A coverage enhancement method and apparatus

By transmitting multiple SSB beam sets on different initial BWP resources, and utilizing complementary coverage and periodic transmission, the problem of insufficient SSB beam coverage was solved, achieving wider coverage, higher resource utilization, and beam pairing accuracy.

CN113873528BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-13HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010624346.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-06-30
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Estimated Expiration
2040-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the 5G era, the coverage area of ​​the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam is relatively small, resulting in poor coverage, especially in the Sub3G band, where the coverage of the SSB beam is insufficient to meet the coverage requirements of the data channel, thus limiting the system's access capability.

Method used

By transmitting multiple SSB beam sets on different initial BWP resources, and utilizing the complementary coverage of different beam sets in the horizontal and vertical directions, enhanced sector coverage is formed, including alternating or partially overlapping SSB beam coverage in the same area. This enables flexible beam allocation and periodic transmission to improve coverage range and robustness.

Benefits of technology

It enhances the coverage and robustness of the SSB beam, improves the system's resource utilization and beam pairing accuracy, solves the problem of insufficient SSB beam coverage, and ensures that terminal devices can access the system in more locations and improve communication quality.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application relates to a coverage enhancement method and device. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting N first SSB beams in a first SSB beam set on a first initial partial bandwidth (BWP) resource; transmitting M second SSB beams in a second SSB beam set on a second initial BWP resource; wherein the coverage range of the first SSB beam set is located in a first partial area of a sector; the coverage range of the second SSB beam set is located in a second partial area of the sector; and N and M are positive integers. Thus, the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam complementarily cover the sector, and the coverage gain of the SSB beam of the sector is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a coverage enhancement method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is suitable for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. It forms narrow beams through beamforming (BF) technology, which is a key technology that can improve coverage, enhance spatial multiplexing, reduce interference, and improve spectral efficiency.

[0003] In the 4G era, wide beams were used, with coverage taking precedence over service coverage and beam limitations. In the 5G era, narrow beams are used, covering the entire cell through beam scanning. However, there is a limit to the number of synchronization signal block (SSB) beams, as defined in the 3G Partnership Program (3GPP). rd The Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the number of beams for a new radio (NR) SSB with an initial downlink part bandwidth (BWP). For example, for frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum less than 3 GHz, the maximum number of SSB beams is 4.

[0004] Therefore, if the SSB forms a narrow beam, its coverage envelope has a smaller horizontal or vertical range, and in some directions it is worse than the data channel's envelope. If it forms a wide beam, the obtained BF gain is smaller. In summary, the coverage of the SSB beam is still worse than that of the data channel, and compared with the traffic channel, there is still room for improvement in the SSB beam coverage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a coverage enhancement method and apparatus to improve the coverage gain of the SSB beam of a system.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a coverage enhancement method, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required by the communication equipment to implement the method, such as a chip. Exemplarily, the first communication device can be a network device, or a chip disposed in the network device for implementing the functions of the network device, or other components for implementing the functions of the network device.

[0007] The first communication device can transmit N first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial BWP resource; and transmit M second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set is located in the first part of the sector; and the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set is located in the second part of the sector; N and M are positive integers.

[0008] For example, in a dual-connectivity scenario, the first communication device may include a primary base station and a secondary base station. Exemplarily, the primary base station may transmit a first SSB beam from a first SSB beam set, and the secondary base station may transmit a second SSB beam from a second SSB beam set. As another example, in a carrier aggregation scenario, the first communication device may be a base station with carrier aggregation capability. In this case, the first communication device may transmit both the first SSB beam from the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam from the second SSB beam set. The first and second SSB beams can be used to implement carrier aggregation.

[0009] Using the above method, the first communication device can transmit an SSB beam set on an initial BWP resource. Therefore, the first communication device can allocate at least two initial BWP resources in a sector to transmit SSB beams from at least two SSB beam sets in a sector. For example, N first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set can be transmitted on a first initial partial bandwidth BWP resource; and M second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set can be transmitted on a second initial BWP resource. By transmitting the first SSB beams in a first partial region of the sector and the second SSB beams in a second partial region of the sector, the beam directions of different SSB beam sets are located at different positions, achieving a coverage gain of SSB beams within the sector compared to coverage using a single SSB beam set.

[0010] One possible implementation is that the first initial BWP resource and the second initial BWP resource are located on different carriers.

[0011] Using the above method, the first communication device can allocate different SSB beam sets to different carriers, thereby improving the flexibility of allocating BWP resources for SSB beam sets.

[0012] One possible implementation is that the frequency band where the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band where the second initial BWP resource is located.

[0013] Using the above method, the first communication device can allocate initial BWP resources corresponding to different SSB beam sets to different frequency bands as needed, thereby improving the flexibility of allocating BWP resources to SSB beam sets.

[0014] Another possible implementation is that the frequency band where the first initial BWP resource is located is the same as the frequency band where the second initial BWP resource is located.

[0015] Using the above method, the first communication device can allocate the initial BWP resources of different SSB beam sets to the same frequency band as needed, thereby improving the flexibility of allocating BWP resources for SSB beam sets.

[0016] One possible implementation is that the first and second regions are the same in the vertical direction but different in the horizontal direction.

[0017] Using the above method, the coverage range of the first SSB beam set and the coverage range of the second SSB beam set can achieve complementary gain in a sector in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the coverage gain of the SSB beams in the horizontal direction within the sector.

[0018] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction.

[0019] Using the above method, the coverage range of the first SSB beam set and the coverage range of the second SSB beam set can achieve complementary gain in a sector in the vertical direction, thereby improving the coverage gain of the SSB beams in the vertical direction within the sector.

[0020] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the horizontal direction and partially different; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the vertical direction and partially different.

[0021] Using the above method, the coverage areas of the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set can partially overlap. For example, the first SSB beam set may be located in the left-hand region of the sector, and the second SSB beam set may be located in the right-hand region of the sector. The middle region of the sector is simultaneously covered by both the first and second SSB beam sets. Alternatively, the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set may be distributed alternately. In areas where the coverage of the first and second SSB beams is the same or adjacent, the receiving end can simultaneously receive the first and second SSB beams transmitted by the first communication device, improving the robustness of SSB beam coverage.

[0022] One possible implementation is that at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

[0023] Using the above method, the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set can partially overlap with the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam in the second SSB beam set. For example, the first and second SSB beams can be distributed alternately within a sector; for instance, adjacent beams of the first SSB beam may be second SSB beams, or adjacent beams of multiple consecutive first SSB beams may be multiple consecutive second SSB beams. In this manner, the receiving end can simultaneously receive the first and second SSB beams transmitted by the first communication device from multiple locations, thereby improving the robustness of SSB beam coverage.

[0024] One possible implementation is to periodically transmit N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams.

[0025] By employing the above method, the first communication device periodically transmits N first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set and M second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set. This allows the first communication device to cover both a first and a second portion of the sector through scanning. Consequently, the receiving end within the sector can access the cell corresponding to that sector by receiving the first SSB beams and / or the second SSB beams.

[0026] One possible implementation is that the N first SSB beams emit beams in the same direction in the first and second periods; and the M second SSB beams emit beams in the same direction in the first and second periods.

[0027] In this application, the first period and the second period can be any period in the transmission period of the SSB beam set, and can be continuous or discontinuous, without limitation. Through the above method, the first communication device can fix the direction of SSB beam transmission, thereby reducing the complexity of the first communication device.

[0028] One possible implementation is that at least one of the N first SSB beams emits beams in different directions in the first and second periods; and / or, at least one of the M second SSB beams emits beams in different directions in the first and second periods.

[0029] Using the above method, the first communication device can transmit different SSB beam directions under different periods, so that under multiple periods, one SSB beam direction can cover multiple locations in the sector respectively. Thus, the receiver can measure the SSB beam under multiple periods at the same location, and can even measure the SSB beam in different SSB beam sets, thereby improving the accuracy of beam pairing at the receiver.

