging message to the upper layer.

[0163] In step S2103, the upper layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message based on the first information.

[0164] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the upper layer of the first device determines whether the first device is a device that needs to respond based on the first information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of device identification information, device group identification information, and a mask. Based on this, the upper layer can match the first information with the identification information of the first device to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond.

[0166] In some embodiments, the identification information of the first device includes device identification information (such as Device ID) and / or group identification information (such as Group ID) of the device group to which the first device belongs. In one embodiment, the device identification information of the first device is the device identifier of the first device. In another embodiment, the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs is the group identifier of the device group to which the first device belongs. In yet another embodiment, the identification information of the first device may be generated by an upper layer.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the first information includes device identification information, the upper layer matches the device identification information of the first device with the device identification information in the first information to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as the device identification information of the first device being the same as the device identification information, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the first information includes device group identification information, the upper layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device group identification information in the first information to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs being the same as the device group identification information, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0169] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a mask, the upper layer matches the device identification information of the first device with the mask in the first information to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as if some bits in the device identification information of the first device are the same as the mask, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0170] In some embodiments, where the first information may include device identification information and device group identification information, the upper layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device group identification information in the first information, and matches the device identification information of the first device with the device identification information in the first information, to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if all four match, it indicates that the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0171] In some embodiments, where the first information may include device group identification information and a mask, the upper layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device group identification information in the first information, and matches the device identification information of the first device with the mask in the first information, to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if all four match, it indicates that the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0172] In some embodiments, if the first device is determined to be a device that needs to respond, the upper layer determines to respond to the paging message. In some embodiments, if the first device is determined not to be a device that needs to respond, the upper layer determines not to respond to the paging message.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first field, such as "all". Based on this, the upper layer determines the response to the paging message.

[0174] In step S2104, the upper layer of the first device sends the second information to the access layer.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the upper layer determines that it is responding to the paging message, the upper layer sends second information to the access layer, instructing the access layer to respond to the paging message. In one embodiment, the response to the paging message can also be understood as a response message to sending the paging message.

[0176] In some embodiments, if the upper layer determines that it will not respond to the paging message, the upper layer sends a second message to the access layer, instructing the access layer not to respond to the paging message. In one embodiment, not responding to the paging message can also be understood as ignoring the paging message, skipping the response to the paging message, or skipping the response message that sent the paging message.

[0177] In some embodiments, for a first device in an idle or inactive state, the response message to the paging message can be a random access message, such as a first random access message, to trigger a random access process for the first device.

[0178] In some embodiments, for a first device in a connected state, the response message to a paging message can be an acknowledgment message, such as a heartbeat signal.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second information may indicate whether to respond to a paging message. In one embodiment, the second information indicates responding to a paging message. In another embodiment, the second information may indicate not responding to a paging message.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second information includes indication information and / or identification information of the first device. The indication information and / or the identification information of the first device indicates whether to respond to the paging message. In one example, the identification information of the first device includes the device identifier of the first device and / or the group identifier of the device group to which the first device belongs.

[0181] In some embodiments, the value of the indication information indicates whether to respond to a paging message. In one example, the value of the indication information is a first value (e.g., 1), in which case the indication information can indicate that the paging message is being responded to. The value of the indication information is a second value (e.g., 0), in which case the indication information can indicate that the paging message is not being responded to.

[0182] In some embodiments, whether the second information includes indication information indicates whether a paging message is responded to. In one example, including indication information in the second information may indicate a response to the paging message. Not including indication information in the second information may indicate no response to the paging message.

[0183] In some embodiments, whether the second information includes the identification information of the first device indicates whether a paging message is responded to. In one example, including the identification information of the first device in the second information may indicate a response to the paging message. Not including the identification information of the first device in the second information may indicate no response to the paging message.

[0184] In one example, when the upper layer determines a response to the paging message, the second information may only include indication information that indicates a response to the paging message, such as indication information for taking a first value. In another example, when the upper layer determines a response to the paging message, the second information may only include the identification information of the first device. In yet another example, when the upper layer determines a response to the paging message, the second information may include both indication information that indicates a response to the paging message and the identification information of the first device.

[0185] In one example, if the upper layer determines that it will not respond to the paging message, the second information may only include indication information indicating that the paging message will not be responded to, such as indication information for taking the second value.

