Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium and program product

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium and a program product. The method includes: a centralized unit sending first request information to a distributed unit, wherein the first request information is used for requesting the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for a relay device on a multi-hop relay path of a remote user equipment; and receiving response information of the first request information that is sent by the distributed unit, wherein the response information comprises configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

Description

Communication methods, devices, storage media and software products

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510138559.9, filed on February 7, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0003] Relay technology in wireless communication systems refers to the technology of adding relay devices to a communication system to amplify, re-encode, or forward signals emitted by the transmitting end before forwarding the signals to the destination node. This technology can extend the coverage of a communication system and improve signal transmission quality and reliability. Currently, user-to-network (U2N) relay technology can extend network coverage to remote user equipment (Remote UE) through a single relay device (Relay UE) within the network coverage area. By configuring relay devices with network coverage and using sidelinks (SL) for wireless backhaul, cellular network coverage can be effectively extended to remote user equipment that cannot be directly served by traditional Uu interfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a communication method applied to a centralized unit, the method comprising:

[0005] Send a first request message to the distribution unit. The first request message is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0006] The response information received from the distribution unit includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0007] Secondly, this disclosure also provides another communication method for use in a distributed unit, the method comprising:

[0008] The receiving unit sends a first request message, which is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay devices on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0009] The response information sent to the central unit for the first request information includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0010] Thirdly, this disclosure provides yet another communication method applied to a centralized unit, the method comprising:

[0011] The handover information is sent to the distribution unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop trunk path, which includes multiple trunk devices.

[0012] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides another communication method applied to a distributed unit, the method comprising:

[0013] The system receives handover information sent by the central unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop trunk path of the remote user equipment. The multi-hop trunk path includes multiple trunk devices.

[0014] Send handover information to remote user equipment.

[0015] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a communication device for use in a central unit, the device comprising:

[0016] The sending module is used to send a first request information to the distribution unit. The first request information is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay devices on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0017] The receiving module is used to receive the response information of the first request information sent by the distribution unit. The response information includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0018] Sixthly, this disclosure also provides another communication device for use in a distribution unit, the device comprising:

[0019] The receiving module is used to receive the first request information sent by the central unit. The first request information is used to request the configuration of the first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0020] The sending module is used to send response information of the first request information to the central unit. The response information includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, this disclosure provides yet another communication device applied to a central unit, the device comprising:

[0022] The sending module is used to send handover information to the distribution unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop trunk path, which includes multiple trunk devices.

[0023] Eighthly, this disclosure also provides a further communication device for use in a distribution unit, the device comprising:

[0024] The receiving module is used to receive handover information sent by the central unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to hand over to the multi-hop trunk path of the remote user equipment. The multi-hop trunk path includes multiple trunk devices.

[0025] The sending module is used to send handover information to remote user equipment.

[0026] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory storing processor-executable instructions; when the processor is configured to execute the instructions, causing the communication device to implement any of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0027] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects.

[0028] Eleventhly, a computer program product containing computer instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of this disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 is a multi-hop side-link relay scenario according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a communication method according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another communication method according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 5 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another communication method according to some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 9 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments.

[0039] Figure 10 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 11 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0043] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0045] In this disclosure, the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this disclosure should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0046] In addition, the use of “based on” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0047] To achieve longer communication distances for remote user equipment and extend network coverage, this disclosure provides a communication method in which a centralized unit (CU) sends a first request message to a distributed unit (DU). The first request message requests the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for relay devices on a multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment. The CU receives a response message from the distributed unit, which includes configuration information for the first relay RLC channel. This enables communication on multi-hop relay paths within a CU-DU separated architecture, allowing for the collaboration of multiple relay user equipments to achieve longer communication distances for remote user equipment and extend network coverage.

[0048] Thus, employing multi-hop relays allows for more reasonable coverage expansion. Furthermore, multi-hop U2N relays can support a variety of new application scenarios. For example, in factory sensor and smart metering scenarios, Internet of Things (IoT) devices in disadvantageous deployment locations can connect to the network via multi-hop relays. Additionally, wearable devices can connect to the network via a link to a smartphone, even if the smartphone itself is outside network coverage, and connect to the network through another user equipment (UE).

[0049] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various mobile communication networks, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, various versions based on LTE evolution, and 5th-generation mobile communication technology (5G) systems (including but not limited to new radio (NR) mobile communication system environments, ambient internet of things (Ambient IoT) communication systems, etc.). Furthermore, the signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to future-oriented communication systems (such as 6G communication systems) or networks of multiple converged communication systems, and the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this application.

[0050] Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes one or more terminals 10 and one or more network devices 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, terminal 10 can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the application scenarios. The term "terminal" can sometimes also refer to a user, user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, UE terminal, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc., but this disclosure does not limit the terminology used in this embodiment.

[0052] In some embodiments, network device 20 is used to provide wireless access services to multiple terminals, and it can be a base station. Specifically, a base station provides a service coverage area (also known as a cell). Terminals entering this area can communicate with the base station via wireless signals to receive the wireless access services provided by the base station.

[0053] In some embodiments, network device 20 may be a base station in Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTEA) or an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), a base station device in a 5G network, or a base station in a future communication system, etc. The base station may include various macro base stations, micro base stations, home base stations, wireless remote extensions, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), routers, wireless fidelity (WIFI) devices, and other network-side devices.

