Communication method and device

Abstract

The present invention provides a communication method and apparatus, comprising: receiving target reference signal indication information transmitted by a cluster head terminal; and measuring the target reference signal based on the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. Compared to the prior art, the cluster head terminal in the present invention transmits the target reference signal indication information to the cluster member terminal, thereby instructing the cluster member terminal to measure the target reference signal. This allows the cluster head terminal to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, thereby enabling the network device to perform different RRC configurations based on the different coverage levels of the cluster member terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of information technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Standards such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) support direct device-to-device (D2D) communication using sidelinks. In some scenarios, such as massive machine-type communications (mMTC) connections, there is a situation where the channel quality between some terminal devices and network devices is poor. At this time, there is a need for cluster communication between multiple terminal devices, and nearby terminal devices are required to assist in forwarding data. Cluster communication usually includes cluster head terminals and cluster member terminals. The cluster head terminal is the most critical terminal device in the cluster and has the ability to communicate directly with the network. Cluster member terminals are other terminals in the cluster except the cluster head terminal.

[0003] In existing cluster communication schemes, after a cluster head terminal obtains information about cluster member terminals, it can randomly access network devices. Subsequently, the cluster head terminal can send its identity document (ID) and the IDs of the cluster member terminals to the network device. Based on the IDs of the cluster head terminal and the cluster member terminals, the network device assigns a radio network temporary indicator (RNTI) to each terminal and performs radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

[0004] However, existing cluster member terminals are often unable to determine the coverage level of the cell where the cluster head terminal is located, resulting in the network equipment being unable to perform different RRC configurations according to different coverage levels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus to solve the technical problem in the prior art that a cluster member terminal cannot determine the coverage level of a cell where a cluster head terminal is located.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a communication device or a chip within a communication device, such as a cluster member terminal. The method is described below using the application of a cluster member terminal as an example. In this method, a cluster member terminal receives indication information of a target reference signal sent by a cluster head terminal, then measures the target reference signal based on the indication information to obtain a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in a target cell.

[0007] Through the communication method provided in the first aspect, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal according to the indication information, thereby obtaining the coverage level of the cell where the cluster head terminal is located.

[0008] In an implementable manner, after obtaining the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, the method further includes: sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal.

[0009] The communication method provided by this feasible implementation method can enable the cluster head terminal to learn the coverage level of the cluster member terminal, and then can send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal to the network device, so as to allocate different RRC configurations to the cluster member terminals according to different coverage levels.

[0010] In an implementable manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0011] In one implementable manner, measuring the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell includes: determining the target reference signal according to the indication information of the target reference signal; measuring the target reference signal to obtain the reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal; and obtaining the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell according to the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0012] Through the communication method provided by this feasible embodiment, based on the comparison between the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds, the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell can be determined more accurately.

[0013] In an implementable manner, before obtaining the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds, the method further includes: receiving the one or more RSRP thresholds sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0014] In one practicable manner, after sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal, the method further includes: sending the identifier of the cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or the connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where it resides to the cluster head terminal.

[0015] In an implementable manner, after sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal, the method further includes: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0016] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0017] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a communication device or a chip within the communication device, and the communication device can be a cluster head terminal. The method is described below using the cluster head terminal as an example. In this method, the cluster head terminal first sends target reference signal indication information to cluster member terminals. Subsequently, the cluster head terminal receives coverage levels of the cluster member terminals in the target cell from the cluster member terminals.

[0018] In an implementable manner, after receiving the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal, the method further includes:

[0019] The coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is sent to a network device.

[0020] In an implementable manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0021] In an implementable manner, before receiving the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal, the method further includes:

[0022] Receive the RSRP threshold sent by the network device;

[0023] The RSRP threshold is sent to the cluster member terminal.

[0024] In an practicable manner, before sending the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminal, the method further includes:

[0025] The target reference signal is determined from a plurality of reference signals.

[0026] In an practicable manner, before sending the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminal, the method further includes:

[0027] First information sent by a network device is received, where the first information is used to indicate the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

[0028] In an practicable manner, sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to a network device includes:

[0029] The coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is sent to the network device through a random access request initiated by the cluster head terminal.

[0030] In an implementable manner, after receiving the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal, the method further includes:

[0031] receiving, from the cluster member terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

[0032] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0033] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. This method can be applied to a communication device or a chip within the communication device, and the communication device can be a network device. The method is described below using its application to a network device as an example. In this method, the network device first receives a coverage level of a cluster member terminal in a target cell, transmitted by a cluster head terminal. Subsequently, the network device determines a radio resource control (RRC) configuration for the cluster member terminal based on the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0035] A receiving module, configured to receive indication information of a target reference signal sent by a cluster head terminal;

[0036] The processing module is configured to measure the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0037] In one practicable manner, the device further includes:

[0038] The sending module is configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal.

