Communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, medium and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, a medium and a program product. The communication method comprises: a terminal receiving a first MAC PDU sent by a network device, wherein the first MAC PDU includes at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU includes M first MAC subPDUs, and one first MAC subPDU includes a MAC RAR corresponding to one terminal, M being a positive integer. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal receives an RAR sent by a network device, and completes an access process on the basis of the RAR.

Description

Communication methods, terminals, network equipment, communication systems, media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication systems, media, and software products. Background Technology

[0002] User equipment (UE) transmits a PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) signal during RO (RACH Occasion) to perform random access. Random access includes CBRA (Contention-Based Random Access) and CFRA (Contention-Free Random Access). Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication systems, media, and program products.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0005] The network device receives a first Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU), which contains at least one Medium Access Control sub Protocol Data Unit (MAC subPDU). The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs, and each first MAC subPDU contains a Medium Access Control Random Access Response (MAC RAR) corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0007] Send a first MAC PDU to the terminal. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal. M is a positive integer.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising:

[0009] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first MAC PDU sent by a network device. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising:

[0011] The transceiver module is configured to send a first MAC PDU to a terminal. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the method proposed in the first or second aspect.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method proposed in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the method proposed in the second aspect.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0015] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the steps of the method proposed in the first or second aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives a RAR (random access response) sent by the network device and completes the access process according to the RAR. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1B is an exemplary schematic diagram of multiple time slots provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of RO configuration in SBFD (Subband Full Duplex) symbol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1D is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC PDU for RAR provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1E is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC PDU for RAR provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0024] Figure 2B is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5A is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication systems, media, and program products.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0032] The network device receives a first MAC PDU, which contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the terminal receives the RAR sent by the network device and completes the access process according to the RAR.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first MAC subPDUs includes a fixed-length MAC RAR of k2 bits, the fixed-length MAC RAR including a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a first reserved bit, the first reserved bit including k2-k1 bits, where k1 and k2 are positive integers and k2 is not less than k1.

[0035] In the above embodiments, MACRAR is of fixed length and includes a first reserved bit, which can be used for subsequent functional expansion of RAR, increasing the flexibility of RAR expansion.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first MAC subPDUs includes a variable-length MAC RAR, the variable-length MAC RAR including a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a second reserved bit, the second reserved bit including at least one bit, where k1 is a positive integer.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the MACRAR is of variable length and includes a second reserved bit, which can be used for subsequent functional expansion of RAR, increasing the flexibility of RAR expansion.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes at least one of the following:

[0039] Indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR;

[0040] Indication information used to indicate the number of bits, wherein the number of bits is the number of bits occupied by the indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the length of the MAC RAR can be determined based on the indication information in the first MAC subPDU.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0043] Each of the first MAC subPDUs contains indication information for indicating whether the MAC RAR in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length.

[0044] In the above embodiments, when the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR, the MAC RAR contained in each MAC subPDU can be determined to be of fixed or variable length by the indication information in each MAC subPDU.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0046] The first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR, where N is a positive integer; or, the first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR.

[0047] In the above embodiments, when the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR, the positions of the fixed-length and variable-length MAC RARs are fixed, making it easier to determine whether the MAC RAR contained in each MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0049] The at least one MAC subPDU further includes a second MAC subPDU, which is used to indicate that the MAC RAR contained in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length.

[0050] In the above embodiments, when the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR, the positions of the fixed-length and variable-length MAC RARs are not fixed. A MAC subPDU can be used to specifically indicate whether the MAC RAR contained in each first MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one MAC subPDU further includes a third MAC subPDU, the third MAC subPDU containing the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0052] In the above embodiments, a MAC subPDU can be used to specifically indicate the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU. The first information can be additional information of the first MAC subPDU, which can be used for subsequent functional expansion of RAR, increasing the flexibility of RAR expansion.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU includes the index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the MAC subheader of the MAC subPDU includes indication information for indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the MAC subheader of the MAC subPDU may contain indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU. Therefore, for a MAC subPDU, whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU can be determined based on the indication information in its MAC subheader.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0057] In the above embodiments, for a MAC subPDU, whether it is the third MAC subPDU can be determined based on whether it is the last MAC subPDU indicated by the MAC subheader. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to indicate whether a MAC subPDU is the third MAC subPDU.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0059] Receive the DCI used to indicate the first MAC PDU within the first RAR window;

[0060] Receive the DCI used to indicate the second MAC PDU within the second RAR window;

[0061] The second MAC PDU contains the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0062] In the above embodiments, a MAC PDU can be used to specifically indicate the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU. The first information can be additional information of the first MAC subPDU. When functional expansion is required in the future, it is not necessary to modify the existing first MAC PDU. The new extended functions can be indicated through another MAC PDU.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second MAC PDU includes an index of the first MAC subPDU and first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the existence of the second RAR window is determined by a protocol or configured by the network device.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time domain range of the second RAR window is agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by the network device.

[0066] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0067] Send a first MAC PDU to the terminal. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal. M is a positive integer.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first MAC subPDUs includes a fixed-length MAC RAR with a fixed length of k2 bits. The fixed-length MAC RAR includes a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a first reserved bit, which includes k2-k1 bits, where k1 and k2 are positive integers and k2 is not less than k1.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the first MAC subPDUs includes a variable-length MAC RAR, the variable-length MAC RAR including a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a second reserved bit, the second reserved bit including at least one bit, where k1 is a positive integer.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes at least one of the following:

[0071] Indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR;

[0072] Indication information used to indicate the number of bits, wherein the number of bits is the number of bits occupied by the indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0074] Each of the first MAC subPDUs contains indication information for indicating whether the MAC RAR in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0076] The first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR, where N is a positive integer; or, the first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously include both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs; wherein,

[0078] The at least one MAC subPDU further includes a second MAC subPDU, which is used to indicate that the MAC RAR contained in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one MAC subPDU further includes a third MAC subPDU, the third MAC subPDU containing the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU includes the index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the MAC subheader of the MAC subPDU includes indication information for indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Send the DCI indicating the first MAC PDU within the first RAR window;

[0085] Send the DCI indicating the second MAC PDU within the second RAR window;

[0086] The second MAC PDU contains the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second MAC PDU includes an index of the first MAC subPDU and first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the existence of the second RAR window is determined by the protocol or configured by the network device.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time domain range of the second RAR window is agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by the network device.

[0090] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0091] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first MAC PDU sent by a network device. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0092] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0093] The transceiver module is configured to send a first MAC PDU to a terminal. The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU. The at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer.

[0094] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the method described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0097] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the steps of the method described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0098] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0100] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0101] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0102] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0104] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0105] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0106] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0107] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0108] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0109] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0111] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0112] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0113] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0115] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0116] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0117] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0118] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0119] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0120] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal 101 may be a full-duplex terminal or a SBFD-aware UE.

[0121] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, smart door lock, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0122] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects terminal 101 to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0124] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0125] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0126] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0127] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0128] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0130] Before introducing the embodiments of this disclosure, the relevant technologies that may be involved in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described first.

[0131] (1) Random Access (RA)

[0132] When a UE is in idle state, it measures the received signal strength of the synchronization signal block (SS / PBCH block, SSB) beam and selects the optimal SSB beam during initial cell access. In the direction of the optimal SSB beam, it transmits a PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) signal at the RO (RACH Occasion) for random access. In addition, in other states, the UE can also transmit a PRACH signal at the RO for random access. Random access includes CBRA (Contention-Based Random Access) and CFRA (Contention-Free Random Access). In CBRA, multiple UEs may use the same random access preamble, resulting in PRACH signal collisions and random access failure.

[0133] Based on the number of steps in the RA process, RA can be divided into 4-step RA and 2-step RA. Based on whether the Preamble used by the UE will conflict with the Preamble of other UEs, it can be divided into CBRA and CFRA.

[0134] For example, in a contention-based 4-step random access type (CBRA with 4-step RA type), the UE sends Msg1 and Msg3, and the gNB sends Msg2 and Msg4, completing random access in 4 steps. Msg1 is the PRACH signal.

[0135] For example, in a contention-based two-step random access type (CBRA with 2-step RA type), the UE sends MsgA and the gNB sends MsgB, completing random access in two steps. MsgA includes the MsgA-PRACH and MsgA-PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) signals.

[0136] For example, in a non-contention-based 4-step random access type (CFRA with 4-step RA type), the UE sends Msg1, and the gNB sends Msg2, completing random access in two steps. Msg1 is the PRACH signal. The gNB needs to pre-configure the preamble used by the UE's PRACH signal.

[0137] In the non-contention-based two-step random access type (CFRA with 2-step RA type), the UE sends MsgA, and the gNB sends MsgB, completing random access in two steps. MsgA includes the MsgA-PRACH and MsgA-PUSCH signals. The gNB needs to pre-configure the Preamble and PUSCH resources used by the UE's MsgA signal.

[0138] In the above process, the specific steps for the UE to receive Msg2 include:

[0139] Within the random access response window (ra-ResponseWindow), the UE detects DCI 1-0 scrambled with RA-RNTI (Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier) ​​in the Type 1 PDCCH CSS (Type 1 Physical Downlink Control Channel Common Search Space);

[0140] After demodulating DCI 1-0 scrambled with RA-RNTI, the UE demodulates the RAR in Msg2 carrying the RAR (random access response).

[0141] The UE checks whether the RAPID (Random Access Preamble Identifier) ​​in the RAR matches the one used by the UE itself. If they match, the UE uses the information in the UL Grant to send Msg3.

[0142] To improve UL (Msg1) coverage, support for Msg1 repetition was implemented in R18.

[0143] (2) Subband Full Duplex (SBFD)

[0144] To improve UL coverage and throughput, the Rel-18 duplex enhancement project will focus on Subband Full Duplex (SBFD). Specifically, a carrier component (CC) is divided into multiple subbands (SBs) in the frequency domain on either downlink (DL) or flexible (F) symbols. These SBs include UL subbands for uplink (UL) transmission and DL subbands for downlink (DL) transmission, such as one UL subband and at least one (e.g., one or two) DL subbands. A base station can transmit DL signals in the DL subband and simultaneously receive UL signals in the UL subband. Optionally, the DL symbol is a symbol configured as DL using TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated, or a symbol indicated as DL by Downlink Control Information (DCI) 2-0. Optionally, the F symbol is a symbol configured as F by TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated, or a symbol indicated as F by DCI2-0. A symbol that contains both DL and UL subbands in the frequency domain can be called an SBFD symbol. Similarly, a time slot containing multiple symbols, including at least one SBFD symbol, can be called an SBFD time slot. Referring to Figure 1B, time slot #0 is a DL time slot containing 14 DL symbols, time slots #1-3 are SBFD time slots, each containing 14 SBFD symbols, each SBFD symbol containing one UL subband and two DL subbands, and time slot #4 is a UL time slot containing 14 UL symbols.

