A communication method, device and equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method, apparatus and device. A random access preamble is sent to a network device within a first time unit. The starting time of the time window is determined according to RSRP, and the detection of a random access response in response to the random access preamble is started at the starting time. The starting time of the time window is located after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain. In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device at the edge of a cell can delay receiving a random access response for a period of time, because the network device may also delay sending a random access response to a terminal device at the edge of a cell for a period of time, so the terminal device delays receiving the random access response, which can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method, apparatus, and device. Background Art

[0002] For cellular wireless communication networks such as the new radio interface (NR) of the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology or the long term evolution (LTE), the performance of the cell edge can be improved by adding intermediate nodes, and such intermediate nodes are usually referred to as relays. For example, if a terminal device is located at the cell edge, the distance between the terminal device and the network device is relatively far, and the network device may not receive the uplink signal sent by the terminal device. In this case, the uplink communication of the terminal device can be forwarded by the relay, that is, the terminal device first sends the uplink signal to the relay, and then the relay forwards the received uplink signal to the network device, so that the network device can receive the signal from the terminal device. However, for downlink communication, the terminal device can directly receive from the network device without further relay forwarding.

[0003] When a terminal device performs random access, it first sends a random access preamble to the network device. When the network device receives the random access preamble, it sends a random access response (RAR) to the terminal device. On the one hand, after the terminal device finishes sending the random access preamble, it will try to detect the RAR within a certain period of time later, and this period of time is usually referred to as the RAR reception window (RAR window). The start time of the RAR window is predefined by the protocol.

[0004] However, for the relay scenario, the random access preamble sent by the terminal device at the cell edge will be forwarded to the network device by the relay, which makes the time for the random access preamble to reach the network device have a relatively large delay compared with the random access preamble sent by the terminal device in the non-relay scenario. As a result, the time resource where the RAR sent by the network device also has a relatively large delay compared with the non-relay scenario, and this delay may exceed the time length of the RAR reception window. If the RAR reception window configuration method introduced above is still used, the terminal device will not be able to receive the RAR. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, and device for improving the success rate of a terminal device receiving an RAR.

[0006] In a first aspect, a first communication method is provided. The method includes: sending a random access preamble to a network device within a first time unit; determining a start time of a time window according to the RSRP, where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and starting to detect a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time.

[0007] Alternatively, the communication method in the first aspect includes: sending a random access preamble to a network device within a first time unit; starting to detect a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of a time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0008] This method can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement this method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a terminal device, or a chip system provided in the terminal device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, or other components for implementing the functions of the terminal device. In the following introduction, it is taken as an example that the first communication device is a terminal device.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can determine the start time of the time window for the terminal device to receive the random access response according to the RSRP. Thus, since the RSRP of the terminal device at the cell edge is different from that of the terminal device at the cell center, the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response corresponding to the terminal devices at different positions may be different. For example, the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device at the cell edge can be later than the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response determined by the terminal device at the cell center. Therefore, compared with the terminal device at the cell center, the terminal device at the cell edge can delay for a period of time before receiving the random access response, because the network device may also delay for a period of time when sending the random access response to the terminal device at the cell edge. Therefore, the terminal device delaying to receive the random access response can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response.

[0010] Optionally, when the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to the sum of the first value and an offset value. Wherein, both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0.

[0011] Alternatively, optionally, when the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a fourth value. Wherein, both the first value and the fourth value are greater than 0.

[0012] The fact that the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold indicates that the terminal device may be located in the cell center, or in other words, not located at the cell edge. In this case, when the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the network device, it may not be relayed but sent directly. Therefore, the time for the network device to send a random access response to the terminal device may be relatively early. Thus, if the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device and the end time of the first time unit being equal to the first value is sufficient.

[0013] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the terminal device may be at the cell edge. In this case, when the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the network device, it may be sent through a relay. The time for the network device to send a random access response to such a terminal device may be relatively late. Therefore, if the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value, or this time difference can be equal to the fourth value. For example, the fourth value is greater than the first value. Compared with a terminal device that does not use a relay to send an uplink signal, a terminal device that uses a relay can delay detecting the random access response, which can improve the success rate of the terminal device receiving the random access response.

[0014] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0015] Receiving first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0016] This offset value can be configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0017] Optionally, this offset value can be determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or it can also be specified by a protocol. In short, the network device and the terminal device can be consistent.

[0018] If this offset value is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or specified by a protocol, then the network device does not have to send the first indication information to the terminal device, which helps save signaling overhead.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0020] Receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0021] The fourth value may be configured by the network device for the terminal device. Alternatively, the fourth value may be determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or the fourth value may also be specified by a protocol. In short, the network device and the terminal device can be consistent.

[0022] If the fourth value is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device or is specified by a protocol, the network device may not need to send the first indication information to the terminal device, which helps save signaling overhead.

[0023] Optionally, the random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

[0024] Since the network device cannot obtain the identifier of the terminal device during the random access phase, the random access preamble sent by the network device includes a random access radio network temporary identifier associated with the resource location used by the random access preamble sent by the terminal device. The random access radio network temporary identifier is used to enable the terminal device to identify whether the received random access preamble corresponds to the terminal device. For example, the random access preambles sent by terminal device 1 at the cell edge and terminal device 2 at the cell center are in the same time resource and frequency resource. Since the random access preamble of terminal device 1 will be relayed to the network device, the network device will receive two random access preambles from terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 respectively. For example, if there is only one uplink carrier in the cell, according to the current calculation method of the random access radio network temporary identifier, the values of the random access radio network temporary identifiers calculated for terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are the same. At this time, terminal device 1 may mistake the random access preamble sent by the network device to terminal device 2 as its own random access preamble, resulting in communication errors. And terminal devices in different positions may measure different RSRPs. For this reason, in the embodiments of the present application, the random access radio network temporary identifier can be related to the RSRP. For example, if the RSRP is different, the random access radio network temporary identifier is different. Thus, terminal devices with different RSRPs can each determine the corresponding random access radio network temporary identifier, and try to avoid mistaking the random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to other terminal devices as their own, reducing the probability of communication errors.

[0025] Optionally, when the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a second value; or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a third value. Herein, the second value is different from the third value.

[0026] Alternatively, when the RSRP is greater than the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a second value; or, when the RSRP is less than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a third value. Herein, the second value is different from the third value.

[0027] That is to say, for the case where the RSRP measured by the terminal device is equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of this time window and the end time of the first time unit may be equal to the first value, or the time difference between the start time of this time window and the end time of the first time unit may also be equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present application, for a terminal device whose measured RSRP is less than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier corresponding to this terminal device may be set to the third value, while for a terminal device whose measured RSRP is greater than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier corresponding to this terminal device may be the second value, and the second value is different from the third value. In this way, the values of the random access radio network temporary identities corresponding to different terminal devices (or rather, terminal devices at different locations) are different, so that the terminal device can correctly identify the corresponding random access response, avoiding communication errors. For example, the second value may be 0, while the third value may not be 0.

[0029] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0030] The RSRP threshold may be configured by the network device for the terminal device. Alternatively, the RSRP threshold may be determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or may also be specified by a protocol.

[0031] In summary, the network device and the terminal device can be consistent. Among them, if the RSRP threshold is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or is specified by a protocol, the network device does not need to send the second indication information to the terminal device, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0032] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a first signal from the network device, where the first signal includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal; measuring the first signal to obtain the RSRP.

[0033] For example, the terminal device can obtain the RSRP through measurement, so that the RSRP can be compared with the RSRP threshold to determine the start time of the time window.

[0034] In a second aspect, a second communication method is provided. The method includes: determining an offset value, where the offset value is used for the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold; sending first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0035] Alternatively, the method in the second aspect includes: determining a fourth value, where the fourth value is used for the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold; sending first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0036] This method can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement this method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the second communication device is a network device, or a chip system provided in the network device for implementing the functions of the network device, or other components for implementing the functions of the network device. In the following introduction process, it is assumed that the second communication device is a network device.

[0037] When a terminal device at the cell edge sends an uplink signal, it generally needs to be relayed. When a terminal device at the cell center sends an uplink signal, it generally does not need relaying and can be directly sent. Therefore, compared with the random access request sent by a terminal device at the cell center, the random access request sent by a terminal device at the cell edge will be delayed when reaching the network device. Correspondingly, the time for the network device to send a random access response to a terminal device at the cell edge will also be delayed compared with the time for the network device to send a random access response to a terminal device at the cell center. If the terminal devices all detect within the same time window, then the random access response sent by the network device to the terminal device at the cell edge may not fall within the time window for the terminal device to detect.

