A measurement method and device

Abstract

The present application discloses a measurement method and device, which relates to the field of communications and is used to reduce the delay of switching the service frequency of a terminal device. The measurement method includes: the terminal device receives a first measurement configuration from a first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency; the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring a second cell corresponding to a second frequency, wherein the second frequency refers to at least one non-service frequency different from the first frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a measurement method and device. Background Art

[0002] In a wireless network, a terminal device can communicate with multiple access network devices through multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) technology. In MR-DC communication, the access network device that interacts with the core network through control plane signaling is called the master node (MN), and other access network devices are called secondary nodes (SN). MN manages the primary cell (PCell), and SN manages the primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0003] When the terminal device moves between cells, in order to ensure that the cell with better communication quality provides services for the terminal device, the MN (or SN) can send a measurement configuration to the terminal device, which carries a measurement frequency point, instructing the terminal device to measure the signal quality of the cell corresponding to the frequency point. When the reporting conditions of the measurement configuration are met, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the MN (or SN), so that the network side can notify the terminal device to switch the cell (frequency point) according to the measurement result.

[0004] For a terminal device, the frequency band combinations (bandcombination) that the terminal device supports to form MR-DC are limited, that is, the terminal device may only support MR-DC in certain frequency bands, not all frequency bands. There are combination restrictions on the PCell frequency of MN and the PSCell frequency of SN. If the network side wants to change the PCell frequency of MN, the PSCell frequency of SN must also be changed to the target PSCell frequency; or, if the network side wants to change the PSCell frequency of SN, the PCell frequency of MN must also be changed to the target PCell frequency. If the network side cannot obtain the measurement results of the target PSCell frequency or the target PCell frequency from the terminal device in time, the delay of switching the PCell frequency or PSCell frequency on the network side will increase. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a measurement method and apparatus for reducing the delay of switching the service frequency of a terminal device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a measurement method is provided, including: a terminal device receives a first measurement configuration from a first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring a second cell corresponding to a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0008] In the measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element sends a first measurement configuration to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the first measurement configuration, and the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, and accordingly, the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, and the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point. By reporting the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point by the terminal device, the network side can be aware of the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point, thereby reducing the delay of switching the service frequency point of the terminal device by judging whether to switch the PCell frequency point or the PSCell frequency point to the corresponding non-service frequency point.

[0009] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the terminal device receives first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the terminal device supports the first frequency point and the second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or carrier aggregation CA. That is, the first frequency point and the second frequency point may have a combination restriction.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, including: when the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, the terminal device sends the measurement report to the first network element. That is, the terminal device sends the measurement report only when the measurement results of the two cells are good.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0019] In a second aspect, a measurement method is provided, including: a first network element sends a first measurement configuration to a terminal device, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring a second cell corresponding to a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0020] In the measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element sends a first measurement configuration to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the first measurement configuration, and the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, and accordingly, the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, and the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point. By reporting the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point by the terminal device, the network side can be aware of the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point, thereby reducing the delay of switching the service frequency point of the terminal device by judging whether to switch the PCell frequency point or the PSCell frequency point to the corresponding non-service frequency point.

[0021] In a possible implementation, it also includes: the first network element sends first indication information to the terminal device, the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the first network element sending a second measurement result to the second network element, wherein the first network element is an MN and the second network element is a candidate MN, or the first network element is an SN and the second network element is an MN.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the terminal device supports the first frequency point and the second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or carrier aggregation CA. That is, the first frequency point and the second frequency point may have a combination restriction.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, including: when a measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and a measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, the first network element receives the measurement report from the terminal device. That is, the terminal device sends the measurement report only when the measurement results of the two cells are good.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0032] According to a third aspect, a method for sending a timing deviation is provided, including: a first network element determines a first timing deviation, the first timing deviation refers to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by the first network element relative to a second cell managed by the first network element; the first network element sends the first timing deviation to the second network element.

[0033] In the timing deviation sending method provided in the embodiment of the present application, a first network element sends a first timing deviation to a second network element, wherein the first timing deviation refers to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by the first network element relative to a second cell managed by the first network element. The first network element may be an MN, and the second network element may be an SN, or the first network element may be an SN, and the second network element may be an MN, so that MN and SN notify each other of their timing deviations, so that MN and SN further know each other's semi-static transmission direction configuration, and then estimate whether there is overlap in uplink transmission, and then schedule uplink transmission resources according to the maximum transmission power of the terminal device in the corresponding CG, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second network element is a slave node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second network element is a MN.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the first network element further includes: sending the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first cell and / or the second cell to the second network element. After the second network element obtains the semi-static power sharing scheme and the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first network element, it can estimate whether there is overlap in the uplink transmission of the terminal device, and the maximum transmission power currently available for the terminal device, so as to perform uplink scheduling, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0036] In a possible implementation manner, the first timing offset corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of the second cell.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the subcarrier spacing is the maximum value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing is the minimum subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the special service cell of the terminal device in the first network element, and the second subcarrier spacing is the minimum subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the secondary service cell of the terminal device in the first network element.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, a method for sending configuration information is provided, including: a first network element determines first service cell configuration information, the first service cell configuration information refers to identification information of all service cells configured by the first network element for a terminal device; the first network element sends the first service cell configuration information to a second network element.

[0039] The configuration information sending method provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes the semi-static transmission directions of all cells that are interacted between the existing access network devices. It only needs to interact with the identification information of the service cells configured by the MN and SN for the terminal device respectively, so as to obtain the semi-static transmission direction corresponding to the service cell configured for the terminal device, thereby reducing the signaling interaction overhead.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is an MN, and the second network element is an SN; or, the first network element is an SN, and the second network element is an MN.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the first network element may send semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device) to the second network element. The second network element may know the semi-static transmission direction configuration information of each service cell configured by the first network element for the terminal device based on the first service cell configuration information and the semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device).

[0042] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, used to receive a first measurement configuration from a first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the communication device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the transceiver module is also used to send a measurement report to the first network element, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring a second cell corresponding to a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the communication device supports a first frequency point and a second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or a carrier aggregation CA.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0050] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically configured to: send a measurement report to the first network element when a measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold and a measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0052] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, used to send a first measurement configuration to a terminal device, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the transceiver module is also used to receive a measurement report from the terminal device, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring a second cell corresponding to a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0057] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to send the second measurement result to the second network element, wherein the communication device is the MN and the second network element is a candidate MN, or the communication device is the SN and the second network element is the MN.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the terminal device supports a first frequency point and a second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or a carrier aggregation CA.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0061] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is specifically configured to: when a measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and a measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, receive a measurement report from the terminal device.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0065] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing module for determining a first timing deviation, the first timing deviation referring to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by the communication device relative to a second cell managed by the communication device; and a transceiver module for sending the first timing deviation to a second network element.

[0066] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a master node MN, and the second network element is a slave node SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second network element is a MN.

[0067] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further configured to send the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first cell and / or the second cell to the second network element.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the first timing offset corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of the second cell.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the subcarrier spacing is the maximum value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing is the smallest subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the special service cell of the terminal device in the communication device, and the second subcarrier spacing is the smallest subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the secondary service cell of the terminal device in the communication device.

[0070] In the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing module for determining first service cell configuration information, the first service cell configuration information refers to identification information of all service cells configured by the first network element for the terminal device; a transceiver module for sending the first service cell configuration information to the second network element.

[0071] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a MN, and the second network element is a SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second network element is a MN.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device) to the second network element.

[0073] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, the processor being connected to a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the device executes a method as in the first aspect and any one of its embodiments.

[0074] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, the processor being connected to a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the device executes the method as described in the second aspect and any one of its embodiments, or executes the method as described in the third aspect and any one of its embodiments, or executes the method as described in the fourth aspect and any one of its embodiments.

[0075] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program is stored, and when the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the method described in the first aspect and any one of its embodiments.

[0076] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the method as described in the second aspect and any one of its embodiments, or executes the method as described in the third aspect and any one of its embodiments, or executes the method as described in the fourth aspect and any one of its embodiments.

[0077] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when the instructions are executed on a computer or a processor, enables the computer or the processor to execute the method described in the first aspect and any one of the embodiments.

[0078] In the fourteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when the instructions are executed on a computer or a processor, causes the computer or the processor to execute the method as described in the second aspect and any one of its embodiments, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect and any one of its embodiments, or to execute the method as described in the fourth aspect and any one of its embodiments.

[0079] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the communication device as described in the fifth aspect and any one of the aspects, and the communication device as described in the sixth to eighth aspects and any one of the aspects. Alternatively, the communication device as described in the ninth aspect and the communication device as described in the tenth aspect.

[0080] The technical effects of the fifth to fifteenth aspects refer to the contents of the first to fourth aspects and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a CU-DU provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of transmitting RRC messages between a terminal device, a MN and a SN provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of frequency switching of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another terminal device performing frequency switching provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 6 A flow chart of a measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0087] Figure 7 A flow chart of a measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0088] Figure 8 A flow chart of a measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0089] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ;

[0090] Fig.10 A flowchart of a timing deviation sending method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Fig.11 A flowchart of another timing deviation sending method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Fig.12 A flowchart of a method for sending configuration information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0094] Fig.14A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0095] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0096] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application Figure 4 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] As used in this application, the terms "component", "module", "system", etc. are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, which can be hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in operation. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to: a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread in execution, a program, and / or a computer. As an example, an application running on a computing device and the computing device can both be components. One or more components can exist in a process and / or thread in execution, and a component can be located in a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media with various data structures thereon. These components can communicate in a local and / or remote process manner, such as according to a signal with one or more data packets (for example, data from a component that interacts with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and / or interacts with other systems in a signal manner through a network such as the Internet).

[0098] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to both time division duplexing (TDD) scenarios and frequency division duplexing (FDD) scenarios.

[0099] The embodiments of the present application are described based on the scenario of the fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) network in the wireless communication network. It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other wireless communication networks.

[0100] like Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including: core network equipment (e.g., 5G core network (5th generation core, 5GC) 11, evolved packet core network (evolved packet core, EPC) 12), access network equipment (e.g., evolved node B (gNB) 13, evolved node B (evolved node B, eNB) 14), and terminal equipment 15.