[0054] In some embodiments, network device 20 can be a CU-DU architecture. In this architecture, the functionality of network device 20 is reorganized into two parts: CU and DU. Here, the CU can be used to handle non-real-time protocol stack functions, such as radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). The DU can be used to handle physical layer functions and layer 2 functions requiring real-time performance; it can also be called a distributed unit, such as radio link control (RLC) and medium access control (MAC). The CU and DU can be connected via an F1 interface.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aforementioned one or more terminals 10 may include relay devices, remote user equipment, etc., as described in this disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a multi-hop side-link relay scenario. As shown in Figure 2, the last relay UE is a U2N relay UE (LastRelay UE), which is directly connected to the gNB (base station) via the Uu interface and provides U2N relay services to downstream relay UEs or remote UEs. The remote user equipment (Remote UE) is a U2N remote UE, which can connect to the gNB through multi-hop relay UEs and establish its own PDU session / data radio bearer (DRB) with the network. Data sent by the remote UE to the gNB can be forwarded by the multi-hop relay UEs. The first-hop relay UE and the second-hop relay UE are referred to as intermediate relay devices (i.e., other relay devices besides the last-hop relay). For the second-hop relay UE on a multi-hop relay path, its upstream node / parent node / uplink transmission direction is the adjacent last-hop relay device facing the base station, and its downstream node / child node / downlink transmission direction is the adjacent first-hop relay device that is farther away from the base station.

[0056] It should be noted that Figures 1 and 2 are merely exemplary architecture diagrams. The number of devices included in Figures 1 and 2 and the names of each device are not limited. In addition to the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2, the communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices.

[0057] The application scenarios of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited. The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this disclosure are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0058] The embodiments provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applied to a centralized unit, the method comprising:

[0060] S101. Send a first request message to the distribution unit. The first request message is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first relay radio link control channel includes a PC5 relay RLC channel and / or a Uu relay RLC channel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of a remote user equipment, such as SRB0.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first request information is included in the context modification request messages of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to a remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of a relay device directly connected to a distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path. In this disclosure, the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path can also be understood as a relay device directly connected to a network device on the multi-hop relay path. Here, the network device may include a centralized unit-distributed unit separation architecture.

[0064] In this disclosure, an intermediate relay device that is directly connected to a remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path can also be referred to as the first intermediate relay device of the multi-hop relay path, and a relay device that is directly connected to a distribution unit can also be referred to as the last relay device of the multi-hop relay path.

[0065] In one example, the first request information is included in the context modification request messages of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path. Exemplarily, the central unit can initiate its own UE context modification procedure for each relay device (whether an intermediate or last relay). In this case, the configuration of the PC5 Relay RLC channel needs to be enhanced, which may include adding direction indicators such as uplink / upstream, downlink / downstream (UL / upstream, DL / downstream), or using a peer UE ID, also carrying the Layer 2 (L2) identifier (ID) of the upstream / parent node or the Layer 2 (L2) ID of the downstream / child node.

[0066] In another example, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of a relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the same multi-hop relay path. Exemplarily, the configurations of all relay user equipments (relay UEs) on the multi-hop path can be interacted during a user equipment context modification process. For example, a user equipment context modification request / response associated with the first intermediate relay (i.e., the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path) or the last relay user equipment (i.e., the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit) can be used. This approach is simpler and avoids multiple concurrent processes on the F1 interface, thus avoiding increased signaling load on the F1 interface. Furthermore, this approach also avoids additional latency caused by inconsistent timing of multiple processes.

[0067] For example, the central unit can configure a PC5 relay RLC channel between each intermediate relay and the upstream / downstream node for forwarding remote UE SRB0. For instance, a PC5 relay RLC channel for forwarding remote UE SRB can be configured between the second intermediate relay device and the last relay (upstream node / parent node) device, as well as a PC5 relay RLC channel between the second intermediate relay device and the first intermediate relay device (downstream node / child node).

[0068] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0069] Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, including the local identifier assigned by the central unit to the remote user equipment, the identifier of at least one relay device, the hop count index corresponding to the relay device, the transmission direction indicator, and the layer 2 identifier of the upstream or downstream device.

[0070] For example, since each intermediate relay device may serve multiple remote user equipment, the configuration of the PC5 RLC channel needs to carry the local ID of the remote user equipment, that is, the local identifier assigned to the remote user equipment by the aforementioned centralized unit. In addition, the PC5 RLC channel configuration to be established / modified / released can include at least one of the following pieces of information: the identifier of at least one relay device (which can indicate which intermediate relay / last relay is the PC5 RLC channel being configured for, such as L2 ID, F1AP UE ID, or local ID), the hop count index corresponding to the relay device (which can be used to indicate which hop / which relay UE in the multi-hop relay path of the remote UE, such as the first hop referring to the first intermediate relay, the second hop referring to the second intermediate relay, and so on), the transmission direction indication (such as uplink / upstream / north / parent node, downlink / downstream / south / child node, indicating that the PC5 RLC channel to be established is a PC5 RLC channel between the upstream / downstream node), and the L2 ID (or F1AP ID or local ID) of the upstream node / parent node or downstream node / child node carried by the peer UE ID (indicating the peer UE of the PC5 RLC channel to be established, i.e., which UE the PC5 RLC channel is being established with). For the last relay, the Uu relay RLC channel and the PC5 relay RLC channel for forwarding remote UE SRB0 need to be configured (the information shown above can also be added). Since the Uu relay RLC channel is usually configured for the last relay device, it is not necessary to additionally indicate the relay user equipment ID. However, the last relay user equipment may serve multiple remote user equipments, so the local IDs of multiple remote user equipments can also be included in the configuration of the Uu relay RLC channel.