[0038] However, the RSRP measured by terminal devices at different positions in the cell may be different. Therefore, in order to improve the success rate of a terminal device at the cell edge in receiving a random access response, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device may determine an offset value or a fourth value, and the offset value or the fourth value may be used by the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold. If the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, it is very likely that the terminal device is at the cell edge. Therefore, the offset value or the fourth value may be used by the terminal device with an RSRP less than the RSRP threshold to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device. By using the offset value or the fourth value, the start time of the time window for receiving a random access response determined by the terminal device at the cell edge can be delayed relative to the start time of the time window for receiving a random access response determined by the terminal device at the cell center. That is to say, relative to the terminal device at the cell center, the terminal device at the cell edge can receive the random access response after a delay. Since the network device may also delay sending the random access response to the terminal device at the cell edge for a period of time, the terminal device delaying the reception of the random access response can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second indication information to the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0040] The RSRP threshold may be configured by the network device for the terminal device. Alternatively, the RSRP threshold may also be determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or may also be specified by a protocol.

[0041] In summary, the network device and the terminal device can be consistent. Among them, if the RSRP threshold is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or is specified by a protocol, the network device may not need to send the second indication information to the terminal device, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect,

[0043] Receive a random access preamble from the terminal device within a first time unit;

[0044] Send a random access response to the terminal device within a second time unit in the time window, where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0045] The network device configures an offset value or a fourth value for the terminal device. The terminal device with the measured RSRP less than the RSRP threshold can determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response according to the offset value or the fourth value. When the network device sends a random access response to a terminal device at the cell edge, it can also be sent within this time window. Among them, the terminal device with the measured RSRP less than the RSRP threshold may be the terminal device at the cell edge. Therefore, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application can enable the terminal device with the measured RSRP less than the RSRP threshold to detect the random access response within this time window, improving the reception success rate of the random access response for the terminal device at the cell edge.

[0046] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first communication device as described above. The first communication device is used to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect. Specifically, the first communication device may include modules for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, such as a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device. Here, an example is given where the first communication device is a terminal device. For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented by a processor. If the first communication device is a communication device, the transceiver is implemented, for example, by an antenna, a feeder, and a codec in the communication device. Or, if the first communication device is a chip provided in a communication device, then the transceiver is, for example, a communication interface in the chip, and this communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement information transmission and reception through the radio frequency transceiver component. During the introduction of the third aspect, the processing module and the transceiver module are still used as examples for introduction. Among them,

[0047] The transceiver module is used to send a random access preamble to the network device within a first time unit;

[0048] The processing module is used to determine the start time of the time window according to the reference signal received power (RSRP), where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and

[0049] The transceiver module is further used to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time.

[0050] Or,

[0051] The transceiver module is used to send a random access preamble to the network device within a first time unit;

[0052] The transceiver module is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of the time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain. Or, the processing module is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of the time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0053] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect,

[0054] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or,

[0055] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to the sum of the first value and an offset value;

[0056] Wherein, both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0.

[0057] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect,

[0058] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or,

[0059] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a fourth value;

[0060] Wherein, both the first value and the fourth value are greater than 0.

[0061] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0062] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0063] Combined with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

[0064] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect,

[0065] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identifier is a second value; or,

[0066] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identifier is a third value;

[0067] wherein, the second value is different from the third value.

[0068] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive second indication information from the network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0069] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect,

[0070] the transceiver module is further configured to receive a first signal from the network device, and the first signal includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal;

[0071] the processing module is further configured to measure the first signal to obtain the RSRP.

[0072] Regarding the technical effects of the third aspect or various possible implementation manners of the third aspect, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or the corresponding implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0073] Fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the second communication device as described above. The second communication device is used to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect. Specifically, the third communication device may include modules for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, such as a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the second communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in the communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device. Here, take the second communication device being a network device as an example. For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented by a processor. If the second communication device is a communication device, the transceiver is implemented, for example, by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication device. Or, if the second communication device is a chip provided in the communication device, then the transceiver is, for example, a communication interface in the chip, and the communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement information transmission and reception through the radio frequency transceiver component. During the introduction of the fourth aspect, continue to take the processing module and the transceiver module as examples for introduction. Among them,

[0074] The processing module is configured to determine an offset value, where the offset value is used for the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the reference signal received power (RSRP) is less than the RSRP threshold;

[0075] The transceiver module is configured to send first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0076] Or,

[0077] The processing module is configured to determine a fourth value, where the fourth value is used for the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the reference signal received power (RSRP) is less than the RSRP threshold;

[0078] The transceiver module is configured to send first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0079] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send second indication information to the terminal device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0080] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0081] Receive a random access preamble from the terminal device within a first time unit;

[0082] Send a random access response to the terminal device in a second time unit within the time window, where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0083] Regarding the technical effects of the fourth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect, reference can also be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0084] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is, for example, the first communication device as described above. The communication device includes a processor. Optionally, it may further include a memory for storing computer instructions. The processor and the memory are coupled to each other to implement the method described in the first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect. Alternatively, the first communication device may not include a memory, and the memory may be located outside the first communication device. Optionally, the first communication device may further include a communication interface for communicating with other devices or apparatuses. The processor, the memory, and the communication interface are coupled to each other to implement the method described in the first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the first communication device is caused to execute the method in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device. Hereinafter, an example in which the first communication device is a terminal device is used. Among them, if the first communication device is a communication device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, by a transceiver in the communication device. For example, the transceiver is implemented by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication device. Or, if the first communication device is a chip provided in a communication device, then the communication interface is, for example, an input / output interface of the chip, such as input / output pins, etc., and the communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement information transmission and reception through the radio frequency transceiver component. Among them,

[0085] The memory is used for storing computer instructions;

[0086] The communication interface is used for sending a random access preamble to a network device in a first time unit;

[0087] The processor is used for executing the computer instructions stored in the memory, determining the start time of the time window according to the reference signal received power (RSRP), where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and

[0088] The communication interface is further used for detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble starting from the start time.

[0089] Alternatively,

[0090] The communication interface is used to send a random access preamble to a network device within a first time unit;

[0091] The communication interface is further used to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of a time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain. Or, the processor is further used to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of a time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0092] Combined with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect,

[0093] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or,

[0094] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to the sum of the first value and an offset value;

[0095] Wherein, both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0.

[0096] Combined with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the communication interface is further used to receive first indication information from the network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0097] Combined with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the random access radio network temporary identity corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

[0098] Combined with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect,

[0099] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a second value; or,

[0100] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identity is a third value;

[0101] Wherein, the second value is different from the third value.

[0102] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the communication interface is further configured to receive second indication information from the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0103] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect,

[0104] The communication interface is further configured to receive a first signal from the network device, where the first signal includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal;

[0105] The processor is further configured to measure the first signal to obtain the RSRP.

[0106] Regarding the technical effects of the fifth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the fifth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or the corresponding implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0107] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, which is, for example, the second communication device described above. The communication device includes a processor. Optionally, a memory may also be included. The processor and the memory are coupled to each other and are configured to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect. Alternatively, the second communication device may not include a memory, and the memory may be located outside the second communication device. Optionally, the second communication device may further include a communication interface for communicating with other devices or apparatuses. The processor, the memory, and the communication interface are coupled to each other and are configured to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the second communication device is caused to execute the methods in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect. Exemplarily, the second communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device. Hereinafter, an example in which the second communication device is a network device is used. Among them, if the second communication device is a communication device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, by a transceiver in the communication device. For example, the transceiver is implemented by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication device. Or, if the second communication device is a chip provided in a communication device, then the communication interface is, for example, an input / output interface of the chip, such as input / output pins, etc., and the communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement information transmission and reception through the radio frequency transceiver component. Among them,

[0108] The memory is configured to store computer instructions;

[0109] The processor is configured to execute the computer instructions stored in the memory and determine an offset value, where the offset value is used for the terminal device to determine a time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the reference signal received power (RSRP) is less than the RSRP threshold.

[0110] The communication interface is configured to send first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0111] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the communication interface is further configured to send second indication information to the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0112] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the communication interface is further configured to:

[0113] Receive a random access preamble from the terminal device within a first time unit;

[0114] Send a random access response to the terminal device within a second time unit in the time window, where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0115] Regarding the technical effects of the sixth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the sixth aspect, reference may also be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0116] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, where the communication system includes the communication device described in the third aspect or the communication device described in the fifth aspect, and includes the communication device described in the fourth aspect or the communication device described in the sixth aspect.

