Communication method, device, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The communication method comprises: a terminal monitoring a downlink channel during running of a first timer; and when the first timer expires during a period in which a network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during running of the first timer, determining that the first timer is restarted under a first condition, wherein the first state is a state in which the network device does not send a downlink signal. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal determines that the first timer for monitoring the downlink channel is restarted under the first condition, such that energy consumption caused by the terminal monitoring the channel when the network device is in the first state can be reduced, and data loss can also be reduced.

Description

Communication methods, devices, systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, device, system, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] To conserve UE power, the network can configure Discontinuous Reception (DRX) for the UE. The UE determines its active state based on the DRX configuration. In the active state, the UE needs to listen to the PDCCH; in the inactive state, the UE does not need to listen to the PDCCH. This reduces the time the UE spends listening to the PDCCH, thus saving power. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, system, and storage medium.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method, the method being executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0005] During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel;

[0006] If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then under the first condition, the first timer is restarted.

[0007] The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0008] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method, the method being executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0009] Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the first condition used by the terminal to monitor the downlink channel;

[0010] During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel;

[0011] If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition.

[0012] The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0013] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, including:

[0014] A first processing module is configured to monitor the downlink channel during the operation of a first timer; if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition; wherein, the first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0015] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, including:

[0016] The second transceiver module is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the first condition used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel; wherein, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of a first timer; the first timer times out during the period when the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition; wherein, the first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0017] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, including:

[0018] One or more processors;

[0019] The terminal is used to execute the optional implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0020] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device, including:

[0021] One or more processors;

[0022] The network device is used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0023] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is used to implement the method described in the optional embodiments of the first aspect, and the network device is used to implement the method described in the optional embodiments of the second aspect.

[0024] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores executable instructions which are loaded and executed by the processor to implement the method described in the optional embodiments of the first or second aspect.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3c is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3d is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4c is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4d is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure provides communication methods, devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0042] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes:

[0043] During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel;

[0044] If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then under the first condition, the first timer is restarted.

[0045] The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0046] In the above embodiment, if the first timer used for monitoring the downlink channel times out while the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, and the terminal does not receive a downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then it is determined that under the first condition, the first timer is restarted. This can reduce the power consumption caused by the terminal monitoring the channel while the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, and reduce data loss.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0048] The first state ends;

[0049] The second timer times out; the second timer is started after the first timer times out.

[0050] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the first timer used for monitoring the downlink channel can be restarted under different first conditions, thereby making it more suitable for the corresponding application scenarios.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second timer is restarted when the second timer times out and the first state has not ended.

[0053] In the above embodiments, whether the second timer is restarted depends on whether the network device is still in a state of not sending downlink signals when the second timer expires. When the second timer expires and the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, the first timer used to monitor the downlink channel is restarted, thereby more effectively reducing the power consumption of the terminal and reducing data loss.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0055] The terminal receives first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate a first condition for the terminal to use.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the terminal can restart the first timer based on the first condition indicated by the network device for monitoring the downlink channel, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption while better meeting the network device's needs.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first timer is a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first timer includes at least one of the following:

[0059] Inactive timer;

[0060] Awakening timer;

[0061] Upload retransmission timer;

[0062] Downlink retransmission timer.

[0063] In the above embodiments, by using different first timers to control the terminal to be in an active state in order to listen to the downlink channel, it can be better suited to the corresponding application scenarios.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition is the end of the first state, and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal;

[0065] If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

[0066] In the above embodiments, based on different types of first timers, it can be determined whether the downlink signal to be received during the operation of the corresponding timer is a retransmission or a new transmission, thereby reducing data loss.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0068] The terminal receives second information sent by the network device, the second information being used to instruct the timer used when listening to the downlink channel;

[0069] Based on the second information, the first timer is determined.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the first timer based on the timer indicated by the network device for monitoring the downlink channel, thereby better meeting the needs of the network device.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] Receive third information sent by the network device, the third information including information related to the first state;

[0073] Based on the third information, it is determined whether the network device is in the first state.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine whether the network device is in the first state based on the information related to the first state configured in the network device, thereby accurately determining whether to restart the first timer used to monitor the downlink channel under the first condition, so as to reduce the terminal's power consumption.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0076] Duration of the third timer;

[0077] The period of the first state;

[0078] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the terminal receives information related to the first state configured by the network device in order to more accurately determine whether the network device is in the first state.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether the network device is in the first state based on the third information includes:

[0081] If the third timer is not running, it is determined that the network device is in the first state; or...

[0082] The third timer is started to determine the end of the first state, wherein the network device sends downlink signals during the operation of the third timer.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the terminal determines whether the network device is in the first state based on whether the third timer configured by the network device is running, and then determines whether to restart the first timer used to monitor the downlink channel under the first condition, so as to reduce the terminal's power consumption.

