Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and provide a communication method and apparatus, capable of reducing the latency of an IMS session establishment procedure. In the method, a first communication apparatus sends a first message to a second communication apparatus to request activation of a preconfigured resource for transmitting an SIP message, so as to receive, from the second communication apparatus, a second message including the activated preconfigured resource, and complete an SIP procedure on the activated preconfigured resource. In this way, when performing the SIP procedure, the first communication apparatus does not need to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message, thereby enabling grant-free transmission on a bearer used for IMS voice signaling, reducing signaling scheduling latency, reducing SIP procedure establishment latency, and improving IMS calling experience.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510390794.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 28, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication networks provide voice, video, and information services to terminals through the Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. During the IMS session establishment process between terminals, each terminal needs to exchange Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages with the IMS network multiple times. Therefore, each time a terminal sends a SIP message, it needs to request uplink resources from the access network device for SIP message transmission. This results in significant delays in IMS session establishment, impacting the user's call experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the latency of the IMS session establishment process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a first communication device as an example, in this method: a first message is sent to a second communication device, the first message being used to request the activation of a pre-configured resource, the pre-configured resource being used to transmit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message; a second message is received from the second communication device, the second message including information for indicating the first pre-configured resource.

[0007] In this method, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request the activation of pre-configured resources for transmitting SIP messages, thereby receiving a second message from the second communication device containing the activated pre-configured resources. The SIP process is completed on the activated pre-configured resources. This allows the first communication device to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message when executing the SIP process, achieving grant-free transmission on the bearer used for IMS voice signaling, thereby reducing signaling scheduling latency, reducing the establishment latency of the SIP process, and improving the IMS call experience.

[0008] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to a starting reference point and the starting reference point. Thus, the first communication device can determine the location of the activated pre-configured resource based on the starting reference point and the time-frequency domain offset.

[0009] In one possible design, the first message may also include the type of SIP procedure corresponding to the SIP message. This allows the second communication device to determine the activated pre-configured resources based on the type of the SIP procedure.

[0010] In one possible design, multiple sets of pre-configured resources are configured, each set corresponding to different modulation and coding schemes and / or transmission repetition counts. The transmission repetition count indicates the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages. Therefore, by configuring different sets of pre-configured resources, the pre-configured resources can be flexibly selected to complete SIP transmission based on the type of SIP process, channel conditions, etc.

[0011] In one possible design, the method may further include sending a third message to a second communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources. This avoids resource waste.

[0012] Secondly, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a second communication device as an example, in this method: a first message is received from a first communication device, the first message being used to request the activation of a pre-configured resource, the pre-configured resource being used to transmit SIP messages; a second message is sent to the first communication device, the second message including information for indicating the first pre-configured resource.

[0013] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point.

[0014] In one possible design, the first message may also include the type of SIP process corresponding to the SIP message.

[0015] In one possible design, there are multiple sets of pre-configured resources, each set of pre-configured resources corresponding to different modulation and coding methods and / or transmission repetitions, the transmission repetitions being used to indicate the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages.

[0016] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving a third message from a first communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources.

[0017] The description of the technical effects of the method described in the second aspect can be found in the relevant description of the technical effects of the method described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0018] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a first communication device as an example, in this method: information from a second communication device for indicating a transmission resource set is received. The transmission resource set is shared by multiple first communication devices, and the transmission resource set includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages; the first SIP message is sent on each of the multiple first resources.

[0019] In this method, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request the activation of pre-configured resources for transmitting SIP messages, thereby receiving a second message from the second communication device containing the activated pre-configured resources. The SIP process is completed on the activated pre-configured resources. This allows the first communication device to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message when executing the SIP process, achieving grant-free transmission on the bearer used for IMS voice signaling, thereby reducing signaling scheduling latency, reducing the establishment latency of the SIP process, and improving the IMS call experience.

[0020] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving a response message corresponding to the first SIP message on a downlink resource corresponding to the first resource to which the first SIP message has been successfully decoded; and sending a non-first SIP message on multiple second resources associated with the first resource on which the downlink resource corresponding to the response message of the first SIP message has been received. Thus, the first communication device can determine which first resource it has successfully acquired based on the downlink resource on which the response message of the first SIP message has been received, and then perform subsequent SIP message transmission based on the multiple second resources associated with the acquired first resource.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a second communication device as an example, in this method: information for indicating a transmission resource set is sent to a first communication device. The transmission resource set is shared by multiple first communication devices, and the transmission resource set includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages. The first SIP message from the first communication device is received on the multiple first resources.

[0022] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending a response message corresponding to the first SIP message on the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource on which the first SIP message has been successfully decoded; and receiving non-first SIP messages on multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource on which the response message corresponding to the first SIP message was sent.

[0023] The description of the technical effects of the method described in the fourth aspect can be found in the relevant description of the technical effects of the method described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0024] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a first communication device as an example, in this method: a first message is sent to a second communication device, the first message being used to request the scheduling of resources for transmitting a first SIP message in a first SIP process; and a second message is continuously received from the second communication device within a first preset time period, the second message including the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0025] In this method, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request the scheduling of resources for transmitting the first SIP message in the first SIP process. This can trigger the second communication device to continuously send a second message, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting each SIP message, for each uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device within a preset time period. This is used by the first communication device to perform uplink SIP message transmission. This allows the first communication device to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message when executing the SIP process, reducing signaling scheduling latency, thereby reducing the establishment latency of the SIP process and improving the IMS call experience.

[0026] In one possible design, the method may further include: after sending a first SIP message on pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message, continuously receiving a third message from a second communication device within a second preset time period, the third message including resources for the next SIP message after the pre-scheduled transmission of the first SIP message. Thus, the first communication device sending the first uplink SIP message on the pre-scheduled resources triggers the second communication device to pre-schedule resources for the next uplink SIP message within the second preset time period, thereby completing the scheduling of SIP transmission resources.

[0027] In one possible design, the method may further include: if the transmission of the first SIP message is not completed on the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, receiving a fourth message from the second communication device, the fourth message including information for instructing the retransmission of the resource for the first SIP message. Thus, the first communication device is detected by the second communication device as having missed the unlicensed transmission resource and can reacquire the retransmission resource for transmitting the SIP message scheduled by the second communication device.

[0028] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message includes the offset of the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message relative to the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message. Thus, by indicating the retransmission resource using the offset, delays in transmitting the first SIP message can be avoided that delays in transmitting subsequent SIP messages.