[0039] In an implementable manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0040] In one practicable manner, the processing module is specifically configured to determine the target reference signal based on indication information of the target reference signal; measure the target reference signal to obtain a reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal; and obtain a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0041] In an implementable manner, the receiving module is further configured to receive the one or more RSRP thresholds sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0042] In an implementable manner, the sending module is further configured to send, to the cluster head terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

[0043] In an implementable manner, the receiving module is further configured to receive a radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0044] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0046] a sending module, configured to send indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals;

[0047] The receiving module is configured to receive the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal.

[0048] In an implementable manner, the sending module is further configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to a network device.

[0049] In an implementable manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0050] In an practicable manner, the receiving module is further configured to receive an RSRP threshold sent by a network device;

[0051] The sending module is further configured to send the RSRP threshold to the cluster member terminal.

[0052] In one practicable manner, the device further includes:

[0053] The processing module is configured to determine the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

[0054] In an implementable manner, the receiving module is further configured to receive first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to indicate the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

[0055] In an implementable manner, the sending module is specifically configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device through a random access request initiated by a cluster head terminal.

[0056] In an implementable manner, the receiving module is further configured to receive, from the cluster member terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

[0057] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0059] A receiving module, configured to receive the coverage levels of cluster member terminals in the target cell sent by the cluster head terminal;

[0060] The processing module is configured to determine a radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal according to a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in a target cell.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including a cluster head terminal, cluster member terminals, and a network device;

[0062] The cluster head terminal communicates with the cluster member terminals and the network device respectively;

[0063] The cluster member terminal is used to execute the method according to the first aspect, the cluster head terminal is used to execute the method according to the second method, and the network device is used to execute the method according to the third method.

[0064] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a cluster member terminal, comprising: a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver; the transmitter and the receiver are coupled to the processor, the processor controls a transmitting action of the transmitter, and the processor controls a receiving action of the receiver;

[0065] The memory is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes information; when the processor executes the information, the information enables the cluster member terminal to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0066] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a cluster head terminal, comprising: a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver; the transmitter and the receiver are coupled to the processor, the processor controls a transmitting action of the transmitter, and the processor controls a receiving action of the receiver;

[0067] The memory is used to store computer-executable program codes, and the program codes include information; when the processor executes the information, the information enables the cluster head terminal to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network device, comprising: a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver; the transmitter and the receiver are coupled to the processor, the processor controls a transmitting action of the transmitter, and the processor controls a receiving action of the receiver;

[0069] The memory is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes information; when the processor executes the information, the information enables the network device to perform the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0070] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0071] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor, configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0072] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0073] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the communication method as described in the first aspect and provided herein.

[0074] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the communication method as described in the second aspect and provided.

[0075] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0076] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, including computer program information, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0077] In the eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, including computer program information, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0078] In the nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, including computer program information, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0079] In the twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0080] In the twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0081] In the twenty-second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0082] In the communication method and apparatus provided herein, a cluster member terminal receives target reference signal indication information sent by a cluster head terminal. Subsequently, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal based on the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. Compared to the prior art, in the embodiments of the present application, the cluster head terminal instructs the cluster member terminal to measure the target reference signal by sending the target reference signal indication information to the cluster member terminal, thereby enabling the cluster head terminal to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. This allows network equipment to perform different RRC configurations based on the different coverage levels of the cluster member terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the principle of initial access of an existing terminal device;

[0084] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the initial access process of an existing terminal device

[0085] Figure 3 This is a signaling interaction diagram for an existing four-step random access;

[0086] Figure 4 This is a signaling interaction diagram for an existing two-step random access;

[0087] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a cluster communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Figure 6 A signaling interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 7 A signaling interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 8 A signaling interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0097] First, the process of initial network access of a terminal device defined in the existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol is introduced.

[0098] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of initial access of an existing terminal device. Figure 2 This is a flow chart of the initial access process of an existing terminal device. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the main purpose of the initial access of the terminal device is to obtain downlink synchronization with the network device and obtain the system information of the cell where the terminal device is located, so that the terminal device can reside in the above cell. The system information includes the master information block (MIB) and the system information block (SIB) 1.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the process of initial access of a terminal device mainly includes:

[0100] S101: The terminal device obtains the synchronized signal block (SSB) broadcast by the network device.