[0030] One possible implementation is that the location of the first portion of the SSB beam set covered in the sector during the first period is different from the location of the first portion of the SSB beam set covered in the sector during the second period; and / or, the location of the second portion of the SSB beam set covered in the sector during the first period is different from the location of the second portion of the SSB beam set covered in the sector during the second period.

[0031] Using the above method, the first communication device can transmit different SSB beam directions in different periods. Thus, in multiple periods, an SSB beam set can cover multiple parts of the sector respectively. Therefore, no matter where the receiver is in the sector, it can receive beams from different SSB beam sets by receiving multiple periods, thereby enabling SSB beam measurement, improving the beam pairing effect of the receiver, and thus improving the robustness of the SSB beam.

[0032] One possible implementation is that the N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams are transmitted at the same time; or, the N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams are transmitted at different times.

[0033] Using the above method, the first communication device can transmit the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam simultaneously, or it can transmit the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam separately, which improves the flexibility of the first communication device in transmitting the SSB beam.

[0034] Secondly, this application provides a coverage enhancement method, which 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 the method, such as a chip. Exemplarily, the second communication device can also be a terminal device, or a chip disposed in the terminal device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, or other components for implementing the functions of the terminal device.

[0035] The second communication device can receive N1 first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial BWP resource; and / or receive M1 second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource; wherein the first SSB beam set covers a first part of the sector; the second SSB beam set covers a second part of the sector; N1 and M1 are positive integers; thereby, the second communication device accesses the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set according to the first initial BWP resource; and accesses the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set according to the second initial BWP resource.

[0036] For example, in a dual-connectivity scenario, taking the second communication device receiving the first SSB beam as an example, the second communication device can access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam and designate that cell as the primary cell. It can then access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam through the second initial BWP resource, and that cell can serve as the secondary cell for the second communication device. Taking the second communication device simultaneously receiving both the first and second SSB beams as an example, the second communication device can determine the SSB beam with better signal quality, such as the first SSB beam, based on the signal quality of the received first and second SSB beams, and designate the cell corresponding to that SSB beam as the primary cell. As another example, in a carrier aggregation scenario, again taking the second communication device receiving the first SSB beam as an example, the second communication device can access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam, designating the carrier corresponding to the first SSB beam as the primary carrier, and access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam through the second initial BWP resource, designating the carrier corresponding to the second SSB beam as the secondary carrier, thus achieving carrier aggregation.

[0037] Using the above method, regardless of whether the second communication device receives the first SSB beam, the second SSB beam, or both simultaneously, it can simultaneously access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam and the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam. Therefore, through dual connectivity or carrier aggregation, the second communication device can receive coverage from more SSB beams in that sector, thereby enhancing SSB beam coverage.

[0038] One possible implementation is that the first initial BWP resource and the second initial BWP resource are located on different carriers.

[0039] Using the above method, the second communication device can access cells corresponding to multiple SSB beams on different carriers, thereby improving the system's resource utilization.

[0040] One possible implementation is that the frequency band where the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band where the second initial BWP resource is located.

[0041] Using the above method, the second communication device can access multiple cells corresponding to SSB beams on different frequency bands, thereby improving the system's resource utilization.

[0042] One possible implementation is that the first and second regions are the same in the vertical direction but different in the horizontal direction.

[0043] Using the above method, the second communication device can obtain the coverage gain of the SSB beam in the horizontal direction.

[0044] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction.

[0045] Using the above method, the second communication device can obtain the coverage gain of the SSB beam in the vertical direction.

[0046] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the horizontal direction and partially different; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the vertical direction and partially different.

[0047] Using the above method, the second communication device can receive the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam at multiple locations in the sector (the same area in the first part region and the second part region). Thus, the second communication device can also measure the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam, thereby improving the beam pairing performance.

[0048] One possible implementation is that at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

[0049] Using the above method, the second communication device can receive the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam at positions adjacent to or partially identical to the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam. Thus, the second communication device can also measure the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam, thereby improving the beam pairing performance.

[0050] One possible implementation is to periodically receive N1 first SSB beams; and / or periodically receive M1 second SSB beams.

[0051] By using the above method, the second communication device can periodically receive the first SSB beam and / or periodically receive the second SSB beam, thereby reducing the complexity of the second communication device receiving the SSB beam.

[0052] One possible implementation is that the N1 first SSB beams receive beams in the same direction in the first and second periods; and / or, the M1 second SSB beams receive beams in the same direction in the first and second periods.

[0053] Using the above method, the second communication device can determine the paired SSB beam by successfully receiving the first SSB beam and / or the second SSB beam in a single reception, thereby reducing the complexity of the second communication device receiving the SSB beam and effectively reducing the latency.

[0054] One possible implementation is that at least one of the N1 first SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first period and the second period; and / or, at least one of the M1 second SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first period and the second period.

[0055] Using the above method, the second communication device can determine the paired SSB beam by receiving the first SSB beam multiple times and / or receiving the second SSB beam, thereby improving the success rate of the second communication device receiving the SSB beam.

[0056] One possible implementation is that the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the second period; and / or, the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period.

[0057] Using the above method, the second communication device can receive the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam at any location in the sector by receiving multiple cycles. Thus, the second communication device can access the corresponding cell based on the received first SSB beam and second SSB beam, thereby improving the coverage gain of the SSB beam.

[0058] One possible implementation includes, before accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam according to the first initial BWP resource, measuring N1 first SSB beams; and / or, before accessing the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam according to the second initial BWP resource, measuring M1 second SSB beams.

[0059] Using the above method, the second communication device can measure the received first SSB beam and second SSB beam by receiving multiple cycles, thereby achieving better SSB beam pairing and improving the transmission performance of the second communication device.

[0060] One possible implementation is that the N1 first SSB beams and M1 second SSB beams are received at the same time; or, the N1 first SSB beams and M1 second SSB beams are received at different times.

[0061] The above method allows the second communication device to receive the first SSB beam and the second SSB beam more flexibly, adapting to second communication devices with different capabilities and their locations, effectively improving the gain of SSB beam coverage in different scenarios.

[0062] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, such as the first communication device described above. The first communication device is used to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation. Specifically, the first communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation, such as a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module, which may be different functional modules or the same functional module capable of performing different functions. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component disposed within a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device. For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented using a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented using a processor. Alternatively, the transmitting module may be implemented using a transmitter, and the receiving module may be implemented using a receiver; the transmitter and receiver may be different functional modules or the same functional module capable of performing different functions. If the first communication device is a communication device, the transceiver may be implemented, for example, using an antenna, feeder, and codec within the communication device. Alternatively, if the first communication device is a chip located in a communication device, then the transceiver (or transmitter and receiver) is, for example, a communication interface in the chip that is connected to the radio frequency transceiver components in the communication device to transmit and receive information via the radio frequency transceiver components.

[0063] For the technical effects of the third aspect or various alternative implementations of the third aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or various corresponding possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0064] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, such as the second communication device described above. The second communication device is used to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation. Specifically, the second communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the second aspect or any possible implementation, such as a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module, which may be different functional modules or the same functional module capable of performing different functions. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component disposed within a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device. For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented using a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented using a processor. Alternatively, the transmitting module may be implemented using a transmitter, and the receiving module may be implemented using a receiver; the transmitter and receiver may be different functional modules or the same functional module capable of performing different functions. If the second communication device is a communication device, the transceiver may be implemented, for example, using an antenna, feeder, and codec within the communication device. Alternatively, if the second communication device is a chip located in a communication device, then the transceiver (or transmitter and receiver) is, for example, a communication interface in the chip that is connected to the radio frequency transceiver components in the communication device to transmit and receive information via the radio frequency transceiver components.

[0065] For the technical effects of the fourth aspect or its various alternative implementations, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the second aspect or its respective possible implementations.