[0145] There may be a guard band (GB) between the DL subband and the UL subband. Frequency domain isolation through the guard band can reduce the interference between the DL signals in the DL subband and the UL signals in the UL subband.

[0146] In SBFD symbols, the GB and DL subbands cannot be used for UL transmission, while the UL subbands can be used for UL transmission. The frequency domain range usable for UL transmission in SBFD symbols is referred to as the UL available frequency domain range, and the frequency domain range not usable for UL transmission is referred to as the UL unavailable frequency domain range. Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that the UL frequency domain ranges of non-SBFD symbols and SBFD symbols are different. The aforementioned UL available frequency domain range refers to the UL frequency domain range on the CC. In SBFD symbols, the UL available frequency domain range on the UL BWP (UL BandWidth Part, uplink bandwidth portion) refers to the frequency domain range where the UL BWP and the UL available frequency domain range on the CC overlap. Unless otherwise specified, the UL available frequency domain range mentioned below refers to the UL available frequency domain range on the UL BWP.

[0147] The UE can transmit uplink signals in the UL subband of the SBFD symbol. Therefore, configuring RO / transmitting Msg3 / transmitting MsgA in the SBFD symbol increases the number of ROs / available time-domain locations for Msg3 / available time-domain locations for MsgA compared to configuring RO / transmitting Msg3 / transmitting MsgA only in the UL or F symbols. SBFD-aware UEs (UEs that can recognize SBFD symbol configurations) can configure RO in the SBFD symbol for random access / transmitting Msg3 / transmitting MsgA, reducing access latency and also lowering the probability of PRACH signal collisions between different UEs in the CBRA. Figure 1C is an exemplary schematic diagram of RO configuration in the SBFD symbol.

[0148] Interference conditions may differ significantly between SBFD and non-SBFD (non-SFBD) symbols, and the power of Msg3 transmission on SBFD and non-SBFD symbols may need to be adjusted differently.

[0149] (3) Random Access Response (RAR)

[0150] Figure 1D is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC PDU (Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit) used for RAR. A MAC PDU used for RAR contains one or more MAC subPDUs and possible padding. Each MAC subPDU can be one of the following three types:

[0151] Type 1 MAC subPDU (subPDU#1): MAC subheader containing only the BI (Backoff Indicator);

[0152] Type 2 MAC subPDU (subPDU#2): Contains only the MAC subheader of RAPID;

[0153] The third type of MAC subPDU (subPDU#3 to subPDU#n): includes a MAC subheader containing RAPID (Random Access Preamble Identifier) ​​and MAC RAR (Media Access Control Random Access Response).

[0154] The fields in the MAC header include:

[0155] E (Extended Field);

[0156] T(type field);

[0157] R (Reserved Field);

[0158] BI (Backoff Instruction);

[0159] RAPID (Random Access Preamble Identifier).

[0160] subPDU#1 is the public part, located at the very beginning of the MAC PDU.

[0161] Optionally, subPDU#1 applies to UEs that receive the MAC PDU but do not include the UE's RAR.

[0162] Optionally, subPDU#1 is applicable to UEs after a failed random access attempt (RA attempt).

[0163] subPDU#2 is a common part that is applicable to OD-SI (On-Demand System Information).

[0164] subPDU#3 to subPDU#n are used for different UEs, and each subPDU contains the MAC RAR corresponding to a UE.

[0165] The value of E (extended field) can be used to determine whether it is the last subPDU.

[0166] The value of T (type field) can determine whether it is a type 1, type 2, or type 3 MAC subPDU. For example, when T takes a specific value, it indicates that the MAC subPDU is a type 1 MAC subPDU, and when T takes another specific value, it indicates that the MAC subPDU may be a type 2 or type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0167] The value of RAPID can be used to determine whether it is a type 2 MAC subPDU or a type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0168] Figure 1E is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC PDU used for RAR. Referring to Figure 1E, the first 16 bits are the MAC sub-header. The MAC RAR is a fixed 56 bits. The MAC RAR contains:

[0169] Timing advance (TA);

[0170] Uplink authorization (UL grant);

[0171] Temporary Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (Temp C-RNTI).

[0172] Among them, timing advance (TA) is the timing advance indication for UL transmission, and UL grant includes information on scheduling Msg3.

[0173] In some embodiments, the UL grant includes at least one of the following:

[0174] Frequency hopping flag;

[0175] Frequency domain resource assignment;

[0176] Time domain resource assignment;

[0177] Modulation and coding scheme;

[0178] Transmission power control command for scheduled PUSCH;

[0179] CSI request.

[0180] The temporary C-RNTI is a temporary identifier for the cell's wireless network. If the RA is successful, the UE can use this value as the C-RNTI.

[0181] In the existing RAR, the RAR is of fixed length, and the field content and number of bits are fixed. The indication of adding new features will be more complicated. For example, the design is more limited when supporting the repetition enhancement of Msg3.

[0182] To address the aforementioned issues, in the embodiments of this disclosure, in the RAR design, in some embodiments, the length of the RAR is fixed, including reserved bits for subsequent function expansion; in some embodiments, the length of the RAR is variable, allowing for more bits to be flexibly used for subsequent function expansion; in some embodiments, a dedicated MAC subPDU indicates the extended information or additional information of the MAC RAR; and in some embodiments, the extended information or additional information of the MAC RAR is indicated by the PDSCH scheduled within the second RAR window.

[0183] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0184] Step S2101: The network device sends the first MAC PDU to the terminal.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first MAC PDU sent by the network device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal detects the contents of the first MAC PDU.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the contents contained in the first MAC PDU.

[0188] The first MAC PDU is used for RAR.

[0189] The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU, and the at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs, where M is a positive integer. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal.

[0190] In some embodiments, each first MAC subPDU belongs to a third type of MAC subPDU.

[0191] In some embodiments, each first MAC subPDU includes:

[0192] MAC subheader containing RAPID;

[0193] This corresponds to a MAC RAR file for a single terminal.

[0194] The M first MAC subPDUs contain a total of M MAC RARs.

[0195] In some embodiments, at least one first MAC subPDU includes a fixed-length MAC RAR of k2 bits, wherein the fixed-length MAC RAR includes a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a first reserved bit, the first reserved bit comprising k2-k1 bits, where k1 and k2 are positive integers and k2 is not less than k1.

[0196] In some embodiments, k2 equals k1.

[0197] In some embodiments, k2 is greater than k1.

[0198] In some embodiments, a portion of the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU contains a fixed-length MAC RAR.

[0199] In some embodiments, in a first MAC PDU, all first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR.

[0200] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR includes protocol-defined fields occupying k1 bits, with each field and its length being fixed.

[0201] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR may also include a first reserved bit.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first reserved bits may include additional fields for RAR functionality extensions. The fields included in the first reserved bits, and the number of bits contained in each field, can be agreed upon through the protocol and / or configured by higher layers. In this case, the first reserved bits increase the flexibility of RAR extensions.

[0203] In some embodiments, if the protocol does not specify a field for the first reserved bit, the first reserved bit can be empty or the MAC RAR may not contain the first reserved bit.

[0204] In some embodiments, if the protocol specifies a field for the first reserved bit, the first reserved bit includes the field specified in the protocol.

[0205] In some embodiments, if the higher layer does not configure the field of the first reserved bit, the first reserved bit can be empty or the MAC RAR may not contain the first reserved field.

[0206] In some embodiments, if the higher layer configures a field of the first reserved bit, the first reserved bit includes the field configured by the higher layer.

[0207] In some embodiments, the value of k2 is not restricted.

[0208] In some embodiments, the length of the MAC RAR is a multiple of 8, that is, the value of k2 is a multiple of 8, so that the size of the MAC RAR can be aligned with a byte.

[0209] In some embodiments, the sum of the lengths of the M MAC RARs is an integer multiple of 8, wherein the length of a single MAC RAR is not limited, or the length of a single MAC RAR can be an integer multiple of 2, 4, or 8.

[0210] In some embodiments, at least one first MAC subPDU includes a variable-length MAC RAR, which includes a protocol-defined field occupying k1 bits and a second reserved bit, wherein the second reserved bit contains at least one bit, and k1 is a positive integer. The number of bits in the second reserved bit is not fixed.

[0211] In some embodiments, a portion of the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU includes a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0212] In some embodiments, in a first MAC PDU, all first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes at least one of the following:

[0214] Indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR;

[0215] Indication information used to indicate the number of bits, which is the number of bits occupied by the indication information used to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0216] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader of the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes indication information for indicating the length of the MAC RAR. For example, assuming the length of the MAC RAR is indicated by m1 bits, the MAC subheader of the first MAC subPDU includes m1 bits of indication information to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0217] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes indication information to indicate the length of the MAC RAR. For example, the MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU includes m1 bits of indication information to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0218] In some embodiments, the value of m1 is not limited.

[0219] In some embodiments, m1 is an integer multiple of 8.

[0220] In some embodiments, m1 takes the value 8*n1, where n1 is a positive integer.

[0221] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader of the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes indication information for indicating the number of bits m1. For example, some bits in the MAC subheader of the first MAC subPDU can be used to indicate the value of m1 or n1. For example, a field in the MAC subheader contains a bit that, when it takes a specific value (e.g., 0), indicates that n1 is 1 or m1 is 8, and when it takes another specific value (e.g., 1), it indicates that n1 is 2 or m1 is 16.

[0222] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU containing the variable-length MAC RAR includes indication information for indicating the number of bits m1. For example, some bits in the MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU can be used to indicate the value of m1 or n1.

[0223] In some embodiments, the values ​​of m1 or n1 can be agreed upon through a protocol.

[0224] In some embodiments, the value of m1 or n1 is determined by the protocol based on the maximum number of bits contained in the MAC RAR.