[0101] Among them, the SSB includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The PSS and SSS are used to determine the cell identity (Cell ID).

[0102] For example, PSS and SSS are two sequences, of which PSS has 3 candidate patterns and SSS has 336 candidate patterns. The terminal device can obtain the PSS pattern through sequence detection and determine the second parameter in Furthermore, the terminal device obtains the SSS pattern through sequence detection and determines the first parameter in Finally, the terminal device can use the formula Cell ID = 336 * N ID 2 +N ID 1 Calculate the Cell ID.

[0103] S102: The terminal device obtains the main system information MIB from the PBCH.

[0104] S103: The terminal device determines a common search space (CSS) and a control resource set from the MIB.

[0105] S104: The terminal device blindly detects downlink control information (DCI) scrambled by the system information radio network temporary indicator (SI-RNTI) from the control resource set and the CSS.

[0106] S105: The terminal device obtains system information in the corresponding time slot according to the instruction of the DCI encrypted by SI-RNTI.

[0107] For example, the terminal device may obtain SIB1, from which the terminal device may obtain configuration information of the initial bandwidth part (BWP), configuration information of random access resources, configuration information of paging resources, and the like.

[0108] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on this, two common random access processes are introduced below.

[0109] Figure 3 This is an existing four-step random access signaling interaction diagram, such as Figure 3 , the random access of the terminal device may include four steps, and the four-step random access includes:

[0110] S201: The terminal sends a random access preamble to the network device.

[0111] The preamble is also called the first message (Msg1). The terminal device calculates the RA-RNTI based on the preamble's sequence number (Preamble Index) and the timing of its transmission. The preamble is a sequence that notifies the network device of a random access request and enables the network device to estimate the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device, so that the network device can calibrate the uplink timing. The calibration information is then communicated to the terminal device via a timing advance (TA) command.

[0112] S202: The network device sends a random access response to the terminal device.

[0113] Exemplarily, after detecting the Preamble, the network device calculates the same RA-RNTI as that of the terminal device. Subsequently, the network device sends a random access response to the terminal device. The random access response is also called the second message (Msg2). The random access response control information is scrambled with the RA-RNTI, and the data channel content includes the sequence number (Preamble Index) of the above-mentioned Preamble, the timing advance (TA), the uplink resource allocation information and the temporary cell radio network temporary indicator (C-RNTI).

[0114] S203: The terminal device sends an uplink message on the allocated uplink resources according to the random access response.

[0115] Exemplarily, if the random access preamble indicated by the Preamble Index in the random access response is the same as the preamble sent by the terminal device, the terminal device considers that the random access response is a random access response for itself. After receiving the random access response, the terminal device can send an uplink message in the allocated uplink resources according to the indication of the random access response. For example, the uplink message may be a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) sent in Msg3, also known as the third message (Msg3). Among them, the terminal device can initiate an RRC connection request in Msg3.

[0116] S204: The network device returns a conflict resolution message to the terminal device that has successfully accessed.

[0117] The conflict resolution message is also called the fourth message (Msg4). The control information of the conflict resolution message is scrambled with the temporary C-RNTI. The network device will carry the unique identifier in Msg3 in the conflict resolution message to specify the terminal device that successfully accessed. Other terminal devices that failed to access will re-initiate random access. The network device can use Msg4 to perform RRC configuration for the terminal device.

[0118] Figure 4 This is an existing two-step random access signaling interaction diagram, such as Figure 4 , the random access of the terminal device may include two steps, and the two-step random access includes:

[0119] S301: The terminal device sends a Preamble and data to the network device.

[0120] The data may include the terminal device ID. This message is also called MsgA. The terminal can calculate the RA-RNTI based on the PreambleIndex and the sending timing. MsgA can also carry an RRC configuration request.

[0121] S302: The network device sends a random access response to the terminal device.

[0122] The random access response is also called MsgB. The network device calculates the same RA-RNTI as the terminal device and uses it to scramble the control information of the random access response, such as the DCI. The random access response includes a unique identifier for the terminal device to specify the terminal device that successfully accessed. Other terminal devices that failed to access will re-initiate random access. The random access response also includes the C-RNTI assigned to the terminal device. The network device can perform RRC configuration for the terminal using MsgB.