[0084] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0085] Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the first condition used by the terminal to monitor the downlink channel;

[0086] During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel;

[0087] If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition.

[0088] The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0090] The first state ends;

[0091] The second timer times out; the second timer is started after the first timer times out.

[0092] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second timer is restarted when the second timer times out and the first state has not ended.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first timer is a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first timer includes at least one of the following:

[0096] Inactive timer;

[0097] Awakening timer;

[0098] Upload retransmission timer;

[0099] Downlink retransmission timer.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first condition is the end of the first state, and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal; or,

[0101] If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0103] Send a second message to the terminal, the second message being used to instruct the terminal to use a timer when listening to the downlink channel, the second message being used to determine the first timer.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0105] Send third information to the terminal, the third information including information related to the first state, the third information being used to determine whether the network device is in the first state.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0107] Duration of the third timer;

[0108] The period of the first state;

[0109] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0110] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, if the third timer is not running, then the network device is in the first state; or,

[0111] When the third timer starts, the first state ends, and the network device sends downlink signals during the operation of the third timer.

[0112] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0113] A first processing module is configured to monitor the downlink channel during the operation of a first timer; if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition; wherein, the first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0114] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including:

[0115] The second transceiver module is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the first condition used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel; wherein, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of a first timer; the first timer times out during the period when the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition; wherein, the first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0116] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0117] One or more processors;

[0118] The terminal executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0119] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising:

[0120] One or more processors;

[0121] The network device performs the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0122] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is used to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is used to implement the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0123] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional embodiments of the first or second aspect.

[0124] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0125] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0126] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry for performing the method described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0127] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here. The communication equipment can be a terminal or a network device.

[0128] This disclosure provides communication methods, apparatus, devices, systems, and storage media.

[0129] In some embodiments, terms such as information processing system and communication system may be used interchangeably.

[0130] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments disclosed. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0131] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0132] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0133] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0134] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0135] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0136] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0137] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0138] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "first configuration" and "second configuration" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0139] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0140] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0142] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0143] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0144] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0145] In some embodiments, the access network device, core network device, or network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, various embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between the access network device, core network device, or network device and the terminal with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "side").

[0146] For example, uplink channels and downlink channels can be replaced with side channels, and uplink links and downlink links can be replaced with side links.

[0147] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0148] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0149] In some embodiments, terms such as "physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)" and "DL data" can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as "physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)" and "UL data".

[0150] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0151] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0152] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0153] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0154] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0156] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0157] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0158] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0159] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0160] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0161] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a single device, multiple devices, or a group of devices, including all or part of a first network element, a second network element, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. Network devices may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0162] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0163] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0164] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0165] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, utilizing other systems for random access, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0166] The UE needs to continuously listen to the PDCCH channel. The base station sends control information on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to schedule uplink and downlink resources for the UE. To save UE power consumption, the Discontinuous Reception (DRX) function is introduced. The network can configure DRX for the UE, and the UE determines whether it is in an active state based on the DRX configuration. In the active state, the UE needs to listen to the PDCCH; in the inactive state, the UE does not need to listen to the PDCCH. This reduces the time the UE spends listening to the PDCCH, thus saving power.

[0167] In some embodiments, the time during which the UE is in an active state includes the runtime of a wake-up timer, an inactive timer, an uplink retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the UE is in connected mode, the DRX configuration includes: an inactivity timer, an on-duration timer, a cycle, a start offset, an uplink Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Round-Trip Time (RTT) timer, a downlink HARQ RTT timer, an uplink retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer. Here, RTT refers to the time elapsed from the start of data transmission by the sender to the receipt of an acknowledgment message from the receiver.

[0169] Optionally, the UE can periodically start a wake-up timer based on the period and the start offset.

[0170] Optionally, whenever the UE receives a PDCCH indicating a new transmission, an inactive timer will be started.

[0171] In some embodiments, after the UE receives a downlink transmission (e.g., a MAC PDU) from the network, it sends feedback on the downlink transmission to the base station and then starts the downlink HARQ RTT timer for the corresponding HARQ process. If the downlink transmission is not successfully decoded when the downlink HARQ RTT timer expires, a downlink retransmission timer is started.

[0172] In some embodiments, after the UE sends a PUSCH transmission, the UE starts the uplink HARQ RTT timer for the HARQ process corresponding to the uplink transmission. When the uplink HARQ RTT timer expires, the uplink retransmission timer is started.

[0173] In other embodiments, to conserve network device power, the network device may not transmit downlink signals for a certain period of time; this method is called Cell DTX (Discontinuous Transmission). The network device sends the DTX period, offset, and timer duration (cellDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer) to the UE. The UE determines to start the timer (cellDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer) based on the period and offset. During the timer's execution, the network device is active, and the UE listens to the downlink channel (PDCCH). When the timer is not running, the network device may not transmit downlink signals.