[0117] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, where the computer-readable storage medium is used to store computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0118] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, where the computer-readable storage medium is used to store computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0119] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions for storing computer instructions, which when run on a computer cause the computer to execute the method described in the above first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0120] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions for storing computer instructions, which when run on a computer cause the computer to execute the method described in the above second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0121] In the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device at the cell edge may delay receiving a random access response for a period of time because the network device may also delay sending the random access response to the terminal device at the cell edge for a period of time. Therefore, the terminal device delaying receiving the random access response can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0122] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a relay scenario;

[0123] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the embodiments of the present application;

[0124] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0125] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a time window for receiving a random access response determined by the embodiments of the present application;

[0126] Figure 5 It is a schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0127] Figure 6 It is another schematic block diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0128] Figure 7 It is a schematic block diagram of a network device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0129] Figure 8 It is another schematic block diagram of a network device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0130] Figure 9 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0131] Figure 10 It is another schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0132] Figure 11 Another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0133] Figure 12 Another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0134] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0135] The following explains some terms in the embodiments of the present application to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0136] 1) A terminal device, including a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. Specifically, it includes a device that provides voice to a user, or a device that provides data connectivity to a user, or a device that provides both voice and data connectivity to a user. For example, it can include a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN), exchange voice or data with the RAN, or interact with the RAN for both voice and data. The terminal device can include a user equipment (UE), a wireless terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a device-to-device (D2D) terminal device, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal device, a machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal device, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. For example, it can include a mobile phone (or a so-called "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal device, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-integrated mobile device, etc. For example, a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. It also includes restricted devices, such as devices with lower power consumption, or devices with limited storage capacity, or devices with limited computing power, etc. For example, it includes information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning system (GPS), laser scanners, etc.

[0137] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. A wearable device may also be referred to as a wearable intelligent device or a smart wearable device, etc. It is a general term for devices developed by applying wearable technology to the intelligent design of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. A wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also realizes powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable intelligent devices include those with complete functions and large sizes that can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as smart watches or smart glasses, etc., and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart bracelets for physical sign monitoring, smart helmets, and smart jewelry.

[0138] For all the various terminal devices introduced above, if they are located on a vehicle (for example, placed inside or installed inside the vehicle), they can all be considered on-vehicle terminal devices. An on-vehicle terminal device is also referred to as an on-board unit (OBU) for example.

[0139] In the embodiments of the present application, it can also be understood that anything capable of data communication with a base station can be regarded as a terminal device.

[0140] 2) A network device, such as including an access network (AN) device, such as a base station (e.g., an access point), may refer to a device in the access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device via one or more cells over the air interface. Or, for example, a network device in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology is a roadside unit (RSU). The base station can be used to mutually convert received airframes and IP packets and act as a router between the terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an IP network. The RSU can be a fixed infrastructure entity that supports V2X applications and can exchange messages with other entities that support V2X applications. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device can include an evolved NodeB (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional NodeB) in an LTE system or a long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A) system, or can also include a next generation node B (gNB) in a 5G NR system (also simply referred to as the NR system), or can also include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (Cloud RAN) system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0141] 3) Relay. For cellular wireless communication networks such as NR or LTE, a method of adding intermediate nodes can be adopted to improve the performance at the edge of a cellular cell. Such intermediate nodes are usually referred to as relays, or relay nodes, relay devices, or relay equipment, etc. A relay can be used to receive signals from a terminal device and forward the received signals from the terminal device to a network device. The relay can be implemented by the terminal device or can also be implemented by the network device. For example, it can be implemented by a wireless access point (AP), etc.

[0142] 4) A time unit, such as a slot or a subframe, or can also be other time units. For example, the first time unit can refer to the first slot or the first subframe, etc.

[0143] 5) Time slot. In the NR system, a time slot includes 14 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. For example, the time slot length corresponding to a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing is 1 ms, and the time slot length corresponding to a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing is 0.5 ms.

[0144] 6) In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0145] Also, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, time sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first value and the second value are only used to distinguish different values, rather than indicating differences in the content, priority, or importance of these two values.

[0146] The foregoing introduced some noun concepts involved in the embodiments of the present application. Next, the technical features involved in the embodiments of the present application are introduced.

[0147] For an NR or LTE cellular radio communication network, it can adopt the method of adding intermediate nodes to improve the performance at the edge of the cellular cell. Such intermediate nodes are usually referred to as relays. Considering that the transmission power of network devices is often much greater than that of terminal devices, the downlink transmission performance from network devices to terminal devices is usually better than the uplink transmission performance from terminal devices to network devices. Therefore, the main role of the relay can be to improve the uplink performance of terminal devices at the cell edge.

[0148] Reference can be made to Figure 1 , for a scenario of a relay. Figure 1Among them, the network device is, for example, a gNB. The terminal device 1 is located at the cell edge, and the terminal device 2 is located at the cell center. Among them, since the distance between the terminal device 2 and the network device is relatively close, the terminal device 2 can directly perform uplink communication or downlink communication with the network device. However, since the distance between the terminal device 1 and the network device is relatively far, the uplink communication of the terminal device 1 needs to be forwarded by a relay. That is, the terminal device 1 first sends an uplink signal to the relay, and the relay forwards the uplink signal received from the terminal device 1 to the network device, so that the network device can receive the uplink signal from the terminal device 1. However, for downlink communication, the terminal device 1 can directly receive the downlink signal from the network device without being forwarded by the relay.

[0149] Currently, when a terminal device performs random access, it needs to first send a preamble to the network device. When the network device receives the preamble, it needs to send an RAR to the terminal device. On the one hand, after the terminal device sends the preamble, it will try to detect the RAR within a certain period of time afterwards. This period of time is usually called the RAR reception window. The start time of the RAR reception window is predefined by the protocol, for example, called the preset start time, which is generally the start time of the nth time unit after the terminal device sends the preamble. And the time length of the RAR reception window is configured by the network device. For example, the network device will send an indication message (for example, in the NR system, this indication message can be implemented by the random access response window (ra-ResponseWindow) command word) to configure the time length of the RAR reception window. The unit of this time length is usually a time unit. The time unit is, for example, a subframe or a time slot, etc.

[0150] On the other hand, since the network device cannot obtain the identity of the terminal device during the random access phase, the RAR sent by the network device will contain an identity associated with the resource location used by the preamble sent by the terminal device, called the random access radio network temporary identity (RA-RNTI). The RA-RNTI is used to let the terminal device identify whether the received RAR is corresponding to this terminal device. The calculation method of the RA-RNTI can refer to Formula 1:

[0151] RA-RNTI = 1 + s id + 14×t id + 14×80×f id + 14×80×8×ul carrier_id (Formula 1)

[0152] Among them, s id and t idIt is related to the number of the time resource where the preamble is located. f id It is related to the number of the frequency-domain resource where the preamble is located. Here, the frequency-domain resource can be at the physical resource block (PRB) level. For example, 6 PRBs can be regarded as a frequency-domain resource. ul carrier_id It is related to the number of the carrier where the preamble is located. In the case where there is only one uplink carrier in a cell, ul carrier_id The value of is 0.

[0153] For the relay scenario, the random access preamble sent by the terminal device at the cell edge will be relayed by the relay to the network device. This makes the time when the random access preamble reaches the network device have a relatively large delay compared to the random access preamble sent by the terminal device in the non-relay scenario. As a result, the time resource where the RAR sent by the network device is located will also have a relatively large delay compared to the non-relay scenario, and this delay may exceed the time length of the RAR reception window. If the RAR reception window configuration method introduced before is still used, the terminal device will not be able to receive the RAR.

[0154] In view of this, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application is provided. In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can determine the start time of the time window for the terminal device to receive the random access response according to the RSRP. In this way, since the RSRP of the terminal device at the cell edge and the terminal device at the cell center is different, the start time of the time window for the terminal device at different positions to receive the random access response may be different. For example, the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device at the cell edge can be later than the start time of the time window for the terminal device at the cell center to receive the random access response. Therefore, compared with the terminal device at the cell center, the terminal device at the cell edge can receive the random access response after a delay. Because the network device may also delay for a period of time when sending the random access response to the terminal device at the cell edge, the terminal device can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response by delaying to receive the random access response.