[0186] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates a response to a paging message, steps S2105 to S2109 are executed after step S2104.

[0187] In some embodiments, if the second information indicates that the paging message is not responded to, step S2110 is performed after step S2104.

[0188] In step S2105, the access layer of the first device sends a first random access message to the second device based on the second information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first random access message. In some embodiments, the first random access message may be sent by the first device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second device receives the first random access message. In some embodiments, the first random access message may be received by the second device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates a response to a paging message, the access layer responds to the paging message according to the indication of the second information. In one embodiment, the first device is in an idle or inactive state, at which time, a first random access message is sent from the access layer (such as the MAC layer) to the second device in the first device.

[0192] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates a response to a paging message, the access layer sends a first random access message to the second device. In one embodiment, the second information may include indication information indicating a response to the paging message and / or identification information of the first device.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first random access message is used to trigger a random access procedure for the first device. In one example, the first random access message may be the first message in the random access procedure, such as message 1 (Msg1).

[0194] In some embodiments, the first random access message carries a random identifier generated by the access layer to identify the identity of the first device.

[0195] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the first device is in a connected state. In this state, the response message sent from the access layer (such as the MAC layer) to the second device within the first device may carry the identification information of the first device. Therefore, step S2105 can be replaced by the first device's access layer sending a response message to the second device based on the second information. In this case, steps S2106 to S2109 are omitted.

[0196] In step S2106, the second device sends a second random access message to the first device.

[0197] In some embodiments, the second device sends a second random access message. In some embodiments, the second random access message may be sent by the second device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first device receives a second random access message. In some embodiments, the second random access message may be received by the first device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0199] In some embodiments, in the first device, the second random access message is received by the access layer (such as the MAC layer).

[0200] In some embodiments, after receiving the first random access message, the second device responds to the first random access message based on the successfully received random identifier, at which point the second device sends a second random access message. In one embodiment, the second random access message carries a random identifier. In another embodiment, the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message. In one example, the second random access message can be message 2 (Msg2) in the random access process.

[0201] In step S2107, the access layer of the first device requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device.

[0202] In some embodiments, after receiving the second random access message, if the random identifier carried in the second random access message is the same as the random identifier transmitted in the first random access message, the access layer determines to send a third random access message to the second device. In one embodiment, the third random access information is used to provide the second device with the identification information of the first device. In one example, the third random access message can be message 3 (Msg3) in the random access procedure.

[0203] In some embodiments, if the access layer does not store the identification information of the first device, the access layer requests the identification information of the first device from the upper layer.

[0204] In step S2108, the upper layer of the first device provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer.

[0205] In some embodiments, the upper layer responds to a request from the access layer and provides the access layer with the identification information of the first device.

[0206] In some embodiments, if the second information in step S2014 only includes indication information indicating a response to a paging message, and the access layer does not store the identification information of the first device, then steps S2107 and S2108 are executed so that the access layer obtains the identification information of the first device.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the second information in step S2014 includes at least the identification information of the first device, or the access layer stores the identification information of the first device, then steps S2107 and S2108 can be omitted.

[0208] In some embodiments, if the second information in step S2014 only includes indication information indicating a response to a paging message, but the access layer stores the identification information of the first device, then in order to ensure the reliability of communication, steps S2107 and S2108 can still be executed so that the access layer obtains reliable identification information of the first device.

[0209] In step S2109, the access layer of the first device sends a third random access message to the second device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first device sends a third random access message. In some embodiments, the third random access message may be sent by the first device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second device receives a third random access message. In some embodiments, the third random access message may be received by the second device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0212] In some embodiments, in the first device, a third random access message is sent by the access layer (such as the MAC layer).

[0213] In some embodiments, the third random access message carries identification information of the first device. In one example, the third random access message carries the device identifier of the first device.

[0214] In some embodiments, if the random access type indicated by the paging message is contention-free, step S2109 can be omitted. In this case, the access layer of the first device can send the identification information of the first device to the second device through upper-layer data transmission. Based on this, in some cases, the access layer of the first device sends the identification information of the first device to the second device. In this case, the identification information of the first device may, but is not limited to, be included in messages such as the third random access message and upper-layer data transmission.