[0101] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., refers to equipment that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, handheld devices and vehicle-mounted devices with wireless connection functions. At present, some examples of terminal equipment include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0102] Core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support for terminal equipment. At present, some core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, session management function (SMF) entity, user plane function (UPF) entity, etc., which are not listed here one by one. Among them, the AMF entity can be responsible for access management and mobility management of terminal equipment. The SMF entity can be responsible for session management, such as user session establishment. The UPF entity can be a functional entity of the user plane, mainly responsible for connecting to the external network. It should be noted that the entity in this application can also be referred to as a network element or a functional entity. For example, the AMF entity can also be referred to as an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and the SMF entity can also be referred to as an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0103] Access network equipment refers to the radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network, which can also be called a base station. At present, some examples of RAN nodes include: gNB, eNB, transmission reception point (TRP), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or homenode B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP). In addition, in a network structure, the access network equipment may include a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a RAN device including a CU and a DU. The RAN equipment including CU and DU splits the protocol layer from the perspective of logical functions. The functions of some protocol layers are centrally controlled by CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers are distributed in DU, which is centrally controlled by CU.

[0104] like Figure 2The figure shows the architecture diagram of CU-DU. CU and DU can be physically separated or deployed together. CU and DU can be divided according to protocol layers. For example, one possible division method is: CU is used to perform the functions of radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer (this protocol layer is only available when the access network device is connected to the 5G core network), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), while DU is used to perform the functions of radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer.

[0105] It is understood that the above division is only an example, and the CU and DU may also be divided in other ways. For example, the CU or DU may be divided into functions with more protocol layers. For example, the CU or DU may also be divided into partial processing functions with protocol layers.

[0106] In a possible implementation, part of the functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU.

[0107] In another possible implementation, the functions of CU or DU may be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, where functions whose processing time needs to meet latency requirements are set in DU, and functions that do not need to meet the latency requirements are set in CU.

[0108] In another possible implementation, the CU may also have one or more functions of the core network. One or more CUs may be centrally set or separately set. For example, the CU may be set on the network side for centralized management. The DU may have multiple radio frequency functions or the radio frequency functions may be remotely set.

[0109] It should be understood that the functions of CU and DU can be set as needed in the specific implementation, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this. The functions of CU can be implemented by one entity or by different functional entities. In one way, the functions of CU can be further divided into control plane (CP) functions and user plane (UP), that is, CU can be divided into CU-UP and CU-CP. CU-CP and CU-UP can be implemented by different functional entities or by the same functional entity. CU-CP and CU-UP can be coupled with DU to jointly complete the functions of access network equipment. In one possible way, CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, mainly including RRC and PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for encryption and decryption, integrity protection and data transmission of control plane data. CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, mainly including SDAP and PDCP-U. Among them, SDAP is mainly responsible for processing the data of the core network device and mapping the data flow to the bearer. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance and data transmission of the data plane. Another possible implementation is that PDCP-C is also included in CU-UP.

[0110] The core network device can communicate with the CU (for example, CU-UP and / or CU-CP). For example, the CU-CP can communicate with the core network device through the Ng interface on behalf of the access network device. The CU-UP and the CU-CP can communicate, for example, through the E1 interface. The CU-UP and the DU and the CU-CP and the DU can communicate. For example, the CU-CP can communicate with the DU through the F1-C (control plane), and the CU-UP can communicate with the DU through the F1-U (user plane). Multiple DUs can share one CU, and one DU can also be connected to multiple CUs (not shown in the figure). The CU and the DU can communicate through an interface (for example, the F1 interface).

[0111] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device can communicate with multiple access network devices through MR-DC. The base station in MR-DC that has control plane signaling interaction with the core network is called MN, and other base stations are called SN. MN includes a master cell group (MCG), MCG includes at least one PCell, and may also include at least one secondary cell (SCell), and these cells are called MCG service cells of terminal devices. SN includes a secondary cell group (SCG), SCG includes at least one PSCell, and may also include at least one SCell, and these cells are called SCG service cells of terminal devices. The MCG service cell and SCG service cell of the terminal device are both called service cells of the terminal device. Among them, the frequency points corresponding to each cell in MCG are called MCG service frequencies of terminal devices (also called MN service frequencies). The frequency points corresponding to each cell in SCG are called SCG service frequencies of terminal devices (also called SN service frequencies). These frequencies are all called service frequencies of terminal devices.

[0112] PCell refers to a cell deployed at the primary frequency point, where the terminal device initiates the initial connection establishment process or the connection reestablishment process in the cell, or indicates that it is the primary cell during the switching process. PSCell refers to a cell where the terminal device initiates the random access process at the SN, or a cell where the terminal device skips the random access process to initiate data transmission during the SN change process, or a cell where the SN initiates random access during the synchronization reconfiguration process.

[0113] It should be noted that PCell in this application also includes the cell where the terminal device initiates the initial connection establishment process or initiates the connection reestablishment process when MR-DC is not configured, or the cell indicated as the primary cell during the switching process. For the purpose of unified description in this application, the base station to which the terminal device is connected when MR-DC is not configured is also referred to as MN.

[0114] For a terminal device, the multiple access network devices that make up MR-DC may belong to the same radio access technology (radio access technology, RAT), for example, they all belong to the evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) in the fourth generation (4G) communication technology or they all belong to the new radio (NR) access technology in 5G. The multiple access network devices that make up MR-DC may also belong to different RATs, for example, one belongs to E-UTRA and the other belongs to NR. The network side can use the resources of multiple access network devices to provide communication services for the terminal device, thereby providing a high transmission rate for the terminal device.

[0115] Depending on the radio access technology, MR-DC includes, for example, evolved universal terrestrial radio access and new radio dual connectivity (E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity, EN-DC), next generation radio access node evolved universal terrestrial radio access and new radio dual connectivity (NG-RAN E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity, NGEN-DC), new radio and evolved universal terrestrial radio access dual connectivity (NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity, NE-DC), and new radio and new radio dual connectivity (NR-NR dual connectivity, NR-DC).

[0116] The MN in EN-DC is the long term evolution (LTE) connected to the 4G core network EPC, that is, the base station eNB of EPC, and the SN is the NR base station. EN-DC is sometimes also called non-standalone (NSA) because at the beginning of 5G, the terminal devices in the EN-DC network cannot reside in the NR cell. The NR base station that can reside in the terminal device is sometimes also called a standalone (SA) NR base station. In addition, for MR-DC, the terminal device will report which frequency bands are supported for combination (called band combination in the protocol) of MR-DC, that is, the terminal device may only support MR-DC for certain frequency bands, not all frequency bands. The network side will only configure MR-DC for the terminal device according to the capabilities of the terminal device, and will only configure MR-DC corresponding to the frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

[0117] In NGEN-DC, MN is the LTE base station ng-eNB connected to the 5G core network 5GC, and SN is the NR base station.

[0118] In NE-DC, MN is the NR base station connected to the 5G core network 5GC, and SN is the LTE base station.

[0119] In NR-DC, MN is the NR base station connected to the 5G core network 5GC, and SN is the NR base station.

[0120] For a terminal device of an MR-DC, the user plane of the SN may be connected to the core network to which the MN is connected, that is, the core network can directly send data to the terminal device through the SN.

[0121] Each access network device has different RLC / MAC entities. The data radio bearer (DRB) in MR-DC includes MCG bearer, SCG bearer and split bearer. Among them, MCG bearer means that the RLC / MAC entity of the DRB is only on the MN, SCG bearer means that the RLC / MAC entity of the DRB is only on the SN, and split bearer means that the RLC / MAC entity of the DRB is on both the MN and the SN.

[0122] For bearers whose PDCP terminates at MN, i.e. bearers terminated at MN (MN terminated bearer), downlink data directly reaches MN from the core network, is processed by MN's PDCP / SDAP, and then sent to the terminal device via RLC / MAC, and uplink data is processed by MN's PDCP / SDAP and then sent to the core network. Similarly, for bearers whose PDCP terminates at SN, i.e. bearers terminated at SN (SN terminated bearer), downlink data directly reaches SN from the core network, is processed by SN's PDCP / SDAP, and then sent to the terminal device via RLC / MAC, and uplink data is processed by SN's PDCP / SDAP and then sent to the core network.

[0123] like Figure 3As shown, in MR-DC, both MN and SN have RRC entities and can generate RRC messages (i.e., control messages, including, for example, measurement configurations, etc.). SN can directly send the RRC message generated by SN to the terminal device through the Uu port. In this case, the terminal device also directly sends the RRC message to SN through the Uu port. The RRC message directly sent between SN and the terminal device is transmitted through signaling radio bearer 3 (SRB3). SRB3 is the signaling radio bearer configured by SN for the terminal device. For the measurement configuration sent by SN to the terminal device, if there is no SRB3, SN can generate an RRC message containing the measurement configuration and send it to MN through the interface between MN and SN (e.g., Xn-C port). MN encapsulates the RRC message in its own RRC message and sends it to the terminal device through the Uu port. The terminal device can generate an RRC message containing the measurement result and send it to MN through the Uu port. MN encapsulates the RRC message in its own RRC message and sends it to SN through the Uu port.

[0124] It should be noted that when the terminal device sends the measurement results of the MN service frequency to the MN in response to the measurement configuration from the MN, it can also carry the measurement results of the SN service frequency, for example, carrying the measurement results of the MN service frequency and the measurement results of the SN service frequency in the same measurement report or different measurement reports.

[0125] As mentioned above, when the terminal device moves between cells, in order to ensure that the cell with better signal quality provides services for the terminal device, for example, a neighboring cell with a reference signal receiving power (RSRP) or a reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ) higher than a certain threshold of the cell is selected to provide services for the terminal device, the MN (or SN) can send a measurement configuration to the terminal device, and the measurement configuration carries a measurement frequency point, indicating that the terminal device measures the signal quality of the cell corresponding to the frequency point. When the reporting conditions of the measurement configuration are met, the terminal device sends the measurement result to the MN (or SN), so that the network side can notify the terminal device to switch the frequency point according to the measurement result, or notify the terminal device to switch to the neighboring cell corresponding to the frequency point.

[0126] The following are included in the general measurement configuration:

[0127] Measurement object: including measurement frequency, etc. For NR, it can refer to the frequency corresponding to the synchronization signal block (SSB) or the frequency corresponding to the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). For NR, it can also include how to obtain the signal quality of each cell in the measurement frequency, such as using the signal quality of several beams to derive the signal quality of the cell, and the conditions that the signal quality of these beams should meet. Each measurement object will have an identifier, called the measurement object identifier (measObjectID).

[0128] Report configuration: including configuration of report type. Report types include event report or periodic report. Event report configuration includes configuration of event reports such as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2, etc. Periodic report configuration includes report interval, number of reports, report amount, etc. Each report configuration will have an identifier, called report configuration identifier (reportConfigID). Among them, Ax (i.e. A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6) is called same radio access technology measurement. B1 / B2 is called different radio access technology measurement.