[0029] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a second communication device as an example, in this method: a first message is received from a first communication device, the first message being used to request the scheduling of resources for transmitting a first SIP message in a first SIP process; and a second message is continuously sent to the first communication device within a first preset time period, the second message including the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0030] In one possible design, the method may further include: after receiving a first SIP message from a first communication device on a pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, continuously sending a third message to the first communication device within a second preset time period, the third message including the pre-scheduled resource for the next SIP message after the transmission of the first SIP message.

[0031] In one possible design, the method may further include: after the first SIP process ends, stopping the continuous transmission of messages to the first communication device, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting SIP messages.

[0032] In one possible design, the method may further include: if the first SIP message is not received on a pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, sending a fourth message to the first communication device, the fourth message including information for instructing the resource to retransmit the first SIP message.

[0033] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message includes the offset of the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message relative to the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0034] The description of the technical effects of the method described in the fifth aspect can be found in the relevant description of the technical effects of the method described in the sixth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first communication device can be a terminal or a communication module applicable to the terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) applicable to the terminal responsible for communication functions. The second communication device is located on the network side and can be an access network device on the network side, a module (e.g., a circuit, processor, chip, or chip system) applicable to the access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the first communication device described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first communication device, or a device included in the first communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0037] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module generates a first message; the transceiver module sends the first message to a second communication device, the first message requesting activation of a pre-configured resource, the pre-configured resource being used to transmit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message; the transceiver module also receives a second message from the second communication device, the second message including information indicating the first pre-configured resource.

[0038] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point.

[0039] In one possible design, the first message may also include the type of SIP process corresponding to the SIP message.

[0040] In one possible design, there are multiple sets of pre-configured resources, each set of pre-configured resources corresponding to different modulation and coding methods and / or transmission repetitions, the transmission repetitions being used to indicate the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages.

[0041] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send a third message to the second communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources.

[0042] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0044] Eighthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the second communication device described in the second aspect, or a device comprising the second communication device, or a device included in the second communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the second aspect. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0045] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module is used to receive a first message from a first communication device, the first message requesting activation of a pre-configured resource, the pre-configured resource being used to transmit SIP messages; the processing module is used to generate a second message; the transceiver module is also used to send the second message to the first communication device, the second message including information indicating the first pre-configured resource.

[0046] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point.

[0047] In one possible design, the first message may also include the type of SIP process corresponding to the SIP message.

[0048] In one possible design, there are multiple sets of pre-configured resources, each set of pre-configured resources corresponding to different modulation and coding methods and / or transmission repetitions, the transmission repetitions being used to indicate the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages.

[0049] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a third message from the first communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources.

[0050] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0051] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0052] Ninthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the first communication device described in the third aspect, or a device comprising the first communication device, or a device included in the first communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the third aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0053] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module performs processing functions. The transceiver module receives information from a second communication device indicating a set of transmission resources, which is shared by multiple first communication devices. The transmission resource set includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication devices to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the first resources are used by the first communication devices to send non-first SIP messages. The transceiver module is also used to send the first SIP message on each of the multiple first resources.

[0054] In one possible design, after the processing module successfully decodes the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message, the transceiver module is also used to receive the response message corresponding to the first SIP message, and to send non-first SIP messages on multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource that received the response message corresponding to the first SIP message.

[0055] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0056] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the third aspect.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the second communication device described in the fourth aspect, or a device comprising the second communication device, or a device included in the second communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the fourth aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0058] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is used to generate a transmission resource set; the transceiver module is used to send information indicating the transmission resource set to a first communication device. The transmission resource set is shared by multiple first communication devices, and the transmission resource set includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication devices to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources are used by the first communication devices to send non-first SIP messages. The transceiver module is also used to receive the first SIP message from the first communication device on the multiple first resources.

[0059] In one possible design, after the processing module successfully decodes the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message, the transceiver module is further configured to send a response message corresponding to the first SIP message, and also to receive non-first SIP messages on multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource that sent the response message corresponding to the first SIP message.

[0060] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0061] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0062] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the first communication device described in the fifth aspect, or a device comprising the first communication device, or a device included in the first communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the fifth aspect. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0063] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module generates a first message; the transceiver module sends the first message to a second communication device, the first message requesting the scheduling of resources for transmitting a first SIP message in a first SIP process; the transceiver module is also used to continuously receive a second message from the second communication device within a first preset time period, the second message including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0064] In one possible design, after sending the first SIP message on a pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, the transceiver module is further configured to continuously receive a third message from the second communication device within a second preset time period. The third message includes the pre-scheduled resource for the next SIP message after the transmission of the first SIP message.

[0065] In one possible design, if the transmission of the first SIP message is not completed on the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a fourth message from the second communication device, the fourth message including information for instructing the retransmission of the first SIP message.

[0066] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message includes the offset of the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message relative to the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0067] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0069] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be the second communication device described in the sixth aspect, or a device comprising the second communication device, or a device included in the second communication device, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the sixth aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0070] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module is used to receive a first message from a first communication device, the first message requesting the scheduling of resources for transmitting a first SIP message in a first SIP process; the processing module is used to generate a second message; the transceiver module is also used to continuously send the second message to the first communication device within a first preset time period, the second message including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0071] In one possible design, after receiving the first SIP message from the first communication device on the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, the transceiver module is further configured to continuously send a third message to the first communication device within a second preset time period. The third message includes the pre-scheduled resource for the next SIP message after the transmission of the first SIP message.

[0072] In one possible design, after the first SIP process ends, the processing module is also used to stop continuously sending messages to the first communication device, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting SIP messages.

[0073] In one possible design, if the first SIP message is not received on the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, the transceiver module is further configured to send a fourth message to the first communication device, the fourth message including information for instructing the resource to retransmit the first SIP message.

[0074] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message includes the offset of the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message relative to the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message.

[0075] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module implements the sending function of the communication device, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device.

[0076] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0077] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system). The communication device includes a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the preceding aspects.

[0078] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. A processor is coupled to the memory and is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0079] In one possible design, the communication device described in aspect thirteen may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in aspect thirteen and other communication devices.

[0080] In one possible design, the processor can be integrated with the memory.

[0081] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0082] Fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being configured to implement the method as described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects via logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0083] It is understood that when the communication device provided in either the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect is a chip, the aforementioned transmitting action / function can be understood as an output, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as an input.

[0084] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0085] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided, comprising computer program code, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0086] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device for implementing the method of the first aspect and a second communication device for implementing the method of the second aspect; or, comprising a first communication device for implementing the method of the third aspect and a second communication device for implementing the method of the fourth aspect; or, a first communication device for implementing the method of the fifth aspect and a second communication device for implementing the method of the sixth aspect.