[0155] An application scenario of the embodiments of the present application can be a relay scenario, which can be referred to Figure 2 . Figure 2 It includes a network device, a relay, and a terminal device. The uplink communication of this terminal device needs to be relayed by the relay, that is, the terminal device first sends the uplink signal to the relay, and the relay forwards the uplink signal received from the terminal device to the network device, so that the network device can receive the uplink signal from the terminal device. However, for downlink communication, the terminal device can directly receive the downlink signal from the network device without relaying by the relay.

[0156] Figure 2 The network device in [it] is, for example, a base station. Among them, the network device can correspond to different devices in different systems. For example, in the 4th generation (4G) mobile communication technology system, it can correspond to the network device in the 4G system, such as eNB, and in the 5G system, it can correspond to the network device in the 5G system, such as gNB. Figure 2 The relay in [it] is taken as an example of being implemented through a network device and is, for example, an AP.

[0157] Of course, in addition to Figure 2 the scenarios shown, Figure 1 the scenarios shown can also be used as an application scenario of the embodiments of the present application.

[0158] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0159] The embodiments of the present application provide a first communication method. Please refer to Figure 3 , which is a flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, this method is taken as an example of being applied to the Figure 2 shown network architecture. In addition, this method can be executed by two communication devices, which are, for example, a first communication device and a second communication device. Among them, the first communication device can be a network device or a communication device that can support the network device to implement the functions required for this method, or the first communication device can be a terminal device or a communication device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions required for this method. Of course, it can also be other communication devices, such as a chip system. The same is true for the second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device or a communication device that can support the network device to implement the functions required for this method, or the second communication device can be a terminal device or a communication device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions required for this method. Of course, it can also be other communication devices, such as a chip system. And there are no restrictions on the implementation manners of the first communication device and the second communication device. For example, the first communication device can be a network device, the second communication device is a terminal device, or the first communication device and the second communication device are both network devices, or the first communication device and the second communication device are both terminal devices, or the first communication device is a network device, and the second communication device is a communication device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions required for this method, and so on. Among them, the network device is, for example, a base station.

[0160] For the convenience of introduction, in the following, this method is taken as an example of being executed by a terminal device and a network device. That is to say, the first communication device is taken as an example of a terminal device, and the second communication device is taken as an example of a network device. Because this embodiment is based on the Figure 2 shown network architecture as an example, therefore, the network device described below can be the Figure 2 network device in the shown network architecture, and the terminal device described below can be theFigure 2 The terminal device in the network architecture shown

[0161] S31. The network device determines an offset value or a fourth value. The offset value is used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device, and the fourth value is used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device. For example, the offset value is used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the measured RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold. The fourth value can also be used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the measured RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold. Among them, Figure 3 the example is that the network device determines the offset value, but Figure 3 S31 in it can also be replaced with the network device determining the fourth value.

[0162] For a terminal device at the cell edge, it may send an uplink signal to the network device through a relay. Compared with the uplink signal sent to the network device without using a relay, there will be a certain time delay for the uplink signal sent through the relay to reach the network device. For example, the preamble sent by a terminal device at the cell edge may be relayed to the network device, which makes the time for this preamble to reach the network device longer compared to the preamble sent by a terminal device in a non-relay scenario. After receiving the preamble, the network device will send an RAR to the terminal device. Then, for a terminal device that forwards the uplink signal through a relay, the time resource where the network device sends the RAR to this terminal device is also longer compared to the time resource of the RAR in a non-relay scenario. This time delay may exceed the time length of the RAR reception window, and it may also cause this terminal device to be unable to receive the RAR.

[0163] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application can provide an offset value. According to this offset value and the first value, the start time of the time window for the terminal device at the cell edge to receive the RAR can be determined. The first value can be the time difference between the preset start time described above and the end time of the time unit when the terminal device sends the preamble. Or rather, the first value is the start time of the time window for the terminal device at the cell center (or, the terminal device not at the cell edge) to receive the RAR. Among them, the start time of the time window for the terminal device at the cell center (or, the terminal device not at the cell edge) to receive the RAR, that is, the preset start time, can be specified by the protocol, and the end time of the first time unit can be determined by the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the first value according to the end time of the first time unit and the preset start time. The so-called preset start time is the start time of the time window for detecting the RAR when the terminal device directly sends the preamble to the network device without relaying to send the preamble to the network device. Equivalently, the embodiments of the present application delay the time window for the terminal device at the cell edge to receive the RAR by the duration of the offset value, so that the RAR sent by the network device can fall within this time window as much as possible, and the terminal device can detect the RAR within this time window, which improves the success rate of the terminal device receiving the RAR. Among them, the preset start time can be the start time of the RAR reception window specified by the protocol, generally the start time of the nth time unit after the terminal device finishes sending the preamble.

[0164] Among them, the first value is greater than 0, and the offset value is also greater than 0.

[0165] Alternatively, the embodiments of the present application can provide a fourth value. According to this fourth value, the start time of the time window for the terminal device at the cell edge to receive the RAR can be determined. As an optional implementation manner, the fourth value can be greater than the first value. For example, the fourth value can be greater than or equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value. Regarding the first value and the offset value, reference can be made to the previous introduction. Among them, the fourth value can be greater than 0.

[0166] That is to say, the network device can configure the offset value, and the terminal device determines the start time of the time window according to the first value and the offset value. Or, the network device can also configure the fourth value, and the terminal device can directly determine the start time of the time window according to the fourth value. In this way, the terminal device does not even need to know the first value or the offset value, which is simpler for the terminal device to implement.

[0167] The network device can determine the offset value or the fourth value according to corresponding factors. For example, the network device can determine the offset value or the fourth value according to one or more of the processing capabilities of the relay or the time slot configuration of the cell, etc. For example, the network device can determine the offset value or the fourth value according to the processing capabilities of the relay, or determine the offset value or the fourth value according to the time slot configuration of the cell, or determine the offset value or the fourth value according to the processing capabilities of the relay and the time slot configuration of the cell. For example, different relays have different processing capabilities. Some relays have strong capabilities and good processing capabilities, and can forward the uplink signal from the terminal device to the network device with a short delay. For the terminal device that forwards the uplink signal through such a relay, the offset value or the fourth value determined by the network device can be smaller; or, some relays have poor capabilities and need more time delay to forward the uplink signal from the terminal device. For the terminal device that forwards the uplink signal through such a relay, the offset value or the fourth value determined by the network device can be larger.

[0168] Alternatively, the offset value or the fourth value may not be determined by the network device. For example, it can be determined by negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or can also be specified by a protocol, etc. If the offset value or the fourth value is not determined by the network device, then S31 may not need to be executed. Or, S31 may also be executed, but in fact, in S31, the network device determines the offset value or the fourth value through negotiation with the terminal device, or determines the offset value or the fourth value through a protocol.

[0169] In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific value of the offset value. For example, the offset value can be one or more time slots, or one or more sub-frames, etc. Similarly, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific value of the fourth value. For example, the fourth value can be one or more time slots, or one or more sub-frames, etc.

[0170] S32. The network device sends first indication information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. If the network device configures the offset value, the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value. Or, if the network device configures the fourth value, the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0171] Among them, Figure 3 it is an example that the first indication information indicates the offset value, but if the network device determines the fourth value in S31, then Figure 3 S32 in

[0172] can also be replaced with that the first indication information indicates the fourth value.

[0173] Of course, if the offset value is not determined by the network device, for example, it is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or specified by the protocol, then S32 may not need to be executed either.

[0174] Alternatively, if the value determined by the network device is the fourth value, the network device may send a first indication message to the terminal device to indicate the fourth value. After receiving the first indication message, the terminal device can determine the fourth value.

[0175] Of course, if the fourth value is not determined by the network device, for example, it is determined through negotiation between the network device and the terminal device, or specified by the protocol, then S32 may not need to be executed either.

[0176] S33: The network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second indication message from the network device. The second indication message is used to indicate a first threshold.

[0177] Generally speaking, when terminal devices at different positions in a cell measure the signal from the network device, the measurement results may be different. For example, the network device sends a first signal to the terminal device, the terminal device receives the first signal from the network device, and the terminal device measures the first signal to obtain a measurement result, which may be, for example, the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) or the reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), etc. Taking the measurement result being RSRP as an example, the RSRP measured by a terminal device at the cell edge may be less than the RSRP measured by a terminal device at the cell center. Therefore, based on the measurement result, the position of the terminal device in the cell can be determined accordingly. For example, it can be determined whether the terminal device is at the cell edge or at the cell center (or rather, not at the cell edge). For example, the terminal device can compare the measurement result with the first threshold. If the measurement result is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it is located at the cell center (or rather, not at the cell edge); if the measurement result is less than the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it is located at the cell edge. Or, if the measurement result is greater than the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it is located at the cell center (or rather, not at the cell edge); if the measurement result is less than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it is located at the cell edge.