[0215] In some embodiments, if the random access of the first device fails during the random access process described above, the access layer of the first device indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0216] In some embodiments, after step S2105, if the second device fails to receive the first random access message, the second device does not send the second random access message. In this case, if the first device does not receive the second random access message within a certain period of time, the random access of the first device fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0217] In some embodiments, after step S2106, if the second device sends a second random access message, but the access layer of the first device does not receive the second random access message within a certain period of time, the first device's random access fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0218] In some embodiments, after step S2106, if the access layer of the first device receives a second random access message, but the random identifier carried in the second random access message is different from the random identifier transmitted in the first random access message, the access layer determines not to send a third random access message. In this case, the first device's random access fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0219] In some embodiments, after step S2109, if the access layer of the first device sends a third random access message, but the third random access message is not successfully acknowledged, the first device's random access fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer. In one embodiment, the failure to acknowledge the third random access message can be understood as no fourth random access message being received within a certain period after the third random access message was sent. In one example, the fourth random access message can be message 4 (Msg4) in the random access process. In another embodiment, the failure to acknowledge the third random access message can be understood as no fourth random access message being received within a certain period after the third random access message was sent, or the second device failing to correctly decode the third random access message. In one example, the fourth random access message can be message 4 (Msg4) in the random access process.

[0220] In step S2110, the access layer of the first device ignores the paging message based on the second information.

[0221] In some embodiments, if the second information indicates no response to the paging message, the access layer ignores the paging message according to the indication of the second information. In one embodiment, if the second information indicates no response to the paging message, the access layer ignores the paging message.

[0222] In some embodiments, if the second information indicates no response to the paging message, the access layer skips sending the first random access message according to the indication of the second information. In one embodiment, if the second information indicates no response to the paging message, the access layer skips sending the first random access message.

[0223] The communication method of this embodiment can be realized through the above steps S2101 to S2110.

[0224] As shown in Figure 2B, Figure 2B is another exemplary interaction diagram illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method performed by the aforementioned A-IoT system. The communication method includes steps S2201 to S2208.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first device includes an access layer (AS) and an upper layer. The upper layer is located above the access layer. In one example, the access layer may be a MAC layer, and the upper layer may be an IoT layer. In one embodiment, the upper layer may also be referred to as NAS-like.

[0226] In step S2201, the second device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0227] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] In step S2202, the access layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message.

[0229] In some embodiments, after receiving a paging message, the access layer of the first device determines whether the first device is a device that needs to respond based on the indication of the paging message.

[0230] In some embodiments, the access layer of the first device may store identification information of the first device. Based on this, the access layer may match at least one of the device identification information, device group identification information, and mask included in the paging message with the identification information of the first device to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond.

[0231] In some embodiments, the identification information of the first device includes device identification information (such as Device ID) and / or group identification information (such as Group ID) of the device group to which the first device belongs. In one embodiment, the device identification information of the first device is the device identifier of the first device. In another embodiment, the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs is the group identifier of the device group to which the first device belongs. In yet another embodiment, the identification information of the first device may be generated by an upper layer.

[0232] In some embodiments, where the paging message includes device identification information, the access layer matches the device identification information of the first device with the device identification information in the paging message to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as the device identification information of the first device being the same as the device identification information, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0233] In some embodiments, where the paging message may include device group identification information, the access layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device group identification information in the paging message to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs being the same as the device group identification information, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0234] In some embodiments, when the paging message includes a mask, the access layer matches the device identification information of the first device with the mask in the first information to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if the two match, such as if some bits in the device identification information of the first device are the same as the mask, then the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0235] In some embodiments, where the paging message includes device identification information and device group identification information, the access layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device identification information of the device group in the paging message, and matches the identification information of the first device with the device identification information in the paging message, to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if all four match, it indicates that the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0236] In some embodiments, where the paging message may include device group identification information and a mask, the access layer matches the group identification information of the device group to which the first device belongs with the device group identification information in the first information, and matches the device identification information of the first device with the mask in the first information, to determine whether the first device is a device that needs to respond. In one embodiment, if all four match, it indicates that the first device is a device that needs to respond. Otherwise, it indicates that the first device is not a device that needs to respond.

[0237] In some embodiments, if the first device is determined to be a device that needs to respond, the access layer determines to respond to the paging message. In some embodiments, if the first device is determined not to be a device that needs to respond, the access layer determines not to respond to the paging message.

[0238] In some embodiments, the paging message may not include any identification information. Based on this, the access layer determines the response to the paging message. In some embodiments, the paging message may include a first field, such as "all". Based on this, the access layer determines the response to the paging message.