[0087] Eighteenthly, a communication chip is provided, wherein instructions are stored that, when the chip is operated on a communication device, cause the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects above to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an IMS network architecture;

[0089] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the process for establishing an IMS call between terminals in an NTN scenario;

[0090] Figure 3 is a simplified flowchart of SIP messages exchanged between UEs during the IMS session establishment process;

[0091] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario applicable to the above-mentioned communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a starting reference point provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a resource selection scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a scenario for pre-scheduling resources of a second communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a scenario where a second communication device schedules retransmission resources according to an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0102] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0103] First, in the embodiments of this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing a certain "indication information" for indicating A, it can include whether the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information carries A.

[0104] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0105] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0106] Secondly, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, "first device" and "second device" are only used to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different.

[0107] Third, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0108] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0109] Fifth, in this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "terminal sending information" can be understood as a terminal sending information to another device (such as a network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the terminal sending information to logical module 2 in the terminal.

[0110] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "terminal receiving information" can be understood as the terminal receiving information from another device (such as a network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the terminal receiving information from logical module 2 in the terminal.

[0111] Sixth, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" in this application, or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the destination of the information being a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent (e.g., by a terminal)," or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0112] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0113] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, terrestrial network (TN) communication systems, and communication systems that integrate NTN and TN. NTN communication systems include, for example, satellite communication systems and high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems. TN communication systems include, for example, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (4G) mobile communication systems such as New Radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0114] For ease of understanding, the following section will first introduce the relevant terms, concepts, or technologies that may be involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0115] IMS voice service is a voice communication service provided based on the IMS network. IMS is an IP-based core network architecture designed to support a variety of multimedia services, including voice, video, and messaging. IMS voice service is one of the core applications in the IMS network, often referred to as VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or VoNR (Voice over NR), depending on the radio access technology used (LTE or 5G NR).

[0116] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an IMS network architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the user equipment (UE) communicates with the proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) through the Gm interface (Gm); the P-CSCF communicates with the serving-call session control function (S-CSCS) through the Mw interface (Mw); the P-CSCF communicates with the IMS access gateway (IMS-AGW) through the Iq interface (Iq); the IMS-AGW communicates with the remote IMS, the media function (MF), and the UE through the Mb interface (Mb); the S-CSCF communicates with the home subscriber server (HSS) through the N70 / Cx interface (N70 / Cx); the S-CSCF communicates with the IMS application server (AS) through the ISC interface (ISC); and the IMS AS communicates with the HSS interface through the N71 / Sh interface (N71 / Sh). The AS communicates with the data channel signaling function (DCSF) via the DC1 interface (DC1); the IMS AS communicates with the MF via the DC2 interface (DC2); the DCSF communicates with the network exposure function (NEF) via the DC3 interface (DC3); the DCSF communicates with the data channel application server (DCAS) via the DC4 or MDC3 interface (DC3 or MDC3); the DCSF communicates with the DCAR via the DC5 interface (DC5); the DCSF communicates with the MF via the MDC1 interface (MDC1); the MF communicates with the DCAS via the MDC2 interface (MDC2); and the HSS communicates with the DCSF via the N72 / Sc interface (N72 / Sc). Furthermore, the IMS AS, DCSF, MF, or NEF functions shown in Figure 1 interact using service-oriented interfaces. For example, the service interface provided by IMS AS is Nimsas; the service interface provided by DCSF is Ndcsf; the service interface provided by NEF is Nnef; and the service interface provided by MF is Nmf.

[0117] The functions of each network element in this IMS network architecture are as follows:

[0118] P-CSCF: This is the entry node for SIP users to access the IMS network. It is mainly responsible for forwarding SIP signaling between SIP users and the home network.

[0119] S-CSCF: It is the central node of the IMS network, responsible for user registration, authentication, sessions, routing, and service triggering.

[0120] IMS-AGW: This is the IMS access gateway, primarily responsible for media plane communication between the user and network interfaces.

[0121] HSS: The main database for IMS user subscriptions is responsible for managing user subscription data and mobile user location information. It is responsible for storing the following main user-related subscription information: user identity (ID), such as IMS private identity (IMPI) and IMS public identity (IMPU); user authentication-related information; S-CSCF information registered by the user; and transparent data stored by the AS in the HSS, such as the UE's call forwarding number.

[0122] IMS AS: Generally refers to the server network element in an IMS network that processes upper-layer voice services, including basic audio and video services and supplementary services. Specifically, an AS may include the MMTel AS (processing basic audio and video services and supplementary services) and / or the Service Centralization and Continuity (SCC) AS (responsible for signaling control and called party access domain selection for single-mode service continuity (eSRVCC)). These two ASs can be configured independently or jointly.

[0123] DCSF: Provides signaling control functions for data channel control logic. DCSF supports the following functions: receiving event reports from the IMS AS and determining whether to allow data channel service during an IMS session; bootstrapping data channels and (if applicable) applying data channel resources at the MF or media resource function (MRF) via the IMS AS; supporting Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) web server functions to download data channel applications (bootstrapping) to the UE via MF and / or MRF based on the UE subscription; and downloading data channel applications from the data channel application repository.

[0124] MF: Provides media resource management and forwarding of data channel media services. MF supports the following functions: managing data channel media resources (bootstrapping and application data channel resources, if applicable) under the control of the IMS AS; terminating bootstrapping data channels from the UE and forwarding HTTP services between the UE and DCSF via MDC1; anchoring application data channels in peer-to-peer (P2P) scenarios if needed and forwarding application data services from the UE to the UE; relaying services on application-to-person (A2P) / person-to-application (P2A) application data channels between the UE and DC application server via MDC2.

[0125] NEF: Primarily used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0126] DCAS: Primarily used to provide services related to DC applications.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, the above-mentioned functions can be referred to as entities or network elements. For example, P-CSCF can also be referred to as P-CSCF entity or P-CSCF network element, and S-CSCF can also be referred to as S-CSCF entity or S-CSCF network element. There is no limitation on this.