[0178] Generally speaking, for a terminal device at the cell edge, since the distance from the network device is relatively far, the uplink signal needs to be relayed and forwarded. For a terminal device at the cell center, the distance from the network device is relatively close, and the uplink signal does not need to be relayed and forwarded but can be directly sent to the network device. Therefore, for a terminal device at the cell center, or rather, a terminal device not at the cell edge, the time to receive the random access response will be relatively early, while for a terminal device at the cell edge, the time to receive the random access response will be relatively delayed. Therefore, a terminal device at the cell edge can consider using an offset value or a fourth value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response, while a terminal device at the cell center does not need to use an offset value or a fourth value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response.

[0179] In summary, it can be analyzed that the terminal device can directly determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response according to the measurement result. For example, the terminal device compares the measurement result with a first threshold. If the measurement result is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it does not need to use an offset value or a fourth value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response (or, the terminal device determines to use a first value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response); if the measurement result is less than the first threshold, the terminal device determines that the terminal device is located at the cell edge. Or, if the measurement result is greater than the first threshold, the terminal device determines that it does not need to use an offset value or a fourth value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response (or, the terminal device determines to use a first value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response); if the measurement result is less than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device can determine to use an offset value or a fourth value to determine the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response. In this way, the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response can be directly determined through the measurement result, and the method is relatively simple.

[0180] Among them, the first signal includes, for example, a synchronization signal, or a reference signal, or a synchronization signal and a reference signal. The synchronization signal is, for example, a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB), etc., and the reference signal is, for example, a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), etc. In addition, if the measurement result is RSRP, the first threshold can also be called the RSRP threshold, or if the measurement result is RSRQ, the first threshold can also be called the RSRQ threshold.

[0181] For example, the first indication information may be sent in a broadcast manner. For example, the first indication information is sent through a system message. By determining whether it is located at the cell edge, the terminal device can determine whether to use the offset value or the fourth value to determine the start time of the time window. The second indication information may also be sent in a broadcast manner. For example, the second indication information may also be sent through a system message.

[0182] The first indication information and the second indication information may be carried in the same message for sending, then S32 and S33 may be executed simultaneously. Alternatively, the first indication information and the second indication information may also be carried in different messages for sending. If the first indication information and the second indication information are carried in different messages for sending, the network device may first send the first indication information and then send the second indication information, and S32 is executed before S33; or, the network device may first send the second indication information and then send the first indication information, and S33 is executed before S32; or, the network device may send the first indication information and the second indication information simultaneously, and S32 and S33 are executed simultaneously.

[0183] S34. The terminal device sends a preamble to the network device within the first time unit, and the network device receives the preamble from the terminal device.

[0184] It can be considered that the network device will send the first indication information and the second indication information to the terminal device before receiving the preamble from the terminal device, and the terminal device will also receive the first indication information and the second indication information from the network device before sending the preamble to the network device.

[0185] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device at the cell edge. Then the terminal device sends the preamble to the relay, and the relay forwards the preamble to the network device.

[0186] S35. The terminal device determines the start time of the time window according to the RSRP, where the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0187] The terminal device may determine the start time of the time window according to the measurement result. Here, the measurement result is taken as an example of RSRP, and thus the first threshold is taken as an example of the RSRP threshold. Alternatively, S35 may not be executed as a step. For example, S35 may also be described as that the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after the end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0188] After the terminal device sends the preamble, it needs to detect the RAR. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the time window for detecting the RAR. Among them, the time length of the time window for detecting the RAR can be configured by the network device. Therefore, as long as the terminal device determines the start time of the time window, it can determine the time domain position of the time window. For example, the network device can send the third indication information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the third indication information from the network device. The third indication information is used to configure the time length of the time window. The unit of this time length is usually a time unit, and the time unit is, for example, a subframe or a time slot, etc. For example, the third indication information can be sent through a system message. For example, in the NR system, the third indication information can be implemented by the ra-ResponseWindow command word. The network device can send the third indication information to the terminal device before receiving the preamble from the terminal device, and the terminal device can receive the third indication information from the network device before sending the preamble to the network device. Among them, the first indication information, the second indication information, and the second indication information can be sent in the same message; or, the first indication information, the second indication information, and the third indication information can also be sent in different messages respectively; or, any two of the first indication information, the second indication information, and the third indication information can be sent in one message, while the remaining other indication information is sent in a different message.

[0189] If the RSRP measured by the terminal device is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the first value. Or, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value, or the time difference can be equal to the fourth value.

[0190] Or, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is greater than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the first value. Or, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is less than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value, or the time difference can be equal to the fourth value.

[0191] That is to say, for the case where the RSRP measured by the terminal device is equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can be equal to the first value, or the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit can also be equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value (or the time difference is equal to the fourth value).

[0192] It can be seen that when the terminal device determines the starting time of the time window, in addition to the offset value or the fourth value, it also uses the first value. The first value can be the time difference between the preset starting time mentioned above and the end time of the time unit in which the terminal device sends the preamble. The so-called preset starting time is the starting time of the time window for detecting RAR when the terminal device directly sends the preamble to the network device without sending the preamble to the network device through a relay, or it can be understood that the preset starting time is the starting time of the time window in which the terminal device located at the center of the cell (or in other words, there is no terminal device located at the edge of the cell, which is manifested as the RSRP measured by the terminal device is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold) receives the RAR. The first value can be specified by the protocol, or the preset starting time can be specified by the protocol. The terminal device can determine the first value based on the preset starting time and the end time of the first time unit, so the first value can be considered known to the terminal device.

[0193] If the RSRP measured by the terminal device is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the terminal device can directly determine the start time of the time window based on the end time of the first time unit and the first value. Alternatively, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is less than the RSRP threshold, and the terminal device obtains an offset value, then after the terminal device learns the offset value, it can determine the start time of the time window based on the offset value and the first value. Alternatively, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is less than the RSRP threshold, and the terminal device obtains a fourth value, then after the terminal device learns the fourth value, it can determine the start time of the time window based on the fourth value.

[0194] For example, please refer to Figure 4 , a schematic diagram of a time window determined for a terminal device whose measured RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, in Figure 4 In this example, the terminal device determines the start time of the time window based on the first value and the offset value. Figure 4 The first two rows indicate the start time of the time window for detecting RAR determined by the terminal device whose measured RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, and the start time is the preset start time, and the time difference between the end time of the first time unit and the start time is the first value. Among them, direct uplink (direct UL) means that the terminal device can directly send the uplink signal to the network device without going through the relay. Figure 4The last two lines represent the start time of the time window for detecting the RAR determined by the terminal device with the measured RSRP less than the RSRP threshold according to the offset value and the first value. The time difference between the end time of the first time unit and this start time is the sum of the first value and the offset value. Among them, relay UL means that the terminal device needs to send the uplink signal to the network device through a relay. It can be seen that there is an offset value between the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device with the measured RSRP less than the RSRP threshold and the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device with the measured RSRP greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold. Or rather, there is an offset value between the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device at the cell edge and the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device at the cell center. For example Figure 4 If one square in it represents a time slot, then Figure 4 this is taking the offset value being 2 time slots as an example.

[0195] S36. The terminal device determines the RA-RNTI corresponding to the RAR according to the RSRP.

[0196] Among them, the terminal device can determine the RA-RNTI corresponding to the RAR according to the measurement result. Here, the measurement result is taken as the RSRP. That is to say, the terminal device determines the RA-RNTI corresponding to the RAR according to the measured RSRP. Among them, the terminal device determines the RA-RNTI corresponding to the RAR according to the measured RSRP. In this regard, it can also be considered that the RA-RNTI corresponding to this RAR is related to the RSRP measured by the terminal device.