[0066] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, such as the first communication device described above. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface, which can be used to communicate with other devices or equipment. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing computer instructions. The processor and memory are coupled to each other to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible embodiments. Alternatively, the first communication device may not include a memory, which may be located externally to the first communication device. The processor, memory, and communication interface are coupled to each other to implement the methods described in the first aspect or various possible embodiments. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the first communication device performs the methods described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment. Exemplarily, the first communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component disposed in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device. Wherein, if the first communication device is a communication device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, through a transceiver (or transmitter and receiver) in the communication device, such as through an antenna, feeder, and codec in the communication device. Alternatively, if the first communication device is a chip installed in a communication device, then the communication interface is, for example, the chip's input / output interface, such as input / output pins, which is connected to the radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to realize the transmission and reception of information through the radio frequency transceiver component.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as the second communication device described above. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface, which can be used to communicate with other devices or equipment. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing computer instructions. The processor and memory are coupled to each other to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible embodiments. Alternatively, the second communication device may not include a memory, which may be located externally to the second communication device. The processor, memory, and communication interface are coupled to each other to implement the methods described in the second aspect or various possible embodiments. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the second communication device performs the methods described in the second aspect or any possible embodiment. Exemplarily, the second communication device is a communication device, or a chip or other component disposed in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device. Wherein, if the second communication device is a communication device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, through a transceiver (or transmitter and receiver) in the communication device, such as through an antenna, feeder, and codec in the communication device. Alternatively, if the second communication device is a chip installed in a communication device, then the communication interface is, for example, the chip's input / output interface, such as input / output pins, etc. This communication interface is connected to the radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to realize the transmission and reception of information through the radio frequency transceiver component.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes a first communication device according to the third aspect or a communication device according to the fifth aspect, and a second communication device according to the fourth aspect or a communication device according to the sixth aspect.

[0069] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any of the possible implementations.

[0070] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any of the possible implementations above.

[0071] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, the computer program product being used to store a computer program that, when the computer program is run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application;

[0073] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of the beam coverage involved in this application;

[0074] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of the coverage enhancement method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the coverage enhancement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coverage enhancement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the coverage enhancement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the coverage enhancement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the coverage enhancement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figures 8-10 This is a schematic diagram of the beam transmission period provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figures 11-12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the coverage enhancement method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0082] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a first communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a second communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] (1) Dual connectivity (DC): This means that the terminal device can connect to two base stations at the same time. The two base stations connected to the terminal device can be base stations under the same radio access technology, such as both being base stations in the LTE communication system or both being base stations in the 5G communication system. Alternatively, the two base stations connected to the terminal device can be base stations under different radio access technologies, such as one being a base station in the LTE communication system and the other being a base station in the 5G communication system.

[0087] (2) Carrier aggregation (CA): CA technology can aggregate multiple component carriers (CCs) together to provide services to a single terminal device, achieving greater transmission bandwidth and effectively improving uplink and downlink transmission rates. Multiple carriers typically include one primary carrier and one or more secondary carriers. The cell operating on the primary carrier is the primary cell (PCell), which is the cell where the terminal initially accesses the network. The base station where the PCell is located is responsible for Radio Resource Control (RRC) communication with the terminal. The cell operating on the secondary carrier is the secondary cell (SCell), which can provide additional radio resources to the terminal.

[0088] In the new radio (NR) system defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol, the frequency range for wireless transmission is divided into the FR1 band and the FR2 band. The FR1 band has a frequency range of 410MHz-7125MHz, and the FR2 band has a frequency range of 24.25GHz-52.6GHz. The FR2 band is located in a high-frequency band and is commonly referred to as millimeter wave (mmWave). The 5G NR protocol specifies that beamforming is applicable to both the sub-6GHz band and the mmWave band. In carrier aggregation scenarios, a terminal device can be configured with multiple carriers, each of which is called a component carrier (CC). The terminal device can be configured with subcarriers within FR1, or subcarriers within FR2, or simultaneously subcarriers within both FR1 and FR2.

[0089] (3) Beam

[0090] Beam: A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types. Different beams can be considered different resources (spatial domain resources). Beamforming techniques can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming, analog beamforming, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming. Different beams can transmit the same or different information. Optionally, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam can include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and detection signals, etc. For example, a transmit beam can refer to the signal strength distribution in different directions of space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, and a receive beam can refer to the signal strength distribution in different directions of space of the wireless signal received from the antenna. It is understood that one or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0091] In the NR protocol, beams can be represented as spatial domain filters, or spatial parameters (such as spatial reception parameters and spatial transmission parameters). The beam used to transmit signals can be called the transmission beam (Tx beam), or a spatial domain transmission filter, spatial transmission filter, spatial domain parameter, or spatial transmission parameter. The beam used to receive signals can be called the reception beam (Rx beam), or a spatial domain reception filter, spatial reception filter, spatial domain reception parameter, or spatial reception parameter.

[0092] In most cases, based on the physical characteristics of radio waves, signals can be transmitted omnidirectionally or over a wide angle when using low- or mid-frequency bands. However, when using high-frequency bands, especially very high-frequency bands, the antenna size is generally based on half a wavelength. As the carrier frequency increases, the antenna becomes smaller, allowing for more antennas to be accommodated in the same space compared to low-frequency bands. This enables the deployment of antenna arrays consisting of many antenna elements at both the transmitting and receiving ends. Furthermore, due to the increased path loss and penetration loss at higher carrier frequencies, beamforming techniques can be used to create narrow beams that scan and cover the entire cell, thereby improving coverage, enhancing spatial multiplexing, reducing interference, and increasing spectral efficiency. For example, Massive MIMO.

[0093] Beamforming technology enhances signals at certain angles and directions by adjusting the parameters of the basic units of a phase array, causing constructive interference in signals at some angles and destructive interference in signals at others. Beamforming generates directional beams that are aligned with the target terminal device. Simultaneously, the transmitted signals from multiple antennas coherently superimpose on the target terminal device, improving the demodulation signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing the user experience at cell edges. Beamforming weights vary with the wireless channel environment to ensure the beam is always aligned with the target user. The downlink weighting vector is typically obtained by measuring the uplink channel using a sounding reference signal (SRS) and then performing weighting calculations using algorithms such as eigenbeamforming (EBF), equal-gain transmission (EGT), and maximal-ratio transmission (MRT).

[0094] In this application, the network device can employ beamforming with a channel number greater than or equal to 16 to achieve joint coverage of multiple channels in the same sector or the same area.

[0095] (4) Beam management can be divided into the following parts:

[0096] Initial beam establishment.

[0097] Beam adjustment is primarily used to adapt to the movement and rotation of terminal equipment, as well as slow changes in the environment.

[0098] Beam recovery is used to handle situations where rapidly changing environments disrupt the current beam pair.

[0099] The existing initial beamforming process is as follows:

[0100] The beam-establishing initiator sends multiple SSBs, which are sent sequentially and each SSB is carried on a different beam.

[0101] Synchronization signal block: This combines the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and the primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in NR, occupying four consecutive symbols in the time domain and 20 RBs in the frequency domain, forming an SS / PBCH block. The SSB supports subcarrier spacing of 15kHz / 30kHz (below 6GHz) and 120kHz / 240kHz (above 6GHz).

[0102] The PSS and SSS each occupy one symbol in the time domain and 127 resource elements (REs) in the frequency domain. The PSS occupies symbol 0 in the SS / PBCH block, and the SSS occupies symbol 2 in the SS / PBCH block. The PBCH channel occupies symbols 1 and 3 in the SS / PBCH block, and also occupies some REs in symbol 2.

[0103] SSB supports beam scanning and must complete the scan within 5ms. Within a radio frame, SSBs can be transmitted in the first 5ms (first half of the frame) or the last 5ms (second half of the frame). Multiple SSBs in a beam scan form an SSB burst. The number of SSBs in an SSB burst is called the SSB burst size. For Sub3G, a maximum of 4 SS / PBCH blocks are defined; for Sub3G to Sub6G, a maximum of 8 SS / PBCH blocks are defined; and above 6G, a maximum of 64 SS / PBCH blocks are defined.