[0128] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) describes the process for establishing IMS calls between terminals in an NTN scenario. As shown in Figure 2, taking the UE as an example, UE1 and UE2 are connected to different IMS networks. UE1, as the calling party, sends an invite message through P-CSCF1, S-CSCF1, and AS1 in IMS network 1 to P-CSCF2, S-CSCF2, and AS2 in IMS network 2 accessed by UE2. S-CSCF1 and AS1, and S-CSCF2 and AS2 will verify the subscription data. After receiving the invite message from P-CSCF2, UE2 sends response code 183 through P-CSCF2, S-CSCF2, and AS2 in IMS network 2 to P-CSCF1, S-CSCF1, and AS1 in IMS network 1. Among them, P-CSCF2 also sends policy authentication to the PCF. After receiving response code 183 from P-CSCF1, UE1 sends provisional response (PR) messages (PR ACK, PRACK) to UE2 via IMS network 1 and IMS network 2. P-CSCF1 also sends policy authentication to the PCF. Correspondingly, UE2 sends response code 200 (OK) to UE1 via IMS network 2 and IMS network 1. After receiving response code 200 (OK), UE1 sends update messages to UE2 via IMS network 1 and IMS network 2. UE2 then responds with response code 200, ringing (180), etc. Subsequently, UE1 and UE2 will exchange update / PRACK / 200 (OK) / 180 / ACK messages multiple times to complete the IMS voice session establishment. For the specific implementation process, please refer to the relevant description in 3GPP TR23.700, which will not be elaborated here.

[0129] To more clearly illustrate the SIP message interaction between UEs, a simplified flowchart of the SIP messages exchanged between UE1 and UE2 during the IMS session establishment process is shown in Figure 3.

[0130] It should be understood that the UE connects to the IMS network through the NTN network or the TN network (such as the 5G network). Figure 1 above simplifies the NTN or TN network accessed by the UE. In other words, the exchange of SIP messages between UEs requires interaction with the IMS network through the access network equipment and the core network.

[0131] In other words, during the IMS session establishment process, each terminal needs to perform multiple round-trip SIP message exchanges with the IMS network to complete the process. However, each time the terminal sends a SIP message, it needs to request the access network device to schedule uplink resources for SIP message transmission. That is, each SIP message transmission requires additional scheduling request (SR) and physical downlink control channel (PLC) signaling. This results in a large delay in IMS session establishment, affecting the user's call experience. To solve the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus.

[0132] Referring to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system includes: a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is located on the user side and connected to the second communication device, which provides coverage and access services to the first communication device.

[0133] The first communication device may be a terminal or a communication module applicable to a terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions applicable to a terminal (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core).

[0134] The terminal is a terminal that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the terminal. This terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, vehicle-mounted terminal, roadside unit (RSU) with terminal functionality, etc. The terminal of this application may also be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit.

[0135] The second communication device is located on the network side and can be an access network device or a module (such as a circuit, processor, chip or chip system) that can be applied to the access network device, or a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0136] Access network equipment, also known as radio access network (RAN) nodes, network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, is located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system. It assists terminals in achieving wireless access and is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the device. Access network equipment can include, but is not limited to: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), access points (APs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation Node-Bs (gNBs), and base stations in future mobile communication systems. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations or indoor stations, relay nodes or donor nodes, and radio controllers in open-radio access networks (O-RAN) or centralized-radio access networks (C-RAN) scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be an RSU. All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0137] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), DUs, CUs (control planes, CPs), CUs (user planes, UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0138] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0139] In this embodiment, the access network device can be a terrestrial access network device or a non-terrestrial access network device. A non-terrestrial access network device can be, for example, deployed on an airborne platform or satellite, or other forms of access network device deployed at high altitudes, and can be structurally and functionally similar to a terrestrial access network device. The airborne platform can include at least one of the following: a satellite, a drone, a hot air balloon, an airplane, or other aircraft. Examples of non-terrestrial access network devices include access network devices carried by a drone or otherwise implemented in a drone, such as a high altitude platform station (HAPS), and satellites.

[0140] For example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario applicable to the above-mentioned communication system provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, taking the application to a 5G network as an example, the terminal accesses a 5G base station (satellite base station) deployed on a satellite through a 5G New Radio interface. The 5G base stations are connected to each other through the Xn interface, and the 5G base stations are connected to the ground station through the NG interface. The ground station is connected to the 5G user plane network element (user plane function (UPF)) and the 5G control plane network element (access and mobility management function (AMF) and session management function (SMF)) in the 5G core network, respectively. Both the user plane network element and the control plane network element are connected to the IMS network.

[0141] Among them, terminals can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate services such as making calls and accessing the Internet. 5G base stations mainly provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to access terminals, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. Ground stations are responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations and the 5G core network. Ground stations are such as ground gateways.

[0142] The 5G core network is responsible for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing, and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The AMF is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management, while the UPF is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0143] The IMS network provides voice, video and other services.

[0144] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0145] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6-12.

[0146] For example, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method is described using the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device shown in Figure 4 as an example.

[0147] As shown in Figure 6, the communication method includes:

[0148] S601, The first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device.

[0149] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first message from the first communication device.

[0150] The first message requests the activation of pre-configured resources, which are used for transmitting SIP messages. In other words, the first message is a request to activate pre-configured resources used by the first communication device for transmitting IMS voice signaling, i.e., SIP messages. Alternatively, the time-frequency resources used by the first communication device to send SIP messages belong to multiple pre-configured resources configured by the second communication device. It should be understood that pre-configured resources refer to resources pre-configured for transmitting uplink SIP messages.

[0151] Optionally, the first message is a radio resource control (RRC) message. For example, the first message can be based on an RRC message already defined in the protocol, with the addition of an activation indication for activating pre-configured resources, such as an RRC Setup Request, RRC Resume Request, or RRC Reestablishment Request as message (Msg)3. Alternatively, the first message can be a message that inherently possesses resource activation functionality, such as an RRC Activation Request or an RRC Resource Activation Request.

[0152] The second communication device is configured with one or more sets of pre-configured resources for each first communication device. Each set of pre-configured resources includes multiple pre-configured resources, or in other words, each first communication device is configured with one or more sets of pre-configured resources. Optionally, the second communication device can configure multiple sets of pre-configured resources for the first communication device. Different sets of pre-configured resources can correspond to different numbers of pre-configured resources, different modulation and coding methods, and different types of SIP processes (such as SIP registration process, SIP session establishment process, etc.). For example, in multiple sets of pre-configured resource configurations, each set of pre-configured resources corresponds to different modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and / or transmission repetitions. The transmission repetition count indicates the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages. The repeatedly transmitted SIP messages include all uplink SIP messages sent by the first communication device in the SIP process initiated by the first communication device. In other words, a set of pre-configured resources corresponding to the transmission repetition count can support the first communication device to repeatedly transmit all uplink SIP messages in a certain SIP process N (N = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...) times. The transmission repetition count can also reflect the size of the number of pre-configured resources contained in the corresponding set of pre-configured resources.