[0239] In some embodiments, if the access layer determines that a paging message has been responded to, steps S2203 to S2207 are executed after step S2202.

[0240] In some embodiments, if the access layer determines that it will not respond to the paging message, step S2208 is executed after step S2202.

[0241] In step S2203, the access layer of the first device sends a first random access message to the second device.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first random access message. In some embodiments, the first random access message may be sent by the first device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second device receives the first random access message. In some embodiments, the first random access message may be received by the second device, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0244] In some embodiments, the access layer responds to the paging message when it determines that it will respond. In one embodiment, the access layer sends a first random access message to the second device when it determines that it will respond to the paging message. In one embodiment, the first device is in an idle or inactive state, in which case the first random access message is sent from the access layer (e.g., the MAC layer) to the second device.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first random access message is used to trigger a random access procedure for the first device. In one example, the first random access message may be the first message in the random access procedure, such as message 1 (Msg1).

[0246] In some embodiments, the first random access message carries a random identifier generated by the access layer to identify the identity of the first device.

[0247] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the first device is in a connected state. In this state, the response message sent from the access layer (such as the MAC layer) to the second device within the first device may carry the identification information of the first device. Therefore, step S2203 can be replaced by the response message sent from the access layer of the first device to the second device. In this case, steps S2204 to S2207 are omitted.

[0248] In step S2204, the second device sends a second random access message to the first device.

[0249] The optional implementation of step S2204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0250] In step S2205, the access layer of the first device requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device.

[0251] The optional implementation of step S2205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] In step S2206, the upper layer of the first device provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer.

[0253] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the access layer does not store the identification information of the first device, steps S2205 and S2206 are executed to enable the access layer to obtain the identification information of the first device.

[0255] In some embodiments, if the access layer stores the identification information of the first device, steps S2205 and S2206 can be omitted.

[0256] In some embodiments, the paging message may carry the identification information of the first device. In this case, the access layer may record the identification information of the first device, or the access layer may obtain the identification information of the first device based on the physical address of the memory storage information of the first device. In this case, steps S2205 and S2206 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the access layer may also obtain the identification information of the first device through other means, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0257] In step S2207, the access layer of the first device sends a third random access message to the second device.

[0258] The optional implementation of step S2207 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] In some embodiments, if the random access of the first device fails during the random access process described above, the access layer of the first device indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0260] In some embodiments, after step S2203, if the second device fails to receive the first random access message, the second device does not send the second random access message. In this case, if the first device does not receive the second random access message within a certain period of time, the random access of the first device fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0261] In some embodiments, after step S2204, if the second device sends a second random access message, but the access layer of the first device does not receive the second random access message within a certain period of time, the random access of the first device fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0262] In some embodiments, after step S2204, if the access layer of the first device receives a second random access message, but the random identifier carried in the second random access message is different from the random identifier transmitted in the first random access message, the access layer determines not to send a third random access message. In this case, the random access of the first device fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0263] In some embodiments, after step S2207, if the access layer of the first device sends a third random access message, but the third random access message is not successfully acknowledged, the first device's random access fails, and the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer. In one embodiment, the failure to acknowledge the third random access message can be understood as no fourth random access message being received within a certain period after the third random access message was sent. In one example, the fourth random access message can be message 4 (Msg4) in the random access procedure. In another embodiment, the failure to acknowledge the third random access message can be understood as no fourth random access message being received within a certain period after the third random access message was sent, or the second device failing to correctly decode the third random access message. In one example, the fourth random access message can be message 4 (Msg4) in the random access procedure.

[0264] In step S2208, the access layer of the first device ignores the paging message.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the access layer determines that it will not respond to a paging message, the access layer ignores the paging message.

[0266] In some embodiments, if the access layer determines that it will not respond to a paging message, the access layer skips sending the first random access message.

[0267] The communication method of this embodiment can be realized through the above steps S2201 to S2208.

[0268] As shown in Figure 2C, Figure 2C is another exemplary interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method performed by the aforementioned A-IoT system. The communication method includes steps S2301 to S2312.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first device includes an access stratum (AS) and an upper layer. The upper layer sits above the access stratum. In one example, the access stratum may be a media access control (MAC) layer, and the upper layer may be an IoT layer. In one embodiment, the upper layer may also be referred to as NAS-like.