[0225] In some embodiments, the values ​​of m1 or n1 can be configured at a higher level.

[0226] In some embodiments, the higher layer configures the value of m1 or n1 according to the actual number of bits contained in the MAC RAR.

[0227] In some embodiments, the value of n1 is not restricted.

[0228] In some embodiments, n1 equals 1.

[0229] In some embodiments, n1 equals 2.

[0230] In the above embodiments, the length of the MAC RAR is variable, which can flexibly support the expansion of RAR functions.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fields included in the second reserved bits and the number of bits included in the fields can be agreed upon through the protocol and / or configured by higher layers. In this case, the second reserved bits increase the flexibility of RAR extensions.

[0232] In some embodiments, if the protocol does not specify a field for the second reserved bit, the first reserved bit can be empty or the MAC RAR may not contain the second reserved bit.

[0233] In some embodiments, if the protocol specifies the fields of the second reserved bits, the second reserved bits include the fields specified in the protocol.

[0234] In some embodiments, if the higher layer does not configure the second reserved bit field, the second reserved bit can be empty or the MAC RAR may not contain the second reserved field.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the higher layer configures a field for the second reserved bit, the second reserved bit includes the field configured by the higher layer.

[0236] In some embodiments, in a first MAC PDU, a portion of the first MAC subPDU contains a fixed-length MAC RAR, and another portion of the first MAC subPDU contains a variable-length MAC RAR. That is, the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may include a fixed-length MAC RAR, as agreed upon by the protocol.

[0238] In some embodiments, a fixed-length MAC RAR can be included in the first MAC PDU through high-level configuration.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may include a variable-length MAC RAR, which may be agreed upon by the protocol.

[0240] In some embodiments, a variable-length MAC RAR can be included in the first MAC PDU through high-level configuration.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may be configured by agreement to include both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU can be configured by a higher-level configuration to include both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0243] In some embodiments, a MAC RAR with a fixed length and zero bits in the first reserved bit can be used in a legacy UE, while a MAC RAR with a fixed length and more than zero bits in the first reserved bit or a MAC RAR with a variable length can be used in a new UE.

[0244] In some embodiments, if a first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR, each first MAC subPDU may contain indication information indicating whether the MAC RAR in that first MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length. Therefore, the length of the MAC RAR contained in each first MAC subPDU can be determined by the indication information within that first MAC subPDU.

[0245] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader of the first MAC subPDU includes indication information for indicating whether the MAC RAR in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length. For example, the first MAC subPDU indicates whether the MAC RAR is of fixed or variable length using 1 bit in the MAC subheader.

[0246] In one example, this is indicated by 3 bits in the MAC header:

[0247] The 3-bit indicator defines the type of MAC subPDU as either a Type 1 or Type 4 MAC subPDU. Type 4 MAC subPDUs can be either Type 2 or Type 3 MAC subPDUs. The RAPID parameter can be used to distinguish whether a MAC subPDU is a Type 2 or Type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0248] The 3-bit indicator determines whether it is the last MAC subPDU;

[0249] The 3-bit instruction indicates whether the MAC RAR length is fixed or variable.

[0250] In some embodiments, the 3 bits can be used independently to indicate, for example, by using 1 bit to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is a first-class MAC subPDU or a fourth-class MAC subPDU, by using 1 bit to indicate whether it is the last MAC subPDU, and by using 1 bit to indicate whether the MAC RAR length is fixed or variable.

[0251] In some embodiments, the 3 bits can be used together to indicate.

[0252] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU includes indication information indicating whether the MAC RAR is of fixed or variable length. For example, the first MAC subPDU indicates whether the MAC RAR is of fixed or variable length using 1 bit in the MAC RAR.

[0253] In one example, this is indicated by 2 bits in the MAC header:

[0254] The 2-bit indicator defines the type of MAC subPDU as either a Type 1 or Type 4 MAC subPDU. Type 4 MAC subPDUs can be either Type 2 or Type 3 MAC subPDUs. The RAPID parameter can be used to distinguish whether a MAC subPDU is a Type 2 or Type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0255] The 2-bit indicator determines whether it is the last MAC subPDU.

[0256] In one example, if the MAC subPDU is a Class 3 MAC subPDU, the MAC RAR length is indicated by 1 bit in the MAC RAR as either fixed or variable.

[0257] In some embodiments, if the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length MAC RAR and a variable-length MAC RAR, the first N MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU contain MAC RARs of fixed length, and the subsequent MAC subPDUs contain MAC RARs of variable length; or, the first N MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU contain MAC RARs of variable length, and the subsequent MAC subPDUs contain MAC RARs of fixed length. N is a positive integer.

[0258] Optionally, the first N MAC subPDUs can be interpreted as the first N MAC subPDUs among all MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU, or as the first N MAC subPDUs among the MAC subPDUs of the third category in the first MAC PDU, that is, the first N first MAC subPDUs among the M first MAC subPDUs.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first N first MAC subPDUs among the M first MAC subPDUs contain a fixed-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain a variable-length MAC RAR.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first N first MAC subPDUs among the M first MAC subPDUs contain variable-length MAC RARs, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain fixed-length MAC RARs.

[0261] In some embodiments, the value of N can be agreed upon through a protocol.

[0262] In some embodiments, the value of N can be configured at a higher level.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU includes indication information for indicating the value of N. The location of this indication information in the first MAC PDU is not limited; for example, it can be in the MAC header of any MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU, or in the MAC RAR of any MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0264] In some embodiments, the positions of the fixed-length and variable-length MAC RARs in the first MAC PDU are not fixed.

[0265] In some embodiments, a first MAC PDU includes at least one MAC subPDU, which includes M first MAC subPDUs, and also includes a second MAC subPDU, which is used to indicate that the MAC RAR included in the first MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length.

[0266] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU indicates that the MAC RAR contained in each first MAC subPDU is of fixed or variable length.

[0267] For example, the second MAC subPDU contains a first bitmap of length M. The i-th bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether the MAC RAR contained in the i-th first MAC subPDU among the M first MAC subPDUs is of fixed or variable length. The i-th bit can refer to the i-th MSB (Most Significant Bit) or LSB (Least Significant Bit). For example, if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is a specific value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the MAC RAR contained in the i-th first MAC subPDU is of fixed length; if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is another specific value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the MAC RAR contained in the i-th first MAC subPDU is of variable length.

[0268] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR of fixed length, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs contain a MAC RAR of variable length. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs with fixed length.

[0269] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR of variable length, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs contain a MAC RAR of fixed length. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs with variable length.

[0270] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader of a MAC subPDU may include indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a second MAC subPDU. Therefore, for a MAC subPDU, it can be determined whether the MAC subPDU is a second MAC subPDU based on the indication information in its MAC subheader.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may include indication information for indicating the location of the second MAC subPDU.

[0272] In some embodiments, the location of the second MAC subPDU can be agreed upon through a protocol.

[0273] In some embodiments, the location of the second MAC subPDU can be configured at a higher level.

[0274] For example, the second MAC subPDU may be agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the higher layer as the last MAC subPDU, or the second MAC subPDU may be agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the higher layer before all first MAC subPDUs, or the second MAC subPDU may be agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the higher layer as the first MAC subPDU, or the second MAC subPDU may be agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the higher layer as the first MAC subPDU after the first type of MAC subPDU.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU by default. Optionally, whether a MAC subPDU is the second MAC subPDU can be determined based on whether the MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU, for example, by using the value of E to determine whether it is the last subPDU. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the second MAC subPDU.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU by default. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the second MAC subPDU.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU following the first type of MAC subPDU. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the second MAC subPDU.

[0278] In some embodiments, reserved bits (a first reserved bit and / or a second reserved bit) can be used to indicate new functionality. The new functionality can be a subsequent feature extension of RAR, but is not limited to this, and can also be a functionality unrelated to RAR.

[0279] In some embodiments, the fields in the reserved bits may include at least one of the following:

[0280] Does Msg3 use Transport Block over Multiple Slots (TBoMS) for transmission?

[0281] Does Msg3 use repetition type B?

[0282] Does Msg3 use demodulation reference signal bounding (DMRS bounding)?

[0283] Second Transmission Power Control (TPC) command.

[0284] According to the above embodiment, the MAC RAR includes a protocol-defined field of k1 bits, and also includes a first reserved bit or a second reserved bit. The protocol-defined field of k1 bits includes a first TPC command, and the first reserved bit or the second reserved bit includes a second TPC command. One of the first TPC command and the second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in SBFD symbols, and the other is used for the transmission of Msg3 in non-SBFD symbols.

[0285] In some embodiments, a first TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a first symbol class, and a second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a second symbol class. The first symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is an SBFD symbol; or, the first symbol class is an SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol. Optionally, if the symbol containing Msg3 includes both the first and second symbol classes, a TPC command can be used on either the first or second symbol class; or, the transmission of Msg3 in the first symbol class uses the first TPC command, and the transmission of Msg3 in the second symbol class uses the second TPC command.

[0286] In the above embodiments, the power of Msg3 transmission in SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols can be differentiated by using the first TPC command indicated in k1 bits and the second TPC command indicated in the first reserved bit or the second reserved bit.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU includes at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU includes M first MAC subPDUs, and also includes a third MAC subPDU, the third MAC subPDU including first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first information corresponding to a first MAC subPDU may refer to information associated with the first MAC subPDU, such as additional information, extended information, auxiliary information, etc. of the first MAC subPDU, which is not included in the first MAC subPDU but is included in the third MAC subPDU.

[0289] In some embodiments, all first MAC subPDUs in a first MAC PDU contain first information.

[0290] In some embodiments, some first MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU contain first information, while some first MAC subPDUs do not contain first information.

[0291] In some embodiments, the number of bits contained in the fields and / or fields in the first information corresponding to different first MAC subPDUs may be the same or different.

[0292] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU includes an index of the first MAC subPDU and first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

[0293] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is also used to indicate whether the first MAC subPDU contains first information.

[0294] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU indicates whether first information exists for each first MAC subPDU.

[0295] For example, the third MAC subPDU contains a second bitmap of length M. The i-th bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the i-th first MAC subPDU among the M first MAC subPDUs contains first information. The i-th bit can refer to the i-th MSB or LSB. For example, if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is a specific value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the i-th first MAC subPDU does not contain first information; if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is another specific value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the i-th first MAC subPDU contains first information.