[0153] The following are two exemplary configuration methods for the pre-configured resources of the second communication device:

[0154] In one possible example, 1, each pre-configured resource is determined by a reference resource location and a resource range. The reference resource location of each pre-configured resource is indicated by a configured starting reference point and a resource offset; that is, the information used to indicate the reference resource location of a pre-configured resource includes the starting reference point and the resource offset.

[0155] For different pre-configured resources, the corresponding starting reference points (including the starting time domain reference point and the starting frequency domain reference point) may be the same or different. As shown in Figure 7, for example, the starting reference point of each pre-configured resource used to transmit uplink SIP messages may be the starting or ending position of the time-frequency resource for the first communication device to send the first message, or the starting or ending position of the time-frequency resource for the first communication device to receive the following second message, without limitation; as another example, the starting reference point of the pre-configured resource used to transmit the (i+1)th (i is a positive integer) uplink SIP message may be the starting or ending position of the time-frequency resource for the first communication device to send the ith uplink SIP message, or the starting or ending position of the time-frequency resource for the first communication device to receive the ith downlink SIP message, without limitation.

[0156] The resource offset of a pre-configured resource refers to the time-frequency domain resource offset (including time-domain and frequency-domain resource offset) of the reference resource position of the pre-configured resource relative to its starting reference point. The starting reference point plus the resource offset determines the reference resource position of a pre-configured resource.

[0157] A reference resource location for a pre-configured resource can also refer to a specific time-frequency domain resource location within that pre-configured resource. In this case, the reference resource location can be understood as the origin of a resource interval, and the length of this resource interval is equal to the size of the pre-configured resource. The resource interval is used to determine the size of the pre-configured resource, and the time-frequency domain resources located within this interval are the pre-configured resource. In other words, time-frequency domain resources within an interval near each reference resource location are reserved for the first communication device to send uplink SIP messages. This resolves the misalignment of pre-authorized resources caused by signaling processing delay jitter and improves the reliability of uplink transmission. For example, a reference resource location for a pre-configured resource can refer to the starting time-frequency domain resource location of that pre-configured resource, and the resource interval can refer to the size of the time-frequency domain resource of that pre-configured resource. Alternatively, a reference resource location for a pre-configured resource can refer to the middle time-frequency resource location of that pre-configured resource, and the resource interval can indicate the size of the resources located on either side of the middle time-frequency resource location; this is not limited.

[0158] In Example 1, the information used to indicate the pre-configured resource includes the starting reference point and resource offset of the pre-configured resource. Optionally, the information used to indicate the pre-configured resource also includes the resource range of the pre-configured resource. When the resource range is pre-configured or predefined locally on the first and second communication devices, the information used to indicate the pre-configured resource may not include the resource range of the pre-configured resource.

[0159] In one possible example 2, each pre-configured resource can be directly determined by its starting time-frequency domain resource location (including the starting time domain location and the starting frequency domain location) and its time-frequency domain resource size (including the time domain resource size and the frequency domain resource size). That is, the information used to indicate the pre-configured resource includes the starting time-frequency domain resource location and the time-frequency domain resource size of the pre-configured resource.

[0160] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the configuration method of the pre-configured resources. In addition to the resource configuration methods of the two examples above, there are other ways to configure the pre-configured resources, which are not limited here.

[0161] Optionally, the first message may also include the type of SIP process corresponding to the SIP message, such as a SIP registration process or a SIP session establishment process. Therefore, the second communication device can select the corresponding pre-configured resources and send them to the first communication device based on the type of the requested SIP process.

[0162] S602, The second communication device sends a second message to the first communication device.

[0163] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives a second message from the second communication device.

[0164] This can be understood as the second message being a response to the first message. The second message is used to indicate the first pre-configured resource, which is either an active set of pre-configured resources or a collection of pre-configured resources. In this case, the first pre-configured resource includes multiple active pre-configured resources, or it may be a selected active pre-configured resource from a set of pre-configured resources or a collection of pre-configured resources. There may be multiple first pre-configured resources, and this is not limited. In this embodiment, the active first pre-configured resource can support the first communication device in completing at least one SIP process.

[0165] Optionally, the second request can be an RRC message. For example, the second request can be based on an RRC message already defined in the protocol, with added information indicating the activation of a pre-configured resource. For instance, when the first message is an RRC message as Msg3, the second message could be an RRC Setup message, an RRC Resume message, or an RRC Reestablishment message as Msg4. Alternatively, the second request could be a message that inherently indicates resource activation, such as an RRC Activation message, an RRC Resource Activation message, or an RRC Accept message.

[0166] After receiving the first message, the second communication device can send a second message to the first communication device to indicate the activated pre-configured resource, i.e., the first pre-configured resource, to the first communication device. For example, if each first communication device corresponds to one set of pre-configured resources, the second communication device can directly activate that set of pre-configured resources and send it to the first communication device as the first pre-configured resource. As another example, if each first communication device corresponds to multiple sets of pre-configured resources, the second communication device can activate one set of pre-configured resources according to the type of SIP process requested by the first communication device and send it to the first communication device as the first pre-configured resource. Still for example, the second communication device can also select a portion of the pre-configured resources from one set of pre-configured resources to activate according to the type of the requested SIP process and send it to the first communication device as the first pre-configured resource.

[0167] The second message includes information indicating the first pre-configured resource. For example, based on the configuration method of the pre-configured resource in Example 1 above, the information indicating the first pre-configured resource may include the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point. As another example, based on Example 2 above, the information indicating the first pre-configured resource may include the starting time-frequency domain resource position and the time-frequency domain resource size of each resource in the first pre-configured resource.

[0168] Accordingly, after receiving the second message, the first communication device can determine the activated pre-configured resource based on the second message, and then send a SIP message in a certain SIP process based on the activated pre-configured resource.

[0169] Optionally, after the first communication device completes the SIP process based on the activated pre-configured resources, if there are still unused resources among the activated pre-configured resources, the first communication device can send a third message to the second communication device, and the second communication device receives the third message from the first communication device. The third message is used to deactivate / release the unused resources in the first pre-configured resources, or in other words, the third message is used to deactivate or release unused activated pre-configured resources. This avoids resource waste.

[0170] In the communication method shown in Figure 6, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request the activation of pre-configured resources for transmitting SIP messages, thereby receiving a second message from the second communication device containing the activated pre-configured resources. The SIP process is completed on the activated pre-configured resources. This allows the first communication device to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message when executing the SIP process, achieving grant-free transmission on the bearer used for IMS voice signaling, thereby reducing signaling scheduling latency, reducing the establishment latency of the SIP process, and improving the IMS call experience.