[0270] In step S2301, the second device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0271] The optional implementation of step S2301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] In step S2302, the access layer of the first device determines whether to send the first information to the upper layer.

[0273] In some embodiments, the access layer of the first device can determine, based on conditions, whether a decision on whether to respond to a paging message needs to be made by an upper layer. In one embodiment, if the access layer determines that a decision on whether to respond to a paging message needs to be made by an upper layer, steps S2303 to S2305 are executed. In one embodiment, if the access layer determines that a decision on whether to respond to a paging message does not need to be made by an upper layer, step S2306 is executed.

[0274] In some embodiments, the access layer of the first device can determine whether a decision on whether to respond to the paging message needs to be made by an upper layer based on the device that needs to respond as indicated by the paging message. In one example, the paging message includes at least one of device identification information, device group identification information, and a mask. In this case, the device that needs to respond is one or more devices, and the access layer of the first device determines that a decision on whether to respond to the paging message needs to be made by an upper layer. In another example, the paging message does not include any identification information or includes a first field. In this case, the device that needs to respond is one or more devices that received the paging message, and the access layer of the first device determines that a decision on whether to respond to the paging message does not need to be made by an upper layer.

[0275] In some embodiments, the access layer of the first device can determine whether a decision on whether to respond to a paging message needs to be made by an upper layer based on whether it can obtain the identification information of the first device. In one example, if the access layer stores the identification information of the first device, such as if the access layer records the identification information of the first device and / or if the access layer obtains the identification information of the first device from the local memory of the first device, the access layer of the first device determines that a decision on whether to respond to a paging message needs to be made by an upper layer. In another example, if the access layer does not store the identification information of the first device, such as if the access layer does not record the identification information of the first device and / or if the access layer cannot obtain the identification information of the first device from the local memory of the first device, the access layer of the first device determines that a decision on whether to respond to a paging message does not need to be made by an upper layer.

[0276] It should be noted that the above is only an example of the conditions under which the access layer determines whether the upper layer should respond to the paging message. Other conditions may also exist, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0277] In step S2303, the access layer of the first device sends the first information to the upper layer.

[0278] The optional implementation of step S2303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0279] In some embodiments, in step S2303, the first information does not include the first field.

[0280] In step S2304, the upper layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message based on the first information.

[0281] The optional implementation of step S2304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] In step S2305, the upper layer of the first device sends the second information to the access layer.

[0283] The optional implementation of step S2305 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] In step S2306, the access layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message.

[0285] The optional implementation of step S2306 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] In some embodiments, if the upper layer or access layer determines that a paging message has been responded to, steps S2305 to S2311 are executed after step S2305 or step S2306.

[0287] In some embodiments, if the upper layer or access layer determines that it will not respond to the paging message, step S2312 is executed after step S2305 or step S2306.

[0288] In step S2307, the access layer of the first device sends a first random access message to the second device based on the second information.

[0289] The optional implementation of step S2307 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0290] In step S2308, the second device sends a second random access message to the first device.

[0291] The optional implementation of step S2308 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2204 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] In step S2309, the access layer of the first device requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device.

[0293] The optional implementation of step S2309 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2205 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] In step S2310, the upper layer of the first device provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer.

[0295] The optional implementation of step S2310 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2206 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] In step S2311, the access layer of the first device sends a third random access message to the second device.

[0297] The optional implementation of step S2311 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] In some embodiments, if the random access of the first device fails during the random access process described above, the access layer of the first device indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

[0299] It should be noted that the explanation for the random access failure of the first device can be found in the relevant descriptions in the embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, and will not be repeated here.

[0300] In step S2312, the access layer of the first device ignores the paging message based on the second information.

[0301] The optional implementation of step S2312 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2208 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0302] The communication method of this embodiment can be realized through the above steps S2301 to S2312.

[0303] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0304] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0305] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0306] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0307] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0308] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “collect,” “acquire,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0309] In some embodiments, the terms "startup" and "restart" can be used interchangeably.

[0310] In some embodiments, the terms “passive device,” “environmental IoT device,” “tag,” “electronic tag,” and “IoT device” can be used interchangeably.

[0311] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0312] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0313] Figure 3A is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the above method includes steps S3101 to S3104.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first device includes an access layer (AS) and an upper layer. The upper layer is located above the access layer. In one example, the access layer may be a MAC layer, and the upper layer may be an IoT layer. In one embodiment, the upper layer may also be referred to as NAS-like.