[0104] The SSB period is 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160ms. During the initial cell search, the SSB period is 20ms.

[0105] The SSB can be associated with a downlink beam or with resources such as uplink random access timing and preambles, allowing the receiver to acquire the relevant beams through the random access procedure and establish an initial beam pair. In subsequent communication, the receiver will retain the beam used during random access and transmit it as the optimal beam pair, unless another mechanism triggers the receiver to select a better beam pair.

[0106] The following is a brief description of the process of determining the optimal beam pair between a network device and a terminal device in a given scenario. The network device is exemplified by a gNB, and the terminal device by a UE.

[0107] After the UE enters the connected state, the gNB performs the following process using a configured synchronization signal to determine the optimal beam pair between the gNB and the UE. The synchronization signal can be an SSB.

[0108] First, the gNB transmits synchronization signals using different transmit beams at different times. The UE uses a fixed receive beam to measure the synchronization signal and reports the measurement results to the gNB so that the gNB can select the optimal beam. For example, the measurement results include the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) and / or signal noise ratio (SNR) measurements corresponding to different transmit beams.

[0109] Then, the gNB always uses the obtained optimal beam to transmit the synchronization signal at different times, and the UE uses different receive beams to measure the synchronization signal transmitted by the gNB, thereby obtaining the UE's optimal beam. For example, the UE uses different receive beams to measure the synchronization signal transmitted by the gNB, obtains the RSRP measurement value corresponding to different receive beams, and the UE selects the receive beam corresponding to the largest RSRP measurement value as the optimal beam.

[0110] Through the above process, the optimal beams determined by the gNB and UE are the optimal beam pairs. By repeating the above process, the optimal beam pairs can be adjusted to continuously ensure that the gNB and UE always work in the optimal beam pairs.

[0111] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, future 5th Generation (5G) systems, such as new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems, such as 6G system, etc.

[0112] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1a The communication system shown in the figure is used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the wireless broadcast beam coverage enhancement method of embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 1a As shown, the communication system 100 includes a network device 102 and a terminal device 106. The network device 102 may be configured with multiple antennas, and the terminal device may also be configured with multiple antennas. Optionally, the communication system may also include a network device 104, which may also be configured with multiple antennas. It should be understood that the network device 102 or the network device 104 may also include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processor, modulator, multiplexer, demodulator, or demultiplexer, etc.).

[0113] The network equipment refers to devices with wireless transceiver capabilities or chips that can be configured in such devices. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP) in a Wi-Fi system, and can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU). (unit), etc.

[0114] In this application, the network device can be an FDD NR device with 16 or more channels operating in the Sub3G FDD band, or a TDD NR device with 16 or more channels operating in the Sub3G TDD band (excluding N41).

[0115] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. A gNB may also include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU implements radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions, while the DU implements radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC or PDCP layer signaling, can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+RU. It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or a network device in the core network (CN); this is not a limitation.

[0116] Terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenario. In this application, terminal equipment with wireless transceiver capabilities and chips that can be configured in the aforementioned terminal equipment are collectively referred to as terminal equipment.

[0117] In this communication system 100, both network device 102 and network device 104 can communicate with multiple terminal devices (such as terminal device 106 shown in the figure). Network device 102 and network device 104 can communicate with one or more terminal devices similar to terminal device 106. However, it should be understood that the terminal device communicating with network device 102 and the terminal device communicating with network device 104 can be the same or different. Figure 1a The terminal device 106 shown can communicate with both network device 102 and network device 104 simultaneously, but this only shows one possible scenario. In some scenarios, the terminal device may only communicate with network device 102 or network device 104, and this application does not limit this.

[0118] It should be understood that Figure 1a This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1a The details are not shown in the diagram. In this application embodiment, different base stations can be base stations with different identifiers, or they can be base stations with the same identifier deployed in different geographical locations. Since a base station does not know whether it will be involved in the scenario applied in this application embodiment before deployment, the base station or baseband chip should support the method provided in this application embodiment before deployment. It is understood that the aforementioned base stations with different identifiers can be base station identifiers, cell identifiers, or other identifiers.

[0119] This application's embodiments can be applied to frequency division duplex (FDD) scenarios, such as MIMO scenarios. For example, in future IMT systems, the ITU has proposed three major categories of communication scenarios. Among them, Enhanced Mobile Broadband mainly includes various consumer-oriented services, including web browsing, file downloading, text / voice / video chat, video, AR / VR, etc., leading to an increase in high-speed service demands and a significant increase in network capacity requirements. In this case, MIMO can be used to improve the coverage gain of the service channel. For example, this application's embodiments can be applied to, but are not limited to, the following scenarios: scenarios where network devices and terminal devices establish beam pairs. For example, the eNB uses multiple beams to send synchronization signals to the UE, or the UE uses multiple beams to send synchronization signals to the eNB. It can also be used in scenarios where increased SSB coverage gain is required.

[0120] In downlink transmission scenarios, network devices send data to terminal devices, and the communication scenario is as follows: Figure 1a As shown. In Figure 1aIn this context, the gNB, ng-eNB, or eNB establishes LTE downlink (LTE DL) and New Radio downlink (NR DL) with the terminal device, providing control or configuration. In uplink transmission scenarios, the terminal device sends data to the network device, as in communication scenarios such as... Figure 1a As shown. In Figure 1a In this context, the gNB, ng-eNB, or eNB provides control or configuration for establishing LTE uplink (LTE UL) and new radio uplink (NR UL) between the gNB, ng-eNB, or eNB and the terminal equipment.

[0121] Through carrier aggregation, a terminal device can add both the primary and secondary carriers of a network device. In this embodiment, the network device can be configured with multiple initial beamwidth vectoring (BWP) resources. Each initial BWP resource can be used by the terminal device to access the beam corresponding to the initial BWP resource. That is, the terminal device can access and add the beam corresponding to the primary carrier through the initial BWP resource corresponding to the primary carrier, and add the corresponding beam corresponding to the secondary carrier through the initial BWP resource corresponding to the secondary carrier. It should be noted that an initial BWP resource can be used to carry one or more beam directions, and one or more initial BWP resources can be located on different carriers; one or more initial BWP resources can be located in the same frequency band or in different frequency bands. For example, at least one initial BWP resource set by the network device belongs to different carriers in the same frequency band, or it can belong to different BWPs in different frequency bands, or it can be different BWP resources in the same carrier. No limitations are imposed here.

[0122] In this embodiment, the area covered by the primary carrier and the area covered by the secondary carrier can be located in the same sector or in the same area (e.g., the same geographical location, the same cell, or neighboring cells), so that the terminal device can enhance coverage by adding secondary carriers.

[0123] In downlink transmission scenarios, Figure 1aIn this example, network device 102 is a 5G base station, and network device 104 is a 4G base station. In the 5G NR and 4G radio access network dual connectivity (NR EUTRA-Dual Connectivity, NE-DC) scenario, the NR DL between network device 102 and terminal device 106 is the primary link, and the LTE DL between network device 104 and terminal device 106 is the secondary link. In the 5G NR and 4G radio access network dual connectivity (EUTRA NR-Dual Connectivity, EN-DC) scenario, the LTE DL between network device 104 and terminal device 106 is the primary link, and the NR DL between network device 102 and terminal device 106 is the secondary link. In the uplink transmission scenario... Figure 1a In the 5G NR and 4G radio access network dual connectivity (NREUTRA-Dual Connectivity, NE-DC) scenario, the NR UL link between network device 102 and terminal device 106 is the primary link, and the LTE UL link between network device (e.g., network device 104) and terminal device 106 is the secondary link. In the 5G NR and 4G radio access network dual connectivity (EUTRA NR-Dual Connectivity, EN-DC) scenario, the LTE UL link between network device 104 and terminal device 106 is the primary link, and the NR UL link between network device 102 and terminal device 106 is the secondary link.