[0071] In some embodiments, before sending the first request information to the distribution unit, the central unit may also receive sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message from the distribution unit.

[0072] For example, the SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device that is directly connected to a remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path; or, the SUI is sent by a relay device that is directly connected to a distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0073] In one example, SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path that is directly connected to a remote user equipment.

[0074] For example, assume that the remote UE has selected a relay path reachable from the base station through the Multi-hop Relay Discovery procedure, and that PC5 unicast links have been established between the remote UE, intermediate relays, and the last relay on this path and their adjacent UEs. Subsequently, the remote UE can initiate an RRC connection establishment procedure with the base station. If an RRC establishment request is received from the remote UE, the first intermediate relay UE is in an RRC connection state. At this time, the other intermediate relays and the last relay UE (i.e., the intermediate relays directly connected to the remote UE on the aforementioned multi-hop relay path) are also in an RRC connection state. Then, the first intermediate relay can initiate a Sidelink User Equipment Information (SUI) procedure to report the remote UE to the base station and obtain configuration information related to the multi-hop relay from the base station. For example, the distribution unit can receive the SUI message through multiple hops, and after receiving the SUI message, it will encapsulate it in an uplink RRC message transmission (signaling associated with the first intermediate relay device) message and then send it to the central unit.

[0075] In another example, SUI is sent by a relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0076] For example, assume that the remote UE has selected a relay path reachable from the base station through a multi-hop relay discovery process, and that PC5 unicast links have been established between the remote UE, intermediate relays, and the last relay and adjacent UEs along this path. Subsequently, the remote UE can initiate an RRC connection establishment process with the base station. If the first intermediate relay UE is in a non-RRC connected state when it receives the remote UE's RRC establishment request, it can be assumed that the intermediate relay does not need to enter the RRC connected state to forward the remote UE's Secure Radio Bearer 0 (SRB0). When the last relay UE, i.e., the relay directly connected to the distribution unit, receives the remote UE's SRB0 / RRC establishment request, if the relay is in a non-connected state, it is triggered to enter the connected state. After the relay device enters the connected state, it can initiate a Sidelink User Equipment Information (SUI) process, which may include information about the remote user equipment and path information (e.g., an ordered list of all intermediate relay user equipment). Upon receiving the SUI from the last relay device, the distributed unit encapsulates it in an uplink RRC message transmission (signaling associated with the last relay device) and then sends it to the centralized unit.

[0077] It should be noted that, regardless of whether the message is sent by the first intermediate relay or the last relay, the central unit can ascertain that a remote user equipment (UE) needs to access the network upon receiving the Sidelink User Equipment Information (SUI). At this time, the central unit can assign a local ID to the remote UE. If the first intermediate relay is in an RRC connection state, the central unit (CU) can further request the distribution unit (DU) to configure a PC5 relay radio link control (RLC) channel for forwarding the Secure Radio Bearer 0 (SRB0) of the remote UE (i.e., the aforementioned first request information) for the first intermediate relay. This request information can be sent through the UE context modification procedure associated with the first intermediate relay. In some embodiments, the central unit may also recognize that the remote UE is connected to the network via a multi-hop path through the first intermediate relay. Therefore, it is necessary to configure PC5 / Uu relay RLC channels for forwarding the remote UE SRB0 for the other intermediate relays on the path and the last relay. For the specific configuration process, please refer to the description related to the first request information above; it will not be repeated here.

[0078] In some embodiments, when an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0079] For example, upon receiving a SUI (whether sent by the first intermediate relay or the last relay), the central unit can determine that a remote user equipment (UE) needs to access the network and assign a local ID to the UE. The central unit can also identify whether the remote UE connects to the network via a multi-hop path based on the SUI information (including multi-hop path information) sent by the last relay UE.

[0080] Although intermediate relay devices are in non-RRC connected state, their PC5 Relay RLC channel configuration and bearer mapping can still be controlled by the gNB. For example, this can be configured for the last relay UE, and further interaction can be performed on the PC5 interface. Alternatively, during the UE context modification process of the last relay device, in addition to configuring the last relay UE, the PC5 Relay RLC channel and bearer mapping for forwarding remote UE SRBs can also be configured for all intermediate relay devices. Or, after the remote UE enters connected state, the UE context setup / modification process of the remote UE can be used to simultaneously configure the PC5 Relay RLC channel for forwarding remote UE SRB2 / DRBs for all intermediate relay devices.

[0081] S102. Receive response information for the first request information sent by the distribution unit. The response information includes configuration information for the first relay RLC channel.

[0082] In some embodiments, the response information for the first request information is included in the user equipment context modification response message.

[0083] For example, in the UE context modification response message, for the PC5 Relay Radio Link Control (RLC) channel settings / modifications that are confirmed to be established or modified, it may also need to include at least one of the following information: Relay UE ID (L2 ID, F1AP UE ID, or local ID), direction indication (such as uplink / upstream, downlink / downstream), and peer UE ID.

[0084] In some embodiments, the central unit may also send an RRC reconfiguration message generated for each relay device to the distribution unit, and receive an RRC reconfiguration completion message for each relay device sent by the distribution unit. In some embodiments, the central unit may generate an RRC reconfiguration message for each relay device based on the response information of the first request information.