[0315] In step S3101, the second device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0316] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the paging message is received by the access layer in the first device.

[0318] In step S3102, the first protocol layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message.

[0319] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first protocol layer includes an access layer or an upper layer.

[0321] In step S3103, if a paging message response is determined, a first random access message is sent to the second device.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first random access message is sent by the access layer in the first device.

[0324] In step S3104, if it is determined that the paging message will not be responded to, the first random access message is ignored.

[0325] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2208 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] In some embodiments, ignoring the first random access message is performed by the access layer in the first device.

[0327] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0328] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the above method includes steps S3201 and S3202.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first device includes an access layer (AS) and an upper layer. The upper layer is located above the access layer. In one example, the access layer may be a MAC layer, and the upper layer may be an IoT layer. In one embodiment, the upper layer may also be referred to as NAS-like.

[0330] In step S3201, the second device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0331] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0332] In some embodiments, the paging message is received by the access layer in the first device.

[0333] In step S3202, the first protocol layer of the first device determines whether to respond to the paging message.

[0334] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first protocol layer includes an access layer or an upper layer.

[0336] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0337] In the following, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0338] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides a method for determining whether to trigger an IoT MAC response paging message through interaction between an IoT MAC (such as the access layer of a first device) and an IoT layer (such as the upper layer of the first device).

[0339] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4A and 4B, Scheme 1 is provided: IoT layer interaction is required to determine whether to respond to the paging message.

[0340] In some embodiments, when the IoT MAC receives a paging message, the IoT MAC layer sends Device ID-related identification information (such as device identification information, device group identification information, mask, and / or the first field) to the upper layer (such as the IoT layer). If the Device ID-related identification information indicates "all" (such as the first field), meaning all devices that receive the paging message need to respond, this information can be indicated, or it can be omitted from the upper layer's indication.

[0341] In some embodiments, the IoT layer determines whether to respond to the paging based on the Device ID-related identification information sent by the IoT MAC. The IoT layer instructs the IoT MAC to: (1) respond to the paging instruction and / or Device ID; or (2) not respond to the paging instruction.

[0342] In some embodiments, if the IoT MAC receives an instruction from the IoT layer:

[0343] Scenario 1: If the instruction does not respond to the paging, the IoT MAC ignores the paging message;

[0344] Scenario 2: As shown in Figure 4A, if the instruction responds to the paging message and includes the Device ID, the IoT MAC initiates the initial access procedure. Upon receiving Msg2 (e.g., the second random access message), it sends Msg3 (e.g., the third random access message) carrying the Device ID.

[0345] Scenario 3: As shown in Figure 4B, if the instruction responds to the paging message, the IoT MAC initiates the initial access procedure. In this scenario, upon receiving Msg2, the IoT MAC requests the Device ID from the IoT layer. After receiving the Device ID from the IoT layer, it sends Msg3, carrying the Device ID.

[0346] Scenario 4: As shown in Figure 4A, if the Device ID is indicated, the IoT MAC initiates the initial access process. Upon receiving Msg2, it sends Msg3, carrying the Device ID.

[0347] In some embodiments, if the initial access fails, i.e., no Msg3 is sent or the Msg3 is not successfully acknowledged, the IoT MAC indicates that the IoT layer access has failed.

[0348] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4C, Scheme 2 is provided: no IoT layer interaction is required to determine whether to respond to the paging message.

[0349] In some embodiments, when the IoT MAC receives a paging message, the IoT MAC layer determines whether to respond to the paging based on the Device ID-related identification information in the paging message. If it responds, the IoT MAC initiates the initial access procedure.

[0350] In some embodiments, the IoT MAC may determine whether to respond to a paging request by: the IoT MAC recording information such as Device ID and / or Group ID (e.g., group identifier) ​​(e.g., the identifier information of the first device), or the IoT MAC obtaining information such as Device ID and / or Group ID based on the physical location of the information stored in memory.

[0351] In some embodiments, if a paging message is received, the IoT MAC initiates an initial access procedure. Upon receiving Msg2, the IoT MAC requests a Device ID from the IoT layer. After receiving the Device ID from the IoT layer, it sends Msg3, carrying the Device ID.