[0123] Based on the above access scheme, in order to meet the needs of cluster communication, in existing cluster communication schemes, after the cluster head terminal obtains the information of the cluster member terminals, it can randomly access the network device. Subsequently, the cluster head terminal can send the cluster head terminal's identity document (ID) and the ID of the cluster member terminal to the network device. The network device assigns a radio network temporary indicator (RNTI) to each terminal based on the cluster head terminal ID and the cluster member terminal ID and performs radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

[0124] However, existing cluster member terminals are often unable to determine the coverage level of the cell where the cluster head terminal is located, which results in the network equipment being unable to perform different RRC configurations according to different coverage levels.

[0125] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus to address the prior art issue of cluster member terminals being unable to determine the coverage level of the cell in which the cluster head terminal is located. The technical concept of the present application is that the cluster head terminal sends target reference signal indication information to the cluster member terminals, causing the cluster member terminals to measure the target reference signal, thereby enabling the cluster member terminals to determine the coverage level of the target cell in which the cluster head terminal is located. This allows the cluster member terminals to determine the coverage level of the cell in which the cluster head terminal is located, thereby enabling network devices to perform different RRC configurations based on different coverage levels.

[0126] The application scenarios of this application are described below.

[0127] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cluster communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, cluster communication typically involves a cluster head terminal 401 and cluster member terminals 402. Within a terminal cluster, one terminal with higher capabilities or sufficient battery life typically serves as the cluster head terminal 401. Cluster member terminals 402 transmit data to network device 403 via cluster head terminal 401. A terminal cluster can be in one of three coverage states: in-coverage, out-of-coverage, and partial coverage.

[0128] Among them, the cluster member terminal 402 and the cluster head terminal 401 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. The terminal device 401 provided in the embodiment of the present application can support mobile devices of the 5G new air interface, such as mobile phones, pads and other mobile devices. In the embodiment of the present application, the device for realizing the function of the terminal can be a terminal; it can also be a device that can support the terminal to realize the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0129] The network device 403 may be a base station, which may be a device deployed in a wireless access network that can communicate wirelessly with a terminal. The base station may have various forms, such as a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay station, and an access point. The base station may be used to convert received air frames into and out of IP packets, and serve as a router between the wireless terminal and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The base station may also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the base station may be a base transceiver station (BTS) in global system of mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolutionary nodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), a relay station or access point, or a 5G base station, etc., which are not limited here. The network device 403 provided in the embodiment of the present application can specifically be a 5G base station, which mainly provides wireless access services, schedules wireless resources to access terminals, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0130] The following uses cluster member terminals, cluster head terminals, and network devices as examples to describe the technical solutions of the present application in detail with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment involves a specific process of determining the coverage level of a cluster member terminal in a target cell. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0132] S501: The cluster head terminal sends indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals.

[0133] The target reference signal indication information includes the target reference signal identifier and / or the time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or the synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal. The sequence pattern may be, for example, a PSS pattern or an SSS pattern. The target reference signal may be an SSB and / or a channel state reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0134] In some embodiments, if a cluster head terminal is in a disconnected state, upon receiving reference signal information broadcast by a network device, the cluster head terminal may perform a cell search as defined by existing protocols, including searching for reference signals across multiple protocol-defined frequencies. Subsequently, upon finding a reference signal, the cluster head terminal may select a cell to reside in, obtain system information, and select a target reference signal. The cluster head terminal may then transmit the selected target reference signal to cluster member terminals.

[0135] In some embodiments, if the cluster head terminal is in a connected state, the cluster head terminal may directly send a target reference signal to the cluster member terminals.

[0136] The embodiments of the present application do not limit how the target reference signal is determined. In some embodiments, the target reference signal may be indicated by a network device, and the cluster head terminal may receive first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate the target reference signal from multiple reference signals. The network device then determines the target reference signal based on the first information. In other embodiments, the target reference signal may be specified by the cluster head terminal, and the cluster head terminal may directly determine the target reference signal from multiple reference signals.

[0137] Among them, the embodiments of the present application do not limit how the cluster head terminal sends the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminals. In some embodiments, the indication information of the target reference information can be carried in SIB1, and the cluster head terminal can send the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminals by broadcasting.

[0138] S502: The cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0139] In this step, after receiving the indication information of the target reference signal sent by the cluster head terminal, the cluster member terminal can measure the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0140] The target cell is the cell where the cluster head terminal resides.

[0141] In some embodiments, a cluster member terminal may determine a target reference signal based on the target reference signal indication information. Subsequently, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal and obtains the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal. Finally, the cluster member terminal determines the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0142] For example, the coverage levels may include coverage level 1, coverage level 2, and coverage level 3. Coverage level 1 and coverage level 2 may be within the cell coverage area, while coverage level 3 may be outside the cell coverage area. The signal strength of coverage level 1 is higher than the signal strength of coverage level 2, and the signal strength of coverage level 2 is higher than the signal strength of coverage level 3.