[0174] Even during Cell DTX (i.e., when cellDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer is not running), the UE will continue to listen to the PDCCH if other DRX timers (e.g., the wake-up timer, inactive timer, and retransmission timer mentioned above) are running. If the network device corresponding to the UE does not send downlink signals, this will cause the UE to listen to the PDCCH unnecessarily, resulting in power consumption.

[0175] If the downlink retransmission timer runs during DTX, the network device may not send PDCCH, and the UE will not send feedback. Therefore, the UE will not initiate RTT and will not restart the downlink retransmission timer. In this case, the UE may need to wait until the next wake-up timer cycle to receive downlink transmissions from the network device again. If the cycle is long, the received data delay may exceed the maximum delay, resulting in data loss.

[0176] Based on the aforementioned wireless communication system, various embodiments of the communication method proposed in this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0177] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the communication method is used in a communication system 100, and the method includes:

[0178] S201. During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the terminal is in an active state, it listens to the downlink channel, wherein whether the terminal is in an active state is controlled by a first timer. Optionally, the terminal is in an active state during the execution of the first timer.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first timer may include at least one of the following:

[0182] Inactive timer;

[0183] On-duration timer;

[0184] Upload retransmission timer;

[0185] Downlink retransmission timer.

[0186] S202. Under the first condition, restart the first timer.

[0187] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the terminal will restart the first timer when it determines that the first condition is met.

[0188] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0189] In some embodiments, if a first timer times out while the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the terminal may restart the first timer if certain conditions are met.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first condition described above may include any of the following:

[0191] The first state has ended;

[0192] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0193] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second timer is started more than or equal to 1 time.

[0195] In some embodiments, if the second timer times out and the first state has not ended, the second timer is restarted.

[0196] In some embodiments, if the second timer times out and the network device is still in the first state (i.e., the first state has not yet ended), the second timer can be restarted again, in which case the number of times the second timer is started is greater than 1.

[0197] In some embodiments, the second timer is restarted when the previously started second timer times out and the first state has not yet ended. It should be understood that the previous start can be either the first start or a subsequent start. It should also be understood that the number of restarts for the second timer can be equal to or greater than 1.

[0198] In some embodiments, if a first timer times out during a state in which the network device is not sending downlink signals, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted when the first state ends (i.e., when the network device starts sending downlink signals).

[0199] In some embodiments, if a first timer times out while the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then a second timer is started after the first timer times out, and the first timer can be restarted after the second timer times out.

[0200] In some embodiments, if a first timer times out while the network device is in a state of not sending downlink signals, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then after the first timer times out, a second timer is started, and after the second timer times out, it is determined whether to restart the first timer based on whether the network device is in a first state.

[0201] Optionally, if the network device is still in the first state after the second timer expires, the second timer is restarted; and if the first state ends after the second timer expires, the first timer can be restarted.

[0202] Optionally, if the network device is not in the first state (i.e., the first state has ended) after the second timer expires, the first timer can be restarted.

[0203] It should be noted that the duration of the first timer can be specified by the protocol, configured by the network device, preset by the terminal, or determined through negotiation between the terminal and the network device, but is not limited to these.

[0204] It should be noted that the duration of the second timer can be specified by the protocol, configured by the network device, preset by the terminal, or determined through negotiation between the terminal and the network device, but is not limited to these.

[0205] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal.

[0206] In some embodiments, during the operation of the downlink retransmission timer, the terminal listens to the downlink channel. If the downlink retransmission timer times out during the first state of the network device and the terminal does not receive a retransmitted downlink signal during the operation of the downlink retransmission timer, the terminal may restart the downlink retransmission timer when the first state ends.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of the inactive timer. If the inactive timer times out during the first state of the network device and the terminal does not receive a newly transmitted downlink signal during the operation of the inactive timer, the terminal may restart the inactive timer when the first state ends.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the wake-up timer operation. If the wake-up timer times out during the first state of the network device and the terminal does not receive a newly transmitted downlink signal during the wake-up timer operation, the terminal may restart the wake-up timer when the first state ends.

[0210] It should be noted that a new transmission can be understood as the first transmission, while a retransmission can be understood as the current transmission having the same signal as the previous transmission. The network can indicate whether it is a new transmission or a retransmission when sending downlink signals.

[0211] In some embodiments, prior to step S202, the method may further include:

[0212] S200. Determine if the network device is in the first state.

[0213] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine whether the network device is currently in a state of not sending downlink signals.

[0214] In some embodiments, prior to step S200, the method may further include:

[0215] S205, Receive third information sent by network device.

[0216] Optionally, the third information includes information related to the first state.

[0217] In this embodiment, step S200 may include: determining whether the network device is in a first state based on third information.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether the network device is in a first state based on information related to the first state from the network device.