[0296] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDUs contain first information, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs do not contain first information. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs that contain first information.

[0297] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDUs do not contain the first information, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs do contain the first information. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs that do not contain the first information.

[0298] In some embodiments, the number of bits of the first information corresponding to each first MAC subPDU containing the first information may be the same.

[0299] For example, suppose that M1 of the M first MAC subPDUs contain first information, and the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs occupies the same number of bits, which is N1 bits. The third MAC subPDU also contains M1*N1 bits, and M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs respectively. M1 and N1 are positive integers, and M1 is not greater than M.

[0300] Optionally, M1 equals M.

[0301] Optionally, M1 is less than M.

[0302] Optionally, in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits, every consecutive N1 bits contain first information corresponding to a first MAC subPDU. The first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs can be arranged sequentially according to the index size of the first MAC subPDUs, for example, in descending order of index or ascending order of index. For example, in ascending order of index, the first to N1 bits in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU with the smallest index among the M1 first MAC subPDUs. For example, in descending order of index, the first to N1 bits in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU with the largest index among the M1 first MAC subPDUs.

[0303] In some embodiments, the position between the second bitmap and the M1*N1 bits in the third MAC subPDU is not restricted. For example, the M1*N1 bits may be located after the second bitmap.

[0304] In some embodiments, the number of bits of the first information corresponding to each first MAC subPDU containing the first information may be different.

[0305] For example, suppose that M1 of the M first MAC subPDUs contain first information, and the number of bits occupied by the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs is different. For the j-th first MAC subPDU among the M1 first MAC subPDUs, the third MAC subPDU also contains N bits used to indicate the number of bits occupied by the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU. j The instruction information and the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU, where M1 is a positive integer.

[0306] For the j-th first MAC subPDU, N can be indicated by P bits. j The value of P. Optionally, the value of P is determined according to max{N}. j} Determined. Optionally, P = ceil(log2(max{N j})), where ceil means rounding up.

[0307] For the j-th first MAC subPDU, N can be indicated by P bits. j The value of , and then the subsequent N j One bit is used to indicate the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU.

[0308] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader of a MAC subPDU may include indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU. Therefore, for a MAC subPDU, whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU can be determined based on the indication information in its MAC subheader.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may include indication information for indicating the location of the third MAC subPDU.

[0310] In some embodiments, the location of the third MAC subPDU can be agreed upon through a protocol.

[0311] In some embodiments, the location of the third MAC subPDU can be configured at a higher level.

[0312] For example, the third MAC subPDU may be agreed upon or configured by the higher layer to be the last MAC subPDU, or the third MAC subPDU may be agreed upon or configured by the higher layer to be before all the first MAC subPDUs, or the third MAC subPDU may be agreed upon or configured by the higher layer to be the first MAC subPDU, or the third MAC subPDU may be agreed upon or configured by the higher layer to be the first MAC subPDU after the first type of MAC subPDUs.

[0313] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is assumed to be the last MAC subPDU. Optionally, whether a MAC subPDU is the third MAC subPDU can be determined based on whether the MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU, for example, by using the value of E to determine whether it is the last subPDU. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the third MAC subPDU.

[0314] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU by default. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the third MAC subPDU.

[0315] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU after the first type of MAC subPDU by default. Therefore, it is not necessary to add additional indication information to the MAC subheader to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is the third MAC subPDU.

[0316] In some embodiments, the fields included in the first information and the number of bits contained in the fields can be agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by a higher level.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate additional information, or extended information, etc.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a new feature. The new feature may be a subsequent feature extension of RAR, but is not limited to this, and may also be a feature unrelated to RAR.

[0319] In some embodiments, the fields in the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0320] Does Msg3 use TBoMS?

[0321] Does Msg3 use repetition type B?

[0322] Does Msg3 use DMRS bounding?

[0323] Second TPC command.

[0324] According to the above embodiment, the first MAC PDU includes M first MAC subPDUs and also includes a third MAC subPDU. The MAC RAR of the first MAC subPDU includes a first TPC command, and the third MAC subPDU includes a second TPC command. One of the first TPC command and the second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in SBFD symbols, and the other is used for the transmission of Msg3 in non-SBFD symbols.

[0325] In some embodiments, a first TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a first symbol class, and a second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a second symbol class. The first symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is an SBFD symbol; or, the first symbol class is an SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol. Optionally, if the symbol containing Msg3 includes both the first and second symbol classes, a TPC command can be used on either the first or second symbol class; or, the transmission of Msg3 in the first symbol class uses the first TPC command, and the transmission of Msg3 in the second symbol class uses the second TPC command.

[0326] In the above embodiments, the power of Msg3 transmission in SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols can be differentially adjusted by using the first TPC command indicated by the first MAC subPDU and the second TPC command indicated by the third MAC subPDU.

[0327] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional.

[0328] In some embodiments, reference may be made to the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification.

[0329] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0330] Step S2201: The network device sends the first MAC PDU to the terminal.

[0331] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first MAC PDU sent by the network device.

[0332] In some embodiments, the terminal detects the contents of the first MAC PDU.

[0333] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the contents contained in the first MAC PDU.

[0334] The first MAC PDU is used for RAR.

[0335] The first MAC PDU contains at least one MAC subPDU, and the at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs, where M is a positive integer. Each first MAC subPDU contains a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal.

[0336] In some embodiments, each first MAC subPDU belongs to a third type of MAC subPDU.

[0337] In some embodiments, each first MAC subPDU includes:

[0338] MAC subheader containing RAPID;

[0339] This corresponds to a MAC RAR file for a single terminal.

[0340] The M first MAC subPDUs contain a total of M MAC RARs.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU adopts a design in the prior art. Optionally, the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU adopts a design in the prior art. For example, the field content and number of bits of the MAC RAR contained in the first MAC subPDU are fixed, as shown in FIG1E. The MAC RAR contains: TA, UL grant, and temporary C-RNTI.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU adopts the design of the present disclosure, for example, an optional implementation of the first MAC PDU in the embodiment of FIG2A.

[0343] In some embodiments, a portion of the first MAC PDU adopts a design in the prior art, while a portion of the first MAC PDU adopts a design in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0344] Step S2202: The network device sends a second MAC PDU to the terminal.

[0345] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a second MAC PDU sent by the network device.

[0346] In some embodiments, the terminal detects the contents of the second MAC PDU.

[0347] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the contents contained in the second MAC PDU.

[0348] In some embodiments, the second MAC PDU is used to indicate the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0349] In some embodiments, the second MAC PDU contains first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first information corresponding to a first MAC subPDU may refer to information associated with the first MAC subPDU, such as additional information, extended information, auxiliary information, etc. of the first MAC subPDU, which is not included in the first MAC PDU but is included in the second MAC PDU.

[0351] In some embodiments, all first MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU contain first information.

[0352] In some embodiments, some first MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU contain first information, while some first MAC subPDUs do not contain first information.

[0353] In some embodiments, the number of bits contained in the fields and / or fields in the first information corresponding to different first MAC subPDUs may be the same or different.

[0354] In some embodiments, the second MAC PDU includes an index of the first MAC subPDU and first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU. The functionality and optional implementations of the second MAC PDU can be seen in the functionality and optional implementations of the third MAC subPDU in the embodiment of Figure 2A.

[0355] In some embodiments, the second MAC PDU is also used to indicate whether the first MAC subPDU contains first information.

[0356] Optionally, the second MAC PDU indicates whether the first information exists for each first MAC subPDU.

[0357] For example, the second MAC PDU contains a third bitmap of length M. The i-th bit in the third bitmap is used to indicate whether the i-th first MAC subPDU among the M first MAC subPDUs contains first information. The i-th bit can refer to the i-th MSB or LSB. For example, if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is a specific value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the i-th first MAC subPDU does not contain first information; if the value of the i-th MSB or LSB is another specific value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the i-th first MAC subPDU contains first information.

[0358] Optionally, the second MAC PDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDUs have first information, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs do not have first information. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs that have first information.

[0359] Optionally, the second MAC PDU indicates that a portion of the first MAC subPDUs do not contain the first information, while the remaining first MAC subPDUs do contain the first information. For example, it indicates the number of first MAC subPDUs that contain the first information.

[0360] In some embodiments, the number of bits of the first information corresponding to each first MAC subPDU containing the first information may be the same.

[0361] For example, suppose that M1 of the M first MAC subPDUs contain first information, and the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs occupies the same number of bits, which is N1 bits. The second MAC PDU also contains M1*N1 bits, and M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs respectively. M1 and N1 are positive integers, and M1 is not greater than M.

[0362] Optionally, M1 equals M.

[0363] Optionally, M1 is less than M.

[0364] Optionally, in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits, every consecutive N1 bits contain first information corresponding to a first MAC subPDU. The first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs can be arranged sequentially according to the index size of the first MAC subPDUs, for example, in descending order of index or ascending order of index. For example, in ascending order of index, the first to N1 bits in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU with the smallest index among the M1 first MAC subPDUs. For example, in descending order of index, the first to N1 bits in the aforementioned M1*N1 bits contain the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU with the largest index among the M1 first MAC subPDUs.

[0365] In some embodiments, the position between the third bitmap and the M1*N1 bits in the second MAC PDU is not restricted. For example, the M1*N1 bits may be located after the third bitmap.

[0366] In some embodiments, the number of bits of the first information corresponding to each first MAC subPDU containing the first information may be different.

[0367] For example, suppose that M1 out of M first MAC subPDUs contain first information, and the number of bits occupied by the first information corresponding to the M1 first MAC subPDUs is different. For the j-th first MAC subPDU among the M1 first MAC subPDUs, the second MAC PDU also contains N to indicate the number of bits N occupied by the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU. j The instruction information and the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU, where M1 is a positive integer.

[0368] For the j-th first MAC subPDU, N can be indicated by P bits. j The value of P. Optionally, the value of P is determined according to max{N}. j} Determined. Optionally, P = ceil(log2(max{N j})), where ceil means rounding up.

[0369] For the j-th first MAC subPDU, N can be indicated by P bits. j The value of , and then the subsequent N jOne bit is used to indicate the first information corresponding to the j-th first MAC subPDU.