[0143] For example, if the cluster member terminal receives only the first RSRP threshold, the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal may be compared with the first RSRP threshold. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is less than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is outside the coverage of the target cell. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell.

[0144] Exemplarily, if the cluster member terminal receives a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold, the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal can be compared with the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold, respectively. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is less than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the third coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is outside the coverage of the target cell. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than or equal to the second RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the first coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell, and the signal is relatively strong. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than the first RSRP threshold and less than the second RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the second coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell, but the signal is relatively weak.

[0145] In some embodiments, if the cluster member has resided in a certain cell, the cluster member terminal may further send the identifier of the cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or the connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides to the cluster head terminal.

[0146] In the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, a cluster member terminal receives target reference signal indication information sent by a cluster head terminal. Subsequently, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal based on the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. Compared to the prior art, in the embodiment of the present application, the cluster head terminal instructs the cluster member terminal to measure the target reference signal by sending the target reference signal indication information to the cluster member terminal, thereby enabling the cluster head terminal to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, thereby enabling the network device to perform different RRC configurations based on the different coverage levels of the cluster member terminals.

[0147] Based on the above embodiment, the following describes how to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. Figure 7 A signaling interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0148] S601: The cluster head terminal sends indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals.

[0149] In this embodiment, the specific implementation process and implementation principle of step S601 are the same as those of Figure 6 The process is similar to step S501 and will not be described again here.

[0150] S602: The cluster member terminal determines a target reference signal according to indication information of the target reference signal.

[0151] The indication information of the target reference signal may include an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0152] In some embodiments, the cluster member terminal may determine the cell where the cluster head resides and the target reference signal according to the identifier of the target reference signal and / or the time-frequency position of the target reference signal.

[0153] S603: The cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal and obtains the reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal.

[0154] In this step, after the cluster member terminal determines the target reference signal, it may measure the target reference signal to obtain the reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal.

[0155] The embodiment of the present application does not limit how to perform RSRP measurement, and the existing RSRP measurement method can be used.

[0156] S604: The network device sends one or more RSRP thresholds to the cluster head terminal.

[0157] The embodiments of the present application do not limit how the network device sends the RSRP threshold value to the cluster head terminal. In some embodiments, if the cluster head terminal and the network device are in a connected state, the network device can directly send one or more RSRP threshold values to the cluster head terminal. In other embodiments, if the cluster head terminal and the network device are in a disconnected state, the one or more RSRP threshold values can be carried in system information, and the network device can send the one or more RSRP threshold values to the cluster head terminal by broadcasting the system information.

[0158] It should be noted that the present embodiment does not limit the execution order of step S604, which only needs to be before step S605. In some embodiments, step S604 can be before step S601, and in other embodiments, step S604 can be after step S601.

[0159] S605: The cluster head terminal sends one or more RSRP thresholds to the cluster member terminals.

[0160] An exemplary cluster head terminal may send one or more RSRP thresholds to cluster member terminals in a broadcasting manner.

[0161] S606: The cluster member terminal obtains the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell according to the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0162] The one or more RSRP thresholds may include a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold, and the first RSRP threshold is smaller than the second RSRP threshold.

[0163] For example, if the cluster member terminal receives only the first RSRP threshold, the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal may be compared with the first RSRP threshold. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is less than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is outside the coverage of the target cell. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell.

[0164] Exemplarily, if the cluster member terminal receives a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold, the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal can be compared with the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold, respectively. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is less than or equal to the first RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the third coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is outside the coverage of the target cell. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than or equal to the second RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the first coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell, and the signal is relatively strong. If the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal is greater than the first RSRP threshold and less than the second RSRP threshold, it is determined that the cluster member terminal is at the second coverage level, and at this time the cluster member terminal is within the coverage of the target cell, but the signal is relatively weak.

[0165] In the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the cluster member terminal first determines the target reference signal based on the indication information of the target reference signal. Subsequently, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal and obtains the reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal. Finally, the cluster member terminal obtains the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds. Compared with the prior art, in the embodiment of the present application, the cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal based on the indication information of the target reference signal, so that the cluster head terminal can know the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, and then the network equipment can perform different RRC configurations according to the different coverage levels of the cluster member terminals.

[0166] Based on the above embodiment, the following specifically describes how the network device performs RRC configuration based on the coverage level of the cluster member terminal. Figure 8 A signaling interaction diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0167] S701: The cluster head terminal sends indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals.