[0219] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0220] Duration of the third timer;

[0221] The period of the first state;

[0222] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0223] In some embodiments, the period of the first state can be understood as the time interval between when the network device is currently in the first state and when it will be in the first state again.

[0224] In some embodiments, determining whether a network device is in a first state based on third information includes:

[0225] The third timer has not run, indicating that the network device is in the first state; or...

[0226] The third timer starts, confirming the end of the first state.

[0227] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine whether the network device is in the first state based on whether a third timer is running. Optionally, if the third timer is not running, the network device is determined to be in the first state. Optionally, the network device does not send downlink signals when the third timer is not running.

[0228] Optionally, if the third timer starts, the end of the first state is determined. Optionally, the network device is not in the first state during the execution of the third timer. Optionally, the network device sends downlink signals during the execution of the third timer.

[0229] In some embodiments, prior to step S202, the method may further include:

[0230] S203. Receive first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate the first conditions for use by the terminal.

[0231] In some embodiments, a network device may send first information to a terminal to indicate which of the aforementioned first conditions the terminal may be using.

[0232] Optionally, the first message sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to restart the first timer when the first state ends.

[0233] Optionally, the first information sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to start a second timer after the first timer expires, and to restart the first timer after the second timer expires.

[0234] Optionally, the first message sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to start a second timer after the first timer expires, and after the second timer expires, determine whether to restart the first timer based on whether the network device is in the first state. For example, if the network device is still in the first state after the second timer expires, the second timer is restarted; and if the first state ends after the second timer expires, the first timer is restarted. Alternatively, if the network device is not in the first state after the second timer expires (i.e., the first state ends), the first timer is restarted.

[0235] In some embodiments, prior to step S201, the method may further include:

[0236] S204. Receive the second information sent by the network device, and determine the first timer based on the second information.

[0237] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel.

[0238] In some embodiments, the network device may send a second message to the terminal to indicate which type of first timer the terminal uses to listen to the downlink channel.

[0239] Optionally, the second information sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to use an inactive timer to listen to the downlink channel. For example, if the terminal determines, based on the second information from the network device, that it can use an inactive timer to listen to the downlink channel, then the terminal can listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the inactive timer.

[0240] Optionally, the second information sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to use a wake-up timer to listen to the downlink channel. For example, if the terminal determines, based on the second information from the network device, that it can use a wake-up timer to listen to the downlink channel, then the terminal can listen to the downlink channel during the wake-up timer's operation.

[0241] Optionally, the second information sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to use an upload retransmission timer to listen to the downlink channel. For example, if the terminal determines, based on the second information from the network device, that it can use the upload retransmission timer to listen to the downlink channel, then the terminal can listen to the downlink channel during the execution of the upload retransmission timer.

[0242] Optionally, the second information sent by the network device to the terminal may instruct the terminal to use a downlink retransmission timer to listen to the downlink channel. For example, if the terminal determines, based on the second information from the network device, that it can use the downlink retransmission timer to listen to the downlink channel, then the terminal can listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the downlink retransmission timer.

[0243] In the above embodiments, the downlink signal may include, but is not limited to: Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), signals transmitted on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), signals transmitted on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), etc.

[0244] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", and "data" can be used interchangeably.

[0245] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0246] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0247] In some embodiments, terms such as “in the case of,” “when,” “when,” “if,” “if,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0248] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S200 to S205. For example, step S201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S201 and S202 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S201, S202, and S203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S201 and S204 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S200 and S201 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S200, S201, and S205 can be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S200, S201, S202, and S203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S200, S201, and S204 may be implemented as independent embodiments. These steps S201, S202, and S204 can be implemented as independent embodiments, as can steps S200, S201, S202, and S204, as can steps S200, S201, S202, S204, and S205, as can steps S201, S202, and S203, as can steps S201, S202, S203, and S204, as can steps S200, S201, S202, S203, S204, and S205, but are not limited thereto.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S200 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0250] In some embodiments, step S203 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0251] In some embodiments, step S204 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0252] In some embodiments, step S205 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0253] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the communication method can be executed by terminal 101, and the method includes:

[0254] S301. During the first timer operation, monitor the downlink channel.

[0255] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0257] Optionally, the first timer can be any of the following timers: inactive timer, wake-up timer, upload retransmission timer, and downlink retransmission timer.

[0258] The optional implementation of step S301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0259] S302, Obtain third-party information.

[0260] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives third information sent by the network device.

[0261] In some embodiments, third information is used to determine whether the network device is in a first state. Optionally, the third information includes information related to the first state.

[0262] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0263] Duration of the third timer;

[0264] The period of the first state;

[0265] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0266] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not generate a downlink signal.

[0267] The optional implementation of step S302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] S303. Determine if the network device is in the first state.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether the network device is in a first state based on third information.