[0370] The present disclosure does not limit the structure of the second MAC PDU.

[0371] In some embodiments, the network device sends a DCI for indicating a first MAC PDU. The DCI for indicating the first MAC PDU is denoted as the first DCI.

[0372] In some embodiments, the network device sends a DCI indicating a first MAC PDU within a first RAR window.

[0373] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a DCI for indicating a first MAC PDU.

[0374] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a DCI indicating a first MAC PDU within a first RAR window.

[0375] In some embodiments, the network device sends a DCI for indicating a second MAC PDU. The DCI for indicating a second MAC PDU is denoted as the second DCI.

[0376] In some embodiments, the network device sends a DCI indicating a second MAC PDU within the second RAR window.

[0377] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a DCI for indicating a second MAC PDU.

[0378] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a DCI indicating a second MAC PDU within a second RAR window.

[0379] In some embodiments, the duration of the first RAR window and the second RAR window may be the same or different.

[0380] In some embodiments, the starting positions of the first RAR window and the second RAR window may be the same or different.

[0381] In some embodiments, the end positions of the first RAR window and the second RAR window may be the same or different.

[0382] In some embodiments, the temporal positional relationship between the first RAR window and the second RAR window is not limited.

[0383] In some embodiments, the first RAR window precedes the second RAR window. "The first RAR window precedes the second RAR window" can be understood as the end position of the first RAR window preceding the start position of the second RAR window, or the start position of the first RAR window preceding the start position of the second RAR window, or the end position of the first RAR window preceding the end position of the second RAR window.

[0384] In some embodiments, the first RAR window and the second RAR window may overlap completely or partially in the time domain, or they may not overlap.

[0385] In some embodiments, the existence of a second RAR window can be determined by the protocol. For example, the protocol may specify that a second RAR window exists, or it may specify that a second RAR window does not exist.

[0386] In some embodiments, the existence of a second RAR window can be configured by a higher-level system. For example, the higher-level system may configure the second RAR window to exist, or it may configure the second RAR window to not exist.

[0387] In some embodiments, if a second RAR window exists, the network device sends a DCI indicating the second MAC PDU, and the terminal receives the DCI indicating the second MAC PDU within the second RAR window.

[0388] In some embodiments, if a second RAR window exists, the network device sends a second MAC PDU, and the terminal receives the second MAC PDU.

[0389] In some embodiments, if the second RAR window is not present, the network device does not send a DCI for indicating the second MAC PDU.

[0390] In some embodiments, if the second RAR window does not exist, the network device does not send the second MAC PDU.

[0391] In the above embodiments, the existence of the second RAR window can be determined according to the protocol or high-level configuration, and then it can be determined whether there is a second MAC PDU to indicate the first information of the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0392] In some embodiments, the time domain range of the second RAR window may be agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by the network device.

[0393] In some embodiments, the starting position of the second RAR window can be agreed upon by agreement.

[0394] In some embodiments, there is a minimum interval of q symbols between the first symbol of the control resource set (CORESET) carrying the second DCI and the last symbol of the RO carrying Msg1, where q is a positive integer. The starting position of the second RAR window is determined based on the configuration of the CORESET and the temporal position of the RO carrying Msg1.

[0395] In some embodiments, it may be agreed that there is a minimum interval of q symbols between the first symbol of the CORESET carrying the second DCI and the last symbol of the RO carrying Msg1.

[0396] In some embodiments, the value of q can be agreed upon by agreement.

[0397] In some embodiments, the protocol for determining the starting position of the second RAR window is the same as that for determining the starting position of the first RAR window.

[0398] In some embodiments, the starting position of the second RAR window can be configured at a higher level.

[0399] In some embodiments, the end position of the second RAR window can be agreed upon by agreement.

[0400] In some embodiments, the end position of the second RAR window can be configured at a higher level.

[0401] In some embodiments, the duration of the second RAR window can be agreed upon. For example, the duration of the second RAR window can be agreed upon as 10ms.

[0402] In some embodiments, the duration of the second RAR window can be configured at a higher level.

[0403] In some embodiments, the duration of the second RAR window is the same as the duration of the first RAR window.

[0404] In some embodiments, the duration of the second RAR window is the same as the duration of the first RAR window.

[0405] In some embodiments, the fields included in the first information and the number of bits contained in the fields can be agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by a higher level.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate additional information, or extended information, etc.

[0407] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a new feature. The new feature may be a subsequent feature extension of RAR, but is not limited to this, and may also be a feature unrelated to RAR.

[0408] In some embodiments, the fields in the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0409] Does Msg3 use TBoMS?

[0410] Does Msg3 use repetition type B?

[0411] Does Msg3 use DMRS bounding?

[0412] Second TPC command.

[0413] According to the above embodiments, the first MAC PDU contains a first TPC command, and the second MAC PDU contains a second TPC command. One of the first TPC command and the second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in SBFD symbols, and the other is used for the transmission of Msg3 in non-SBFD symbols.

[0414] In some embodiments, a first TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a first symbol class, and a second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in a second symbol class. The first symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is an SBFD symbol; or, the first symbol class is an SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol. Optionally, if the symbol containing Msg3 includes both the first and second symbol classes, a TPC command can be used on either the first or second symbol class; or, the transmission of Msg3 in the first symbol class uses the first TPC command, and the transmission of Msg3 in the second symbol class uses the second TPC command.

[0415] In some embodiments, the MAC RAR in the first MAC PDU contains a first TPC command, and the second MAC PDU contains a second TPC command. The power of Msg3 transmission in SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols can be differentially adjusted by the first TPC command indicated by the first MAC PDU and the second TPC command indicated by the second MAC PDU.

[0416] In the above embodiments, additional information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU can be indicated by a second MAC PDU. When functional expansion is required in the future, the existing first MAC PDU does not need to be modified, and the new extended functions can be indicated by another MAC PDU.

[0417] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to those described in the embodiments. The terms “information”, “message”, “signal”, “signaling”, “report”, “configuration”, “indication”, “instruction”, “channel”, “parameter”, “domain”, “field”, “symbol”, “symbol”, “codebook”, “codeword”, “codepoint”, “bit”, and “data” can be used interchangeably.

[0418] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink".

[0419] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0420] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0421] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0422] In some embodiments, the terms "search space", "search space set", "search space configuration", "search space set configuration", "control resource set (CORESET)", and "CORESET configuration" can be used interchangeably.

[0423] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0424] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0425] In some embodiments, the terms “resource block (RB)”, “physical resource block (PRB)”, “sub-carrier group (SCG)”, “resource element group (REG)”, “PRB pair”, “RB pair”, “resource element (RE)”, and “sub-carrier” can be used interchangeably.

[0426] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0427] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0428] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0429] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2202. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S2202 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0430] In some embodiments, steps S2201 and S2202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0431] In some embodiments, step S2201 is optional.

[0432] In some embodiments, step S2202 is optional.

[0433] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0434] In conjunction with some embodiments shown in Figures 2A and 2B, further optional implementations are described in some embodiments.

[0435] The transmission of Msg3 can be scheduled via the UL grant in the MAC RAR or subsequent DCI. The UL grant in the MAC RAR and the DCI scheduling Msg3 contain some fields with the same functionality. In some embodiments, the number of bits for the fields with the same functionality in the UL grant and the DCI scheduling Msg3 can be the same.

[0436] For example, fields with the same functionality include at least one of the following:

[0437] Frequency hopping flag;

[0438] Frequency domain resource assignment;

[0439] Time domain resource assignment;

[0440] Modulation and coding scheme;

[0441] Transmission power control command for scheduled PUSCH.

[0442] For example, the number of bits allocated for frequency domain resources in the UL grant of an existing MAC RAR is a fixed value, such as 14 bits.

[0443] In some embodiments, the number of bits allocated for frequency domain resources in the UL grant of the MAC RAR is adjusted to be related to the number of RBs (Resource Blocks) in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3. For example, the number of bits allocated for frequency domain resources in the UL grant is... Indicates rounding up. The number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3.

[0444] In some embodiments, considering that the amount of Msg3 data is very small (exemplarily 56 bits or 72 bits), the number of PRBs (Physical Resource Blocks) carrying Msg3 is small, and the number of bits required to indicate the frequency domain resource allocation of Msg3 frequency domain resources can be reduced, for example, to less than a fixed 14 bits or less.

[0445] In some embodiments, the UL grant includes a frequency hopping field. When the frequency hopping flag is a first value, the frequency hopping field is 0 bits; when the frequency hopping flag is a second value, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is determined based on the number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3. For example, if the number of RBs is less than 50, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is 1 bit; if the number of RBs is greater than or equal to 50, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is 2 bits, and the number of RBs is the number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3.

[0446] For example, the modulation and coding scheme in the UL grant of the existing MAC RAR occupies 4 bits, and the modulation and coding scheme in the DCI of the scheduling Msg3 occupies 5 bits.

[0447] In some embodiments, the number of bits occupied by the modulation and coding scheme in the UL grant of MAC RAR is adjusted to 5 bits.

[0448] The DCI for scheduling Msg3 also includes fields not included in the UL grant of MAC RAR, and at least one of these fields can be added to the UL grant of MAC RAR.

[0449] For example, these fields may include at least one of the following fields:

[0450] New data indicator;

[0451] Redundancy version;

[0452] Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process number;

[0453] Combinations of channel access type and cyclic prefix extension (ChannelAccess-CPext);

[0454] Padding bits;

[0455] Uplink or supplementary uplink indicator (UL / SUL (Supplimentary Uplink) indicator).

[0456] According to the above embodiments, the UL grant of MAC RAR and the DCI of scheduling Msg3 are kept consistent, which facilitates subsequent function expansion.

[0457] For example, the timing advance (TA) indication field in existing MAC RARs is a fixed 12 bits. The time granularity corresponding to the TA is related to the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the transmitted Msg3. Different preamble formats correspond to different cell coverage areas (radiuses), and the required TA indication length may vary accordingly.

[0458] In some embodiments, the number of bits occupied by the TA in the MAC RAR is determined by at least one of the preamble format, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) for transmitting Msg3, and the SCS for transmitting the preamble.

[0459] In some embodiments, the actual number of bits required for the TA indication can be determined based on at least one of the preamble format, the SCS of the transmitted Msg3, and the SCS of the preamble, thereby reducing the overhead of the TA indication.