[0085] For example, for each relay device, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or,

[0086] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or,

[0087] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of the relay devices that are directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0088] In the case where the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, in the case where the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; here, the identifier of each relay device corresponds to the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0089] For example, after receiving the configuration information fed back by the distribution unit in the user equipment context modification response, the centralized unit can generate RRC reconfiguration messages for all intermediate relay UEs and the last relay UE on the path, and send them to the distribution unit through downlink RRC message transmission.

[0090] Here, signaling associated with each relay user equipment (RFE) can be used separately; that is, for each RRC device, the RRC reconfiguration message of the RRC device is included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the RRC device. Alternatively, the central unit may consider encapsulating the RRC reconfiguration messages of multiple RRC user equipments in a single downlink RRC message transmission message (using signaling associated with the first intermediate relay device or the last relay device) and sending it to the distribution unit. In some embodiments, a multi-hop configuration container can be introduced in the downlink RRC message transmission, which contains the RRC reconfiguration messages of multiple RRC user equipments, i.e., the ID of each RRC user equipment on the path and the corresponding RRC reconfiguration information.

[0091] In some embodiments, the centralized unit may also receive an initial uplink RRC message transmission message from the remote user equipment, which includes an RRC establishment request message, sent by the distributed unit.

[0092] In some embodiments, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment may further include the identifier of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path; and / or, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message may further include the identifier of a relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0093] For example, after receiving an RRC Setup Request from a remote UE, the distribution unit encapsulates it in an Initial UL RRC message transfer message from the remote UE and sends it to the central unit. This Initial UL RRC message transfer message also includes the remote UE's local ID and the relay UE's F1 AP ID (the F1 AP ID can be used to identify the remote UE, and the remote UE is unique under that relay UE). In multi-hop scenarios, considering that the remote UE's local ID is unique under the last relay UE, the Initial UL RRC message transfer message may include the last relay UE's F1 AP ID. Furthermore, this message may also include the ID of the first intermediate relay UE (which could be an L2 ID, F1 AP ID, or local ID).

[0094] In some embodiments, the centralized unit may also send a second request message to the distributed unit.

[0095] Here, the second request information is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

[0096] For example, after completing the RRC configuration for the remote user equipment, the centralized unit can also initiate a request to the distributed unit to configure the PC5 Radio Link Control (RLC) channel and Uu Relay RLC channel for forwarding the signaling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) of the remote UE for each intermediate relay UE and the last relay UE. Similar to the first request information described above, this request process can also be implemented through user equipment context modification request / response signaling associated with the first intermediate relay or the last relay UE, thereby configuring the PC5 RLC channel and Uu RLC channel for forwarding the remote UE SRB1 for all relays on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment. After the connection of the remote UE is established, the PC5 RLC channel and Uu relay RLC channel for forwarding the signaling radio bearer 2 / data radio bearer (SRB2 / DRBs) of the remote UE can be configured for each intermediate relay UE and the last relay UE by modifying the UE context request / response signaling associated with the remote UE, the first intermediate relay UE, or the last relay UE.

[0097] As can be seen, based on the above embodiments, the following issues can be addressed: relay discovery and (re)selection: how to dynamically discover potential relay nodes in multi-hop paths and optimize selection / switching; adaptation layer protocol design: it is necessary to define a protocol architecture that supports multi-hop data forwarding (such as route management and data encapsulation); control plane process: it is necessary to design a new control plane signaling process to manage various issues in multi-hop relay paths, such as the establishment, maintenance, and release of multi-hop links, thereby enabling communication of remote user equipment based on multi-hop relay paths.

[0098] Based on the technical solution provided in this disclosure, communication of remote user equipment based on multi-hop relay paths can be realized under the CU-DU separation architecture. Thus, through the cooperation of multiple relay devices, a longer communication distance for remote user equipment can be achieved, thereby expanding the network coverage.

[0099] Thus, employing multi-hop relays allows for more reasonable coverage expansion. Furthermore, multi-hop U2N relays can support a variety of new application scenarios. For example, in factory sensor and smart metering scenarios, Internet of Things (IoT) devices in disadvantageous deployment locations can connect to the network via multi-hop relays. Additionally, wearable devices can connect to the network via a link to a smartphone, even if the smartphone itself is outside network coverage, and connect to the network through another user equipment (UE).

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, this disclosure also provides another communication method for use in a distributed unit, including:

[0101] S201. Receive the first request information sent by the central unit. The first request information is used to request the configuration of the first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to a remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of a relay device directly connected to a distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0103] In some embodiments, when an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first relay radio link control channel includes a PC5 relay RLC channel and / or a Uu relay RLC channel.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of a remote user equipment.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0107] Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, including the local identifier assigned by the central unit to the remote user equipment, the identifier of at least one relay device, the hop count index corresponding to the relay device, the transmission direction indicator, and the layer 2 identifier of the upstream or downstream device.

[0108] In some embodiments, before receiving the first request information sent by the central unit, the distribution unit may also send the sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message to the central unit.

[0109] In some embodiments, the SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device directly connected to a remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path; or, the SUI is sent by a relay device directly connected to a distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0110] S202. Send response information for the first request information to the centralized unit. The response information includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0111] In some embodiments, the distribution unit may also receive an RRC reconfiguration message generated for each relay device by the central unit; and send an RRC reconfiguration completion message for each relay device to the central unit.

[0112] In some embodiments, for each relay device, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or, the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of relay devices directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0113] In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, if the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; here, the identifier of each relay device corresponds to the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0114] In some embodiments, the distribution unit may also send an initial uplink RRC message transmission message containing an RRC establishment request message from the remote user equipment to the central unit.