[0129] Measurement identity configuration: The measurement identity configuration includes a measurement identity (measID), a measurement object identity (measObjectID) corresponding to the measurement identity, and a report configuration identity (reportConfigID).

[0130] The A1 event refers to a signal quality of a serving cell being higher than a certain threshold. The serving cell refers to a serving cell corresponding to a measurement frequency point in a measurement object corresponding to the A1 event.

[0131] A2 event means that the signal quality of the serving cell is lower than a certain threshold. This serving cell refers to the serving cell corresponding to the measurement frequency point in the measurement object corresponding to the A2 event.

[0132] A3 event means that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a certain threshold than the signal quality of PCell or PSCell. The configuration of A3 event can also indicate whether to use the signal quality of PCell or PSCell for comparison, that is, whether the signal quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a certain threshold than the signal quality of PCell or PSCell. This neighboring cell is the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency in the measurement object corresponding to the A3 event, which may be different from the frequency used by PCell and PSCell. In NR, the measurement reference signal indicated in the measurement object corresponding to the event may be the same as the reference signal indicated by the measurement object corresponding to the PSCell of NR.

[0133] A4 event means that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a certain threshold. This neighboring cell is the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency point in the measurement object corresponding to the A4 event.

[0134] A5 event means that the signal quality of PCell or PSCell is lower than threshold 1, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell is higher than threshold 2. The A5 event configuration can also indicate whether to use the signal quality of PCell or PSCell for comparison. This neighboring cell is the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency in the measurement object corresponding to the A5 event, which may be different from the frequency used by PCell and PSCell. In NR, the measurement reference signal indicated in the measurement object corresponding to the event may be the same as the reference signal indicated by the measurement object corresponding to the SpCell of NR.

[0135] A6 event means that the signal quality of the neighboring cell is higher than a certain threshold than the signal quality of the SCell. The SCell cell and the neighboring cell refer to the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency in the measurement object corresponding to the A6 event. In NR, the reference signal corresponding to the SCell and the neighboring cell corresponding to the event is the measurement reference signal indicated in the measurement object corresponding to the event.

[0136] B1 event means that the signal quality of neighboring cells of other wireless communication systems is higher than a certain threshold. This neighboring cell is the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency point in the measurement object corresponding to the B1 event.

[0137] The B2 event means that the signal quality of the PCell is lower than the threshold 3, and the signal quality of the neighboring cells of other wireless communication systems is higher than the threshold 4. This neighboring cell is the cell corresponding to the measurement frequency point in the measurement object corresponding to the B2 event.

[0138] When MN configures A3 / A4 / A5 / B1 / B2 events for terminal devices and reports the measurement results of these events on the terminal devices, it can also carry the measurement results of the SN service frequency and the measurement results of the beams of each reporting cell. The beam refers to a reference signal within a certain spatial range, and the reference signal type can be SSB or CSI-RS. The measurement results of the SN service frequency include the measurement results of the service cell and neighboring cells corresponding to the SN service frequency. Therefore, the measurement results sent by the terminal device do not include the measurement results of neighboring cells of non-service frequencies.

[0139] There are combination restrictions for the PCell frequency of MN and the PSCell frequency of SN. For example, the terminal device supports MR-DC composed of frequency band 1 and frequency band 2 (for example, the PCell frequency belongs to frequency band 1 and the PSCell frequency belongs to frequency band 2), and supports MR-DC composed of frequency band 3 and frequency band 4 (for example, the PCell frequency belongs to frequency band 3 and the PSCell frequency belongs to frequency band 4), but does not support MR-DC composed of frequency band 1 and frequency band 4. In other words, it can be considered that the PCell frequency of MN and the PSCell frequency of SN are corresponding.

[0140] In some scenarios, when the PCell frequency of the MN changes (for example, switching from the first PCell to the second PCell), the PSCell frequency of the SN must also be changed; or, the network has not yet configured MR-DC for the terminal device. To configure MR-DC for the terminal device, the network can change the PCell frequency and configure the PSCell frequency. However, the new PSCell frequency or the changed PSCell frequency does not belong to the current service frequency of the terminal device, and the terminal device has not yet reported the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the frequency. The network side and the terminal device will report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the frequency for other measurement configurations before completing the above process, which will increase the delay in configuring the frequency on the network side.

[0141] For example, for the second scenario mentioned above, the network side cannot immediately configure MR-DC for the terminal device. It is necessary to wait until the terminal device reports the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the new PSCell frequency point before configuring MR-DC for the terminal device. This will increase the delay in configuring MR-DC.

[0142] For example, Figure 4As shown, the terminal device only supports MR-DC of E-UTRA 700M (ie, 700M frequency band of E-UTRA standard) + NR3.5G (ie, 3.5G frequency band of NR standard), and does not support MR-DC of E-UTRA 2.6G (ie, 2.6G frequency band of E-UTRA standard) + NR 3.5G (ie, 3.5G frequency band of NR standard). The current PCell of the terminal device is a cell with a frequency point located in E-UTRA2.6G. 700M / 2.6G / 3.5G / 2.1G / 1.8G in this application refers to the frequency points belonging to the frequency band range corresponding to 700M / 2.6G / 3.5G / 2.1G / 1.8G.

[0143] The network side needs to let the terminal device use MR-DC. First, the PCell frequency of the terminal device is switched to E-UTRA 700M, and then MR-DC is configured. The network side sends the measurement configuration for the E-UTRA 700M frequency to the terminal device at E-UTRA 2.6G. When the terminal device reports the measurement results, it only carries the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the E-UTRA 700M frequency, and does not carry the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the NR 3.5G frequency. Therefore, when the terminal device switches from E-UTRA 2.6G to E-UTRA 700M, the network side cannot immediately configure an NR 3.5G base station as the SN for it.

[0144] The network side needs to wait for the terminal device to switch to E-UTRA 700M before sending the measurement configuration for the cell corresponding to the NR 3.5G frequency to the terminal device, and then configure MR-DC based on the measurement results, which will increase the delay of configuring MR-DC. Alternatively, the network side configures two measurement objects for the terminal device, corresponding to the E-UTRA 700M frequency and the NR3.5G frequency respectively. After the terminal device reports the measurement results of the cells corresponding to the E-UTRA 700M and NR 3.5G frequencies through two measurement report messages, it is decided to switch the terminal device to E-UTRA 700M and configure the PSCell corresponding to NR 3.5G for the terminal device (for example, the network side determines that the signal quality of E-UTRA700M and NR 3.5G measured by the terminal device is relatively good based on the two measurement results). The problem caused by this is that the network side receives the measurement results of the cells corresponding to the NR3.5G and E-UTRA 700M frequencies at different times, and changes the PCell frequency and PSCell frequency accordingly. When the network side configures MR-DC for the terminal device based on these two measurement results, the actual communication quality corresponding to the frequency of the first reported frequency band (such as E-UTRA 700M) may have deteriorated, that is, the previous measurement results have become invalid, resulting in the terminal device failing to access the new PCell frequency, thereby interrupting service communication. In addition, since the network side needs to save the previous measurement results, it will also increase the complexity of the network side.

[0145] In other scenarios, when the PSCell frequency of the SN changes, the corresponding PCell frequency of the MN also needs to change. If the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the new PSCell frequency is better, and the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the current PSCell frequency is worse, the network side will change the PSCell frequency, but the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the new PSCell frequency received by the network side does not carry the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the new PCell frequency, so the network side cannot change the PSCell frequency.

[0146] For example, Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the terminal device only supports E-UTRA 1.8G+NR 3.5G and E-UTRA 700M+NR2.1G. Assume that the MR-DC of the current terminal device is configured as E-UTRA 1.8G+NR 3.5G, the PCell frequency is located at E-UTRA1.8G, and the PSCell frequency is located at NR 3.5G. When the PSCell frequency of NR 3.5G needs to be changed (for example, NR 3.5G non-continuous coverage), the PCell frequency of E-UTRA 1.8G also needs to be changed.

[0147] Because the network side does not know the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the E-UTRA 700M frequency, it cannot decide to switch the PCell frequency to E-UTRA 700M. Therefore, the network side first releases the PSCell frequency, triggers the terminal device to switch the PCell frequency to E-UTRA 700M, and then sends the measurement configuration for the NR 2.1G frequency to the terminal device. Then, the NR 2.1G base station is configured as the SN based on the measurement results, which will bring additional delay.

[0148] Alternatively, the network side configures two measurement objects for the terminal device, corresponding to the frequency of E-UTRA 700M and the frequency of NR2.1G respectively. After the terminal device reports the measurement results of the cells corresponding to the frequencies of E-UTRA 700M and NR 2.1G through two measurement report messages, it is decided that the terminal device can be switched to E-UTRA 700M, and the PSCell corresponding to NR 2.1G is configured for the terminal device (for example, the network side determines that the signal quality of E-UTRA700M and NR 2.1G measured by the terminal device is relatively good based on the two measurement results). The problem caused by this is that the network side receives the measurement results of the cells corresponding to the NR2.1G and E-UTRA 700M frequencies at different times, and changes the PCell frequency and PSCell frequency accordingly. When the network side configures MR-DC for the terminal device based on these two measurement results, the actual communication quality corresponding to the frequency of the first reported frequency band (such as E-UTRA 700M) may have deteriorated, that is, the previous measurement results have become invalid, which may cause the terminal device to fail to access the new PCell frequency, thereby interrupting service communication. In addition, since the network side needs to save the previous measurement results, it will also increase the complexity of the network side.

[0149] The embodiment of the present application provides a measurement method, when the terminal device is in the MR-DC scenario, the network side wants to change the PCell frequency (or PSCell frequency), and instructs the terminal device to report the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency (or target PSCell frequency). The terminal device not only reports the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency (or target PSCell frequency) according to the instruction, but also reports the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the candidate PSCell frequency (or candidate PCell frequency) that meets the combination restriction with the target PCell frequency (or target PSCell frequency) according to the principle that the PCell frequency and the PSCell frequency are subject to combination restrictions, so that the network side can know the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the candidate PSCell frequency (or candidate PCell frequency), thereby determining whether to switch the PCell frequency (or PSCell frequency) to the target PCell frequency (or target PSCell frequency), and switch the PSCell frequency (or PCell frequency) to the candidate PSCell frequency (or candidate PCell frequency). When the terminal device is in a CA scenario and the network side wants to change the PCell frequency, the terminal device is instructed to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency. The terminal device not only reports the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency as instructed, but also reports the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the candidate SCell frequency that meets the combination restrictions with the target PCell frequency, based on the principle that the PCell frequency and the SCell frequency in the MCG are subject to combination restrictions, so that the network side can learn the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the candidate SCell frequency, and thus determine whether to switch the PCell frequency to the target PCell frequency, and switch the SCell frequency to the candidate SCell frequency.