[0124] In this embodiment, the network device can be configured with multiple initial BWP resources, and one initial BWP resource can be used by a terminal device to access a corresponding beam. That is, the terminal device can access and add the beam corresponding to the primary cell through the initial BWP resource corresponding to the primary cell, and add the corresponding beam corresponding to the secondary cell through the initial BWP resource corresponding to the secondary cell. It should be noted that the initial BWP resource can be used to carry one or more beam directions, and one or more initial BWP resources can be located on different carriers; one or more initial BWP resources can be located in the same frequency band or in different frequency bands.

[0125] In this embodiment of the application, the area covered by the primary cell and the area covered by the secondary cell can be located in the same sector, or in the same area (e.g., the same geographical location area, or in the same cell, or neighboring cells), so that the terminal device can enhance coverage by adding secondary cells.

[0126] like Figure 1b The diagram shows the coverage envelope formed by the service beam and the coverage formed by the SSB beam. For the data channel beam, coverage enhancement can be achieved through BF (Broadcast Facing) technology, forming a coverage envelope that is wide both horizontally and vertically (e.g., ...). Figure 1b(1) and such Figure 1b (2) Envelope); SSB can also use BF technology for beam scanning to enhance coverage. However, due to the limitation on the number of SSB beams, especially SSB in the Sub3G band, it currently only supports 4 beam directions, such as Figure 1b As shown in (1), if the SSB beam is a wide beam, the obtained BF gain is relatively small. Figure 1b As shown in (2), if the SSB beam is a narrow beam, its horizontal or vertical coverage envelope is small, and signal holes will form between the SSB beams. Compared with the coverage envelope of the service data beam, it is worse and cannot meet the requirements of terminal access. Therefore, the coverage of SSB, especially in the Sub3G band, is currently worse than the coverage of the data channel.

[0127] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a coverage enhancement method. Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the coverage enhancement method provided in this application from the perspective of device interaction. It should be understood that the technical solutions of this application can be applied to wireless communication systems, for example... Figure 1a The communication system 100 shown may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device, which can communicate wirelessly over an air interface. For example, the network device in this communication system may correspond to... Figure 1a The network devices 102 and 104 shown herein can correspond to the terminal devices. Figure 1a The terminal device 106 shown is shown.

[0128] The following, without loss of generality, uses the interaction process between a terminal device and a network device as an example to describe the embodiments of this application in detail. The terminal device can be a terminal device in a wireless communication system that has a wireless connection with the network device. It is understood that the network device can transmit SSBs with multiple terminal devices in the wireless communication system based on the same technical solution. This application does not limit this. Some scenarios in the embodiments of this application are illustrated using an NR network scenario in a wireless communication network. It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and the corresponding names can be replaced with the names of the corresponding functions in other wireless communication networks. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method 200 may include:

[0129] Step 201: Transmit the first SSB beam on the first initial BWP resource;

[0130] The first initial BWP resource may include a downlink initial BWP resource and a corresponding uplink initial BWP resource. The first initial BWP resource can be used to transmit synchronization signals for N first SSB beams, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The network device can transmit the N first SSB beams and the Common PDCCH on the first initial BWP resource. After receiving the synchronization signals of the N first SSB beams, the terminal device can select the optimal beam from the N first SSB beams for access according to the beam pairing method. Therefore, the terminal device can access, handover, and camp on the cell according to the first initial BWP resource configured by the network device.

[0131] For the sake of simplicity, the N first SSB beams can be referred to as the first SSB beam set;

[0132] The area covered by N first SSB beams can correspond to the area covered by at least one service beam.

[0133] It should be noted that the area covered by the first SSB beam set can be the area covered by one service beam, or it can be the area covered by two or more service beams, or it can be the area covered by one service beam. This application does not make any specific limitations.

[0134] Step 202: Transmit the second SSB beam on the second initial BWP resource.

[0135] The second initial BWP resource may include a downlink initial BWP resource and a corresponding uplink initial BWP resource. The second initial BWP resource can be used to transmit synchronization signals for M second SSB beams. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Network devices can transmit the M second SSB beams and the Common PDCCH on the second initial BWP resource. After receiving the synchronization signals of the M second SSB beams, the terminal device can select the best beam from the M second SSB beams for access according to the beam pairing method. Therefore, the terminal device can access, handover, and camp on the cell according to the second initial BWP resource configured by the network device. For simplicity, the M second SSB beams can be referred to as the second SSB beam set; the area covered by the M second SSB beams can correspond to the area covered by at least one service beam.

[0136] For example, the maximum number of beams in the synchronization signal can be determined by pre-configuration or by the network device configuration. In this application, N and M are 4 as an example. In actual applications, there may be more beams, which is not limited here. For example, the network device sends 4 SSB beams, and the terminal device selects at least one beam with the best signal as the transmission beam.

[0137] One possible implementation is that the network device can indicate beam information via a transmission configuration indicator (TCI). For example, the TCI includes a beam identifier, and each beam indicated by the TCI can be used as both a transmit and receive beam. Each SSB beam corresponds to one TCI. The initial configuration TCI can be carried via RRC signaling, and the number of initial configuration TCIs determines the number of multiple first SSB beams. Alternatively, the network device can carry the TCI in the medium access control control element (MAC CE), and the terminal device can determine the number of multiple second SSB beams based on the number of TCIs carried in the MAC CE. Or, the network device can carry the TCI via downlink control information (DCI), and the terminal device can determine the number of multiple second SSB beams based on the number of TCIs carried in the DCI.

[0138] In one example, the number of multiple first SSB beams can be 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8, and the number of multiple second SSB beams can be 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8, etc.

[0139] The first communication device may determine the number of multiple second beams by means of a protocol or by receiving configurations from network devices.

[0140] To enhance coverage in the same area, the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set can be located in the same area as the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set. This allows a terminal to simultaneously access beams from both the first and second SSB beam sets within the same area, thus enhancing coverage. The following explanation uses the same sector as the same area. The coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set is located in the first part of the sector; the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set is located in the second part of the sector. This example can be referenced when the areas are the same geographical location or other preset areas, and will not be elaborated further here. For example, the network device can establish and store preset areas, as well as beam transmission directions, number of beams, hardware parameters, etc., set within those preset areas. It should be understood that area division can take various forms, and beam transmission directions, number of beams, and beam hardware parameters can also include other parameters.

[0141] Taking a sector of 120 degrees as an example, at least two SSB beam sets can be set up in this sector for coverage enhancement. The following explanation uses two SSB beam sets (e.g., the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set). Specifically, it can include methods one through four.

[0142] Method 1: The first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set are located in different regions of the sector. The first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set provide continuous coverage, and the second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set provide continuous coverage.

[0143] Method a1: The beams of the first SSB beam set and the beams of the second SSB beam set cover different areas in the horizontal direction, but cover the same area in the vertical direction.

[0144] like Figure 3 As shown in b, this is a top view of the beam direction. The area covered by the first SSB beam set is located in the 60-degree region to the left of sector 120 degrees (the first part of the region), and the area covered by the second SSB beam set is located in the 60-degree region to the right of sector 120 degrees (the second part of the region). Figure 3As shown in Figure c, this is a side view of the beam direction. The area covered by the first SSB beam set is the same as the area covered by the second SSB beam set. In the first region, N first SSB beams are uniformly distributed. In the second region, M second SSB beams are uniformly distributed. As shown in the figure, in the first region, 4 first SSB beams are uniformly distributed. In the second region, 4 second SSB beams are uniformly distributed. This allows for coverage of 8 SSB beams in different directions horizontally within a sector, effectively enhancing coverage gain compared to the previous method that only covered 4 SSB beams in the same sector.