[0115] In some embodiments, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment may further include the identifier of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path; and / or, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message may further include the identifier of a relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0116] In some embodiments, the distribution unit may also receive a second request message sent by the central unit; here, the second request message is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

[0117] Furthermore, for a detailed description of steps S201-S202, please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S101-S102 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] Based on the above embodiments, communication between remote user equipment and multi-hop relay paths can be achieved under the CU-DU separation architecture. This allows for greater communication distances between remote user equipment and expands network coverage through the cooperation of multiple relay devices.

[0119] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 above, the communication method provided by this disclosure can also be implemented through the interaction diagram shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes steps S1-S30:

[0120] S1. Discovery & PC5 Connection Establishment.

[0121] Multi-hop L2 U2N remote user equipment (Remote UE), intermediate relay UE(s) and U2N relay user equipment (U2N Relay UE) can perform the discovery process and establish PC5 connections on each PC5 hop using the proximity service (NR ProSe) procedure.

[0122] S2. The remote user equipment sends an RRC setup request message to the first intermediate relay device.

[0123] For example, a multi-hop L2 U2N remote UE sends an RRC Setup Request message to the first intermediate relay UE through the PC5 relay RLC (Radio Link Control) channel.

[0124] S3, The first intermediate relay device sends SidelinkUEInformationNR.

[0125] For example, the first intermediate relay device can temporarily store the received RRC message and send the Sidelink UE Information NR message to the distribution unit through multiple PC5 hops and Uu interfaces.

[0126] Prior to this, if the first intermediate relay device is in the RRC_IDLE (RRC idle) or RRC_INACTIVE (RRC inactive) state, it should trigger the RRC establishment / recovery process after receiving the RRC message so that the U2N remote UE can enter the RRC connection state.

[0127] S4. The distributed unit transmits an uplink RRC message (first relay intermediate device) to the centralized unit.

[0128] For example, the distribution unit can send an uplink RRC message transmission (UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER) to the central unit by encapsulating the SidelinkUEInformationNR message of the first intermediate relay device. The central unit can assign local IDs to multi-hop L2 U2N remote UEs.

[0129] S5-S6, User Equipment Context Modification Request and Response (UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION (merging into one procedure or separating into multiple procedures)).

[0130] The centralized unit can send a UE context modification request message for a U2N relay UE to the distributed unit. This message may request the establishment of a PC5 relay RLC channel and / or a Uu relay RLC channel for transmitting the SRB0 (Signaling Radio Bearer 0) of the U2N remote UE through multiple PC5 hops and Uu interfaces. The distributed unit can send a UE context modification response message for a U2N relay UE to the centralized unit.

[0131] S7, Uplink RRC reconfiguration message transmission (DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER (aggregated or separate)).

[0132] For example, the central unit can send a DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the distribution unit by encapsulating an RRCReconfiguration message for each relay UE, containing the local ID assigned to the U2N remote UE. If not configured, the RRCReconfiguration message should also contain the PC5 relay RLC channel and / or Uu relay RLC channel configuration, as well as the relay carry mapping for the U2N remote UE SRB0.

[0133] S8-S9, Relay equipment RRC reconfiguration (prepare PC5 and Uu RLC Channel for relaying of remote UE's SRB0).

[0134] For example, the distribution unit can send an RRCReconfiguration message to the U2N trunk UE and each intermediate trunk UE to configure the local ID of the U2N remote UE, the Uu trunk RLC channel and / or the PC5 trunk RLC channel configuration, and the intermediate carryover mapping of the U2N remote UE SRB0. The U2N trunk UE and each intermediate trunk UE send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the distribution unit.

[0135] S10, Uplink RRC message transmission (aggregated or separate) (UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER (aggregated or separate)).

[0136] For example, the distribution unit can send uplink RRC message transmission to the gNB-CU by encapsulating the RRCReconfigurationComplete message of the U2N relay UE and each intermediate relay UE.

[0137] S11, Forwarding of remote user equipment access requests.

[0138] After receiving the local ID of the U2N remote UE, the PC5 trunk RLC channel and / or Uu trunk RLC channel configuration, and the SRB0 intermediate bearer mapping, the first intermediate trunk device, the intermediate trunk device, and the U2N trunk device can send an RRC establishment request message for the U2N remote UE to the gNB-DU through multiple PC5 hops and Uu interfaces. The local ID of the U2N remote UE and the RB ID (Radio Bearer ID) of the SRB0 can be transmitted in the SRAP (Side Link Trunk Adaptation Protocol) header.

[0139] S12, Initial uplink RRC message transmission.

[0140] For example, the distribution unit can assign a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) and a gNB-DU UE F1AP ID (F1 Interface Application Protocol Identifier) ​​to the U2N remote user equipment, and send an Initial UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message to the gNB-CU by encapsulating the U2N remote user equipment's RRC establishment request message. Furthermore, the U2N remote user equipment's local ID, the U2N relay device's gNB-DU UE F1AP ID, and at least the sidelink configuration container used for configuring the PC5 relay RLC channel for relaying the U2N remote UE SRB1 are also included in the INITIAL UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message.

[0141] S13, Downlink RRC message transmission.

[0142] The centralized unit assigns a gNB-CU UE F1AP ID to the U2N remote user equipment and generates an RRCSetup message. This RRC message is encapsulated in a downlink RRC message transmission DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER message and contains at least the PC5 trunk RLC channel configuration and bearer mapping for transmitting the U2N remote UE SRB1.

[0143] S14. The distribution unit sends an RRCSetup message to the U2N remote user equipment through the U2N trunk user equipment and intermediate trunk equipment.