[0171] In addition, this application embodiment also provides a scheme for unlicensed scheduling of SIP message resources. In this scheme, the unlicensed scheduling resources are shared resources. When the first communication device sends the first SIP message in an unlicensed manner, it retransmits the message to ensure that the second communication device receives it accurately. The second communication device implicitly indicates the subsequent dedicated resources by replying on the associated downlink time-frequency resources.

[0172] For example, Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method is described using the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device shown in Figure 4 as an example.

[0173] As shown in Figure 8, the communication method includes:

[0174] S801, the second communication device sends information to the first communication device to indicate the set of transmission resources.

[0175] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives information from the second communication device for indicating the set of transmission resources.

[0176] The transmission resource set is a pre-configured unlicensed transmission resource set of the second communication device, which is used by multiple first communication devices to independently select time-frequency resources in the transmission resource set to send at least one uplink SIP message in a SIP process.

[0177] The transmission resource set can be shared by multiple first communication devices, and the transmission resource set includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication devices to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources are used by the first communication devices to send non-first SIP messages.

[0178] In other words, the transmission resource set includes multiple resources for the first communication device to send the first SIP message and multiple resources for the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages. Each resource for the first communication device to send the first SIP message is associated with multiple resources for the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages. Based on the first resources in this transmission resource set and the multiple second resources associated with the first resources, the first communication device can complete the transmission of all uplink SIP messages in the initiated SIP process. The first SIP message refers to the first uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device in a SIP process, and non-first SIP messages refer to other uplink SIP messages in a SIP process besides the first uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device. There are multiple non-first SIP messages, and each non-first SIP message is transmitted using one second resource.

[0179] Optionally, the number of second resources associated with each first resource can be the same, different, or partially the same and partially different; there is no limitation on this.

[0180] For example, the transmission resource set includes M first resources, N1 second resources associated with the first first resource, N2 second resources associated with the second first resource, N3 second resources associated with the third first resource, ..., N2 second resources associated with the Mth first resource. M A second resource, M, N1, N2, N3, ..., N M It is a positive integer.

[0181] Optionally, the multiple first communication devices sharing the transmission resource set may belong to a first communication device group, or multiple first communication device groups, or the multiple first communication devices may include all first communication devices connected to the second communication device; there is no limitation in this regard. Thus, the second communication device may configure the transmission resource set to the multiple first communication devices in a broadcast manner, for example, by carrying information indicating the transmission resource set in a master information block (MIB) or system information block (SIB) message.

[0182] The information used to indicate the transmission resource set includes information about each resource in the transmission resource set. The information about each resource is used to indicate the location and size of the resource. The configuration method of each resource in the transmission resource set can refer to the configuration method of the pre-configured resource shown in S601 in Figure 6 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0183] Optionally, information for indicating the set of transmission resources is pre-configured locally on the second communication device.

[0184] Optionally, the second communication device may proactively configure a transmission resource set for multiple first communication devices, or configure a transmission resource set for multiple first communication devices based on a request from one or more first communication devices or a trigger from the core network; there is no limitation on this.

[0185] S802, The first communication device sends the first SIP message on each of the plurality of first resources.

[0186] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first SIP message from the first communication device on multiple first resources.

[0187] After receiving information indicating the transmission resource set, each first communication device can determine the transmission resource set based on this information. Therefore, when initiating a SIP procedure, it sends the first uplink SIP message (i.e., the first SIP message) in the SIP procedure on each first resource in the transmission resource set. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first SIP message sent by one of the first communication devices on each first resource in the transmission resource set.

[0188] If the second communication device can successfully decode the first SIP message sent by the first communication device on at least one first resource, then the second communication device can select a downlink resource corresponding to the first resource on which the first SIP message was successfully decoded, and send a response message corresponding to the first SIP message to the first communication device. Thus, the first communication device can determine multiple second resources for transmitting subsequent SIP messages (i.e., messages other than the first SIP message) based on the first resource associated with the downlink resource that received the response message corresponding to the first SIP message.

[0189] In other words, the second communication device, upon successfully decoding the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message, sends a response message corresponding to the first SIP message. The second communication device also receives non-first SIP messages on multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource from which the response message was sent. Correspondingly, the first communication device, upon successfully decoding the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message, receives a response message corresponding to the first SIP message. The first communication device also sends non-first SIP messages on multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource from which the response message was received. It can be understood that each first resource association corresponds to one downlink resource.

[0190] Referring to the example above, the first communication device sends the first SIP message in the SIP process on M first resources respectively. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first SIP message in the SIP process from the first communication device on M first resources respectively. If the second communication device successfully decodes the first SIP message of the first communication device on the m-th (1≤m≤M and are integers) first resource, then the second communication device sends the response message corresponding to the first SIP message on the downlink resource corresponding to the m-th first resource. Correspondingly, the first communication device sends the response message to the M-th first resource associated with the downlink resource corresponding to the first SIP message. m Each subsequent non-first SIP message is sent on the second resource to complete the SIP process.

[0191] Taking M=4 as an example, the four first resources (first resource 1 to first resource 4) are associated with N1, N2, N3 and N4 second resources respectively, as shown in Figure 9. The first communication device sends the first SIP message on each of the four first resources (first resource 1 to first resource 4). If the second communication device successfully decodes the first SIP message of the first communication device on first resource 1, then the first communication device determines on which of the multiple second resources associated with the first resource to send a non-first SIP message according to the downlink resource of the response message corresponding to the first SIP message. That is, the subsequent SIP messages are sent sequentially on the N1 second resources (second resource 1 to second resource N1) associated with first resource 1.

[0192] Thus, each first communication device can complete the SIP process based on a first resource in the transmission resource set and multiple second resources associated with the first resource.

[0193] This can be understood as follows: the above-mentioned unauthorized pre-configured resource set consists of competing resources (first resources) + non-competitive resources (second resources), where competing resources are used for the first SIP message transmission, and non-competitive resources are used for subsequent non-first SIP message transmissions. The non-competitive resources are determined based on the competition resolution result of the former.

[0194] In the communication method shown in Figure 8, a first communication device receives information from a second communication device indicating a set of transmission resources shared by multiple first communication devices. This set of transmission resources includes multiple first resources for transmitting the first SIP message and multiple second resources associated with each first resource for transmitting subsequent non-first SIP messages. Thus, the first communication device can repeatedly send the first SIP message on multiple first resources. Based on the downlink resources associated with the first resource where the second communication device successfully received the first SIP message, it determines which of the multiple second resources associated with the first resource will be used to send each subsequent non-first SIP message. In other words, it determines the dedicated resource from the transmission resource set to complete the SIP process. Therefore, this allows the first communication device to perform the SIP process without needing to execute a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message. By sending the first SIP message on multiple first resources in the unlicensed transmission resource set to determine the dedicated resource for subsequent SIP message transmission, signaling scheduling latency is reduced, thereby reducing SIP process establishment latency and improving the IMS call experience.