[0150] This measurement method can be applied to the following scenarios:

[0151] Scenario 1: Since the PCell frequency of the MN and the PSCell frequency of the SN are restricted in combination, when the network side switches the source PCell frequency of the source MN to the target PCell frequency of the target MN (the target PCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time), it is necessary to switch the source PSCell frequency of the source SN to the target PSCell frequency of the target SN (the target PSCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time). When the source SN and the target SN are not the same SN, the SN needs to be switched; when the source MN and the target MN are not the same MN, the MN needs to be switched. At this time, the terminal device not only needs to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency of the target MN, but also needs to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency of the target SN, so that the network side completes the switching process. Alternatively, the current network side has not configured MR-DC for the terminal device, and the PCell frequency of the current terminal device cannot form MR-DC with another frequency. If the network side wants to configure MR-DC for the terminal device, the network side needs to first switch the PCell frequency to the target PCell frequency, and then configure MR-DC for the terminal device.

[0152] Scenario 2: When the network side switches the source PSCell frequency of the source SN to the target PSCell frequency of the target SN (the target PSCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time), it is necessary to switch the source PCell frequency of the source MN to the target PCell frequency of the target MN (the target PCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time). When the source SN and the target SN are not the same SN, the SN needs to be switched; when the source MN and the target MN are not the same MN, the MN needs to be switched. At this time, the terminal device not only needs to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency of the target SN, but also needs to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency of the target MN, so that the network side completes the switching process.

[0153] Scenario three: In CA, one PCell frequency corresponds to at least one SCell frequency, and the PCell frequency and the SCell frequency are co-located. When the network side switches the source PCell frequency of the source MN to the target PCell frequency of the target MN (the target PCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time), regardless of whether the source MN and the target MN are the same MN, since the PCell frequency has changed, the SCell frequency needs to be added or changed. At this time, the terminal device not only needs to report the measurement report of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency of the target MN, but also needs to report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the target SCell frequency of the target SN (the target SCell frequency is a non-service frequency at this time), so that the network side completes the configuration CA process.

[0154] Specifically, Figure 6 As shown, the measurement method includes:

[0155] S601. A first network element sends a first measurement configuration to a terminal device.

[0156] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first measurement configuration from the first network element.

[0157] The first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point. For the content of the measurement configuration described above, the measurement object of the first measurement configuration includes the first frequency point, and the report configuration of the first measurement configuration can be an event report or a periodic report. This application does not limit the type of event, for example, it can be an A3 / A4 / A5 event, or a B1 / B2 event, or other events. The first frequency point will be described in detail later in this step.

[0158] The first network element can be an MN or a SN. That is, when the first network element is an MN, the MN can send an RRC message to the terminal device, and the RRC message includes the first measurement configuration from the MN. Alternatively, when the first network element is an SN, if there is no SRB3 between the SN and the terminal device, the SN can send an RRC message including the first measurement configuration to the MN, and the MN encapsulates the RRC message in its own RRC message and sends it to the terminal device, that is, the first measurement configuration comes from the SN. Alternatively, when the first network element is an SN, and there is SRB3 between the SN and the terminal device, the SN can directly send an RRC message to the terminal device, and the RRC message includes the first measurement configuration from the SN.

[0159] The first network element may also instruct the terminal device to measure the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point or instruct the terminal device to report the measurement result of the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point. The second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point. In the embodiment of the present application, the non-service frequency point refers to neither the service frequency point of the MN nor the service frequency point of the SN. That is, the non-service frequency point is not the service frequency point configured by the network side (MN and SN) for the terminal device, and the current network side does not provide communication services for the terminal device through the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point.

[0160] Specific instructions may include the following:

[0161] In a possible implementation, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct the terminal device to measure the cell corresponding to the second frequency point. For example, the measurement object of the first measurement configuration includes not only the first frequency point, but also the second frequency point.

[0162] In another possible implementation, the first network element may also send the first indication information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the first network element.

[0163] The first indication information may be used to indicate the identification information of the second frequency point, that is, the second frequency point is directly indicated by the identification information.

[0164] Alternatively, the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including a second frequency point, and the second measurement configuration is a measurement configuration received by the terminal device before receiving the first indication information. The terminal device can determine the second measurement configuration according to the first indication information, thereby determining the second frequency point in the second measurement configuration. The information of the second measurement configuration includes: for example, a report configuration identifier (reportConfigID) or a measurement object identifier (measObjectID) or a measurement identifier (measID) of the second measurement configuration.

[0165] Alternatively, the first indication information is used to indicate the identification information of the network element configured with the third measurement configuration including the second frequency point, and the third measurement configuration is the measurement configuration received by the terminal device before receiving the first indication information, that is, the first indication information indicates which access network device is configured with the third measurement configuration including the second frequency point. The terminal device can determine the third measurement configuration according to the identification information of the network element, thereby determining the second frequency point in the third measurement configuration. For example, when the first network element is MN, the first indication information indicates the identification information of SN, then the second frequency point refers to all non-service frequency points in the measurement configuration configured by the SN for the terminal device, the SN configures the third measurement configuration for the terminal device, and the measurement frequency point corresponding to the measurement object in the third measurement configuration is the second frequency point.

[0166] It should be noted that the first indication information may be included in the first measurement configuration. Alternatively, the first network element may send the first indication information to the terminal device alone.

[0167] For the second measurement configuration or the third measurement configuration, which is a measurement configuration received by the terminal device before receiving the first indication information, if the network side does not instruct the terminal device to measure the cells corresponding to the specific measurement frequencies through the measurement configuration, the terminal device will not be able to determine which cells corresponding to the measurement frequencies are measured and report the corresponding measurement results. If the cells corresponding to all frequencies are measured and the measurement results are reported, many of the measurement results are useless, wasting air interface resources and increasing the complexity of the terminal device.

[0168] Other network elements may also send the first indication information to the terminal device. For example, when the first network element is MN, SN may send the first indication information to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first indication information from SN. Alternatively, when the first network element is SN, MN may send the first indication information to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first indication information from MN. For example, SN sends the first indication information to the terminal device, indicating that the terminal device may carry the measurement result of the second frequency point in the measurement report sent to MN in response to the first measurement configuration from MN.

[0169] The first frequency point and the second frequency point are described in detail below:

[0170] In terms of the support capability of the terminal device, the terminal device supports the first frequency point and the second frequency point to form MR-DC or carrier aggregation (CA). In other words, the terminal device can report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point (second frequency point) that can form MR-DC or CA with the first frequency point, so that the network side can configure MR-DC or CA for the terminal device.

[0171] Optionally, the second frequency point is the measurement frequency point corresponding to the measurement object in the measurement configuration that the network side has configured for the terminal device, rather than a random frequency point. Otherwise, the terminal device does not know which frequencies correspond to the measurement results of the cells to be reported. By configuring specific frequencies, the waste of wireless resources can be reduced.

[0172] Optionally, the first network element may not send the first indication information to the terminal device. The second frequency point is a frequency point that the terminal device supports to form MR-DC or CA with the first frequency point, and is a measurement frequency point for which the network side (MN and / or SN) has configured the measurement configuration for the terminal device. Or it is a non-service frequency point that the terminal device can currently measure to obtain the measurement result, and the terminal device supports this frequency point to form MR-DC or CA with the first frequency point.

[0173] When the first network element is an MN, the first frequency point is the frequency point of the candidate MN, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the candidate SN. Alternatively, when the first network element is an SN, the first frequency point is the frequency point of the candidate SN, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the candidate MN.

[0174] For the scenarios 1 to 3 described above, for scenario 1, the first frequency point is the target PCell frequency point in the target MN, and the second frequency point is the target PSCell frequency point in the target SN. For scenario 2, the first frequency point is the target PSCell frequency point in the target SN, and the second frequency point is the target PCell frequency point in the target MN. For scenario 3, the first frequency point is the target PCell frequency point in the target MN, and the second frequency point is the target SCell frequency point in the target MN.

[0175] In the embodiment of the present application, the frequency point of the candidate MN may also be referred to as the frequency point of the MN to be switched to, the target MN frequency point, etc. The frequency point of the candidate SN may also be referred to as the frequency point of the SN to be switched to, the target SN frequency point, etc.

[0176] S602. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element.

[0177] Correspondingly, the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device.

[0178] The first network element is MN, and the terminal device can send an RRC message to MN, and the RRC message includes a measurement report. Alternatively, the first network element is SN, and there is no SRB3 between SN and the terminal device. The terminal device sends an RRC message to MN, and the RRC message encapsulates the RRC message including the measurement report from the terminal device to SN, and MN sends the RRC message from the terminal device to SN to SN. Alternatively, the first network element is SN, and there is SRB3 between SN and the terminal device, and the terminal device can directly send an RRC message to SN, and the RRC message includes a measurement report.

[0179] When the event described above is met (the report configuration of the first measurement configuration is an event report) or periodically (the report configuration of the first measurement configuration is a periodic report), the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element.

[0180] For example, the first measurement configuration sent by the MN is for the A3 / A5 event of the heterodyne frequency point of the PSCell (ie, the measurement frequency point of the A3 / A5 event is different from the PSCell frequency point). When the above event is met, the terminal device can send a measurement report to the MN.

[0181] For example, the first measurement configuration sent by the MN is an A3 / A5 event for an inter-frequency point of the PCell (ie, the measurement frequency point of the A3 / A5 event is different from the PCell frequency point). When the above event is met, the terminal device can send a measurement report to the MN.

[0182] The following is a detailed description of the measurement report:

[0183] The measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point. Both the first measurement result and the second measurement result are available measurement results (the available results).

[0184] For scenarios one to three described above, for scenario one, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency in the target SN. For scenario two, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency in the target SN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN. For scenario three, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target SCell frequency in the target MN.

[0185] The terminal device may also send a measurement report to the first network element when the measurement result of the first cell is greater than the first threshold and / or the measurement result of the second cell is greater than the second threshold.

[0186] That is, the first measurement result includes the identification information of the first cell and the measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than the first threshold. The second measurement result includes the cell identification of the second cell and the measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than the second threshold.