[0270] In some embodiments, if the third timer does not run, it can be determined that the network device is in a first state.

[0271] In some embodiments, if a third timer is started, it is determined that the first state has ended, i.e., the network device is not in the first state.

[0272] The optional implementation of step S303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S200 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] S304, Obtain first information.

[0274] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives first information sent by the network device.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0276] The optional implementation of step S304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] S305. Under the first condition, restart the first timer.

[0278] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted under a first condition indicated by the first information.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0280] The first state has ended;

[0281] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0282] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0283] The optional implementation of step S305 can be found in the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to S305. For example, step S301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S301 and S305 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S301, S302, and S303 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S301, S304, and S305 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0285] In some embodiments, step S302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0286] In some embodiments, step S303 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0287] In some embodiments, step S304 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0288] In some embodiments, step S305 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0289] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the communication method can be executed by terminal 101, and the method includes:

[0290] S311, Obtain the second information.

[0291] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives second information sent by the network device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel. Optionally, the terminal may determine the first timer based on the second information.

[0293] The optional implementation of step S311 can be found in the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first timer can be any one of the following: an inactive timer, a wake-up timer, an upload retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer.

[0296] S312. During the first timer operation, monitor the downlink channel.

[0297] In some embodiments, the terminal may listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer indicated by the second information.

[0298] The optional implementation of step S312 can be found in the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] S313, Obtain first information.

[0300] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives first information sent by the network device.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0302] The optional implementation of step S313 can be found in the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] S314. Under the first condition, restart the first timer.

[0304] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted under a first condition indicated by the first information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0306] The first state has ended;

[0307] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0308] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0309] The optional implementation of step S314 can be found in the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0310] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S311 to S314. For example, step S312 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S311 and S312 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S311, S312 and S314 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S312, S313 and S314 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0311] In some embodiments, step S311 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0312] In some embodiments, step S313 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0313] In some embodiments, step S314 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0314] Figure 3c is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3c, the communication method can be executed by terminal 101, and the method includes:

[0315] S321, Obtain the second information.

[0316] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives second information sent by the network device.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel. Optionally, the terminal may determine the first timer based on the second information.

[0318] The optional implementation of step S321 can be found in the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first timer can be any one of the following: an inactive timer, a wake-up timer, an upload retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer.

[0321] S322. During the first timer operation, monitor the downlink channel.

[0322] In some embodiments, the terminal may listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer indicated by the second information.

[0323] The optional implementation of step S322 can be found in the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] S323, Obtain third-party information.

[0325] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives third information sent by the network device.

[0326] In some embodiments, third information is used to determine whether the network device is in a first state. Optionally, the third information includes information related to the first state.

[0327] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0328] Duration of the third timer;

[0329] The period of the first state;

[0330] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0331] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not generate a downlink signal.

[0332] The optional implementation of step S323 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] S324. Determine if the network device is in the first state.

[0334] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether the network device is in a first state based on third information.

[0335] In some embodiments, if the third timer does not run, it can be determined that the network device is in a first state.

[0336] In some embodiments, if a third timer is started, it is determined that the first state has ended, i.e., the network device is not in the first state.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S324 can be found in the optional implementation of step S200 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] S325, Obtain first information.

[0339] In some embodiments, acquiring can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the terminal receives first information sent by the network device.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S325 can be found in the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] S326. Under the first condition, restart the first timer.

[0343] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted under a first condition indicated by the first information.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0345] The first state has ended;

[0346] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0347] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0348] The optional implementation of step S326 can be found in the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S321 to S326. For example, step S322 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S322 and S326 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S322, S325 and S326 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S322, S323, S324 and S326 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S321, S322, S323, S324 and S326 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S321, S322, S325 and S326 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0350] In some embodiments, step S321 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0351] In some embodiments, step S323 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0352] In some embodiments, step S324 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0353] In some embodiments, step S325 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0354] Figure 3d is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3d, the communication method can be executed by terminal 101, and the method includes:

[0355] S331. During the first timer operation, monitor the downlink channel.

[0356] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0358] Optionally, the first timer can be any of the following timers: inactive timer, wake-up timer, upload retransmission timer, and downlink retransmission timer.

[0359] The optional implementations of step S331 can be found in the optional implementations of step S201 in Figure 2, step S301 in Figure 3a, step S312 in Figure 3b, step S322 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] S332. Under the first condition, restart the first timer.

[0361] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted under a first condition indicated by the first information.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0363] The first state has ended;

[0364] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0365] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0366] The optional implementations of step S332 can be found in the optional implementations of step S202 in Figure 2, the optional implementations of step S305 in Figure 3a, the optional implementations of step S314 in Figure 3b, the optional implementations of step S326 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] In some embodiments, if the second timer times out and the first state has not ended, the second timer is restarted.