[0195] This application also provides a communication method in which a second communication device continuously and actively schedules the resources for transmitting each uplink SIP message to reduce the signaling scheduling delay of the first communication device, thereby reducing the establishment delay of the SIP process.

[0196] For example, FIG10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method is illustrated using the communication between the first communication device and the second communication device shown in FIG4 as an example.

[0197] As shown in Figure 10, the communication method includes:

[0198] S1001, The first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device.

[0199] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first message from the first communication device.

[0200] The first message is used to request the resources to schedule the transmission of the first SIP message in the first SIP process.

[0201] When the first communication device is about to initiate or needs to initiate the first SIP procedure, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request resources for the transmission of the first SIP message. The first SIP message is the first uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device in the first SIP procedure, i.e., the first SIP message.

[0202] For example, the first message may include an identifier of the first communication device, a type of the first SIP procedure, a type or identifier of the first SIP message, a resource scheduling instruction, etc., wherein the type of the first SIP procedure includes SIP registration procedure, SIP session establishment procedure, etc., and is not limited thereto. For example, the first message may be an SR, which is sent through the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0203] S1002, the second communication device continuously sends a second message to the first communication device within a first preset time period.

[0204] Correspondingly, the first communication device continuously receives the second message from the second communication device during the first preset time period.

[0205] The second message includes pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message. For example, the second message is downlink control information (DCI), which includes resources pre-scheduled by the second communication device for transmitting the first SIP message to the first communication device.

[0206] After receiving the first message, the second communication device will initiate the continuous transmission of a second message to the second communication device within a first preset time period. For example, the start time of the first preset time period can be the moment the second communication device receives the first message, or it can be a moment after the moment the first message is received; there is no limitation in this regard. The end time of the first preset time period can be the moment the second communication device receives the first SIP message, or it can be a separately set moment; there is no limitation in this regard. Typically, the second communication device can receive SIP messages within the first preset time period. The duration of the first preset time period can be longer than the time between the first communication device sending the SR and the second communication device receiving the first SIP message; there is no limitation in this regard.

[0207] The second communication device continuously sends second messages to the first communication device within a first preset time period. This can be done at equal or unequal intervals within the first preset time period. The pre-scheduled resources carried by the second messages sent at different times are different; that is, the second communication device may send multiple second messages within the first preset time period, and the resources in these multiple second messages are all scheduled for the first communication device to transmit the first SIP message. It should be understood that the pre-scheduled resources carried by a second message sent at a certain time precede the pre-scheduled resources carried by a second message sent at the next time time.

[0208] Correspondingly, the first communication device can receive multiple second messages within a first preset time period. When the first communication device needs to send a first SIP message, it can select the pre-scheduled resources in the most recently received second message to send the first SIP message.

[0209] After the second communication device receives the first SIP message from the first communication device on the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message, the second communication device can stop sending the second message, that is, it will no longer pre-schedule resources for transmitting the first SIP message for the first communication device, and instead send a third message to the first communication device within a second preset time period based on the first SIP message. Correspondingly, after the first communication device sends the first SIP message on the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the first SIP message, the first communication device continuously receives the third message from the second communication device within the second preset time period. The third message includes the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the next SIP message after the first SIP message, which refers to the next uplink SIP message after the first SIP message sent by the first communication device.

[0210] For example, if the first SIP message is the i-th (i≥1 and is an integer) uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device, then the next SIP message after the first SIP message is the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device.

[0211] In other words, after receiving the i-th uplink SIP message, the second communication device will continuously pre-schedule resources for the first communication device to send the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message within a preset time period.

[0212] When i=1, the second communication device pre-schedules the resources of the first communication device to send the i-th uplink SIP message within a preset time period according to the first message; when i>1, the second communication device pre-schedules the resources of the first communication device to send the i-th uplink SIP message within a preset time period according to the received (i-1)-th uplink SIP message.

[0213] As shown in Figure 11, after the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device, the second communication device sends K1 second messages within a first preset time period. After receiving the first SIP message, the second communication device sends K2 third messages within a second preset time period until the first SIP process ends.

[0214] The preset time periods for different SIP message pre-scheduled resources may differ, such as the first preset time period and the second preset time period mentioned above. The second communication device can determine the preset time periods for different SIP message pre-scheduled resources based on the SIP signaling process and transmission delay, until the first SIP process ends. This can be understood as the preset time periods for different SIP message pre-scheduled resources being time periods predicted by the second communication device.

[0215] If the second communication device fails to receive the first SIP message on the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, the second communication device sends a fourth message to the first communication device. Correspondingly, if the first communication device fails to complete the transmission of the first SIP message on the pre-scheduled resource, the first communication device receives the fourth message from the second communication device. The fourth message includes information indicating the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message. Thus, the second communication device detects that the first communication device has missed the unlicensed transmission resource, immediately initiates active scheduling, and adjusts the delay for subsequent unlicensed transmission resources.

[0216] In one possible design, the information used to indicate the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message may include the offset of the resource for retransmitting the first SIP message relative to the pre-scheduled resource for transmitting the first SIP message, so as to avoid the delay in transmitting the first SIP message causing a delay in the transmission of subsequent SIP messages.

[0217] In other words, as shown in Figure 12, when the first communication device misses the resources pre-scheduled by the second communication device for the transmission of the i-th uplink SIP message, or when the second communication device fails to receive the i-th uplink SIP message in the pre-scheduled resources, the second communication device can re-schedule the resources for the first communication device to transmit the i-th uplink SIP message and send a message including the resources for retransmitting the i-th uplink SIP message.

[0218] Therefore, based on the above implementation, the second communication device can continuously pre-schedule multiple resources for each uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device. After the first SIP process is completed, the second communication device stops continuously sending messages to the first communication device, including messages containing the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting SIP messages. In other words, after the first SIP process is completed, the second communication device stops pre-scheduling resources for the first communication device.

[0219] In other words, in this scheme, the first communication device sends the i-th uplink SIP message in the first SIP process to the second communication device on the first resource. The first resource is the resource pre-scheduled by the second communication device for transmitting the i-th uplink SIP message within a preset time period 1 (corresponding to the aforementioned first preset time period). Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the i-th uplink SIP message in the first SIP process from the first communication device on the first resource. Based on the i-th uplink SIP message, the first communication device continuously sends messages (corresponding to the aforementioned third message) to the second communication device within a preset time period 2, including the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message. Thus, the first communication device continuously receives messages including the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message within the preset time period 2 (corresponding to the aforementioned second preset time period), and sends the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message based on the pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the (i+1)-th uplink SIP message.