[0145] Method a2: The beams of the first SSB beam set and the beams of the second SSB beam set cover different areas in the vertical direction, but cover the same area in the horizontal direction.

[0146] like Figure 4 As shown in Figure c, this is a side view of the beam direction. The area covered by the first SSB beam set is located in the upper half of the sector's vertical envelope (the first part of the region), and the area covered by the second SSB beam set is located in the lower half of the sector's vertical envelope (the second part of the region). In the first part of the region, N first SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the second part of the region, M second SSB beams are evenly distributed. For example, four first SSB beams are located in the first part of the region in the vertical direction. In the second part of the region, four second SSB beams are located in the second part of the region in the vertical direction. This allows for coverage of different SSB beam directions in the vertical direction of the sector, thereby enhancing the coverage of network devices in the vertical direction. Another possible implementation is to evenly distribute four first SSB beams in the first part of the region and four second SSB beams in the second part of the region. This results in eight SSB beams covering the sector, effectively enhancing coverage gain compared to the original method where only four SSB beams can cover the same sector.

[0147] For example, if a sector of 180 degrees is covered by the joint coverage of the first SSB beam set, the second SSB beam set, and the third SSB beam set, the beams of the first SSB beam set, the second SSB beam set, and the third SSB beam set can cover different areas in the horizontal direction and the same area in the vertical direction.

[0148] At this time, as Figure 5The diagram shows a top view of the beam direction. The area covered by the first SSB beam set is located in the left 60-degree region of the 180-degree sector (the first part of the region). The area covered by the second SSB beam set is located in the middle 60-degree region of the 180-degree sector (the second part of the region). The area covered by the third SSB beam set is located in the right 60-degree region of the 180-degree sector (the third part of the region). In the first part of the region, N first SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the second part of the region, M second SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the third part of the region, K third SSB beams are evenly distributed. As shown in the diagram, in the first part of the region, 4 first SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the second part of the region, 4 second SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the third part of the region, 4 third SSB beams are evenly distributed. This allows for coverage of 12 SSB beams in different directions horizontally within the sector, effectively enhancing coverage gain compared to the previous method that only covered 4 SSB beams in the same sector.

[0149] Similarly, as in method a2, the beams of the first SSB beam set, the second SSB beam set, and the third SSB beam set can cover different areas in the vertical direction and the same area in the horizontal direction, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0150] Method 2: The first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set are located in different areas of the sector. The first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set do not cover each other discontinuously, and the second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set do not cover each other discontinuously. The first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set are combined to form a continuously covered area.

[0151] Method b1: The first part of the area covered by the N first SSB beams of the first SSB beam set and the second part of the area covered by the M second SSB beams of the second SSB beam set have some overlapping areas in the horizontal direction and cover the same area in the vertical direction.

[0152] In the horizontal direction, the non-overlapping areas of the first part of the region and the partially overlapping areas of the second part of the region together cover the horizontal area of ​​the sector.

[0153] like Figure 6The diagram shows a top view of the beam direction. The area covered by the first SSB beam set is located within a 120-degree sector, and the N first SSB beams are discontinuously distributed (the first part of the region consists of the discontinuous areas covered by the N first SSB beams). The area covered by the second SSB beam set is also located within a 120-degree sector, and the M second SSB beams are discontinuously distributed (the second part of the region consists of the discontinuous areas covered by the M second SSB beams). This can be understood as one second SSB beam being located between at least two first SSB beams. Alternatively, it can be understood as the second SSB beam being located after the N first SSB beams are evenly distributed across the 120-degree sector, and the second SSB beam is obtained by rotating the first SSB beams by a certain angle, such that the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam lies on the corresponding uncovered area between the first SSB beams. Since the purpose of beam rotation is to cover areas not covered by multiple second beams, multiple third beams obtained by rotating multiple second beams can cover areas not covered by the multiple second beams. For example, the rotation angle can be half the angle between the current adjacent beams. The rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the multiple second SSB beams can be pre-configured or determined according to actual conditions. In another example, the above angle can be determined based on factors such as the current channel quality between the network device and the terminal device or the area where the terminal device is currently located in the serving cell; this application does not limit this.

[0154] One possible implementation is that the area covered by the first SSB beamset is the same as the area covered by the second SSB beamset. In the first region, four first SSB beams are evenly distributed. In the second region, four second SSB beams are evenly distributed. One second SSB beam is located between two first SSB beams. This allows for coverage of eight SSB beams in different directions horizontally within a sector, effectively enhancing coverage gain compared to the previous method that only covered four SSB beams in the same sector.

[0155] In mode b1, the distribution of the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set in the vertical direction can be the same as the distribution of the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set in mode a1, and the distribution of the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set can be the same as the distribution of the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set in mode a1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0156] For example, if a sector is jointly covered by the first SSB beam set, the second SSB beam set, and the third SSB beam set, then the first SSB beam set, the second SSB beam set, and the third SSB beam set can achieve joint coverage using the method described in Method Two. For example, as shown... Figure 7As shown, taking the joint coverage of a 180-degree sector by a first SSB beamset, a second SSB beamset, and a third SSB beamset as an example, the four first SSB beams in the first SSB beamset can be evenly distributed within the 180-degree sector. The four second SSB beams in the second SSB beamset can be evenly distributed with a rotation of (180 / 12) 15 degrees relative to the first SSB beams. The four third SSB beams in the third SSB beamset can be evenly distributed with a rotation of 15 degrees relative to the second SSB beams. Thus, 12 SSB beams in different directions can be used to cover the sector horizontally, increasing the SSB coverage gain within the sector.

[0157] Another possible implementation is to combine methods one and two to achieve joint coverage of different SSB beam sets within the same sector. Taking the example of jointly covering a 180-degree sector using the first, second, and third SSB beam sets, the first and second SSB beam sets can cover 120 degrees of the sector using method two, while the remaining 60 degrees can be covered by the third SSB beam set, thus achieving joint coverage of the 180-degree sector using these three beam sets.

[0158] Method b2: The beams of the first SSB beam set and the beams of the second SSB beam set cover the same area in the horizontal direction, and the area covered by the first SSB beam set in the vertical direction partially overlaps with the area covered by the second SSB beam set in the vertical direction.

[0159] In the vertical direction, the non-overlapping areas of the first part region and the partially overlapping areas of the second part region together cover the vertical direction region of the sector.

[0160] One possible implementation is that the area covered by the first SSB beam set is uniformly distributed within the vertical envelope of the sector (the first part of the region consists of N discontinuous regions covered by the first SSB beams), and the area covered by the second SSB beam set is uniformly distributed within the vertical envelope of the sector (the second part of the region consists of M discontinuous regions covered by the second SSB beams). This can be understood as a second SSB beam located between at least two first SSB beams. Alternatively, it can be understood as the second SSB beam being obtained by rotating the first SSB beams by a certain angle. This allows for coverage of different SSB beam directions in the vertical direction of the sector, thereby enhancing the coverage of network devices in the vertical direction.

[0161] Method b3: The area covered by the beams of the first SSB beam set in the horizontal direction partially overlaps with the area covered by the beams of the second SSB beam set, and the area covered by the beams of the first SSB beam set in the vertical direction partially overlaps with the area covered by the beams of the second SSB beam set.

[0162] In the horizontal direction, the non-overlapping areas and partially overlapping areas of the first and second regions together cover the horizontal area of ​​the sector. In the vertical direction, the non-overlapping areas and partially overlapping areas of the first and second regions together cover the vertical area of ​​the sector.

[0163] In this approach, in the horizontal direction, the distribution of the N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set can be achieved using the distribution method of the N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set in method a1, and the distribution of the M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set can be achieved using the distribution method of the M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set in method a1. In the vertical direction, the distribution of the N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set can be achieved using the distribution method of the N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set in method b2, and the distribution of the M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set can be achieved using the distribution method of the M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set in method b2.

[0164] The following uses the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set as examples to illustrate the transmission method of N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams.