[0368] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving first information sent by a network device.

[0369] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the first condition for the terminal to use.

[0370] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be referred to in the optional implementation methods of step S203 in Figure 2, the optional implementation methods of step S304 in Figure 3a, the optional implementation methods of step S313 in Figure 3b, the optional implementation methods of step S325 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal.

[0372] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

[0373] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving second information sent by a network device, and determining a first timer based on the second information.

[0374] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel;

[0375] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be found in the optional implementation methods of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation methods of step S311 in Figure 3b, the optional implementation methods of step S321 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3b, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0376] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving third information sent by a network device. Optionally, the third information may include information related to the first state.

[0377] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0378] Duration of the third timer;

[0379] The period of the first state;

[0380] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0381] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be found in the optional implementation methods of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation methods of step S302 in Figure 3a, the optional implementation methods of step S323 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] In this embodiment, it may further include: determining whether the network device is in a first state based on third information.

[0383] In some embodiments, the third timer is not running, and the network device is determined to be in the first state.

[0384] In some embodiments, a third timer is started to determine the end of the first state. Optionally, the network device sends a downlink signal during the operation of the third timer.

[0385] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be referred to in the optional implementation method of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation method of step S303 in Figure 3a, the optional implementation method of step S324 in Figure 3c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3c, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S331 to S332. For example, step S331 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0387] In some embodiments, step S332 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0388] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the method involved in this embodiment is executed by network device 102, and the method includes:

[0389] S401, Send the third message.

[0390] In some embodiments, the network device sends third information to the terminal. Optionally, the terminal receives the third information sent by the network device.

[0391] In some embodiments, third information is used to determine whether the network device is in a first state. Optionally, the third information includes information related to the first state.

[0392] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0393] Duration of the third timer;

[0394] The period of the first state;

[0395] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0396] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not generate a downlink signal.

[0397] The optional implementation of step S401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S302 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0398] S402, Send the first message.

[0399] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the terminal. Optionally, the terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0400] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0401] The optional implementation of step S402 can be found in the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S304 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0403] The first state has ended;

[0404] The second timer timed out; this second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0405] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0406] In some embodiments, if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then the first timer can be restarted under a first condition indicated by the first information.

[0407] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0408] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S401 to S402. For example, step S402 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0409] In some embodiments, step S401 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0410] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the method involved in this embodiment is executed by network device 102, and the method includes:

[0411] S411, Send the second message.

[0412] In some embodiments, the network device sends second information to the terminal. Optionally, the terminal receives the second information sent by the network device.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel. Optionally, the terminal may determine a first timer based on the second information. Optionally, the terminal may listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer indicated by the second information.

[0414] The optional implementation of step S411 can be found in the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S311 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first timer can be any one of the following: an inactive timer, a wake-up timer, an upload retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer.

[0417] S412, Send the first message.

[0418] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the terminal. Optionally, the terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0419] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0420] The optional implementations of step S412 can be found in the optional implementations of step S203 in Figure 2, the optional implementations of step S304 in Figure 3a, the optional implementations of step S313 in Figure 3b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S411 to S412. For example, step S412 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0422] In some embodiments, step S411 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0423] Figure 4c is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4c, the method involved in this embodiment is executed by network device 102, and the method includes:

[0424] S421, Send the third message.

[0425] In some embodiments, third information is used to determine whether the network device is in a first state. Optionally, the third information includes information related to the first state.

[0426] In some embodiments, the information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0427] Duration of the third timer;

[0428] The period of the first state;

[0429] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0430] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not generate a downlink signal.

[0431] The optional implementation of step S421 can be found in the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S302 in Figure 3a, the optional implementation of step S401 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] S422, Send the second message.

[0433] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel. Optionally, the terminal may determine a first timer based on the second information. Optionally, the terminal may listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer indicated by the second information.

[0434] In some embodiments, the first timer may be a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

[0435] The optional implementation of step S422 can be found in the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S311 in Figure 3b, the optional implementation of step S411 in Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3b, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0436] S423, Send the first message.

[0437] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first conditions used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0438] The optional implementations of step S423 can be found in the optional implementations of step S203 in Figure 2, the optional implementations of step S402 in Figure 4a, the optional implementations of step S412 in Figure 4b, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 4b, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] The method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S421 to S423. For example, step S423 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, steps S421 and S423 may be implemented as separate embodiments, steps S422 and S423 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0440] In some embodiments, step S421 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0441] In some embodiments, step S422 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0442] Figure 4d is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4d, the method involved in this embodiment is executed by network device 102, and the method includes:

[0443] S431, Send the first message.

[0444] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the terminal. Optionally, the first information is used to indicate a first condition used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel.