[0352] In some embodiments, if the initial access fails, i.e., no Msg3 is sent or the Msg3 is not successfully acknowledged, the IoT MAC indicates that the IoT layer access has failed.

[0353] In some embodiments, solution 3 is provided: determining whether to respond to a paging message based on whether IoT layer interaction is required.

[0354] In some embodiments, when the IoT MAC receives a paging message, it determines whether to request the IoT layer to determine whether to respond to the paging based on the Device ID information in the paging message. For example, if the paging message contains "all", it is not necessary to request the IoT layer to determine whether to respond to the paging. Alternatively, if the paging message contains a Device ID, and the IoT MAC layer has recorded the Device ID information, it is also not necessary to request the IoT layer to determine whether to respond to the paging.

[0355] In some embodiments, if the IoT MAC determines that it needs to request the IoT layer to determine whether to respond to the paging, the IoT MAC layer sends the Device ID-related identification information to the upper layer (IoT layer).

[0356] The subsequent interaction process can be found in Scheme 1 and Scheme 2 above.

[0357] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0358] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0359] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device in any of the above methods.

[0360] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0361] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0362] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502.

[0363] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a first device. The first device includes an access layer and an upper layer. The transceiver module 501 may be located in the access layer, and the processing module 502 may be located in the access layer or the upper layer.

[0364] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to receive a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, performed by the access layer in the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the processing module 502 is configured to determine whether to respond to the paging message by the device that needs to respond. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps, besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving, performed by the access layer or upper layer in the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0365] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0366] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0367] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a first device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0368] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0369] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method. The processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0370] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0371] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a terminal or a network device, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (6) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (4) others, etc.

[0372] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0373] In some embodiments, chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0374] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0375] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0376] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0377] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0378] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0379] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0380] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0381] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a first device, comprising: Receive a paging message sent by a second device, the paging message indicating a device that needs to respond; The first protocol layer determines whether to respond to the paging message based on the device that needs to respond. The first device includes an access layer and an upper layer above the access layer, wherein the first protocol layer is one of the following: The access layer; The upper layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: If the first protocol layer determines that it will respond to the paging message, the access layer will send a first random access message to the second device; If the first protocol layer determines that it will not respond to the paging message, the access layer will ignore the paging message; The first random access message is used to trigger the random access process of the first device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The paging message includes at least one of the following: The device identification information indicates the device that needs to respond; The device group identification information indicates the device group to which the device requiring a response belongs; The mask indicates the device that needs to respond.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The paging message does not include device identification information and / or device group identification information, and the devices that need to respond include one or more devices that received the paging message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, After receiving the paging message sent by the second device, the method further includes: The access layer sends first information to the upper layer, the first information indicating the device that needs to respond, the first information being used by the upper layer to determine whether to respond to the paging message, and the first protocol layer being the upper layer.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The first information is sent from the access layer to the upper layer if one of the following conditions is met: The devices that need to respond include one or more devices that have received the paging message; The access layer stores the identification information of the first device.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The method further includes: If the upper layer determines that it will respond to the paging message, the upper layer sends second information to the access layer. The second information is used to trigger the access layer to send the first random access message to the second device. The second information indicates at least one of the following: responding to the paging message; identification information of the first device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The method further includes: The access layer obtains the identification information of the first device based on the second information; The access layer sends the identification information of the first device to the second device.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The identification information of the first device is carried in the third random access message, which is sent by the access layer to the second device according to the second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The step of obtaining the identification information of the first device by the access layer based on the second information includes: The access layer requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device based on the second information; The upper layer provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer; The second information indicates a response to the paging message.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The identification information of the first device is requested by the access layer from the upper layer after receiving the second random access message, and the second random access message is a response message to the first random access message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: If the access layer determines that it will respond to the paging message, the access layer requests the upper layer to provide the identification information of the first device; The upper layer provides the identification information of the first device to the access layer; The access layer sends the identification information of the first device to the second device; The first protocol layer is the access layer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The identification information of the first device is requested by the access layer from the upper layer after receiving the second random access message. The second random access message is a response message to the first random access message. The second random access message is used to trigger the access layer to send a third random access message to the second device according to the second random access message. The identification information of the first device is carried in the third random access message.

14. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein, The method further includes: If the first device fails to access the network randomly, the access layer indicates the access failure to the upper layer.

15. A communication device, the communication device being configured to perform at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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