[0165] Method A1: Fixed Method. This can be understood as follows: the N first SSB beams emit in the same direction in different transmission cycles. The M second SSB beams emit in the same direction in different transmission cycles.

[0166] The implementation method described above will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set can be periodically transmitted in a scanning manner, and M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set can be periodically transmitted in a scanning manner. The following explanation uses the transmission periods of the first SSB beam set as first period 1, second period 1, and third period 1 as examples. The transmission periods of the second SSB beam set are illustrated as first period 2, second period 2, and third period 2. Within any one of the first, second, and third periods 1, the network device can transmit N first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set in a scanning manner. Within any one of the first, second, and third periods 2, the network device can transmit M second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set in a scanning manner. Taking N and M as 4 as an example, first period 1 is the minimum period required to transmit all 4 first SSB beams, and first period 2 is the minimum period required to transmit all 4 second SSB beams. The first SSB beam and the second SSB beam can be transmitted simultaneously or at different times. It should be noted that the second cycle 1 can precede the second cycle 2, or the second cycle 2 can precede the second cycle 1. The specific setting can be determined according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0167] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, within one SSB period (which can be either the first period 1 or the first period 2) (taking an SSB period of 20ms as an example), there are two frames, Frame1 and Frame2, each of which is further divided into two half-frames. Frame1 includes Half frame1 (A1 or B1) and Half frame2 (A2 or B2). Frame2 includes Half frame1 (A3 or B3) and Half frame2 (A4 or B4). Each half-frame is further divided into multiple subframes, namely three down-frames (D), one special frame (S), and one up-frame (U).

[0168] For example, a network device can transmit one of N first SSB beams and one of M second SSB beams via the downlink frame (D) and special frame (S) of the first Half frame 1, to achieve simultaneous transmission of the first and second SSB beams. Alternatively, the network device can transmit the first SSB beam via the downlink frame (D) and special frame (S) of the first Half frame 1, and transmit the second SSB beam via the downlink frame (D) and special frame (S) of the second Half frame 2.

[0169] For example, a network device can transmit the first SSB beam in the first half-frame of A3 and the second SSB beam in the second half-frame of A3. Transmission time is taken as an example in A3 or B3; it can also be transmitted in half-frames A2 or B2, or even in A4 or B4.

[0170] For example, a network device can transmit the first SSB beam in a subframe of Frame 1 and the second SSB beam in a subframe of Frame 2; this is not limited here.

[0171] Method A2: At least one of the N first SSB beams is emitted in a different direction during different transmission cycles. At least one of the M second SSB beams is emitted in a different direction during different transmission cycles.

[0172] In one possible implementation, taking the first SSB beam set including first SSB beams 1 to 4 as an example, the transmission order of the first SSB beams within the first period 1 can be: first SSB beam 1, first SSB beam 2, first SSB beam 3, first SSB beam 4. Within the second period 1, the transmission order of the first SSB beams can be: first SSB beam 4, first SSB beam 1, first SSB beam 2, first SSB beam 3. Within the third period 1, the transmission order of the first SSB beams can be: first SSB beam 3, first SSB beam 4, first SSB beam 1, first SSB beam 2. The second SSB beams can also be transmitted with reference to the transmission method of the first SSB beams. For example, within the first period 2, the transmission order of the second SSB beams can be: second SSB beam 1, second SSB beam 2, second SSB beam 3, second SSB beam 4. The sequence of transmitting the second SSB beams within the second period 2 can be: second SSB beam 4, second SSB beam 1, second SSB beam 2, second SSB beam 3. The sequence of transmitting the second SSB beams within the third period 2 can be: second SSB beam 3, second SSB beam 4, second SSB beam 1, second SSB beam 2. Of course, other sequences are also possible and are not limited here.

[0173] Method A3: Alternating transmission. This can be understood as at least one of the N first SSB beams transmitting in different directions during different transmission cycles. At least one of the M second SSB beams transmitting in different directions during different transmission cycles.

[0174] For example, taking the joint coverage of the same sector by the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set as an example, the first part of the area covered by the first SSB beam set is different during the transmission period of different first SSB beam sets. Similarly, the second part of the area covered by the second SSB beam set is different during the transmission period of different first SSB beam sets.

[0175] like Figure 9 As shown, taking the distribution of the first and second SSB beam sets in mode a1 as an example, within the first period 1, the first part of the area covered by the first SSB beam set is the 60-degree area on the left, and the second part of the area covered by the second SSB beam set is the 60-degree area on the right. Within the first period 1, SSB1-SSB4 are transmitted in chronological order, and within the first period 2, SSB5-SSB8 are transmitted in chronological order. For example, SSB1 transmits the first SSB beam 1, SSB2 transmits the first SSB beam 2, SSB3 transmits the first SSB beam 3, and SSB4 transmits the first SSB beam 4. SSB5 transmits the second SSB beam 1, SSB6 transmits the second SSB beam 2, SSB6 transmits the second SSB beam 3, and SSB8 transmits the second SSB beam 4.

[0176] During the second cycle 1, the first SSB beam set covers the first 60-degree area on the right. During the second cycle 2, the second SSB beam set covers the second 60-degree area on the left. During the second cycle 1, the first SSB beam 1, first SSB beam 2, first SSB beam 3, and first SSB beam 4 are transmitted in chronological order. During the second cycle 2, the second SSB beam 1, second SSB beam 2, second SSB beam 3, and second SSB beam 4 are transmitted.

[0177] Using the above method, terminal devices can receive different SSB beam sets at different locations by measuring SSB beams within different periods. This allows for SSB measurement to determine the optimal beam, enabling more accurate beam pairing with the base station and improving the access performance of the terminal devices.

[0178] For example, such as Figure 10As shown, taking the distribution of the first and second SSB beam sets in mode b1 as an example. In the first period 1, the first part of the area covered by the first SSB beam set is the area covered by the four beams on the left. In the first period 2, the second part of the area covered by the second SSB beam set is the area covered by four beams that are offset from the first part. In the second period 1, the second part of the area covered by the second SSB beam set is the area covered by the four beams on the left. In the second period 2, the first part of the area covered by the first SSB beam set is the area covered by four beams that are offset from the second part.

[0179] The above method enables the terminal device to measure beams in different beam directions under different periods when measuring SSB, thereby improving the robustness of the measurement.

[0180] After the network device transmits N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams, the terminal device can receive N1 first SSB beams on the first initial BWP resource, and / or, the terminal device can receive M1 second SSB beams on the second initial BWP resource. It should be noted that the terminal device can scan SSB beams from low frequency to high frequency, or from high frequency to low frequency; this application does not impose specific limitations. The number of first SSB beams N1 and / or the number of second SSB beams M1 received by the terminal device can be determined based on actual conditions such as the location of the terminal device, and is not limited here.

[0181] Step 203: The terminal device accesses the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set based on the first initial BWP resources.

[0182] Step 204: The terminal device accesses the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set according to the second initial BWP resources.

[0183] The following examples illustrate this with specific scenarios.

[0184] Method C1: Taking the distribution pattern of the first and second SSB beam sets as a1 as an example. For example... Figure 11As shown, taking a carrier aggregation scenario as an example, when a terminal device is located in the first part of the area covered by the first SSB beam set (e.g., location 1), the terminal device can only receive the first SSB beam. When the terminal device is located in the second part of the area covered by the second SSB beam set (e.g., location 2), the terminal device can only receive the second SSB beam. Only when the terminal device is located in the overlapping area of ​​the first and second parts of the area (e.g., location 3) can the terminal device receive both the first and second SSB beams. In this scenario, the network device can send indication information to the terminal device to indicate that a first initial BWP resource and a second initial BWP resource are configured in the current sector. Furthermore, the first and second initial BWP resources can be used to jointly cover the current sector. Based on this indication information, the terminal device can determine whether to achieve coverage enhancement through carrier aggregation or dual connectivity.