[0144] S15. Prepare PC5 and Uu relay RLC channels for SRB1 of remote user equipment.

[0145] The distribution unit can configure PC5 trunk RLC channels and / or Uu trunk RLC channels and bearer mappings for U2N trunk user equipment and each intermediate trunk equipment for relaying U2N remote UE SRB1. According to the gNB-CU configuration, each intermediate trunk UE establishes PC5 trunk RLC channels with its parent trunk UE and child trunk UE respectively; the U2N trunk UE establishes a PC5 trunk RLC channel for PC5-side SRB1 relay, and if not yet configured, establishes a Uu trunk RLC channel facing the gNB-DU for SRB1 relay.

[0146] S16 and RRC configuration complete.

[0147] S17, Uplink RRC message transmission.

[0148] S18. The central unit sends an initial user message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0149] S19, AMF sends an initial context setting request to the central unit.

[0150] S20. The centralized unit sends a user context setting request (20.UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) to the distributed unit.

[0151] S21. The distribution unit sends a security mode command (SecurityModeCommand) to the remote user equipment.

[0152] S22. The distributed unit sends a user context setting response (UE CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) to the centralized unit.

[0153] S23. The remote user equipment sends a SecurityModeComplete message to the distribution unit.

[0154] S24, Uplink RRC Message Transmission (UL RRC MESSAGE TRANSFER).

[0155] S25, Downlink RRC Message Transmission (DL RRC MESSAGE TRANSF ER).

[0156] S26. The distributed unit reconfigures the remote user equipment's RRC (RRCReconfiguration) message.

[0157] S27. The remote user equipment sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the distribution unit.

[0158] S28, Uplink RRC message transmission.

[0159] S29. The centralized unit sends an initial context setting response (INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE) to the AMF.

[0160] S30. Prepare PC5 and Uu RLC channels for data radio bearer / signaling radio bearer.

[0161] Furthermore, for a detailed description of steps S1 to S30, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3 and 4 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0162] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, this disclosure also provides a communication method applied to a central unit, including:

[0163] S301. Send handover information to the distribution unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop trunk path. The multi-hop trunk path includes multiple trunk devices.

[0164] In some embodiments, the switching information includes at least one of the following:

[0165] The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the multi-hop relay path switching, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifier of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0166] In some embodiments, this embodiment can also be combined with the communication method shown in FIG3 or FIG4 above, for example, step S301 can be executed after step S102.

[0167] For example, the central unit can determine whether a remote user equipment (UE) is switching from a direct path or a single-hop indirect path to a multi-hop relay path (target path). After determining the target path, the central unit needs to notify the distribution unit so that the distribution unit can make the necessary preparations. That is, on the F1 interface, the current Path Switch Configuration IE element may be reused to include the target path information. Here, the Target Relay UE ID indicates the last relay UE ID in the multi-hop process. In addition, at least one of the following information may also be required: Extended T420 timer: used to indicate the timer corresponding to the multi-hop path switch; Hop count (e.g., the number of hops between the remote UE and the last relay UE): used to describe the length of the path; Path ID or Path Index (the serialization number corresponding to each hop path information in the UE measurement report): used to uniquely identify a path. Path information: An ordered list containing the IDs of all intermediate relay UEs along the path from the remote UE to the last relay UE, arranged in order along the path. Alternatively, a new multi-hop path handover configuration can be introduced, which may include all of the above information.

[0168] Based on the above embodiments, remote user equipment can be switched to a multi-hop relay path, thereby enabling communication of remote user equipment based on a multi-hop relay path under the CU-DU separation architecture. Through the cooperation of multiple relay devices, a longer communication distance for remote user equipment can be achieved, thus expanding the network coverage.

[0169] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, this disclosure also provides a communication method applied to a distribution unit, including:

[0170] S401. Receive handover information sent by the centralized unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to hand over to the multi-hop trunk path of the remote user equipment. The multi-hop trunk path includes multiple trunk devices.

[0171] S402, Send handover information to remote user equipment.

[0172] In some embodiments, the switching information includes at least one of the following:

[0173] The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the multi-hop relay path switching, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifier of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0174] Furthermore, for a detailed description of steps S401-S402, please refer to the relevant description of step S301 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this disclosure from the perspective of interaction between various devices or nodes. It is understood that each device or node, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithmic steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0176] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a transmitting module 801 and a receiving module 802.

[0177] Here, the sending module 801 is used to send a first request information to the distribution unit. The first request information is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0178] The receiving module 802 is used to receive response information to the first request information sent by the distribution unit. The response information includes configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to a remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of a relay device directly connected to a distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0180] In some embodiments, when an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first relay radio link control channel includes a PC5 relay RLC channel and / or a Uu relay RLC channel.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of a remote user equipment.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0184] Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, including the local identifier assigned by the central unit to the remote user equipment, the identifier of at least one relay device, the hop count index corresponding to the relay device, the transmission direction indicator, and the layer 2 identifier of the upstream or downstream device.

[0185] In some embodiments, before sending the first request information to the distribution unit, the receiving module 802 is further configured to receive sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message from the distribution unit.

[0186] In some embodiments, the SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device directly connected to a remote user equipment on a multi-hop relay path; or, the SUI is sent by a relay device directly connected to a distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0187] In some embodiments, the sending module 801 is further configured to send an RRC reconfiguration message generated for each relay device to the distribution unit; the receiving module 802 is further configured to receive an RRC reconfiguration completion message for each relay device sent by the distribution unit.