[0168] S702: The cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0169] In this embodiment, the specific implementation process and implementation principle of steps S701-S702 are the same as those of Figure 6 Steps S501-S502 are similar and will not be described again here.

[0170] S703: The cluster member terminal sends the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal.

[0171] In this step, after determining the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, the cluster member terminal may send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, the cluster member terminal may reside in a cell other than the target cell. For example, if the cluster member terminal is already residing in a cell and is in a connected state in the cell, the cluster member terminal may send an identifier of the cell in which the cluster member terminal resides and / or the connection state of the cluster member terminal in the cell in which the cluster member terminal resides to the cluster head terminal.

[0173] S704: The cluster head terminal sends the coverage levels of the cluster member terminals in the target cell to the network device.

[0174] In this step, after receiving the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, the cluster head terminal may send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device. In some embodiments, the cluster head terminal may also report to the network device the identifier of the cell where the cluster member terminal to be accessed resides and / or the connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where it resides.

[0175] The embodiments of the present application do not limit how to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device. In some embodiments, if the cluster head terminal is in a connected state in the target cell, the cluster head terminal can directly report the identifier of the cluster member to be accessed and the corresponding coverage level to the network side. In other embodiments, if the cluster head terminal is in a non-connected state in the target cell, the cluster head terminal sends the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device through a random access request initiated by the cluster head terminal. For example, the cluster head terminal can initiate a random access request, such as in Msg3 in four-step random access or MsgA in two-step random access, to report the identifier of each cluster member and the corresponding coverage level.

[0176] In some embodiments, if the cluster member terminal is already residing in a first cell other than the target cell, the network device may request the first cell to obtain the context of the cluster member terminal after obtaining the coverage level of the cluster member terminal and the fact that the cluster member terminal is in a connected state in the first cell, so that the cluster member terminal can communicate with the first cell when the first cell is in a connected state, and can also communicate with the target cell in a cluster member manner in the target cell.

[0177] S705: The network device determines the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal according to the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0178] In this step, after receiving the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell, the network device may determine the radio resource control RRC configuration of the cluster member terminal according to the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0179] In some embodiments, if the cluster head terminal is in a non-connected state in the target cell, the network device configures RRC resources for the cluster head and cluster members in Msg4 in four-step random access or MsgB in two-step random access, and configures different RRC resources for terminals with different coverage levels.

[0180] In other embodiments, if the cluster head terminal is in a connected state in the target cell, the network device can assign a radio network temporary identity (RNTI) to each cluster member, and then configure RRC resources for the cluster member to be accessed based on the coverage level of the cluster member terminal and the connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where it resides.

[0181] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of RRC resources. For example, different search spaces can be configured.

[0182] S706: The network device sends the RRC configuration of the cluster member terminal to the cluster head terminal.

[0183] S707: The cluster head terminal sends the RRC configuration of the cluster member terminal to the cluster member terminal.

[0184] In the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, a cluster head terminal sends indication information of a target reference signal to a cluster member terminal. The cluster member terminal measures the target reference signal based on the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. The cluster member terminal sends the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal. Subsequently, the cluster member terminal sends the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal, so that the cluster head terminal sends the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device. As a result, the network device determines the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal based on the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell. In this way, the network device can configure RRC information for each terminal in the cluster based on the coverage level of the cluster member.

[0185] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of implementing the above-mentioned method embodiment can be completed by hardware related to program information, and the aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it executes the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiment; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: ROM, RAM, disk or optical disk, etc. Various media that can store program codes.

[0186] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both, and can be the above-mentioned cluster member terminal or a chip of the cluster member terminal to execute the communication method on the cluster member terminal side. Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 10 includes: a receiving module 11, a processing module 12 and a sending module 13.

[0187] The receiving module 11 is configured to receive indication information of a target reference signal sent by a cluster head terminal;

[0188] The processing module 12 is configured to measure the target reference signal according to the indication information to obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0189] In an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0190] The sending module 13 is configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal.

[0191] In an optional implementation manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0192] In an optional implementation, the processing module 12 is specifically used to determine the target reference signal based on the indication information of the target reference signal; measure the target reference signal to obtain the reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal; and obtain the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal and one or more RSRP thresholds.

[0193] In an optional implementation manner, the receiving module 11 is further configured to receive one or more RSRP thresholds sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0194] In an optional implementation, the sending module 13 is further configured to send, to the cluster head terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

[0195] In an optional implementation, the receiving module 11 is further configured to receive the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminals sent by the cluster head terminal.