[0460] Preamble can include a first type of preamble and a second type of preamble, and each type of preamble includes multiple formats.

[0461] For example, a first-class preamble may include the following preamble formats:

[0462] preamble format 0;

[0463] preamble format 1;

[0464] preamble format 2;

[0465] Preamble format 3.

[0466] For example, a first-class preamble may include the following preamble formats:

[0467] preamble format A1;

[0468] Preamble format A2;

[0469] Preamble format A3;

[0470] preamble format B1;

[0471] preamble format B2;

[0472] preamble format B3;

[0473] preamble format B4;

[0474] preamble format C0;

[0475] Preamble format C2.

[0476] For ease of understanding, the number of bits in TA will be explained below in conjunction with the first type of Preamble and the second type of Preamble.

[0477] For example, a time unit Ts is defined.

[0478] For example: Δf ref =15×10 3 Hz N f,ref =2048

[0479] The time granularity of TA adjustment is m2*Ts / 2 μ m2 is an integer. For example, m2 can be 16. μ is a parameter related to the SCS corresponding to Msg3, and μ is determined according to the SCS corresponding to Msg3 (denoted as SCS#1). For example, μ = SCS#1 / 15Khz-1.

[0480] Optionally, for the first type of Preamble, the number of bits occupied by TA can be expressed as:

[0481] Dmax represents the cell coverage area corresponding to Msg1 (Preamble), c is the speed of light, m2 is an integer, and Ts is a time unit. This indicates rounding up to the nearest integer.

[0482] 2 / c can be understood as the round-trip transmission delay of 1km.

[0483] For example, assuming that for the first type of Preamble, m2=16, the uplink synchronization granularity is 16*Ts, and the coverage range of preamble format 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 is 14km, 100km, 21km, and 14km respectively.

[0484] The round-trip transmission delay for 1km is approximately 6.7μs, and the uplink synchronization granularity is 16*Ts, approximately 0.52μs.

[0485] When the coverage range is 14km (format 0 or format 3), the maximum value of TA is 14*6.7 / 0.52=180, and TA requires 8 bits.

[0486] When the coverage range is 21km (format 1), the maximum value of TA is 21*6.7 / 0.52=271, and TA requires 9 bits.

[0487] When the coverage range is 100km (format 2), the maximum value of TA is 100*6.7 / 0.52=1288, and TA requires 11 bits.

[0488] Optionally, for the second type of Preamble, the number of bits occupied by TA can be expressed as:

[0489] μ PUSCH For the SCS-related parameters corresponding to Msg3, μ PUSCHUsed to indicate or characterize the SCS corresponding to Msg3. μ PUSCH Determined based on the SCS (denoted as SCS#1) corresponding to Msg3. For example, μ PUSCH =SCS#1 / 15Khz-1.

[0490] μ PRACH For the SCS-related parameters corresponding to Msg1, μ PRACH Used to indicate or characterize the SCS corresponding to Msg1 (Preamble). μ PRACH Determined based on the SCS (denoted as SCS#2) corresponding to Msg1(Preamble). For example, μ PRACH =SCS#2 / 15Khz-1.

[0491] According to the above embodiments, the length of TA is determined by at least one of the preamble format, the SCS for transmitting Msg3, and the SCS for transmitting preamble, therefore the length of TA is not fixed.

[0492] The temporal granularity of the sensing device (TA) can affect the accuracy of sensing. A smaller TA temporal granularity may result in higher sensing accuracy. The temporal granularity of the TA may also change, such as adjusting the TA temporal granularity to m3*Ts / 2. μ The required length of TA can be determined based on the latest time granularity. Optionally, m3 is less than m2. For example, m3 can be 8.

[0493] In some embodiments, if the time granularity corresponding to TA is adjusted and TA adopts a fixed length, the length of TA can be greater than the fixed 12 bits, for example, TA needs to be 13 bits.

[0494] In some embodiments, if the time granularity corresponding to TA is adjusted and TA adopts a variable length, the number of bits required for TA can be determined by referring to the method above.

[0495] According to the above embodiments, the sensing accuracy can be improved.

[0496] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first MAC PDU is used for RAR and includes at least one MAC subPDU. The MAC subPDU is one of a first type of MAC subPDU, a second type of MAC subPDU, or a third type of MAC subPDU. The first type of MAC subPDU is a MAC subheader containing only BI, the second type of MAC subPDU is a MAC subheader containing only RAPID, and the third type of MAC subPDU includes a MAC subheader containing RAPID and MAC RAR. Specifically, the at least one MAC subPDU includes M first MAC subPDUs, where each first MAC subPDU is a third type of MAC subPDU.

[0497] Alternatively, the terminal can determine the contents of the MAC RAR using the following methods:

[0498] Option 1: The MAC RAR is of fixed length and includes the fields agreed upon by the k1bit protocol and the first reserved bit, which contains at least 1 bit.

[0499] Option 2: The MAC RAR is of variable length, and the first MAC subPDU contains m1 bits to indicate the length of the MAC RAR.

[0500] Option 3: The first MAC PDU also includes a third MAC subPDU, which contains additional information for the first MAC subPDU.

[0501] The third MAC subPDU contains the index of the first MAC subPDU and additional information about the first MAC subPDU.

[0502] Option 4: The terminal receives a first DCI indicating a first MAC PDU in a first RAR window and a second DCI indicating a second MAC PDU in a second RAR window. The second MAC PDU contains additional information about the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0503] In schemes 1 through 4, reserved bits and / or additional information are used to indicate new features, including at least one of the following:

[0504] Msg3withTBoMS instruction message;

[0505] The message msg3with repetition type B indicates that...

[0506] Indication information for DMRS bounding;

[0507] Instruction information for the second TPC command.

[0508] Alternatively, the base station determines the contents of the MAC RAR using methods as described in Schemes 1 to 4 above, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0509] To facilitate understanding, the optional implementation methods of schemes 1 to 4 will be explained in detail below.

[0510] Option 1: The MAC RAR is of fixed length, with a fixed length of k2, containing k1 bits of fields agreed upon by the protocol and a first reserved bit (k2-k1 bits), with the first reserved bit containing at least 1 bit.

[0511] In Scheme 1, the MAC RAR includes fields defined by the k1-bit protocol, each with a fixed length. The MAC RAR may also include a first reserved bit, which can contain additional fields for extending RAR functionality. The additional fields and the number of bits included in each field can be defined by the protocol and / or configured by higher layers. In this case, the first reserved bit increases the flexibility of RAR extensions but also increases the overhead of RAR.

[0512] In some embodiments, k2 is an integer multiple of 8, enabling the MAC RAR size to be aligned with bytes.

[0513] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU contains M MAC RARs, the sum of the lengths of the M MAC RARs is an integer multiple of 8, and the length of a single MAC RAR is not limited and can be an integer multiple of 2, 4, or 8.

[0514] Option 2: The MAC RAR is of variable length, and the first MAC subPDU contains an m1-bit indicator of the MAC RAR length.

[0515] Optionally, m1 can be 8*n1, where n1 is a positive integer.

[0516] Optionally, the MAC RAR length is k2, which includes k1 bits of fields agreed upon by the protocol. When k2 is greater than k1, k2-k1 bits is the second reserved bit, which contains at least 1 bit.

[0517] In Scheme 2, the length of the MAC RAR is variable, allowing for flexible support for the expansion of RAR functionality. For example, an m1 bit indicating the MAC RAR length can be included in the MAC subheader or the MAC RAR itself, where m1 is 8*n1, and n1 is a positive integer. In some cases, n1 is 1; in others, n1 is 2. Optionally, the value of n1 or m1 can be determined through protocol agreement, higher-level configuration, or indication information in the MAC subheader.

[0518] Optionally, the value of m1 or n1 can be determined by the protocol based on the maximum number of bits contained in the MAC RAR.

[0519] Optionally, the value of m1 or n1 can be configured by the higher layer according to the actual number of bits contained in the MAC RAR.

[0520] Optionally, some bits in the MAC subheader can be used to indicate the value of m1 or n1. For example, if a field in the MAC subheader contains 1 bit, a value of 0 indicates that n1 is 1 or m1 is 8, and a value of 1 indicates that n1 is 2 or m1 is 16.

[0521] In Scheme 2, the additional fields included in the second reserved bit, and the number of bits included in each field, can be agreed upon through the protocol and / or configured by higher layers. In this case, the second reserved bit increases the flexibility of RAR expansion, but also increases the overhead of RAR.

[0522] In some embodiments, the first MAC PDU may include a fixed-length and / or variable-length MAC RAR. Optionally, the first MAC PDU may be configured at a higher level or agreed upon by the protocol to include a fixed-length and / or variable-length MAC RAR. In some cases, a fixed-length MAC RAR with a first reserved bit value of 0 is suitable for legacy UEs, while a fixed-length MAC RAR with a first reserved bit value greater than 0 or a variable-length MAC RAR is suitable for new UEs.

[0523] When the first MAC PDU contains both a fixed-length (first reserved bit count greater than 0) and a variable-length MAC RAR, the relevant indication can be made through optional method 1 or 2.

[0524] Option 1: Each MAC subPDU can determine whether the MAC RAR length is fixed or variable through its own MAC subheader and / or fields in the MACRAR.

[0525] For example, indicated by the 3 bits of the MAC subheader:

[0526] The 3 bits indicate whether the MAC subPDU is a type 1 or type 4 MAC subPDU. Type 4 MAC subPDUs are either type 2 or type 3 MAC subPDUs. The RAPID distinguishes whether the MAC subPDU is a type 2 or type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0527] This 3-bit indicator determines whether it is the last MAC subPDU;

[0528] This 3-bit instruction indicates whether the MAC RAR length is fixed or variable.

[0529] If the MAC RAR length is variable, the MAC RAR length can be determined using the method described in Scheme 2.

[0530] Optionally, these 3 bits can indicate independently or in combination.

[0531] In some embodiments, the 3 bits can be used independently to indicate, for example, by using 1 bit to indicate whether the MAC subPDU is a first-class MAC subPDU or a fourth-class MAC subPDU, by using 1 bit to indicate whether it is the last MAC subPDU, and by using 1 bit to indicate whether the MAC RAR length is fixed or variable.