[0197] As introduced above, since the network device cannot obtain the identifier of the terminal device during the random access phase, the RAR sent by the network device will contain the RA-RNTI associated with the resource location used by the preamble sent by the terminal device. The RA-RNTI is used to enable the terminal device to identify whether the received RAR is corresponding to this terminal device. For example, the time resources and frequency resources where the preambles sent by the terminal device 1 at the cell edge and the terminal device 2 at the cell center are the same. Since the preamble of the terminal device 1 will be relayed to the network device by a relay, the network device will receive two preambles from the terminal device 1 and the terminal device 2 respectively. For example, if there is only one uplink carrier in this cell, according to the current calculation method of the RA-RNTI, the value of the RA-RNTI calculated for the terminal device 1 and the value of the RA-RNTI calculated for the terminal device 2 are the same. At this time, the terminal device 1 may mistake the RAR sent by the network device to the terminal device 2 for the RAR of the terminal device 1, resulting in communication errors.

[0198] To solve this possible problem, in the embodiments of the present application, for a terminal device at the cell edge, or rather, for a terminal device whose measured RSRP is less than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier corresponding to this terminal device can be set to a third value. For a terminal device at the cell center (or rather, for a terminal device not at the cell edge), or rather, for a terminal device whose measured RSRP is greater than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier corresponding to this terminal device can be a second value. Then, if the RSRP measured by the terminal device is less than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the terminal device can determine that the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier it corresponds to is the third value. If the RSRP measured by the terminal device is greater than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, the terminal device can determine that the value of the identifier of the uplink carrier it corresponds to is the second value. Here, the second value is different from the third value. In this way, the values of the RA-RNTI corresponding to different terminal devices (or rather, terminal devices at different positions) are different, so that the terminal device can correctly identify the corresponding RAR and avoid communication errors. For example, the second value can be 0, and the third value can be non-zero.

[0199] The identifier of the uplink carrier, for example, is denoted as ul carrier_id . Currently, when calculating the RA-RNTI according to Formula 1, if there is only one uplink carrier in the cell, the value of ul carrier_id is all 0. However, in the embodiments of the present application, according to the different positions of the terminal device, the value of ul carrier_id can be different, so that the RA-RNTI calculated by terminal devices at different positions is different. And the network device will also use different values of ul carrier_id to calculate the RA-RNTI for terminal devices at different positions. The calculation results of the network device and the terminal device are consistent, and the terminal device can also identify the RAR corresponding to itself. And because the positions of the terminal devices are different, the measurement results measured by the terminal devices will also be different. Taking the measurement result as RSRP as an example, for example, if the terminal device determines that the measured RSRP is less than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, when the terminal device calculates the RA-RNTI, the value of ul carrier_id used is the third value. And for a terminal device at the cell edge, when the network device calculates the RA-RNTI, the value of ul carrier_id used is also the third value. Or, if the terminal device determines that the measured RSRP is greater than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, when the terminal device calculates the RA-RNTI, the value of ul carrier_id used is the second value. And for a terminal device not at the cell edge, when the network device calculates the RA-RNTI, the value of ulcarrier_id The value of is also the second value. As an optional implementation, the second value can be 0 and the third value can be 1. Setting the third value to 1 can make the ul carrier_id The two values of are consecutive, and the values of the third value and the second value are "1" and "0" respectively, which can be achieved with only 1 bit, saving storage space. Of course, in addition to taking 1, the third value can also be other values as long as the third value is different from the second value.

[0200] Both the terminal device and the network device calculate the RA-RNTI through Formula 1, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0201] S37. The network device will send a RAR in response to the preamble to the terminal device within this time window, and the terminal device will detect the RAR in response to the preamble within this time window. Or rather, the terminal device starts detecting the RAR in response to the preamble it sends from the start moment of this time window.

[0202] For a terminal device located at the center of the cell (or a terminal device not located at the cell edge), which is a terminal device whose measured RSRP is greater than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, this terminal device does not need to go through a relay when sending the preamble to the network device, and the network device can receive the preamble from this terminal device earlier. Then for this terminal device, the start moment of this time window is the end moment of the first time unit plus the moment of the first value. And for the network device, it will also send a RAR within this time window.

[0203] Or, for a terminal device located at the cell edge, which is a terminal device whose measured RSRP is less than (or equal to) the RSRP threshold, this terminal device needs to go through a relay when sending the preamble to the network device, and the network device may receive the preamble from this terminal device later. Then for this terminal device, the start moment of this time window is the end moment of the first time unit plus the first value plus the offset value, or the end moment of the first time unit plus the moment of the fourth value. And for the network device, it will also send a RAR within this time window.

[0204] For example, the network device may send the RAR to the terminal device within the second time unit included in this time window, and the terminal device can start detecting the RAR from the start moment of this time window, so as to receive the RAR within the second time unit.

[0205] After the terminal device calculates the value of the RA-RNTI, it can detect the RAR based on the RA-RNTI. If the RA-RNTI included in the RAR detected by the terminal device is the same as the RA-RNTI calculated by the terminal device, it can be determined that the RAR corresponds to the terminal device. If the RA-RNTI included in the RAR detected by the terminal device is different from the RA-RNTI calculated by the terminal device, it can be determined that the RAR does not correspond to the terminal device.

[0206] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can determine the start time of the time window for the terminal device to receive the random access response according to the RSRP. Thus, since the RSRP of the terminal device at the cell edge is different from that of the terminal device at the cell center, the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response corresponding to the terminal devices at different positions may be different. For example, the start time of the time window determined by the terminal device at the cell edge may be later than the start time of the time window for receiving the random access response determined by the terminal device at the cell center. Therefore, compared with the terminal device at the cell center, the terminal device at the cell edge can receive the random access response after a delay, because the network device may also delay for a period of time when sending the random access response to the terminal device at the cell edge. Therefore, the terminal device receiving the random access response after a delay can improve the success rate of receiving the random access response. The embodiments of the present application enable the terminal device to correctly receive the random access response in the scenario of deploying relays, and solve the problem that the terminal device at the cell edge cannot receive the RAR. And by resetting the value of ul carrier_id the problem that the terminal device incorrectly receives the RAR of other terminal devices is also solved, and the reliability of the terminal device receiving the RAR is improved.

[0207] The apparatus for implementing the above method in the embodiments of the present application is introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the content in the above text can be used in the subsequent embodiments, and the repeated content will not be elaborated.

[0208] Figure 5 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Exemplarily, the communication device 500 is, for example, a terminal device 500.

[0209] The terminal device 500 includes a processing module 510. Optionally, it may further include a transceiver module 520. Exemplarily, the terminal device 500 may be a terminal device, or a chip applied to the terminal device, or other combined devices, components, etc. having the functions of the above terminal device. When the terminal device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 520 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc., and the processing module 510 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor, and the baseband processor may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the terminal device 500 is a component having the above terminal functions, the transceiver module 520 may be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module 510 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor. When the terminal device 500 is a chip system, the transceiver module 520 may be an input / output interface of the chip system (such as a baseband chip), and the processing module may be a processor of the chip system, which may include one or more central processing units.

[0210] Among them, the processing module 510 may be used to execute Figure 3 all operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown, such as S35 and S36, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The transceiver module 520 may be used to execute Figure 3 all transceiver operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown, such as S32, S33, S34, and S37, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein.

[0211] In addition, the transceiver module 520 may be a functional module that can complete both the sending operation and the receiving operation. For example, the transceiver module 520 may be used to execute Figure 3 all the sending operations and receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown. For example, when performing the sending operation, the transceiver module 520 may be regarded as a sending module, and when performing the receiving operation, the transceiver module 520 may be regarded as a receiving module; or, the transceiver module 520 may also be a general term for two functional modules, which are a sending module and a receiving module respectively. The sending module is used to complete the sending operation. For example, the sending module may be used to execute Figure 3 all the sending operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown, and the receiving module is used to complete the receiving operation. For example, the receiving module may be used to execute Figure 3 all the receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown.

[0212] For example, the transceiver module 520 is used to send a random access preamble to the network device within the first time unit;

[0213] A processing module 510, configured to determine a start time of a time window according to the RSRP, where the start time of the time window is after an end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and

[0214] A transceiver module 520 is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time. Or it can also be considered that the processing module 510 is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time.

[0215] Or,

[0216] The transceiver module 520 is configured to send a random access preamble to a network device in a first time unit;

[0217] The transceiver module 520 is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of the time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after an end time of the first time unit in the time domain. Or it can also be considered that the processing module 510 is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time of the time window, where the start time of the time window is determined according to the RSRP, and the start time of the time window is after an end time of the first time unit in the time domain.

[0218] As an optional implementation manner,

[0219] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to an RSRP threshold, a time difference between the start time of the time window and an end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or,

[0220] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, a time difference between the start time of the time window and an end time of the first time unit is equal to a sum of the first value and an offset value;

[0221] Wherein, both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0.