[0196] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0197] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the actions of the communication method on the cluster member terminal side in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0198] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both, and can be the above-mentioned cluster head terminal or a chip of the cluster head terminal to execute the above-mentioned communication method on the cluster head terminal side. Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 20 includes: a receiving module 21, a processing module 22 and a sending module 23.

[0199] A sending module 23, configured to send indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals;

[0200] The receiving module 21 is configured to receive the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal.

[0201] In an optional implementation manner, the sending module is further configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device.

[0202] In an optional implementation manner, the indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

[0203] In an optional implementation, the receiving module 21 is further configured to receive an RSRP threshold sent by a network device;

[0204] The sending module 23 is further configured to send the RSRP threshold to the cluster member terminals.

[0205] In an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0206] The processing module 22 is configured to determine a target reference signal from multiple reference signals.

[0207] In an optional implementation, the receiving module 21 is further configured to receive first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to indicate a target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

[0208] In an optional implementation manner, the sending module 23 is specifically configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device through a random access request initiated by the cluster head terminal.

[0209] In an optional implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides, sent by the cluster member terminal.

[0210] In one implementable manner, the target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

[0211] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can perform the actions of the communication method on the cluster head terminal side in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0212] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both, and can be the above-mentioned network device or a chip of the network device to execute the communication method on the above-mentioned network device side. Figure 11As shown, the communication device 30 includes: a receiving module 31 and a processing module 32.

[0213] The receiving module 31 is configured to receive the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster head terminal;

[0214] The processing module 32 is configured to determine the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal according to the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

[0215] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 , the terminal device may include: a processor 41 (such as a CPU), a memory 42, a receiver 43 and a transmitter 44; the receiver 43 and the transmitter 44 are coupled to the processor 41, and the processor 41 controls the receiving action of the receiver 43 and the processor 41 controls the sending action of the transmitter 44. The memory 42 may include a high-speed RAM memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory NVM, such as at least one disk memory. Various information can be stored in the memory 42 to complete various processing functions and implement the method steps of the embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the terminal device involved in the embodiment of the present application may also include: a power supply 45, a communication bus 46 and a communication port 47. The receiver 43 and the transmitter 44 can be integrated into the transceiver of the terminal device, or can be an independent transceiver antenna on the terminal device. The communication bus 46 is used to realize the communication connection between components. The above-mentioned communication port 47 is used to realize the connection and communication between the terminal device and other peripherals.

[0216] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned memory 42 is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes information; when the processor 41 executes the information, the information enables the processor 41 to perform the processing action of the cluster member terminal or cluster head terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment, enables the transmitter 44 to perform the sending action of the cluster member terminal or cluster head terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and enables the receiver 43 to perform the receiving action of the cluster member terminal or cluster head terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The implementation principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0217] Figure 13 The structural diagram of a network device provided in the embodiment of the application. Figure 13, the network device may include: a processor 51 (such as a CPU), a memory 52, a receiver 53 and a transmitter 55; the receiver 53 and the transmitter 55 are coupled to the processor 51, and the processor 51 controls the receiving action of the receiver 53 and the transmitting action of the transmitter 55. The memory 52 may include a high-speed RAM memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory NVM, such as at least one disk memory. Various information can be stored in the memory 52 to complete various processing functions and implement the method steps of the embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the network device involved in the embodiment of the present application may also include: a power supply 55, a communication bus 56 and a communication port 57. The receiver 53 and the transmitter 55 can be integrated into the transceiver of the network device, or can be an independent transceiver antenna on the network device. The communication bus 56 is used to realize the communication connection between components. The above-mentioned communication port 57 is used to realize the connection and communication between the network device and other peripherals.

[0218] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned memory 52 is used to store computer executable program code, and the program code includes information; when the processor 51 executes the information, the information causes the processor 51 to perform the network device processing action in the above-mentioned method embodiment, causes the transmitter 55 to perform the network device sending action in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and causes the receiver 53 to perform the network device receiving action in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The implementation principles and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0219] The present application also provides a chip comprising a processor and an interface. The interface is used to input and output data or instructions processed by the processor. The processor is used to execute the method provided in the above method embodiment. The chip can be used in a cluster member terminal or a cluster head terminal, or in a network device.

[0220] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a disk or an optical disk, and other media that can store program codes. Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium stores program information, and the program information is used for the communication method on the cluster member terminal side, or for the communication method on the cluster head terminal side, or for the communication method on the network device side.

[0221] An embodiment of the present application also provides a program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to execute the communication method on the cluster member terminal side, or the communication method on the network device side, or the communication method on the network device side provided in the above method embodiments.