[0532] For example, indicated by a 1-bit MACRAR:

[0533] The 2 bits of the MAC subheader indicate whether the MAC subPDU is a type 1 or type 4 MAC subPDU. Type 4 MAC subPDUs are either type 2 or type 3 MAC subPDUs. The RAPID distinguishes whether the MAC subPDU is a type 2 or type 3 MAC subPDU.

[0534] The 2 bits in the MAC subheader indicate whether it is the last MAC subPDU;

[0535] If the MAC subPDU is a third type of MAC subheader, the length of the MAC RAR is indicated by 1 bit of the MACRAR.

[0536] If the MAC RAR length is variable, the MAC RAR length can be determined using the method described in Scheme 2.

[0537] Option 2: Indicate the type of M first MAC subPDUs as fixed length or variable length by means of an indication message.

[0538] For example, the first N MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU are of fixed length or variable length.

[0539] For example, the first N third-class MAC subPDUs in the first MAC PDU are of fixed length or variable length.

[0540] Optionally, the first MAC PDU contains indication information for indicating the value of N.

[0541] Optionally, the value of N can be determined by protocol agreement or by high-level configuration.

[0542] For example, the positions of the fixed-length and variable-length MAC RARs in the first MAC PDU are not fixed.

[0543] Optionally, the first MAC PDU includes at least one MAC subPDU, which contains M first MAC subPDUs, and also includes a second MAC subPDU, wherein the second MAC subPDU indicates that the i-th MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length. For example, the i-th MAC subPDU can be indicated as fixed length or variable length via a bitmap of length M, where the i-th MSB / LSB bit indicates whether the i-th MAC subPDU is of fixed length or variable length. For instance, a bit value of 0 indicates fixed length, and a bit value of 1 indicates variable length; or, a bit value of 1 indicates fixed length, and a bit value of 0 indicates variable length.

[0544] Optionally, whether a MAC subPDU is a second MAC subPDU can be determined through the MAC subheader. For example, the MAC subheader of a MAC subPDU contains indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a second MAC subPDU.

[0545] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU by default.

[0546] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU by default.

[0547] Optionally, the second MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU after the first type of MAC subPDU.

[0548] In Scheme 1 and Scheme 2, reserved bits can be used to indicate new functions, such as including at least one of the following:

[0549] The Msg3withTBoMS instruction message indicates whether Msg3 uses TboMS;

[0550] The msg3with repetition type B instruction indicates whether Msg3 uses repetition type B.

[0551] The DMRS bounding indication information is used to indicate whether Msg3 uses DMRS bounding;

[0552] The second TPC command indicates another power control message for Msg3.

[0553] Optionally, the first TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in the first symbol class, and the second TPC command is used for the transmission of Msg3 in the second symbol class. The first symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is an SBFD symbol; or, the first symbol class is an SBFD symbol, and the second symbol class is a non-SBFD symbol.

[0554] Optionally, if the symbol containing Msg3 includes both a first symbol class and a second symbol class, a TPC command on either the first or second symbol class can be used; or, the transmission of Msg3 in the first symbol class uses the first TPC command, and the transmission of Msg3 in the second symbol class uses the second TPC command.

[0555] Option 3: The first MAC PDU includes at least one MAC subPDU, which contains M first MAC subPDUs, and also includes a third MAC subPDU, which contains additional information for the first MAC subPDU.

[0556] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU contains an index of the first MAC subPDU and additional information about the first MAC subPDU.

[0557] Optionally, it can be determined whether a MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU through the MAC subheader. For example, the MAC subheader of a MAC subPDU contains indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU.

[0558] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU among the at least one MAC subPDU mentioned above.

[0559] In Scheme 3, an additional third MAC subPDU is used to indicate the extra information used for the first MAC subPDU.

[0560] Optionally, an M-bit bitmap can be used to indicate whether there is additional information in the M first MAC subPDUs. For example, the i-th MSB / LSB bit in the bitmap indicates whether there is additional information in the i-th MAC subPDU.

[0561] The number of bits of additional information in each MAC subPDU may be the same or different.

[0562] (1) The number of bits of extra information in the MAC subPDU is the same.

[0563] Assume there are M1 MAC subPDUs with additional information, and the number of bits for this additional information is N1. The third MAC subPDU contains M1*N1 bits indicating this additional information. The additional information of the M1 MAC subPDUs appears sequentially according to their index size. Optionally, bits 1 to N1 belong to the MAC subPDU with the smallest index among the M1 MAC subPDUs, in ascending order of index. Optionally, bits 1 to N1 belong to the MAC subPDU with the largest index among the M1 MAC subPDUs, in descending order of index.

[0564] (2) The number of bits of additional information in the MAC subPDU containing additional information is different.

[0565] Suppose there are M1 MAC subPDUs with additional information, where the j-th MAC subPDU with additional information has N bits of additional information. j For the j-th MAC subPDU containing additional information, N can be indicated via Pbit. j Size, and then N j One bit is used to indicate additional information. Optionally, P is based on max{N} j} Determined. Optionally, P = ceil(log2(max{N j})), where ceil means rounding up.

[0566] In some embodiments, the MAC subheader in a MAC subPDU indicates that it is a third MAC subPDU.

[0567] In some embodiments, the third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU. In this case, whether it is the third MAC subPDU can be determined based on whether the MAC subheader indicates that the MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU.

[0568] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU by default.

[0569] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU by default.

[0570] Optionally, the third MAC subPDU is the first MAC subPDU after the first type of MAC subPDU.

[0571] Option 4: The terminal receives a first DCI indicating a first MAC PDU in a first RAR window and a second DCI indicating a second MAC PDU in a second RAR window. The second MAC PDU contains additional information about the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0572] Optionally, the second MAC PDU contains an index of the first MAC subPDU and additional information about the first MAC subPDU.

[0573] For details on the indication method of the second MAC PDU, please refer to the description of the third MAC subPDU in Scheme 3.

[0574] In Scheme 4, additional information about the first MAC subPDU is determined by the information carried by the MAC PDU scheduled by the second RAR window.

[0575] Optionally, the existence of a second RAR window can be agreed upon or configured.

[0576] In Scheme 4, the existence of the second RAR window can be determined according to the agreement or high-level configuration, and then it can be determined whether there is a second MAC PDU to indicate additional information of the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

[0577] Optionally, the first RAR window and the second RAR window may partially or completely overlap in the time domain, or they may not overlap at all.

[0578] Optionally, the temporal range of the second RAR window can be determined according to the agreement and / or the high-level configuration.

[0579] Optionally, the starting position of the second RAR window can be agreed upon. For example, the minimum interval between the first symbol of the CORESET carrying the second DCI and the last symbol of the RO carrying Msg1 is q symbols. The starting position of the second RAR window is determined based on the CORESET configuration and the temporal position of the RO carrying Msg1. q is a positive integer.

[0580] Optionally, the protocol for determining the starting position of the second RAR window is the same as that for the first RAR window.

[0581] Optionally, the duration of the second RAR window can be agreed upon. For example, the agreed duration is 10ms.

[0582] Optionally, the duration of the second RAR window is the same as that of the first RAR window.

[0583] In Schemes 3 and 4, the additional fields included in the extra information and the number of bits included in the fields can be agreed upon by the protocol and / or configured by higher layers.

[0584] In Schemes 3 and 4, additional information is used to indicate new functions. For details, please refer to the description of reserved bits in Schemes 1 and 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0585] The transmission of Msg3 can be scheduled via the UL grant in the MAC RAR or the subsequent DCI. The UL grant in the MAC RAR and the DCI for scheduling Msg3 contain some fields with the same functionality, and the number of bits for the fields with the same functionality in the UL grant and the DCI for scheduling Msg3 can be the same.

[0586] For example, fields with the same functionality include at least one of the following:

[0587] Frequency hopping flag;

[0588] Frequency domain resource allocation;

[0589] Time-domain resource allocation;

[0590] Modulation coding scheme;

[0591] Transmission power control commands for PUSCH used for scheduling.

[0592] For example, the number of bits used for frequency domain resource allocation in the existing MAC RAR UL grant is a fixed value, such as 14 bits. This can be adjusted to be related to the number of RBs in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3, such as... in The number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3.

[0593] For example, the modulation and coding scheme in the UL grant of the existing MAC RAR occupies 4 bits, and the modulation and coding scheme in the DCI of the scheduling Msg3 occupies 5 bits. The modulation and coding scheme in the UL grant of the existing MAC RAR can be adjusted to 5 bits.

[0594] The DCI for scheduling Msg3 also contains fields not included in the UL grant of MAC RAR, and at least one of these fields can be added to the UL grant of MAC RAR.

[0595] For example, these fields include at least one of the following fields:

[0596] New data indicates;

[0597] Redundant version;

[0598] HARQ process number;

[0599] A combination of Channel Access Type and Cyclic Prefix Extension (ChannelAccess-CPext);

[0600] padding bits;

[0601] Upward or supplementary upward indication (UL / SUL indicator).

[0602] Optionally, considering that the amount of Msg3 data is very small (exemplarily 56 bits or 72 bits), and the number of PRBs carrying Msg3 is small, the number of bits required to indicate the frequency domain resource allocation of Msg3 can be reduced, for example, to less than a fixed 14 bits or less.

[0603] For example, the UL grant includes a frequency hopping field. When the frequency hopping flag is at its first value, the frequency hopping field is 0 bits; when the frequency hopping flag is at its second value, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is determined based on the number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3. For example, if the number of RBs is less than 50, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is 1 bit; if the number of RBs is greater than or equal to 50, the number of bits in the frequency hopping field is 2 bits, and the number of RBs is the number of RBs included in the initial UL BWP or the number of RBs available for UL transmission within the frequency domain range of the transmitted Msg3.

[0604] Optionally, the TA indicator field in the existing MAC RAR is a fixed 12 bits. The time granularity corresponding to the TA is related to the SCS of the transmitted Msg3. Different preamble formats correspond to different cell coverage radii, and the required TA indicator length may vary accordingly. The actual number of bits required for the TA indicator can be determined based on the preamble format, the SCS of the transmitted Msg3, and the SCS of the preamble, thereby reducing the overhead of the TA indicator.