[0188] In some embodiments, for each relay device, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or,

[0189] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or,

[0190] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of the relay devices that are directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0191] In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, if the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path.

[0192] Here, the identifiers of each relay device correspond to the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0193] In some embodiments, the receiving module 801 is further configured to receive an initial uplink RRC message transmission message from a remote user equipment that includes an RRC establishment request message, sent by the distribution unit.

[0194] In some embodiments, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment also includes the identifier of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; and / or,

[0195] The initial uplink RRC message transmission also includes the identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0196] In some embodiments, the sending module 802 is further configured to send a second request information to the distribution unit; here, the second request information is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

[0197] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned sending module 801, receiving module 802, and their respective technical features, as well as the description of their beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] Figure 9 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a receiving module 901 and a transmitting module 902.

[0199] Here, the receiving module 901 is used to receive the first request information sent by the central unit. The first request information is used to request the configuration of the first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment.

[0200] The sending module 902 is used to send response information of the first request information to the central unit. The response information includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first request information is included in the context modification request messages of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; or...

[0202] The first request information is contained in the context modification request message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or...

[0203] The first request information is contained in the context modification request message of the relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit.

[0204] In some embodiments, when an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first relay radio link control channel includes a PC5 relay RLC channel and / or a Uu relay RLC channel.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of a remote user equipment.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first request information includes at least one of the following:

[0208] Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, including the local identifier assigned by the central unit to the remote user equipment, the identifier of at least one relay device, the hop count index corresponding to the relay device, the transmission direction indicator, and the layer 2 identifier of the upstream or downstream device.

[0209] In some embodiments, before receiving the first request information sent by the central unit, the sending module 902 is further configured to send the sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message to the central unit.

[0210] In some embodiments, the SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device on a multi-hop relay path that is directly connected to a remote user equipment; or,

[0211] SUI is sent by a relay device that is directly connected to a distribution unit on a multi-hop relay path.

[0212] In some embodiments, the receiving module 901 is further configured to receive an RRC reconfiguration message generated for each relay device by the central unit;

[0213] The sending module 902 is also used to send an RRC reconfiguration completion message for each relay device to the central unit.

[0214] In some embodiments, for each relay device, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or,

[0215] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or,

[0216] The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of the relay devices that are directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0217] In some embodiments, the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or, if the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on a multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path.

[0218] Here, the identifiers of each relay device correspond to the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0219] In some embodiments, the sending module 902 is further configured to send an initial uplink RRC message transmission message containing an RRC establishment request message of the remote user equipment to the central unit.

[0220] In some embodiments, the initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment also includes the identifier of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; and / or,

[0221] The initial uplink RRC message transmission also includes the identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

[0222] In some embodiments, the receiving module 901 is further configured to receive a second request information sent by the central unit; here, the second request information is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

[0223] For a more detailed description of the receiving module 901, the transmitting module 902, and the various technical features thereof, as well as the beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] Figure 10 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a transmitting module 1001.

[0225] The sending module 1001 is used to send handover information to the distribution unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop trunk path, which includes multiple trunk devices.

[0226] In some embodiments, the switching information includes at least one of the following:

[0227] The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the multi-hop relay path switching, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifier of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0228] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned sending module 1001, as well as a more detailed description of its various technical features and beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] Figure 11 is a block diagram of another communication device according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a receiving module 1101 and a transmitting module 1102.

[0230] The receiving module 1101 is used to receive handover information sent by the central unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to hand over to the multi-hop trunk path of the remote user equipment. The multi-hop trunk path includes multiple trunk devices.

[0231] The sending module 1102 is used to send handover information to remote user equipment.

[0232] In some embodiments, the switching information includes at least one of the following:

[0233] The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the multi-hop relay path switching, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifier of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

[0234] For a more detailed description of the receiving module 1101, the transmitting module 1102, and the various technical features thereof, as well as the beneficial effects, please refer to the corresponding method embodiment section above, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] It should be noted that the modules in Figures 8-11 can also be called units; for example, the acquisition module can be called an acquisition unit. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 8-11, the names of the modules may not be those shown in the figures; for example, the acquisition module can also be called a receiving module.

[0236] If the units or modules in Figures 8-11 are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Storage media for storing computer software products include: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0237] In the case of implementing the functions of the integrated modules described above in hardware, this disclosure provides a block diagram of a communication device. As shown in FIG12, the communication device 1200 includes: a processor 1202, a communication interface 1203, and a bus 1204. In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1201.

[0238] Processor 1202 may implement or execute the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure. Processor 1202 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure. Processor 1202 may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a microprocessor.

[0239] The communication interface 1203 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0240] The memory 1201 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0241] As one possible implementation, the memory 1201 can exist independently of the processor 1202. The memory 1201 can be connected to the processor 1202 via a bus 1204 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 1202 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 1201, it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0242] In another possible implementation, the memory 1201 can also be integrated with the processor 1202.