[0187] The first threshold and / or the second threshold may be included in the first measurement configuration, that is, the first measurement configuration includes the first threshold, and / or the first measurement configuration includes the second threshold.

[0188] Optionally, the first network element sends a second measurement result to the second network element. The first network element is an MN (i.e., source MN), and the second network element is a candidate MN (i.e., target MN), or the first network element is an SN, and the second network element is an MN. If the network side wants to switch the terminal device from the MN to the candidate MN, or if the network side wants to change the PSCell of the SN, it needs to change the PCell of the corresponding MN, the first network element sends the second measurement result to the second network element, and the second network element can configure relevant resources for the terminal device according to the second measurement result, such as configuring MR-DC or CA for the terminal device. The second measurement result may be included in a switching request message sent by the first network element to the second network element, or included in a modification SN requirement message or a change SN requirement message.

[0189] In the measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element sends a first measurement configuration to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the first measurement configuration, and the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, and accordingly, the first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, and the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point. By reporting the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point by the terminal device, the network side can be aware of the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point, thereby reducing the delay of switching the service frequency point of the terminal device by judging whether to switch the PCell frequency point or the PSCell frequency point to the corresponding non-service frequency point.

[0190] The measurement method of the present application is described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0191] The embodiment of the present application provides another measurement method, which can be applied to scenario one, scenario two and scenario three.

[0192] Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, the measurement method includes:

[0193] S701. A source MN sends a first measurement configuration to a terminal device.

[0194] Corresponding to step S601, the first network element is the source MN at this time. The other contents of this step can refer to the description in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0195] S702. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the source MN.

[0196] Corresponding to step S602, the first network element is the source MN at this time. The other contents of this step can refer to the description in step S602, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] S703: The source MN sends a handover request message to the target MN.

[0198] For scenario one, the source MN can change the PCell frequency, and the change of the PCell frequency causes the change of the PSCell frequency. At this time, the first frequency is the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second frequency is the target PSCell frequency in the target SN. Correspondingly, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency in the target SN. The source MN determines that the switching of the PCell frequency satisfies the conditions based on the first measurement result, and determines that the switching of the PSCell frequency satisfies the conditions based on the second measurement result, and if the target MN is not the same MN as the source MN, the source MN sends a switching request message to the target MN, and the switching request message includes the second measurement result, and the target MN decides whether to configure the target SN for the terminal device (for example, based on the second measurement result). The target MN sends an SN add message to the target SN, and the SN add message includes the second measurement result, and the target SN configures the target PSCell for the terminal device.

[0199] If the target MN and the source MN are the same MN, this step is not performed. The target MN or the source MN can reconfigure the PCell frequency and perform the SN replacement or modification process. If the target MN and the source MN share the same SN, the SN modification process is performed; if the target SN and the source SN are different SNs, the SN replacement process is performed.

[0200] For scenario two, the source MN can change the PSCell frequency so that the change of the PSCell frequency causes the change of the PCell frequency. At this time, the first frequency is the target PSCell frequency in the target SN, and the second frequency is the target PCell frequency in the target MN. Correspondingly, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency in the target SN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN. The source MN determines that the switching of the PSCell frequency satisfies the conditions according to the first measurement result, and determines that the switching of the PCell frequency satisfies the conditions according to the second measurement result, and if the target MN is not the same MN as the source MN, the source MN sends a switching request message to the target MN. The switching request message carries the first measurement result. The target MN decides whether to configure the target SN for the terminal device (for example, based on the first measurement result). The target MN sends an SN add message to the target SN, and the SN add message includes the first measurement result, and the target SN configures the target PSCell for the terminal device.

[0201] If the target MN and the source MN are the same MN, this step is not performed. The target MN or the source MN can reconfigure the PCell frequency and perform the SN replacement or modification process. If the target MN and the source MN share the same SN, the SN modification process is performed; if the target SN and the source SN are different SNs, the SN replacement process is performed.

[0202] For scenario three, the source MN can change the PCell frequency so that the change of the PCell frequency causes the change of the SCell frequency. At this time, the first frequency is the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second frequency is the target SCell frequency in the target MN. Accordingly, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target SCell frequency in the target MN. The source MN determines that the switching of the PCell frequency satisfies the conditions based on the first measurement result, and determines that the switching of the SCell frequency satisfies the conditions based on the second measurement result, and if the target MN is not the same MN as the source MN, the source MN sends a switching request message to the target MN, and the switching request message includes the second measurement result. The target MN decides whether to configure the target SCell frequency for the terminal device (for example, based on the second measurement result). If the target MN is the same MN as the source MN, this step is not performed, and only the SCell frequency and PCell frequency are reconfigured.

[0203] S704: The target MN and the target SN perform an SN adding procedure or an SN modifying procedure.

[0204] For scenario 1 and scenario 2, since the PSCell frequency needs to be changed, when the source SN and the target SN are not the same SN, the SN needs to be switched or modified. Therefore, the target MN and the target SN perform the SN adding process or SN modifying process.

[0205] Optionally, the target MN may send the second measurement result to the target SN. The target SN may configure relevant resources for the terminal device according to the second measurement result, for example, selecting a PSCell for the terminal device.

[0206] It should be noted that when the target MN and the source MN are the same MN, the function of step S704 is to change the SN. When the target SN and the source SN are the same SN, the function of step S704 is to modify the configuration of the SN, for example, to change the source PSCell to the target PSCell of the same SN.

[0207] S705: The target MN sends a handover response message to the source MN.

[0208] The handover response message includes an RRC reconfiguration message from the target MN to the terminal device.

[0209] S706. The source MN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0210] If the MN changes, that is, switches from the source MN to the target MN, the source MN sends the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the target MN to the terminal device.

[0211] The measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application avoids the increase in delay caused by the inability to switch the frequency point due to the lack of the measurement result of one of the cells on the network side, by having the terminal device report the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the frequency point with the combination restriction, and also avoids the need to process in combination with the measurement result of the cell reported by the terminal device before or after, thereby avoiding increasing the processing complexity of the base station.

[0212] The embodiment of the present application provides another measurement method, which can be applied to scenario 2.

[0213] Specifically, Figure 8 As shown, the measurement method includes:

[0214] S801. A source SN sends a first measurement configuration to a terminal device.

[0215] Corresponding to step S601, the first network element is the source SN at this time. The rest of this step can refer to the description of step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] S802. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the source SN.

[0217] Corresponding to step S602, the first network element is the source SN at this time. The rest of this step can refer to the description of step S602, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] S803: The source SN sends a modification SN requirement message or a change SN requirement message to the source MN.

[0219] For scenario two, the source SN can change the PSCell frequency, and the change of the PSCell frequency causes the change of the PCell frequency. At this time, the first frequency is the target PSCell frequency in the target SN, and the second frequency is the target PCell frequency in the target MN. Accordingly, the first measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PSCell frequency in the target SN, and the second measurement result is the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the target PCell frequency in the target MN. The source SN determines that the switching of the PSCell frequency meets the conditions based on the first measurement result, and therefore sends a modification SN requirement message or a change SN requirement message to the source MN.

[0220] The modification SN request message or the change SN request message includes: information of the target PSCell for which switching is requested (eg, frequency information or cell information of the target PSCell), or the MR-DC band combination (bandcombination) corresponding to the frequency band of the target PSCell.

[0221] Optionally, the SN request message is modified or the SN request message is changed to include the second measurement result.

[0222] S804: The source MN sends a modification SN confirmation message or a change SN confirmation message to the source SN.

[0223] The MN may determine, based on the second measurement result, that the switching of the PCell frequency point meets the condition (for example, the signal quality of the target PCell frequency point is relatively good), and thus respond to the source SN.

[0224] Optionally, when the target PCell frequency point and the source PCell frequency point do not belong to the same MN (that is, the source MN and the target MN are not the same MN), steps S805 and S806 may be further included before or after S804.

[0225] S805: The source MN and the target MN perform a handover process.

[0226] That is, the source MN sends a handover request message to the target MN, and the target MN sends a handover response message to the source MN. For details, please refer to steps S703 and S705, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] S806: The target MN and the target SN perform a process of adding an SN.

[0228] It should be noted that when the target MN and the source MN are the same MN, the function of step S806 is to change the SN. The target SN and the source SN may also be the same SN, because for the target MN, the target SN is a new SN.

[0229] S807. The source MN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0230] Optionally, if the MN changes (ie, switches from the source MN to the target MN), the source MN sends the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the target MN to the source MN to the UE.

[0231] The measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application, by having the terminal device report the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the PSCell frequency with combination restrictions and the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the PCell frequency, avoids the network side not having the measurement results of the cell corresponding to the PCell frequency and being unable to perform frequency switching, which causes increased delay, and also avoids the need to combine the measurement results of the cell reported by the terminal device before or after for processing, thereby avoiding increasing the processing complexity of the base station.

[0232] An embodiment of the present application provides another measurement method, which, based on scenario one, scenario two or scenario three, imposes strict restrictions on the conditions for the terminal device to report the measurement results, that is, the terminal device reports the measurement results only when the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is good, for example, the first measurement result is greater than a threshold, and the second measurement result is greater than another threshold; or, the first measurement result is greater than a PCell measurement result by a threshold, and the second measurement result is greater than a PSCell measurement result by another threshold.

[0233] Specifically, Fig. 9 As shown, the measurement method includes:

[0234] S901. A source MN (or a source SN) sends a first measurement configuration to a terminal device.

[0235] A new event (e.g., A7) may be defined in the report configuration of the first measurement configuration: the measurement result of the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point is greater than the first threshold, and / or the measurement result of the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point is greater than the second threshold. Optionally, the event also requires that the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the service frequency point deteriorates, for example, the measurement result of the PCell is less than a threshold, and the measurement result of the PSCell is less than another threshold.

[0236] A new event (for example, A8) can be defined in the report configuration of the first measurement configuration: the measurement result of the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point and the measurement result of the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point are better than the measurement result of the cell corresponding to the service frequency point (for example, PCell or PSCell). For example, the measurement result of the first cell corresponding to the first frequency point is greater than the measurement result of the PCell by a threshold, and the measurement result of the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point is greater than the measurement result of the PSCell by another threshold.

[0237] Corresponding to step S601, the first network element is the source MN (or source SN) at this time. The rest of this step can refer to the description of step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] S902. The terminal device sends a measurement report to the source MN (or source SN).

[0239] That is, when the events described above are met, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the source MN (or source SN).