[0445] The optional implementations of step S431 can be found in the optional implementations of step S203 in Figure 2, step S402 in Figure 4a, step S412 in Figure 4b, step S423 in Figure 4c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, and 4c, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In some embodiments, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the execution of a first timer. If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the execution of the first timer, then the first timer is restarted under a first condition.

[0447] Optionally, the first state is when the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0448] In some embodiments, the first condition includes any of the following:

[0449] The first state has ended;

[0450] The second timer timed out; the second timer was started after the first timer timed out.

[0451] The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

[0452] In some embodiments, if the second timer times out and the first state has not ended, the second timer is restarted.

[0453] In some embodiments, the first timer is a timer used when the control terminal is in an active state.

[0454] In some embodiments, the first timer includes at least one of the following:

[0455] Inactive timer;

[0456] Awakening timer;

[0457] Upload retransmission timer;

[0458] Downlink retransmission timer.

[0459] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal.

[0460] In some embodiments, if the first condition is the end of the first state and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

[0461] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending second information to the terminal.

[0462] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the timer used by the terminal when listening to the downlink channel, and the second information is used to determine the first timer.

[0463] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be referred to in the optional implementation methods of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation methods of step S411 in Figure 4b, the optional implementation methods of step S421 in Figure 4c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4b, and 4c, which will not be repeated here.

[0464] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending third information to the terminal.

[0465] Optionally, third information is used to determine whether the network device is in the first state.

[0466] In some embodiments, the third information includes information related to the first state. Optionally, the information related to the first state includes at least one of the following:

[0467] Duration of the third timer;

[0468] The period of the first state;

[0469] The starting offset of the cycle.

[0470] In some embodiments, if the third timer is not running, the network device is in the first state.

[0471] In some embodiments, the first state ends when the third timer starts. Optionally, the network device sends downlink signals during the operation of the third timer.

[0472] The above-mentioned optional implementation methods can be referred to in the optional implementation method of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation method of step S401 in Figure 4a, the optional implementation method of step S422 in Figure 4c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4a, and 4c, which will not be repeated here.

[0473] One alternative embodiment of this disclosure provides a channel listening control method that can reduce power consumption caused by the UE listening to the channel during DTX and reduce data loss.

[0474] In some embodiments, the UE determines how to monitor the downlink channel if the timer controlling the active state (which may correspond to the first timer mentioned above) times out during Cell DTX.

[0475] Optionally, Cell DTX (which corresponds to the first state mentioned above) is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0476] Optionally, if the network device has activated Cell DTX, the UE can determine that the network device is in DTX state by checking if cellDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer is not running.

[0477] Optionally, the downlink signals in this embodiment may include, but are not limited to, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PDSCH, PRS, etc.

[0478] In some embodiments, the timer controlling the activation state may include, but is not limited to, an inactivity timer, an on duration timer, an uplink retransmission timer, and a downlink retransmission timer.

[0479] In some embodiments, the UE listens to the downlink channel during the execution of a timer controlling the active state. Optionally, the downlink channel can be a PDCCH or PDSCH, etc.

[0480] The downlink channel monitoring control method proposed in this disclosure may include, but is not limited to, the following:

[0481] Method 1. If the timer controlling the active state times out during Cell DTX and the UE does not receive the PDCCH during the timer's operation, then the UE starts the timer controlling the active state when the Cell DTX state ends.

[0482] If the timer controlling the active state is a downlink retransmission timer, then the PDCCH is the PDCCH that indicates the retransmission of the HARQ process of the downlink retransmission timer.

[0483] If the timer controlling the activation state is a wake-up timer or an inactive timer, then the PDCCH is the PDCCH indicating a new transmission.

[0484] Method 2. If the timer controlling the active state times out during Cell DTX and the UE does not receive the PDCCH during the timer's operation, the UE starts the first timer (which can correspond to the second timer mentioned above) after the timer controlling the active state times out. After the first timer times out, the timer controlling the active state is started.

[0485] Method 3. If the timer controlling the active state times out during Cell DTX and the UE does not receive the PDCCH during the timer's execution, then the UE starts the first timer when the timer controlling the active state times out. After the first timer times out, if the UE is still in the Cell DTX period, then the first timer is started. After the first timer times out, if the UE is no longer in the Cell DTX period, then the timer controlling the active state is started.

[0486] In some embodiments, based on any of the methods 1-3 described above, the UE may also receive first indication information sent by the network device and determine which method to use to control the monitoring of downlink signals based on the first indication information.

[0487] In some embodiments, based on any of the methods 1-3 described above, the UE may also receive a second indication information sent by the network device, which indicates which timer needs to be controlled by the above methods to monitor the downlink channel.

[0488] In some embodiments, after the Cell DTX state ends, the network device begins to send downlink signals.

[0489] In some embodiments, the UE determines the end of the Cell DTX state based on the start of cellDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer.

[0490] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0491] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the terminal may include at least one of a first transceiver module 611, a first processing module 612, etc.