[0220] When i=1, the first communication device sends a message to the second communication device requesting the scheduling of resources for transmitting the i-th uplink SIP message (corresponding to the first message mentioned above). Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the message from the first communication device requesting the scheduling of resources for transmitting the i-th uplink SIP message. Based on this message, the first communication device continuously sends messages to the first communication device within a preset time period 1, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the i-th uplink SIP message. Thus, the first communication device continuously receives messages from the second communication device within the preset time period 1, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting the i-th uplink SIP message, and sends the i-th uplink SIP message to the second communication device based on these pre-scheduled resources.

[0221] In the communication method shown in Figure 10, the first communication device sends a first message to the second communication device to request the scheduling of resources for transmitting the first SIP message in the first SIP process. This can trigger the second communication device to continuously send a second message, including pre-scheduled resources for transmitting each SIP message, for each uplink SIP message sent by the first communication device within a preset time period. This is used by the first communication device to perform uplink SIP message transmission. This allows the first communication device to perform a scheduling request for each uplink SIP message when executing the SIP process, reducing signaling scheduling latency, thereby reducing the establishment latency of the SIP process and improving the IMS call experience.

[0222] In this embodiment of the application, the pre-configured resources mentioned above can also be referred to as pre-scheduled, pre-authorized, unauthorized, or unscheduled resources, and there is no limitation on this.

[0223] It should be understood that the embodiments in this application mainly use SIP signaling as an example for illustrating IMS voice signaling. However, IMS voice signaling related to IMS voice services can also be other types of signaling besides SIP signaling. That is to say, in the above embodiments, the pre-configured resources, pre-scheduled resources, etc., can be used for the transmission of signaling related to IMS voice services, including SIP signaling, and there is no limitation on this.

[0224] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the first communication device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used in the first communication device; and the methods and / or steps implemented by the second communication device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used in the second communication device.

[0225] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided in this application. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device for implementing various methods in the above method embodiments. This communication device can be a first communication device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a first communication device, or a component that can be used in the first communication device, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, the communication device can be a second communication device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a second communication device, or a component that can be used in the second communication device, such as a chip or chip system.

[0226] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0227] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0228] Taking the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments as an example, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The processing module 1301 is used to execute the processing functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1302 is used to execute the transceiver functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0229] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0230] In one possible design, according to this embodiment, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG13). The transmitting module and the receiving module are used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1300, respectively.

[0231] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1301 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1300 can perform the functions of the first or second communication device in any of the methods shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8, or FIG. 10.

[0232] In some embodiments, the processing module 1301 involved in the communication device 1300 may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and may be a processor or processing unit; the transceiver module 1302 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components, and may be a transceiver or transceiver unit.

[0233] For example, FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device may be the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the first or second communication device. As shown in FIG14, the communication device 1400 may include a processor 1401, a bus 1402, a communication interface 1403, and a memory 1404. The processor 1401, the memory 1404, and the communication interface 1403 communicate via the bus 1402. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in the communication device 1400.

[0234] Bus 1402 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one line is used in Figure 14, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Bus 1402 can include pathways for transmitting information between various components of communication device 1400 (e.g., memory 1404, processor 1401, communication interface 1403).

[0235] Processor 1401 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processing unit (DSP).

[0236] The memory 1404 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The processor 1401 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0237] The communication interface 1403 uses transceiver modules such as, but not limited to, network interface cards and transceivers to enable communication between the communication device 1400 and other devices or communication networks.

[0238] The memory 1404 stores executable program code, and the processor 1401 executes the executable program code to implement the functions of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments, respectively. That is, the memory 1404 stores instructions for executing the aforementioned communication method.

[0239] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions, including computer program code, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0240] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0241] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a first communication device and a second communication device for performing the above method embodiments.

[0242] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video disks, DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0243] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0244] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0246] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0247] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0248] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or an access network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0249] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0250] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Send a first message to the second communication device, the first message being used to request activation of pre-configured resources, the pre-configured resources being used to transmit Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages; Receive a second message from the second communication device, the second message including information for indicating a first pre-configured resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message also includes the type of the SIP process corresponding to the SIP message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The pre-configured resources are configured in multiple sets, each set of which corresponds to different modulation and coding methods and / or transmission repetitions. The transmission repetition count is used to indicate the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent to the second communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Receive a first message from a first communication device, the first message being used to request the activation of a pre-configured resource, the pre-configured resource being used to transmit SIP messages; A second message is sent to the first communication device, the second message including information for indicating a first pre-configured resource.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The information used to indicate the first pre-configured resource includes the time-frequency domain offset of each resource in the first pre-configured resource relative to the starting reference point and the starting reference point.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first message also includes the type of the SIP process corresponding to the SIP message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The pre-configured resources are configured in multiple sets, each set of which corresponds to different modulation and coding methods and / or transmission repetitions. The transmission repetition count is used to indicate the number of times the first communication device can repeatedly transmit SIP messages.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is received from the first communication device, the third message being used to deactivate / release unused resources in the first pre-configured resources.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Receive information from a second communication device indicating a set of transmission resources, the set of transmission resources being shared by multiple first communication devices, and the set of transmission resources including multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources, the multiple first resources being used by the first communication device to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources being used by the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages; The first SIP message is sent on each of the plurality of first resources.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: On the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message that has been successfully decoded, a response message corresponding to the first SIP message is received; On multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource that received the response message corresponding to the first SIP message, the non-first SIP message is sent.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Information for indicating a set of transmission resources is sent to a first communication device. The set of transmission resources is shared by multiple first communication devices, and the set of transmission resources includes multiple first resources and multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources. The multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to repeatedly send the first SIP message, and the multiple second resources associated with each of the multiple first resources are used by the first communication device to send non-first SIP messages. The first SIP message is received from the first communication device on the plurality of first resources.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: On the downlink resource corresponding to the first resource of the first SIP message that has been successfully decoded, send the response message corresponding to the first SIP message; On multiple second resources associated with the first resource corresponding to the downlink resource that sent the response message corresponding to the first SIP message, the non-first SIP message is received.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor; The processor is configured to run computer programs or instructions to enable the method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be implemented.

17. A communication chip, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when the chip is running on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be implemented.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code, which, when run on a communication device, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

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