[0240] Corresponding to step S602, at this time, the first network element is the source MN (or source SN). The rest of this step can refer to the description of step S602, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] Subsequent steps S703-S706 may be executed for the source MN, and subsequent steps S803-S807 may be executed for the source SN.

[0242] The measurement method provided in the embodiment of the present application strictly restricts the conditions for reporting the measurement results of the terminal device, and reports only when the first measurement result and / or the second measurement result is good, thereby saving wireless resources. In addition, the network side can be informed of the communication quality of the cell corresponding to the non-service frequency point, thereby reducing the delay of switching the service frequency point of the terminal device by judging whether to switch the PCell frequency point or the PSCell frequency point to the corresponding non-service frequency point.

[0243] In addition, there is currently a power control sharing solution for NR-DC, including semi-static power sharing and dynamic power sharing, which can be applied to scenarios where the terminal equipment uses the spectrum of frequency range 1 (FR1) (frequency range of 450MHz to 6000MHz) in both MCG and SCG, or the spectrum of frequency range 2 (FR2) (frequency range of 24250MHz to 52600MHz). The MN notifies the SN terminal equipment of the power sharing solution adopted.

[0244] Semi-static power sharing includes two modes:

[0245] Mode 1: The transmission power of the terminal device in each cell group (CG) (i.e., MCG or SCG) shall not exceed the maximum transmission power of the CG configured by the network side, and the maximum transmission power is configured to the terminal device by the network side through an RRC message. For ease of description, the maximum transmission power corresponding to the MCG configured to the terminal device by the network side through an RRC message is referred to as PMCG, and the maximum transmission power corresponding to the SCG configured to the terminal device by the network side through an RRC message is referred to as PSCG. The terminal device does not need to determine whether the uplink transmissions of the MCG and SCG overlap in time, and can directly determine the maximum transmission power in the MCG according to the PMCG, and determine the maximum transmission power in the SCG according to the PSCG.

[0246] Mode 2: When the terminal device has uplink transmission in the first time slot in a CG (for example, CG1), the terminal device checks the semi-static transmission direction configuration of each symbol in another CG (for example, CG2). The network side (MN or SN) will notify the terminal device in advance through the semi-static transmission direction configuration that the semi-static transmission direction corresponding to each symbol in each time slot in each CG is uplink transmission, downlink transmission or flexible configuration (that is, it may be uplink transmission or downlink transmission). The semi-static transmission direction configuration can be carried in the time division duplexing (TDD) uplink and downlink common configuration (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon) or the time division duplexing uplink and downlink dedicated configuration (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationDedicated). For a CG, after the terminal device receives TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon and TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationDedicated from the network side, it combines these two configurations to obtain the semi-static transmission direction of the CG. For example, TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationDedicated can override the semi-static transmission direction set as "semi-static transmission direction as flexible configuration" in TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon.

[0247] If the uplink transmission of the first time slot of CG1 may overlap with the uplink transmission of the second time slot of CG2 (i.e., at least one symbol of the first time slot overlaps with at least one symbol of the second time slot that is configured for uplink transmission or flexibly configured), the terminal device limits the transmission power of the uplink transmission of the first time slot to not exceed the maximum transmission power of CG1 configured by the network side for the terminal device (the maximum transmission power PMCG or PSCG configured by the network side through RRC messages). Otherwise, when determining the transmission power of the uplink transmission of the first time slot, the terminal device does not need to consider the maximum transmission power (PMCG or PSCG) in the CG configured by the network side for the terminal device through RRC messages.

[0248] Dynamic Power Sharing:

[0249] If the uplink transmission of the terminal device in the first time slot of the MCG and the uplink transmission of the terminal device in the second time slot of the SCG overlap in time, and the sum of the transmission power of the terminal device in the first time slot of the MCG and the transmission power of the terminal device in the second time slot of the SCG is greater than the maximum transmission power available to the terminal device, the terminal device reduces the transmission power of the SCG in the second time slot so that the sum of the transmission power of the terminal device in the first time slot of the MCG and the transmission power of the terminal device in the second time slot of the SCG is less than or equal to the maximum transmission power available to the terminal device.

[0250] Among them, for the convenience of description, the transmission power of the terminal device in the first time slot of MCG is abbreviated as PMCG_actual, the transmission power of the terminal device in the second time slot of SCG is abbreviated as PSCG_actual, and the maximum transmission power available to the terminal device is abbreviated as Ptotal. PMCG_actual is the transmission power of the terminal device in the first time slot calculated by the terminal device according to PMCG as the maximum transmission power, PSCG_actual is the transmission power of the terminal device in the second time slot calculated by the terminal device according to PSCG as the maximum transmission power, and Ptotal is the maximum transmission power configured for the terminal device in NR-DC. If the uplink transmission of the terminal device in the first time slot of MCG and the uplink transmission of the terminal device in the second time slot of SCG do not overlap in time, the terminal device does not need to consider PMCG when determining the transmission power in the first time slot of MCG, and does not need to consider PSCG when determining the transmission power in the second time slot of SCG.

[0251] For details of the above power sharing mode, please refer to the description in 3GPP protocol 38.213.

[0252] It can be seen from the above power sharing scheme that for mode 2 of semi-static sharing, after MN and SN know each other's semi-static transmission direction configuration, MN and SN can schedule according to the maximum transmission power currently available to the terminal device (for example, if there is overlap in uplink transmission, MN or SN schedules the terminal device according to the maximum transmission power PMCG or PSCG available to the terminal device; if there is no overlap in uplink transmission, MN or SN does not need to consider the influence of PMCG or PSCG to schedule the terminal device, for example, according to Ptotal as the maximum transmission power available to the terminal device to schedule the terminal device, thereby improving resource utilization. Therefore, MN and SN need to interact with each other for the semi-static transmission direction corresponding to the configured service cell.

[0253] In addition, in the asynchronous CA scenario, the timing of the two carriers may be different, for example, the frame boundaries are not aligned but the time slot boundaries are aligned. The base station will notify the terminal device of the timing deviation between the various carriers under the base station. The timing deviation refers to the time slot offset. For example, for MN, the terminal device will be notified of the timing deviation of each secondary carrier of MN relative to PCell; for SN, the terminal device will be notified of the timing deviation of each secondary carrier of SN relative to PSCell.

[0254] In the asynchronous CA scenario, MN and SN only know the semi-static transmission direction configuration of each service cell of the other party, but do not know the timing deviation between each service cell of the other party. It is still impossible to estimate whether there is overlap in uplink transmission, and therefore it is impossible to estimate the different maximum transmission powers currently available to the terminal device, which will affect resource utilization.

[0255] An embodiment of the present application provides a timing deviation sending method, whereby MN and SN notify each other of the timing deviation between the service cells configured for the terminal device, so that MN and SN can further know the semi-static transmission direction configuration of each other's service cells. It is then possible to estimate whether there is overlap in the uplink transmission, and then schedule the uplink transmission resources according to the maximum transmission power of the terminal device in the corresponding CG, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0256] Specifically, Fig.10 As shown, the timing deviation sending method includes:

[0257] S1001. A first network element determines a first timing deviation.

[0258] The first timing deviation refers to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by a first network element relative to a second cell managed by the first network element.

[0259] The second cell may be a service cell managed by the first network element, the first cell may be a service cell other than the second cell managed by the first network element, or the first cell may be a non-service cell other than the second cell managed by the first network element, that is, the first cell may be any cell other than the second cell managed by the first network element. Since the terminal device will not send uplink signals in the deactivated cell, the above-mentioned service cell may not include the deactivated service cell. For example, when the first network element is MN, the second cell is PCell, and the first cell refers to other service cells configured by MN for the terminal device. When the first network element is SN, the second cell is PSCell, and the first cell refers to other service cells configured by SN for the terminal device.

[0260] Optionally, the second cell may be a cell managed by the first network element, and may be a non-service cell for the terminal device; the first cell may be a cell managed by the first network element except the second cell, and may be those cells under the first network element that are not service cells for the terminal device, and the first network element may determine the time slot offsets of all first cells under the network element relative to the second cell.

[0261] The first timing deviation can correspond to a certain reference subcarrier spacing. For example, when the reference subcarrier spacing is 15kHz, the value range of the first timing deviation is (-2 to 2). When the reference subcarrier spacing is 30KHz, the value range of the first timing deviation is (-5 to 5). When the reference subcarrier spacing is 60KHz, the value range of the first timing deviation is (-10 to 10). When the reference subcarrier spacing is 120KHz, the value range of the first timing deviation is (-20 to 20).

[0262] Optionally, the reference subcarrier spacing is a reference subcarrier spacing corresponding to the first cell specified by the first network element.

[0263] Optionally, the reference subcarrier spacing is the maximum value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing. The first subcarrier spacing is the lowest subcarrier spacing (lowest SCS among all the configured SCSs in DL / UL SCS-SpecificCarrierList in ServingCellConfig) in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the serving cell configuration of the special serving cell of the terminal in the first network element. The second subcarrier spacing is the lowest subcarrier spacing (lowest SCS among all the configured SCSs in DL / UL SCS-SpecificCarrierList in ServingCellConfig) in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the serving cell configuration of the first cell of the terminal device.

[0264] S1002. The first network element sends a first timing deviation to the second network element.

[0265] Accordingly, the second network element receives the first timing offset from the first network element.

[0266] The first network element is an MN and the second network element is an SN; or the first network element is an SN and the second network element is an MN. When the CU and DU of the MN are separated, the first network element can be the DU of the MN and the second network element can be the CU of the MN. When the CU and DU of the SN are separated, the first network element can be the DU of the SN and the second network element can be the CU of the SN.

[0267] The first timing offset may be included in a message between the MN and the SN, or may be included in a container (eg, CG-ConfigInfo or CG-Config) carried by the message.

[0268] Exemplarily, when the first network element is MN, the second network element is SN, the second cell is PCell, and the first cell is a service cell managed by MN other than the second cell, the first timing deviation may be included in a message requesting preparation of MR-DC resources for the terminal device (e.g., a secondary node addition request (S-NODE addition request) message in Xn), or, in a message requesting modification of the MR-DC resources configured for the terminal device (e.g., a secondary node modification request (S-NODEmodification request) message in Xn).

[0269] Alternatively, when the first network element is SN, the second network element is MN, the second cell is PSCell, and the first cell is a service cell other than the second cell managed by SN, the first timing deviation may be included in a response message requesting preparation of MR-DC resources for the terminal device (for example, an S-NODE addition request acknowledgement message in Xn), or, in a confirmation message requesting modification of the MR-DC resources configured for the terminal device (for example, an S-NODE modification request acknowledgement message in Xn).