[0492] In some embodiments, the first processing module 612 is configured to listen to the downlink channel during the operation of the first timer; if the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state and the terminal does not receive the first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, it is determined that under the first condition, the first timer is restarted.

[0493] Optionally, the first transceiver module 611 is used to execute the steps related to sending and receiving signaling or communicating performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, such as at least one of steps S204, S203, and S205 shown in FIG2, which will not be described in detail here.

[0494] Optionally, the first processing module 612 is also used to execute the information processing-related steps performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, such as step S200 shown in FIG2, which will not be described again here.

[0495] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the network device includes at least one of a second transceiver module 621, a second processing module 622, etc.

[0496] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 621 is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate a first condition used by the terminal to listen to the downlink channel; wherein, the terminal listens to the downlink channel during the operation of a first timer; the first timer times out during the period when the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, and the first timer is restarted under the first condition; wherein, the first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

[0497] Optionally, the second transceiver module 621 is used to execute the steps related to sending and receiving signaling or conducting communication performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, such as at least one of steps S204, S203, and S205 shown in FIG2, which will not be described in detail here.

[0498] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functions of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of the hardware circuits. The aforementioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the aforementioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functions of some or all of the aforementioned units or modules are achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. As another example, in another implementation, the aforementioned hardware circuit can be implemented through a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functions of some or all of the aforementioned units or modules.

[0499] All units or modules of the above devices can be implemented entirely through processor-invoked software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-invoked software with the remainder implemented through hardware circuits. In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. These logical relationships are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor may be a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0500] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0501] As shown in Figure 6a, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 7101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0502] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceiver 7103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., at least one of steps S203, S204, and S205 shown in FIG. 2, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., at least one of steps S201, S202, and S200 shown in FIG. 2, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0503] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0504] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0505] Optionally, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more interface circuits 7104, which are connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuits 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0506] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 6a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0507] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 6b can be referenced, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0508] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0509] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0510] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., at least one of steps S203, S204, and S205 shown in FIG. 2, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 7202 performing data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., at least one of steps S201, S202, and S200 shown in FIG. 2, but not limited thereto).

[0511] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0512] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0513] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0514] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0515] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel; If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, then under the first condition, the first timer is restarted. The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first condition includes any of the following: The first state ends; The second timer times out; the second timer is started after the first timer times out. The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the second timer times out and the first state has not ended, the second timer is restarted.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate a first condition for the terminal to use.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first timer is a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first timer includes at least one of the following: Inactive timer; Awakening timer; Upload retransmission timer; Downlink retransmission timer.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal. If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives second information sent by the network device, the second information being used to instruct the timer used when listening to the downlink channel; Based on the second information, the first timer is determined.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information sent by the network device, the third information including information related to the first state; Based on the third information, it is determined whether the network device is in the first state.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following: Duration of the third timer; The period of the first state; The starting offset of the cycle.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Determining whether the network device is in the first state based on the third information includes: If the third timer is not running, it is determined that the network device is in the first state; or... The third timer is started to determine the end of the first state, wherein the network device sends downlink signals during the operation of the third timer.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the first condition used by the terminal to monitor the downlink channel; During the first timer operation, the terminal listens to the downlink channel; If the first timer times out while the network device is in a first state, and the terminal does not receive a first downlink signal during the operation of the first timer, the first timer is restarted under the first condition. The first state is the state in which the network device does not send downlink signals.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first condition includes any of the following: The first state ends; The second timer times out; the second timer is started after the first timer times out. The second timer times out and the first state ends. The second timer is first started after the first timer times out.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, If the second timer times out and the first state has not ended, the second timer is restarted.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The first timer is a timer that controls the terminal to be in an active state.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first timer includes at least one of the following: Inactive timer; Awakening timer; Upload retransmission timer; Downlink retransmission timer.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is a downlink retransmission timer, then the first downlink signal is a retransmitted downlink signal; or, If the first condition is that the first state ends and the first timer is an inactive timer or a wake-up timer, then the first downlink signal is a newly transmitted downlink signal.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal, the second message being used to instruct the terminal to use a timer when listening to the downlink channel, the second message being used to determine the first timer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third information to the terminal, the third information including information related to the first state, the third information being used to determine whether the network device is in the first state.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The information relating to the first state includes at least one of the following: Duration of the third timer; The period of the first state; The starting offset of the cycle.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, If the third timer does not run, the network device is in the first state; or, When the third timer starts, the first state ends, and the network device sends downlink signals during the operation of the third timer.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or any one of claims 12-21.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is used to implement the method of any one of claims 1-11, and the network device is used to implement the method of any one of claims 12-21.

24. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores executable instructions that are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-11 or any one of claims 12-21.

25. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements any one of claims 1-11 or any one of claims 12-21.

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