[0222] As an optional implementation manner, the transceiver module 520 is further configured to receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0223] As an optional implementation manner,

[0224] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to an RSRP threshold, a time difference between the start time of the time window and an end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value; or,

[0225] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a fourth value;

[0226] Wherein, both the first value and the fourth value are greater than 0.

[0227] As an optional implementation manner, the fourth value is greater than the first value.

[0228] As an optional implementation manner, the transceiver module 520 is further configured to receive first indication information from the network device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0229] As an optional implementation manner, the random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

[0230] As an optional implementation manner,

[0231] When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identifier is a second value; or,

[0232] When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access radio network temporary identifier is a third value;

[0233] Wherein, the second value is different from the third value.

[0234] As an optional implementation manner, the transceiver module 520 is further configured to receive second indication information from the network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0235] As an optional implementation manner,

[0236] The transceiver module 520 is further configured to receive a first signal from the network device, and the first signal includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal;

[0237] The processing module 510 is further configured to measure the first signal to obtain the RSRP.

[0238] It should be understood that the processing module 510 in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and the transceiver module 520 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component.

[0239] Such as Figure 6As shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 600. Exemplarily, the communication device 600 is, for example, a terminal device 600. Exemplarily, the terminal device 600 may be a communication device, such as a terminal device, or may also be a chip system, etc. The terminal device 600 includes a processor 610. Optionally, it may further include a memory 620. Optionally, it may further include a transceiver 630. Among them, computer instructions or programs are stored in the memory 620, and the processor 610 may execute the computer instructions or programs stored in the memory 620. When the computer instructions or programs stored in the memory 620 are executed, the processor 610 is used to perform the operations executed by the processing module 510 in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 630 is used to perform the operations executed by the transceiver module 520 in the above embodiment. Or, the terminal device 600 may not include the memory 620. For example, the memory is located outside the terminal device 600. When the computer instructions or programs stored in the external memory are executed, the processor 610 is used to perform the operations executed by the processing module 510 in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 630 is used to perform the operations executed by the transceiver module 520 in the above embodiment.

[0240] Among them, the transceiver 630 may be a functional unit that can complete both sending operations and receiving operations. For example, the transceiver 630 may be used to execute Figure 3 all the sending operations and receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown. For example, when performing a sending operation, the transceiver 630 can be regarded as a transmitter, and when performing a receiving operation, the transceiver 630 can be regarded as a receiver; or, the transceiver 630 may also be a collective term for two functional units, namely a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is used to complete the sending operation. For example, the transmitter may be used to execute Figure 3 all the sending operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown, and the receiver is used to complete the receiving operation. For example, the receiver may be used to execute Figure 3 all the receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment shown.

[0241] In addition, if the communication device 600 is a chip system, the transceiver 630 may also be implemented through the communication interface of the chip system. The communication interface is connected to the radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to realize the sending and receiving of information through the radio frequency transceiver component. The communication interface may be a functional unit that can complete both sending operations and receiving operations. For example, the communication interface may be used to execute Figure 3All the sending operations and receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments. For example, when performing a sending operation, the communication interface can be considered as a sending interface, and when performing a receiving operation, the communication interface can be considered as a receiving interface; alternatively, the communication interface can also be a collective term for two functional units, namely a sending interface and a receiving interface. The sending interface is used to complete the sending operation. For example, the sending interface can be used to execute Figure 3 All the sending operations performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments. The receiving interface is used to complete the receiving operation. For example, the receiving interface can be used to execute Figure 3 All the receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0242] It should be understood that the terminal device 500 or the terminal device 600 according to the embodiments of the present application can implement Figure 3 The functions of the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments, and the operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device 500 or the terminal device 600 are respectively for implementing Figure 3 The corresponding processes in the illustrated embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described herein again.

[0243] Figure 7 It is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 700 provided by the embodiments of the present application. Exemplarily, the communication device 700 is, for example, a network device 700.

[0244] The network device 700 includes a processing module 710. Optionally, it may further include a transceiver module 720. Exemplarily, the network device 700 can be a terminal device, or a chip applied to a terminal device, or other combined devices, components, etc. with the functions of the above terminal device. When the network device 700 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 720 can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc. The processing module 710 can be a processor, such as a baseband processor, and one or more CPUs may be included in the baseband processor. When the network device 700 is a component with the above terminal functions, the transceiver module 720 can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module 710 can be a processor, such as a baseband processor. When the network device 700 is a chip system, the transceiver module 720 can be an input / output interface of the chip system (such as a baseband chip), and the processing module can be a processor of the chip system, which may include one or more central processing units.

[0245] Among them, the processing module 710 can be used to execute Figure 3 All the operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments, such as S31, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The transceiver module 720 can be used to execute Figure 3All the transceiver operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments, such as S32, S33, S34, and S37, and / or other processes for supporting the techniques described herein.

[0246] In addition, the transceiver module 720 can be a functional module that can perform both transmission operations and reception operations. For example, the transceiver module 720 can be used to execute Figure 3 All the transmission operations and reception operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments. For example, when performing a transmission operation, the transceiver module 720 can be considered as a transmission module, and when performing a reception operation, the transceiver module 720 can be considered as a reception module; or, the transceiver module 720 can also be a collective term for two functional modules, namely a transmission module and a reception module. The transmission module is used to complete transmission operations. For example, the transmission module can be used to execute Figure 3 All the transmission operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments, and the reception module is used to complete reception operations. For example, the reception module can be used to execute Figure 3 All the reception operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0247] For example, the processing module 710 is used to determine an offset value, where the offset value is used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the reference signal received power RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold;

[0248] The transceiver module 720 is used to send first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

[0249] Or,

[0250] The processing module 710 is used to determine a fourth value, where the fourth value is used for the terminal device to determine the time window for receiving a random access response from the network device when the reference signal received power RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold;

[0251] The transceiver module 720 is used to send first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

[0252] As an alternative implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further used to send second indication information to the terminal device, and the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

[0253] As an alternative implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further used for:

[0254] It is further used to receive a random access preamble from the terminal device within a first time unit;

[0255] Send a random access response to the terminal device in a second time unit within the time window, where a start time of the time window is after an end time of the first time unit in a time domain.

[0256] It should be understood that the processing module 710 in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 720 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0257] As Figure 8 As shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device 800. Exemplarily, the communication device 800 is, for example, a network device 800. Exemplarily, the network device 800 may be a communication device, such as a network device, or may also be a chip system, etc. The network device 800 includes a processor 810. Optionally, a memory 820 may also be included. Optionally, a transceiver 830 may also be included. Among them, computer instructions or programs are stored in the memory 820, and the processor 810 may execute the computer instructions or programs stored in the memory 820. When the computer instructions or programs stored in the memory 820 are executed, the processor 610 is used to perform the operations executed by the processing module 710 in the above embodiments, and the transceiver 630 is used to perform the operations executed by the transceiver module 720 in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the network device 600 may not include the memory 820 either. For example, the memory is located outside the network device 800. When the computer instructions or programs stored in the external memory are executed, the processor 810 is used to perform the operations executed by the processing module 710 in the above embodiments, and the transceiver 830 is used to perform the operations executed by the transceiver module 720 in the above embodiments.

[0258] Among them, the transceiver 830 may be a functional unit that can complete both sending operations and receiving operations. For example, the transceiver 830 may be used to perform Figure 3 all the sending operations and receiving operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown. For example, when performing a sending operation, the transceiver 830 can be regarded as a transmitter, and when performing a receiving operation, the transceiver 830 can be regarded as a receiver; or, the transceiver 830 may also be a collective term for two functional units, which are a transmitter and a receiver respectively. The transmitter is used to complete the sending operation. For example, the transmitter may be used to perform Figure 3 all the sending operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown, and the receiver is used to complete the receiving operation. For example, the receiver may be used to perform Figure 3 all the receiving operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown.