[0270] Exemplarily, when the first network element is MN (or SN), the second network element is SN (or MN), and the first cell is a cell managed by MN (or SN) other than the second cell (including a non-service cell of a terminal device under the first network element), the first timing deviation may be included in a message requesting to establish an interface instance of the control plane between the two nodes with SN (e.g., an Xn setup request message or an Xn setup response message). Optionally, the first timing deviation may be sent in the same message together with the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first cell and the second cell (i.e., TDD downlink and uplink configuration (TDD DL-ULConfiguration)).

[0271] Exemplarily, when the first network element is the DU of the MN (or SN), the second network element is the CU of the MN (or SN), and the first cell is a service cell managed by the MN (or SN) other than the second cell, the first timing deviation may be included in the following messages, for example, a UE context setup response message, a UE context modification response message, or a UE context modification required message.

[0272] Exemplarily, when the first network element is the DU of the MN (or SN), the second network element is the CU of the MN (or SN), and the first cell is a cell managed by the MN (or SN) other than the second cell (including those cells under the first network element that are not service cells of the terminal device), the first timing deviation may be included in the following messages, for example, an F1 setup request message or a DU configuration update message.

[0273] Optionally, when the first network element sends the timing deviation of the first cell to the second network element, it also carries identification information of the first cell, which is used to indicate which cell the timing deviation is relative to the second cell. The identification information can be a physical cell identifier (PCI) or a cell global identifier (CGI).

[0274] Optionally, the first network element may also send information about the second cell to the second network element. In one possible implementation, the second cell may be indicated as the cell number in the cell list, for example, in the cell list managed by the first network element carried in the Xn setup request message or the Xn setup response message, a certain cell may be designated as the second cell; or the first cell in the cell list may be fixed as the second cell. In another possible implementation, identification information of the second cell may be indicated.

[0275] Optionally, the first network element may also send a semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first cell and / or the second cell to the second network element, namely, a TDD downlink and uplink configuration (TDD DL-UL Configuration). For example, the above configuration may include the following messages: an Xn setup request message or an Xn setup response message, or an S-NODE addition request message, or an S-NODE modification request message requesting modification of the MR-DC resources configured for the terminal device.

[0276] Optionally, the first network element may also send a power sharing mode of the terminal device to the second network element, and optionally, the power sharing mode is mode 2 in semi-static power sharing. Alternatively, the first network element will send the first timing deviation to the second network element only when the power sharing scheme configured by the MN (which may be the first network element or the second network element) for the terminal device is mode 2 in semi-static power sharing.

[0277] After the second network element obtains the semi-static power sharing scheme and the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first network element, it can estimate whether the uplink transmission of the terminal device overlaps, and the maximum transmission power currently available to the terminal device, so as to perform uplink scheduling, thereby improving resource utilization. For example, if the uplink transmission overlaps, the second network element schedules the terminal device according to the maximum transmission power of the terminal device being PMCG or PSCG; if the uplink transmission does not overlap, the second network element schedules the terminal device according to the maximum transmission power of the terminal device being a predefined value.

[0278] In the timing deviation sending method provided in the embodiment of the present application, a first network element sends a first timing deviation to a second network element, wherein the first timing deviation refers to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by the first network element relative to a second cell managed by the first network element. The first network element may be an MN, and the second network element may be an SN, or the first network element may be an SN, and the second network element may be an MN, so that MN and SN notify each other of their timing deviations, so that MN and SN further know each other's semi-static transmission direction configuration, and then estimate whether there is overlap in uplink transmission, and then schedule uplink transmission resources according to the maximum transmission power of the terminal device in the corresponding CG, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0279] The timing deviation method described above is described below in conjunction with the MN or SN in which the DU and CU are separated. Fig.11 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides another timing deviation sending method, including:

[0280] S1101. The DU of the MN sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by the MN to the CU of the MN.

[0281] Accordingly, the CU of the MN receives the first timing offset of the cell managed by the MN from the DU of the MN.

[0282] At this time, the DU of the MN serves as the first network element, and the CU of the MN serves as the second network element. The first timing deviation is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0283] Step S1101 is optional and can be performed when the CU and DU of the MN are separated.

[0284] S1102. MN (its CU) sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by MN to SN (its CU).

[0285] Accordingly, the SN (CU) receives the first timing offset of the cell managed by the MN from the MN (CU).

[0286] At this time, MN (CU) serves as the first network element, and SN (CU) serves as the second network element. The first timing deviation is described above and will not be repeated here. Optionally, when the first network element sends the timing deviation of the first cell to the second network element, it also carries the identification information of the first cell, which is used to indicate which cell the timing deviation is relative to the second cell. The identification information can be a physical cell identifier or a cell global identifier.

[0287] Step S1102 is optional, that is, the interaction between the CU and DU in the base station and the interaction between base stations (MN and SN) are independent of each other. For example, executing step S1101 does not necessarily mean executing step S1102, and executing step S1102 does not necessarily mean executing step S1101.

[0288] S1103. The CU of the SN sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by the MN to the DU of the SN.

[0289] Accordingly, the SN (the DU) receives the first timing offset of the cell managed by the MN from the SN (the CU).

[0290] Exemplarily, when the first cell is a serving cell other than the second cell managed by the MN, the first timing deviation may be included in the following messages, for example, a UE context setup request message, a UE context modification request message, or a UE context modification confirm message.

[0291] Exemplarily, when the first cell is a cell other than the second cell managed by the MN, the first timing offset may be included in the following message, for example, an F1 setup response message or a DU configuration update acknowledgement message.

[0292] Step S1103 is optional and can be performed when the CU and DU of the SN are separated.

[0293] S1104. The DU of the SN sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by the SN to the CU of the SN.

[0294] Accordingly, the CU of the SN receives the first timing offset of the cell managed by the SN from the DU of the SN.

[0295] At this time, the DU of the SN serves as the first network element, and the CU of the SN serves as the second network element. The first timing deviation is described above and will not be repeated here. Optionally, when the first network element sends the timing deviation of the first cell to the second network element, it also carries the identification information of the first cell, which is used to indicate which cell the timing deviation is relative to the second cell. The identification information can be a physical cell identifier or a cell global identifier.

[0296] Step S1104 is optional and can be performed when the CU and DU of the SN are separated.

[0297] S1105. SN (its CU) sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by SN to MN (its CU).

[0298] Accordingly, the MN (CU) receives, from the SN (CU), the first timing offset of the cell managed by the SN.

[0299] At this time, SN (CU) serves as the first network element, and MN (CU) serves as the second network element. The first timing deviation is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0300] Step S1105 is optional, that is, the interaction between the CU and DU in the base station and the interaction between base stations (MN and SN) are independent of each other. For example, executing step S1104 does not necessarily mean executing step S1105, and executing step S1105 does not necessarily mean executing step S1104.

[0301] S1106. The CU of the MN sends the first timing deviation of the cell managed by the SN to the DU of the MN.

[0302] Exemplarily, when the first cell is a serving cell other than the second cell managed by the SN, the first timing deviation may be included in the following messages, for example, a UE context setup request message, a UE context modification request message, or a UE context modification confirm message.

[0303] Exemplarily, when the first cell is a cell other than the second cell managed by the SN, the first timing offset may be included in the following message, for example, an F1 setup response message or a DU configuration update acknowledgement message.

[0304] Step S1106 is optional and can be performed when the CU and DU of the MN are separated.

[0305] The timing deviation sending method provided in the embodiment of the present application, in addition to improving resource utilization as mentioned above, the interaction timing deviation between the CU and DU in the base station (MN or SN) and the interaction timing deviation between the MN and SN are independent of each other.

[0306] In addition, for the current NR-DC, in the process of establishing the Xn interface between MN and SN, the semi-static transmission direction configuration corresponding to the cell managed by each is exchanged, and this configuration is not for a certain terminal device. In addition, currently MN and SN do not know which service cells the other party has configured for the terminal device, and in mode 2 of the semi-static sharing scheme, the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the service cell corresponding to the terminal device must be considered. If MN and SN additionally exchange the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the service cell corresponding to the terminal device, the signaling overhead between MN and SN will increase. The embodiment of the present application provides a method for sending configuration information, which is used to reduce the signaling overhead of the interaction between MN and SN.

[0307] Specifically, Fig.12 As shown, the configuration information sending method includes:

[0308] S1201. A first network element determines configuration information of a first serving cell.

[0309] The first service cell configuration information refers to the identification information of all service cells configured by the first network element for the terminal device. The identification information may be a physical cell identifier PCI or a cell global identifier CGI.

[0310] S1202. The first network element sends first service cell configuration information to the second network element.

[0311] Correspondingly, the second network element receives the first serving cell configuration information from the first network element.

[0312] The first network element is an MN and the second network element is an SN; or the first network element is an SN and the second network element is an MN. When the CU and DU of the MN are separated, the first network element can be the DU of the MN and the second network element can be the CU of the MN. When the CU and DU of the SN are separated, the first network element can be the DU of the SN and the second network element can be the CU of the SN.

[0313] Exemplarily, the first network element is MN, the second network element is SN, and the first service cell configuration information may be included in a message requesting preparation of MR-DC resources for the terminal device (e.g., an S-NODE addition request message in Xn), or included in a message requesting modification of the MR-DC resources configured for the terminal device (e.g., an S-NODE modification request message in Xn).

[0314] Exemplarily, when the first network element is SN, the second network element is MN, the second cell is PSCell, and the first cell is a service cell other than the second cell managed by SN, the first service cell configuration information may be included in a response message requesting to prepare MR-DC resources for the terminal device (for example, an S-NODE addition request acknowledgement message in Xn), or, in a confirmation message requesting to modify the MR-DC resources configured for the terminal device (for example, an S-NODE modification request acknowledgement message in Xn).

[0315] Exemplarily, the first network element is the DU of the MN (or SN), the second network element is the CU of the MN (or SN), and the first service cell configuration information may be included in the following messages: for example, a UE context setup response message, a UE context modification response message, or a UE context modification required message.

[0316] Optionally, the CU of the MN may send the first service cell configuration information received from the SN to the DU of the MN, so that the DU can learn the semi-static transmission direction of each service cell configured by the SN for the terminal device. Similarly, the CU of the SN may send the first service cell configuration information received from the MN to the DU of the SN.

[0317] Optionally, the first network element may send semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of terminal devices) to the second network element, where the semi-static transmission direction configuration information includes identification information of the cell and the semi-static transmission direction of the cell.