[0243] Bus 1204 can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 1204 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent it in Figure 12, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0244] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the equipment or device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0245] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above-described method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be any of the foregoing embodiments or memory. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above-mentioned device or apparatus, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the above-mentioned device or apparatus. Further, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also include both internal storage units of the above-mentioned device or apparatus and external storage devices. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-mentioned computer program and other programs and data required by the above-mentioned device or apparatus. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0246] This disclosure also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0247] Although this disclosure has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

[0248] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and are to be considered as covering any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this disclosure. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, this disclosure is also intended to include any such modifications and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0249] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein, Applied to a centralized unit, the method includes: Send a first request message to the distribution unit, the first request message being used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment; The system receives response information for the first request information sent by the distribution unit, the response information including configuration information for the first relay RLC channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first request information is contained in the context modification request messages of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; or, The first request information is included in a context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or... The first request information is contained in the context modification request message of the relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, When the intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first relay radio link control channel includes the PC5 relay RLC channel and / or the Uu relay RLC channel.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote user equipment.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The PC5 relay RLC channel of each intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path is used to forward the SRB0 of the remote user equipment.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first request information includes at least one of the following: Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, wherein the centralized unit assigns a local identifier to the remote user equipment, an identifier of at least one relay device, a hop count index corresponding to the relay device, a transmission direction indicator, and a layer 2 identifier of the parent or child node.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The Layer 2 identifier of the parent or child node is indicated by the peer user equipment identifier.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The response information also includes the peer user equipment identification indication.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, Before sending the first request information to the distribution unit, the method further includes: Receive the sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message from the distribution unit.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path that is directly connected to the remote user equipment; or, The SUI is sent by the relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The method further includes: Send the RRC reconfiguration message generated for each of the relay devices to the distribution unit; Receive the RRC reconfiguration complete message for each of the relay devices sent by the distribution unit.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, For each of the relay devices, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or, The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or... The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of the relay devices that are directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, If the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or if the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; The identifier of each relay device corresponds to the RRC reconfiguration message of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The remote user equipment receives the initial uplink RRC message transmission message containing the RRC establishment request message sent by the distribution unit.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment also includes the identifier of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; and / or, The initial uplink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The method further includes: A second request message is sent to the distribution unit; the second request message is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

18. A communication method, wherein, Applied to a distributed unit, the method includes: The receiving unit sends a first request message, which is used to request the configuration of a first relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment. The response information for sending the first request information to the central unit includes the configuration information of the first relay RLC channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The first request information is contained in the context modification request messages of each of the relay devices on the multi-hop relay path; or, The first request information is included in a context modification request message of an intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or... The first request information is contained in the context modification request message of the relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, When the intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) disconnected state, the first request information is included in the context modification request message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein, The first relay radio link control channel includes the PC5 relay RLC channel and / or the Uu relay RLC channel.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The first relay RLC channel is used to forward the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote user equipment.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The PC5 relay RLC channel of each intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path is used to forward the SRB0 of the remote user equipment.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18-23, wherein, The first request information includes at least one of the following: Request information for requesting the establishment / modification of a relay RLC channel, wherein the centralized unit assigns a local identifier to the remote user equipment, an identifier of at least one relay device, a hop count index corresponding to the relay device, a transmission direction indicator, and a layer 2 identifier of the parent or child node.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The Layer 2 identifier of the parent or child node is indicated by the peer user equipment identifier.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The response information also includes the peer user equipment identification indication.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18-26, wherein, Before the first request information sent by the receiving central unit, the method further includes: The sidelink user information (SUI) contained in the uplink RRC message transmission message is sent to the centralized unit.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The SUI is sent by an intermediate relay device on the multi-hop relay path that is directly connected to the remote user equipment; or, The SUI is sent by the relay device that is directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18-28, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the RRC reconfiguration message generated for each of the relay devices by the central unit; Send an RRC reconfiguration complete message for each of the relay devices to the central unit.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, For each of the relay devices, the relay device's RRC reconfiguration message is included in the relay device's downlink RRC message transmission message; or, The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of intermediate relay devices directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or... The RRC reconfiguration messages for all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission messages of the relay devices that are directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, If the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; or if the RRC reconfiguration messages of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path are included in the downlink RRC message transmission message of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the downlink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of each relay device on the multi-hop relay path; The identifier of each relay device corresponds to the RRC reconfiguration message of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

32. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: Send the initial uplink RRC message transmission message containing the RRC establishment request message of the remote user equipment to the central unit.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The initial uplink RRC message transmission message of the remote user equipment also includes the identifier of the intermediate relay device directly connected to the remote user equipment on the multi-hop relay path; and / or, The initial uplink RRC message transmission message also includes the identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path.

34. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives a second request message sent by the central unit; the second request message is used to request the configuration of a second relay radio link control (RLC) channel for the relay device on the multi-hop relay path; the second relay RLC channel is used to forward the data radio bearer (DRB) of the remote user equipment.

35. A communication method, wherein, Applied to a centralized unit, the method includes: A handover message is sent to the distribution unit, the handover message being used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to a multi-hop relay path, the multi-hop relay path including multiple relay devices.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, The switching information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the switching of the multi-hop relay path, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifiers of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

37. A communication method, wherein, Applied to a distributed unit, the method includes: The system receives handover information sent by the central unit. The handover information is used to instruct the remote user equipment to switch to the multi-hop relay path of the remote user equipment. The multi-hop relay path includes multiple relay devices. The handover information is sent to the remote user equipment.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The switching information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the relay device directly connected to the distribution unit on the multi-hop relay path, the timer associated with the switching of the multi-hop relay path, the hop count of the multi-hop relay path, the path identifier of the multi-hop relay path, and the identifiers of all relay devices on the multi-hop relay path.

39. A communication device, wherein, include: Memory and processor; Memory and processor are coupled; The memory is used to store instructions that can be executed by the processor; When the processor executes the instructions, it performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 38.

40. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The method includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 39.

41. A computer program product, wherein, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 39.

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