[0605] For example, a time unit Ts is defined: Δf ref =15×10 3 Hz N f,ref =2048

[0606] The time granularity of TA adjustment is m2*Ts / 2 μ m2 is an integer, which can take the value 16. μ is determined according to the SCS of Msg3, which is denoted as SCS#1. For example, μ = SCS#1 / 15Khz-1. Preamble can include first-class preamble and second-class preamble, and each class of preamble has multiple formats.

[0607] For example, assuming the TA adjustment granularity of the first type of Preamble is 16*Ts, the coverage ranges of the preamble formats 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 included in the first type of Preamble are 14km, 100km, 21km, and 14km, respectively.

[0608] The round-trip transmission delay over 1km is approximately 6.7μs, and the uplink synchronization granularity is 16·T. s Approximately 0.52 μs, therefore:

[0609] At 14km (format 0 / 3), the maximum value of TA is 14*6.7 / 0.52=180, and TA indication requires 8 bits;

[0610] At 21km (format 1), the maximum value of TA is 21*6.7 / 0.52=271, and TA indication requires 9 bits;

[0611] At 100km (format 2), the maximum value of TA is 100*6.7 / 0.52=1288, and TA indication requires 11 bits.

[0612] For example, the second type of preamble includes preamble formats A1 / A2 / A3 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C0 / C2, and the number of bits required for the TA indicator can be determined as follows:

[0613] Where, μ PUSCH The SCS used to characterize Msg3 is denoted as SCS#1. For example, μ PUSCH =SCS#1 / 15Khz-1,μ PRACH The SCS used to characterize Msg1(preamble) is denoted as SCS#2. For example, μ PRACH =SCS#2 / 15Khz-1. Dmax is the cell coverage area corresponding to Msg1 (preamble), and c is the speed of light.

[0614] Using the above method, the SCS of Msg3 can be determined for different preamble formats, and the number of bits of the TA corresponding to the SCS of the preamble can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of TA indication.

[0615] Furthermore, the time granularity of the sensing technique (TA) can affect the accuracy of sensing; a smaller TA time granularity may result in higher sensing accuracy, and the corresponding time granularity of the TA may change. For example, the time granularity of the TA adjustment might be set to m3*Ts / 2. μ The required length of the TA can be determined based on the latest time granularity. For example, m3 = 8.

[0616] Alternatively, if the TA is of fixed length, the TA indicator requires 13 bits.

[0617] Alternatively, if the TA is of variable length, the number of bits required to indicate the TA can be determined by referring to the aforementioned method.

[0618] In some embodiments, the communication method shown in this disclosure can be used in the fallback RAR and success RAR included in MsgB in a 2-step RA. That is, the MAC RAR in the above scheme can be applied to the subPDU containing MAC subheader and MAC RAR in Msg2 in a 4-step RA, the subPDU containing MAC subheader and fallback RAR in MsgB in a 2-step RA, and the subPDU containing MAC subheader and success RAR in MsgB in a 2-step RA.

[0619] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0620] Step S3101: The base station sends the second information to the UE.

[0621] In some embodiments, the second information includes RAR and configuration information for configuring the fields and / or the number of bits in the fields contained in the first reserved bits.

[0622] In some embodiments, the second information includes RAR and configuration information for configuring the fields and / or the number of bits in the fields contained in the second reserved bits.

[0623] In some embodiments, the second information includes RAR and configuration information for configuring fields and / or the number of bits in the fields included in the additional information. Optionally, the additional information may be, for example, the first information described in the above embodiments.

[0624] Step S3102: The UE determines the content of the RAR based on the second information.

[0625] In some embodiments, the content of the RAR is determined according to an optional implementation in the embodiments described in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0626] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0627] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0628] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0629] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Terminal 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive a first MAC PDU sent by a network device, the first MAC PDU containing at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU containing M first MAC subPDUs, and each first MAC subPDU containing a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0630] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the network device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send a first MAC PDU to a terminal, the first MAC PDU containing at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU containing M first MAC subPDUs, and each first MAC subPDU containing a MAC RAR corresponding to a terminal, where M is a positive integer. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2201, S2202, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0631] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0632] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0633] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0634] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0635] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0636] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2201, and S2202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0637] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0638] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0639] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0640] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0641] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0642] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2201, and S2202, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0643] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0644] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0645] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0646] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a terminal, the method comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU) sent by a network device, wherein the first MAC PDU contains at least one media access control sub-protocol data unit (MAC subPDU), the at least one MAC subPDU contains M first MAC subPDUs, one of the first MAC subPDUs contains a media access control random access response (MAC RAR) corresponding to one terminal, and M is a positive integer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The at least one first MAC subPDU contains a fixed-length MAC RAR, and the fixed length is k2 bits, the fixed-length MAC RAR contains a protocol-agreed field occupying k1 bits and a first reserved bit, the first reserved bit contains k2-k1 bits, k1 and k2 are positive integers, and k2 is not less than k1.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one first MAC subPDU contains a variable-length MAC RAR, and the variable-length MAC RAR contains a protocol-agreed field occupying k1 bits and a second reserved bit, the second reserved bit contains at least one bit, and k1 is a positive integer.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first MAC subPDU in which the variable-length MAC RAR is located contains at least one of the following: indication information for indicating the length of the MAC RAR; indication information for indicating the number of bits, the number of bits being the number of bits occupied by the indication information for indicating the length of the MAC RAR.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The M first MAC subPDUs contain both the fixed-length MAC RAR and the variable-length MAC RAR; wherein Each of the first MAC subPDUs contains indication information for indicating whether the MAC RAR in the first MAC subPDU is of the fixed length or the variable length.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The M first MAC subPDUs contain both the fixed-length MAC RAR and the variable-length MAC RAR; wherein The first N first MAC subPDUs in the M first MAC subPDUs contain the fixed-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain the variable-length MAC RAR, N being a positive integer; or The first N first MAC subPDUs in the M first MAC subPDUs contain the variable-length MAC RAR, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs contain the fixed-length MAC RAR.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The M first MAC subPDUs contain both the fixed-length MAC RAR and the variable-length MAC RAR; wherein The at least one MAC subPDU further contains a second MAC subPDU, and the second MAC subPDU is used for indicating whether the MAC RAR contained in the first MAC subPDU is of the fixed length or the variable length.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The at least one MAC subPDU further comprises a third MAC subPDU, and the third MAC subPDU comprises first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The third MAC subPDU comprises an index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The MAC subheader of the MAC subPDU comprises indication information for indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving, within a first RAR window, DCI for indicating the first MAC PDU; receiving, within a second RAR window, DCI for indicating a second MAC PDU; The second MAC PDU comprises first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second MAC PDU comprises an index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, Whether the second RAR window exists is agreed by a protocol or configured by the network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The time domain range of the second RAR window is agreed by a protocol and / or configured by the network device.

16. A communication method, performed by a network device, comprising: The method comprises: sending, to a terminal, a first MAC PDU, the first MAC PDU comprising at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU comprising M first MAC subPDUs, one of the first MAC subPDUs comprising a MAC RAR corresponding to one terminal, M being a positive integer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, At least one of the first MAC subPDUs comprises a MAC RAR of a fixed length, and the fixed length is k2 bits, the MAC RAR of the fixed length comprising a field agreed by a protocol occupying k1 bits and a first reserved bit, the first reserved bit comprising k2-k1 bits, k1 and k2 being positive integers, and k2 not being less than k1.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that At least one of the first MAC subPDUs comprises a MAC RAR of a variable length, the MAC RAR of the variable length comprising a field agreed by a protocol occupying k1 bits and a second reserved bit, the second reserved bit comprising at least one bit, k1 being a positive integer.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The first MAC subPDU in which the MAC RAR of the variable length is located comprises at least one of the following: indication information for indicating the length of the MAC RAR; indication information for indicating the number of bits, the number of bits being the number of bits occupied by the indication information for indicating the length of the MAC RAR.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein, The M first MAC subPDUs simultaneously comprise a MAC RAR of a fixed length and a MAC RAR of a variable length; wherein, Each of the first MAC subPDUs comprises indication information indicating whether the MAC RAR in the first MAC subPDU is of a fixed length or a variable length.

21. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein, The M first MAC subPDUs comprise both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs. The first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs comprise fixed-length MAC RARs, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs comprise variable-length MAC RARs, where N is a positive integer. The first N first MAC subPDUs of the M first MAC subPDUs comprise variable-length MAC RARs, and the first MAC subPDUs after the first N first MAC subPDUs comprise fixed-length MAC RARs.

22. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein, The M first MAC subPDUs comprise both fixed-length MAC RARs and variable-length MAC RARs. The at least one MAC subPDU further comprises a second MAC subPDU, and the second MAC subPDU is used to indicate whether the MAC RAR comprised in the first MAC subPDU is of a fixed length or a variable length.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein, The at least one MAC subPDU further comprises a third MAC subPDU, and the third MAC subPDU comprises first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The third MAC subPDU comprises an index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The MAC subheader of the MAC subPDU comprises indication information indicating whether the MAC subPDU is a third MAC subPDU.

26. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The third MAC subPDU is the last MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

27. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further comprises: sending, in a first RAR window, DCI used to indicate the first MAC PDU; sending, in a second RAR window, DCI used to indicate a second MAC PDU; The second MAC PDU comprises first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU in the first MAC PDU.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The second MAC PDU comprises an index of the first MAC subPDU and the first information corresponding to the first MAC subPDU.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein, Whether the second RAR window exists is determined by a protocol or configured by the network device.

30. The method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein, The time domain range of the second RAR window is determined by a protocol and / or configured by the network device.

31. A terminal, characterized by The method further comprises: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first MAC PDU sent by the network device, the first MAC PDU containing at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU containing M first MAC subPDUs, one of the first MAC subPDUs containing a MAC RAR corresponding to one terminal, M being a positive integer.

32. A network device, comprising: Comprise: The transceiver module is configured to send a first MAC PDU to the terminal, the first MAC PDU containing at least one MAC subPDU, the at least one MAC subPDU containing M first MAC subPDUs, one of the first MAC subPDUs containing a MAC RAR corresponding to one terminal, M being a positive integer.

33. A communications device, characterized by The communication device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15, 16-30.

34. A communication system, characterized by Comprise a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-15, and the network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 16-30.

35. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15, 16-30.

36. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, characterized in that The program, instructions, at least one of which is executed by the communication device, implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1-15, 16-30.

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