[0318] Exemplarily, the first network element is MN and the second network element is SN; or, the first network element is SN and the second network element is MN, and the semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of terminal devices) can be included in the message when the first network element establishes the Xn port with the second network element (for example, an Xn setup request message or an Xn setup response message).

[0319] Exemplarily, the first network element is the DU of the MN (or SN), and the second network element is the CU of the MN (or SN). The semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device) can be included in the message when the first network element establishes the F1 interface with the second network element, such as the F1 setup request message or the DU configuration update message.

[0320] Based on the first service cell configuration information and the semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device), the second network element can know the semi-static transmission direction configuration information of each service cell configured by the first network element for the terminal device.

[0321] The configuration information sending method provided in the embodiment of the present application utilizes the semi-static transmission directions of all cells that are interacted between the existing access network devices. It only needs to interact with the identification information of the service cells configured by the MN and SN for the terminal device respectively, so as to obtain the semi-static transmission direction corresponding to the service cell configured for the terminal device, thereby reducing the signaling interaction overhead.

[0322] It should be noted that Fig.11 and Fig.12 The methods described above can be combined with each other or implemented independently.

[0323] It can be understood that in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used for the terminal device, the methods and / or steps implemented by the first network element can also be implemented by components that can be used for the first network element, and the methods and / or steps implemented by the second network element can also be implemented by components that can be used for the second network element.

[0324] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which is used to implement the above various methods. The communication device can be the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above terminal device, or a chip or functional module in the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be the first network element in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above first network element, or a chip or functional module in the first network element. Alternatively, the communication device can be the second network element in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above second network element, or a chip or functional module in the second network element.

[0325] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0326] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0327] For example, take the communication device as the terminal device in the above method embodiment. Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device 130. The communication device 130 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The communication device 130 can be Figure 1 The processing module 1301 may also be referred to as a processing unit, which is used to implement the processing function of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. Fig.10 Step S1001 in Fig.12 The transceiver module 1302, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver function of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. Figure 6 Steps S601 and S602 in Figure 7Steps S701, S702, and S706 in Figure 8 Steps S801, S802, and S807 in Fig. 9 The transceiver module 1302 may be referred to as a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0328] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1302 is used to receive a first measurement configuration from a first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the communication device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the transceiver module 1302 is also used to send a measurement report to the first network element, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0329] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1302 is further used to receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0330] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0331] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0332] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0333] In a possible implementation, the communication device supports a first frequency point and a second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or a carrier aggregation CA.

[0334] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0335] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0336] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1302 is specifically configured to: when a measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and a measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, send a measurement report to the first network element.

[0337] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0338] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0339] In this embodiment, the communication device 130 is presented in the form of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner. The "module" here may refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0340] Specifically, Fig.13 The functions / implementation process of the processing module 1301 can be implemented by the processor in the terminal device calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory. Fig.13 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1302 can be implemented by the RF circuit in the terminal device.

[0341] Since the communication device 130 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0342] Take the communication device as the first network element, the second network element, the MN, and the SN in the above method embodiment as an example. Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device 140. The communication device 140 includes a processing module 1401 and a transceiver module 1402. The communication device 140 can be Figure 1 The processing module 1401 may also be referred to as a processing unit, which is used to implement the processing function of the access network device in the above method embodiment. Fig.10 Step S1001 in Fig.12 The transceiver module 1402, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver function of the access network device in the above method embodiment. Figure 6 Steps S601 and S602 in Figure 7 Steps S701-S706 in Figure 8 Steps S801-S807 in Fig. 9 Steps S901 and S902 in Fig.10 In step S1002, Fig.11 Steps S1101-S1106 in Fig.12 The transceiver module 1402 may be referred to as a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0343] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1402 is used to receive a first measurement configuration from a first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the communication device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the transceiver module 1402 is also used to send a measurement report to the first network element, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0344] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is further used to receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0345] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0346] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0347] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0348] In a possible implementation, the communication device supports a first frequency point and a second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or a carrier aggregation CA.

[0349] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0350] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0351] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1402 is specifically configured to: if the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, send a measurement report to the first network element.

[0352] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0353] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0354] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1402 is used to send a first measurement configuration to a terminal device, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; the transceiver module 1402 is also used to receive a measurement report from the terminal device, wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

[0355] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is further used to send first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

[0356] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

[0357] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

[0358] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

[0359] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is further configured to send the second measurement result to the second network element, wherein the communication device is the MN and the second network element is a candidate MN, or the communication device is the SN and the second network element is the MN.

[0360] In a possible implementation, the terminal device supports a first frequency point and a second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or a carrier aggregation CA.

[0361] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

[0362] In a possible implementation manner, the second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

[0363] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is specifically configured to: when a measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold and a measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, receive a measurement report from the terminal device.

[0364] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a first threshold.

[0365] In a possible implementation manner, the first measurement configuration includes a second threshold.

[0366] Exemplarily, the processing module 1401 is used to determine a first timing deviation, where the first timing deviation refers to a time slot offset of a first cell managed by a communication device relative to a second cell managed by the communication device; the transceiver module 1402 is used to send the first timing deviation to a second network element.

[0367] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a master node MN, and the second network element is a slave node SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second network element is a MN.

[0368] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1402 is further configured to send the semi-static transmission direction configuration of the first cell and / or the second cell to the second network element.

[0369] In a possible implementation manner, the first timing offset corresponds to a subcarrier spacing of the second cell.

[0370] In one possible implementation, the subcarrier spacing is the maximum value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing is the smallest subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the special service cell of the terminal device in the communication device, and the second subcarrier spacing is the smallest subcarrier spacing in the uplink and downlink subcarrier spacing list in the service cell configuration of the secondary service cell of the terminal device in the communication device.

[0371] Exemplarily, the processing module 1401 is used to determine the first service cell configuration information, where the first service cell configuration information refers to the identification information of all service cells configured by the first network element for the terminal device; the transceiver module 1402 is used to send the first service cell configuration information to the second network element.

[0372] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device is a MN, and the second network element is a SN; or, the communication device is a SN, and the second network element is a MN.

[0373] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1402 is further configured to send semi-static transmission direction configuration information of all cells managed by the first network element (including non-service cells of the terminal device) to the second network element.

[0374] In this embodiment, the communication device 140 is presented in the form of dividing various functional modules in an integrated manner. The "module" here may refer to a specific ASIC, circuit, processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0375] Specifically, Fig.14 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1401 in the access network device can be implemented by the processor in the access network device calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory. Or, Fig.14 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1402 can be implemented by the RF circuit in the access network device.

[0376] Since the communication device 140 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0377] like Fig.15 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the communication device 150 includes a processor 1501, a memory 1502 and a transceiver 1503, the processor 1501 is coupled to the memory 1502, when the processor 1501 executes the computer program or instruction in the memory 1502, Figure 6-Figure 9 The method corresponding to the terminal device is executed.

[0378] like Fig.16 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the communication device 160 includes a processor 1601, a memory 1602 and a transceiver 1603, the processor 1601 is coupled to the memory 1602, when the processor 1601 executes the computer program or instruction in the memory 1602, Figure 6-Figure 12 The method corresponding to the first network element, the second network element, the MN or the SN is executed.

[0379] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer or a processor, the computer or the processor executes Figure 6-Figure 9 The method corresponding to the terminal device in the example.

[0380] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer or a processor, the computer or the processor executes Figure 6-Figure 12 The method corresponding to the first network element, the second network element, the MN or the SN.

[0381] The present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed on a computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to execute Figure 6-Figure 9 The method corresponding to the terminal device in the example.

[0382] The present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed on a computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to execute Figure 6-Figure 12The method corresponding to the first network element, the second network element, the MN or the SN.

[0383] The present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for executing a communication device. Figure 6-Figure 9 The method corresponding to the terminal device in the middle, or, execute Figure 6-Figure 12 The method corresponding to the first network element, the second network element, the MN or the SN.

[0384] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store necessary program instructions and data. The chip system may include a chip, an integrated circuit, or a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0385] Among them, the communication device, chip, computer storage medium, computer program product or chip system provided in this application is used to execute the method described above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the implementation methods provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0386] The processor involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a chip. For example, it may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0387] The memory involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0388] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0389] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0390] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0391] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0392] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0393] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0394] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When loading and executing a computer program instruction on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website site, a computer, a server or a data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (Digital Subscriber Line, DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or may contain one or more servers, data centers and other data storage devices that can be integrated with a medium. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0395] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A measurement method, characterized in that: include: The terminal device receives a first measurement configuration from the first network element, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; The terminal device determines to support multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or carrier aggregation CA consisting of the first frequency point and the second frequency point; The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network element, wherein the measurement report includes a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to the second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The terminal device receives first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The terminal device sending a measurement report to the first network element includes: The measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, and the terminal device sends the measurement report to the first network element.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first measurement configuration includes the first threshold.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first measurement configuration includes the second threshold.

11. A measurement method, characterized in that: include: The first network element sends a first measurement configuration to the terminal device, wherein the first measurement configuration is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a first cell corresponding to a first frequency point; The first network element receives a measurement report from the terminal device, the measurement report including a first measurement result of measuring the first cell and a second measurement result of measuring the second cell corresponding to a second frequency point, wherein the second frequency point refers to at least one non-service frequency point different from the first frequency point; the terminal device supports the first frequency point and the second frequency point to form a multi-radio dual connection MR-DC or carrier aggregation CA.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Also includes: The first network element sends first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate identification information of the second frequency point, or the first indication information is used to indicate information of a second measurement configuration including the second frequency point.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first indication information is included in the first measurement configuration.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first measurement configuration is further used to instruct to measure the second cell.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The first network element is a master node MN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate secondary node SN; or, the first network element is a SN, and the second frequency point is a frequency point of a candidate MN.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Also includes: The first network element sends the second measurement result to a second network element, wherein the first network element is a MN and the second network element is a candidate MN, or the first network element is a SN and the second network element is a MN.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The first measurement result includes identification information of the first cell and a measurement result of the first cell, wherein the measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The second measurement result includes a cell identifier of the second cell and a measurement result of the second cell, wherein the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: The first network element receiving a measurement report from the terminal device includes: The measurement result of the first cell is greater than a first threshold, and the measurement result of the second cell is greater than a second threshold, and the first network element receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The first measurement configuration includes the first threshold.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first measurement configuration includes the second threshold.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a module or a unit for executing the measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a module or a unit for executing the measurement method according to any one of claims 11-21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the measurement method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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