[0259] In addition, if the communication device 800 is a system-on-chip, the transceiver 830 can also be implemented through the communication interface of the system-on-chip. The communication interface is connected to the radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement the transmission and reception of information through the radio frequency transceiver component. The communication interface can be a functional unit that can perform both transmission operations and reception operations. For example, the communication interface can be used to execute Figure 3 all the transmission operations and reception operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiment. For example, when performing a transmission operation, the communication interface can be considered as a transmission interface, and when performing a reception operation, the communication interface can be considered as a reception interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a general term for two functional units, namely a transmission interface and a reception interface. The transmission interface is used to complete the transmission operation. For example, the transmission interface can be used to execute Figure 3 all the transmission operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiment. The reception interface is used to complete the reception operation. For example, the reception interface can be used to execute Figure 3 all the reception operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0260] It should be understood that the network device 700 or the network device 800 according to the embodiments of the present application can implement Figure 3 the functions of the network device in the illustrated embodiment, and the operations and / or functions of each module in the network device 700 or the network device 800 are respectively for implementing Figure 3 the corresponding processes in the illustrated embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0261] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a circuit. The communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0262] When the communication device is a terminal device, Figure 9 shows a schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device. For ease of understanding and convenient illustration, Figure 9 in the figure, the terminal device takes a mobile phone as an example. As Figure 9 shown, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, a radio frequency circuit, an antenna, and an input / output device. The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data of software programs, etc. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have an input / output device.

[0263] When data needs to be sent, after the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, it outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends the radio frequency signal outwards in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 only one memory and one processor are shown. In an actual terminal device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory can also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory can be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0264] In the embodiments of the present application, the antenna and the radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit of the terminal device, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal device. As Figure 9 shown, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit 910 and a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. The processing unit can also be referred to as a processor, a processing board, a processing module, a processing device, etc. Optionally, the devices in the transceiver unit 910 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the devices in the transceiver unit 910 used to implement the sending function can be regarded as the sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit 910 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The transceiver unit can sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiving unit can sometimes also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc. The sending unit can sometimes also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0265] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 910 is used to perform the sending operation and the receiving operation on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 920 is used to perform other operations on the terminal device except for the transceiver operation in the above method embodiments.

[0266] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver unit 910 is used to perform Figure 3 all the sending operations and receiving operations of the terminal device in the embodiments shown, such as S35 and S36, and / or the transceiver unit 910 is also used to perform other processes supporting the technologies described herein. The processing unit 920 is used to perform Figure 3 all the operations of the terminal device except for the transceiver operation in the embodiments shown, such as S32, S33, S34, and S37, and / or the processing unit 920 is also used to perform other processes supporting the technologies described herein.

[0267] When the communication device is a chip - type device or a circuit, the device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Among them, the transceiver unit may be an input - output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing unit is an integrated processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit.

[0268] When the communication device in this embodiment is a terminal device, reference may be made to Figure 10 the device shown. As an example, the device can perform functions similar to Figure 6 those of the processor 610 in. In Figure 10 it, the device includes a processor 1010, a transmit data processor 1020, and a receive data processor 1030. The processing module 510 in the above - mentioned embodiment may be Figure 10 the processor 1010 in, and perform corresponding functions; the transceiver module 520 in the above - mentioned embodiment may be Figure 10 the transmit data processor 1020 in, and / or the receive data processor 1030. Although Figure 10 a channel encoder and a channel decoder are shown in, it can be understood that these modules do not constitute a restrictive description of this embodiment, but are only illustrative.

[0269] Figure 11 Another form of this embodiment is shown. The processing device 1100 includes modules such as a modulation subsystem, a central processing subsystem, and a peripheral subsystem. The communication device in this embodiment can be used as the modulation subsystem among them. Specifically, the modulation subsystem may include a processor 1103 and an interface 1104. Among them, the processor 1103 performs the functions of the above - mentioned processing module 510, and the interface 1104 performs the functions of the above - mentioned transceiver module 520. As another variation, the modulation subsystem includes a memory 1106, a processor 1103, and a program stored on the memory 1106 and executable on the processor. When the processor 1103 executes the program, it implements the method on the terminal device side in the above - mentioned method embodiment. It should be noted that the memory 1106 may be non - volatile or volatile, and its location may be inside the modulation subsystem or in the processing device 1100, as long as the memory 1106 can be connected to the processor 1103.

[0270] When the device in the embodiment of the present application is a network device, the device may be as Figure 12 shown. The device 1200 includes one or more radio - frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 1210 and one or more baseband units (BBU) (which may also be referred to as a digital unit, DU) 1220. The RRU 1210 may be referred to as a transceiver module, and is related to Figure 7It corresponds to the transceiver module 720 in []. Optionally, this transceiver module can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and it can include at least one antenna 1211 and a radio frequency unit 1212. The RRU 1210 part is mainly used for the transceiver of radio frequency signals and the conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals, for example, for sending indication information to the terminal device. The BBU1210 part is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station, etc. The RRU 1210 and the BBU1220 can be physically set together or physically separated, that is, a distributed base station.

[0271] The BBU 1220 is the control center of the base station and can also be called a processing module. It can communicate with Figure 7 the processing module 710 in []. It is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spreading, etc. For example, the BBU (processing module) can be used to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, generating the above indication information, etc.

[0272] In one example, the BBU 1220 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can jointly support a radio access network of a single access mode (such as an LTE network), or can separately support radio access networks of different access modes (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The BBU 1220 also includes a memory 1221 and a processor 1222. The memory 1221 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 1222 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiments. The memory 1221 and the processor 1222 can serve one or more single boards. That is to say, a memory and a processor can be separately set on each single board. It can also be that multiple single boards share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can also be set on each single board.

[0273] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. This communication system can include at least one of the above-mentioned Figure 3 terminal devices involved in the embodiments shown, and includes the above-mentioned Figure 3 network devices involved in the embodiments shown. The terminal device is, for example, Figure 5 the communication device 500 in [] or Figure 6 the communication device 600 in []. For example, the terminal device can be used to execute Figure 3 all the operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown. For example: Figure 3 S32 - S37 in the embodiments shown, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The network device can be used to execute Figure 3All operations performed by the network device in the illustrated embodiments, such as: Figure 3 S31 - S34 and S37 in the illustrated embodiments, and / or other processes for supporting the techniques described herein.

[0274] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer - readable storage medium for storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the Figure 3 processes related to the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0275] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer - readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the Figure 3 processes related to the network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0276] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product for storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the Figure 3 processes related to the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0277] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product for storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the Figure 3 processes related to the network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0278] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a CPU, or may also be other general - purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application - specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field - programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general - purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0279] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but 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), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0280] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated in the processor.

[0281] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0282] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the magnitudes of the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0283] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or in a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0284] 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 foregoing method embodiments and will not be elaborated herein.

[0285] In several embodiments provided in this 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 merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, 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 displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be through some interfaces, and the indirect couplings or communication connections of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0286] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0287] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of this application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0288] When the above-mentioned function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art or a part of this technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0289] As described above, the foregoing are only specific implementation manners of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a random access preamble to a network device within a first time unit; Determining a start time of a time window according to a reference signal received power RSRP, wherein the start time of the time window is located after an end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and Starting to detect a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the starting time; wherein, When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value, or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value, wherein both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0; or, When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value, or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a fourth value, wherein the first value and the fourth value are both greater than 0.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: First indication information is received from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: First indication information is received from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that In a case where the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access wireless network temporary identifier is a second value; or, When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access wireless network temporary identifier is a third value; The second value is different from the third value.

6. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Second indication information is received from the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

7. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a first signal from the network device, wherein the first signal comprises a synchronization signal or a reference signal; The first signal is measured to obtain the RSRP.

8. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module, configured to send a random access preamble to a network device within a first time unit; a processing module, configured to determine a start time of a time window according to a reference signal received power RSRP, wherein the start time of the time window is located after an end time of the first time unit in the time domain; and The transceiver module is further configured to start detecting a random access response in response to the random access preamble at the start time; wherein, When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value, or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to the sum of the first value and the offset value, wherein both the first value and the offset value are greater than 0; or, When the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a first value, or, when the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the time difference between the start time of the time window and the end time of the first time unit is equal to a fourth value, wherein the first value and the fourth value are both greater than 0.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used to receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the offset value.

10. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used to receive first indication information from the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate the fourth value.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: The random access radio network temporary identifier corresponding to the random access response is related to the RSRP.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that: In a case where the RSRP is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the random access wireless network temporary identifier is a second value; or, When the RSRP is less than the RSRP threshold, the random access wireless network temporary identifier is a third value; The second value is different from the third value.

13. The communication device according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 12, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used to receive second indication information from the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the RSRP threshold.

14. The communication device according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 12, characterized in that: The transceiver module is further used to receive a first signal from the network device, where the first signal includes a synchronization signal or a reference signal; The processing module is further used to measure the first signal to obtain the RSRP.

15. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a communication device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

17. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system comprises: A communication interface for communicating with other devices; A processor, configured to enable a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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