[0222] An embodiment of the present application also provides a program product, such as a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the program product is run on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the communication method on the cluster head terminal side or the communication method on the network device side provided in the above method embodiment.

[0223] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0224] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving indication information of a target reference signal sent by a cluster head terminal; determining the target reference signal according to the indication information of the target reference signal; Measuring the target reference signal to obtain a reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal; Receiving a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold sent by the cluster head terminal, where the first RSRP threshold is less than the second RSRP threshold; Obtaining a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell according to the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal, the first RSRP threshold, and the second RSRP threshold; and sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal; The identifier of the cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or the connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides are sent to the cluster head terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal, the method further includes: Receive the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal sent by the cluster head terminal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

5. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals; Receiving a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold sent by a network device, where the first RSRP threshold is less than the second RSRP threshold; Sending the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold to the cluster member terminal; receiving a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal; the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is determined by the cluster member terminal based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal, the first RSRP threshold, and the second RSRP threshold; Sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to a network device; receiving, from the cluster member terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that Before sending the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminal, the method further includes: The target reference signal is determined from a plurality of reference signals.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that Before sending the indication information of the target reference signal to the cluster member terminal, the method further includes: First information sent by a network device is received, where the first information is used to indicate the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The sending the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to a network device includes: The coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is sent to the network device through a random access request initiated by the cluster head terminal.

10. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold to the cluster head terminal, where the first RSRP threshold is less than the second RSRP threshold; receiving a coverage level of a cluster member terminal in a target cell sent by the cluster head terminal; the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is determined by the cluster member terminal based on an RSRP corresponding to a target reference signal and the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold; the target reference signal is determined by the cluster head terminal; receiving, from the cluster head terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides; A radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal is determined according to the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A receiving module, configured to receive indication information of a target reference signal sent by a cluster head terminal; a processing module, configured to determine the target reference signal according to indication information of the target reference signal; Measuring the target reference signal to obtain a reference signal received power RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal; Receiving a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold sent by the cluster head terminal, where the first RSRP threshold is less than the second RSRP threshold; Obtaining a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell according to the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal, the first RSRP threshold, and the second RSRP threshold; a sending module configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the cluster head terminal; The sending module is further configured to send, to the cluster head terminal, an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

14. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The receiving module is further configured to receive the radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal sent by the cluster head terminal.

15. The device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a sending module, configured to send indication information of a target reference signal to cluster member terminals; A receiving module, configured to receive a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold sent by a network device, wherein the first RSRP threshold is smaller than the second RSRP threshold; The sending module is further configured to send the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold to the cluster member terminal; The receiving module is further configured to receive a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell sent by the cluster member terminal; the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is determined by the cluster member terminal based on the RSRP corresponding to the target reference signal, the first RSRP threshold, and the second RSRP threshold; The sending module is further configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to a network device; The receiving module is further configured to receive, from the cluster member terminal, an identifier of the cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The indication information of the target reference signal includes an identifier of the target reference signal and / or a time-frequency position of the target reference signal and / or a synchronization sequence pattern of the target reference signal.

18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The device further comprises: The processing module is configured to determine the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

19. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The receiving module is further configured to receive first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to indicate the target reference signal from a plurality of reference signals.

20. The device according to claim 16, wherein The sending module is specifically configured to send the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell to the network device through a random access request initiated by the cluster head terminal.

21. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The target reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state reference signal CSI-RS.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A sending module, configured to send a first RSRP threshold and a second RSRP threshold to the cluster head terminal, wherein the first RSRP threshold is smaller than the second RSRP threshold; a receiving module, configured to receive a coverage level of a cluster member terminal in a target cell sent by the cluster head terminal; the coverage level of the cluster member terminal in the target cell is determined by the cluster member terminal based on an RSRP corresponding to a target reference signal and the first RSRP threshold and the second RSRP threshold; the target reference signal is determined by the cluster head terminal; The receiving module is further configured to receive an identifier of a cell where the cluster member terminal resides and / or a connection status of the cluster member terminal in the cell where the cluster member terminal resides, sent by the cluster head terminal; The processing module is configured to determine a radio resource control (RRC) configuration of the cluster member terminal according to a coverage level of the cluster member terminal in a target cell.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: Including cluster head terminal, cluster member terminals and network equipment; The cluster head terminal communicates with the cluster member terminals and the network device respectively; The cluster member terminal is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the cluster head terminal is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, and the network device is used to execute the method according to claim 11.

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