[0185] One possible approach is that when a terminal device receives N1 first SSB beams, it can measure these N1 first SSB beams to determine the optimal beam pair for access, and then access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set via the first initial BWP resource. After accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set, it can also access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set via the second initial BWP resource, based on the network device's indication information. Similarly, when a terminal device receives M1 second SSB beams, it can measure these M1 second SSB beams to determine the optimal beam pair for access, and then access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set via the second initial BWP resource. After accessing the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set, it can also access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam via the first initial BWP resource, based on the network device's indication information.

[0186] In carrier aggregation scenarios, the terminal device can access the carrier corresponding to the first SSB beam set when it receives the first SSB beam, based on the first and second initial BWP resources configured by the network device. In this case, the carrier corresponding to the first SSB beam set can serve as the terminal device's primary carrier. Alternatively, the terminal device can access the carrier corresponding to the second SSB beam set through the second initial BWP resources, based on indication information. In this case, the carrier corresponding to the second SSB beam set can serve as the terminal device's secondary carrier.

[0187] In a dual-connectivity scenario, the first network device can configure a first initial BWP resource for the terminal device, and the second network device can configure a second initial BWP resource for the terminal device. The first network device can send indication information to the terminal device to indicate the first initial BWP resource. The second network device can send indication information to the terminal device to indicate the second initial BWP resource.

[0188] One possible approach is that when a terminal device receives N1 first SSB beams, it can measure the N1 first SSB beams in the first SSB beam set to determine the optimal beam pair for access. Then, it can access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set through the first initial BWP resource. In this case, the first network device can be the primary cell for the terminal device. After accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set, it can also access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set through the second initial BWP resource, based on the indication information from the second network device, thus adding the second network device as a secondary base station.

[0189] One possible approach is that when the terminal device receives M1 second SSB beams, it can measure the M1 second SSB beams in the second SSB beam set to determine the optimal beam pair for access. Then, it can access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set through the second initial BWP resource. In this case, the second network device can be the primary cell for the terminal device. After accessing the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set, it can also access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set through the first initial BWP resource, based on the indication information from the first network device, thus adding the first network device as a secondary base station.

[0190] Considering that the coverage performance of the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set is similar, when the terminal device accesses one of the beams, the network device determines, through indication, that there are additional secondary carriers or secondary cells in the vicinity of the received beam direction. Therefore, using this method, the terminal device can access the corresponding coverage-enhanced cell without receiving an SSB beam, thereby achieving coverage enhancement for the terminal device.

[0191] Method C2: Taking the distribution pattern of the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set as b1 as an example.

[0192] When a terminal device simultaneously receives both a first SSB beam and a second SSB beam, it can determine the beam with better signal quality based on the measured values ​​of the received first and second SSB beams. Taking the terminal device determining to access the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set as an example, the terminal device can then access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set through the first initial BWP resource. After accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set, it can also access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set through the second initial BWP resource, based on the network device's indication information.

[0193] One possible implementation is that, in this scenario, the terminal device can simultaneously receive N1 first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set and M1 second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set. Therefore, in carrier aggregation scenarios, before adding secondary carriers, the corresponding SSB beams can be measured to select the optimal beam from the corresponding SSB beam set. Similarly, in dual connectivity scenarios, before adding secondary cells, the corresponding SSB beams can be measured to select the optimal beam from the corresponding SSB beam set, thereby improving beam pairing accuracy.

[0194] By employing the methods described above, the issue of weaker broadcast channel coverage than service channel coverage in Massive MIMO is addressed. Improving broadcast channel coverage enhances the SSB signal in areas covered by the target service beam, enabling terminal access. This allows users who could otherwise access 5G and enjoy a good experience but were unable to due to broadcast channel limitations to connect to the 5G system, thus compensating for weak coverage areas and increasing the number of users connected to the system.

[0195] During the movement of a terminal device, new SSB beam coverage may appear, or the signal quality of the previously accessed SSB beam may degrade, requiring pairing with an SSB beam with better signal quality. In this case, the terminal device can measure the received SSB beam to determine its coverage area, thereby determining whether cell handover or carrier handover is necessary.

[0196] In one implementation, the data channel quality can be determined based on the SRS measurement results, and the broadcast channel quality can be determined based on the SSB measurement results. The SRS measurement results can be, for example, the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the SRS obtained by the base station, or the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the SRS obtained by the base station. The SSB measurement results can be, for example, the RSRP of the SSB reported by the terminal.

[0197] The base station can obtain reference information fed back by the terminal. The reference information includes the beam identifier of the service beam, the measurement results of the SSB received by the terminal in the area covered by the service beam corresponding to the beam identifier, and the measurement results of the uplink reference signal (SRS) reported by the terminal in the area covered by the service beam corresponding to the beam identifier.

[0198] The base station can determine which SSB beam coverage area the terminal device is located in by obtaining different reference information, and thus determine whether it is necessary to reconfigure the primary and secondary cells or switch between cells of the same frequency and different frequencies.

[0199] The different reference information may include reference information of different terminals acquired by the base station at the same time, or reference information of the same terminal acquired by the base station at different times, or reference information of different terminals acquired by the base station at different times.

[0200] Taking carrier aggregation as an example, with the primary carrier of the terminal device being carrier A corresponding to the first SSB beam set and the secondary carrier being carrier B corresponding to the second SSB beam set, the correlation between the received beam in the current sector and the beams in adjacent sectors at the current location can be determined based on the uplink received signals of the serving cell where the terminal device is located and the neighboring cells, or the precoding matrix indicator (PMI) information fed back by the terminal. This allows the determination of the optimal beam for the terminal device. If the optimal beam for the terminal device is determined to be the beam in the current sector, cell handover can be avoided, and access to the beam in the current sector can be maintained. If the optimal beam for the terminal device is determined to be a beam in an adjacent sector, cell handover can be performed, allowing the terminal device to access the cell corresponding to the optimal beam. Specific scenarios are illustrated below.

[0201] Scenario 1: When a terminal device is moving and is within the current sector, it still only receives the first SSB beam from the first SSB beam set and / or the second SSB beam from the second SSB beam set within the current sector. In this case, the correlation between the received uplink signal and the first and / or second SSB beams can be measured to determine whether cell handover is necessary.

[0202] If it is determined that the uplink signal has the highest correlation with the first SSB beam and the correlation is greater than the first threshold, then it can be considered that the primary carrier of the current terminal device does not need to be switched, and the terminal device does not need to perform the corresponding operation.

[0203] For example, with Figure 11For example, the first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set are in mode a1, and the transmission mode is C1. The terminal device may move from the center of the left area of ​​the current sector (e.g., position 1) to the middle area (e.g., position 2). At this time, the SSB beam received by the terminal device is still the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set. The uplink signal has the highest correlation with the first SSB beam, and the first SSB beam is still the best beam. Therefore, the main carrier does not need to be switched.

[0204] Scenario 2: The terminal device is located within the overlapping area of ​​the current sector and an adjacent sector, and can receive SSB beams from the adjacent sector (hereinafter collectively referred to as the third SSB beam; multiple SSB beam sets can also be set in adjacent sectors, such as the third SSB beam set and the fourth SSB beam set; alternatively, only one SSB beam set can be set in adjacent sectors, which is not limited here). Figure 12 As shown, the terminal device is located in sector 1 at position 1, and its adjacent sector can be sector 3. After the terminal device moves to position 4, its adjacent sector can be sector 2. In one possible implementation, when the terminal device is at position 1, it accesses the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set in sector 1 as the primary carrier and the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set in sector 1 as the secondary carrier. When the terminal device moves to position 4, it receives the third SSB beam in sector 2. Based on the correlation between the uplink signal and the third SSB beam, the correlation between the uplink signal and the first SSB beam in the first SSB beam set, and the correlation between the uplink signal and the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set, the terminal device determines whether cell handover or primary / secondary carrier handover is necessary. Specifically, this can be divided into the following three possible methods:

[0205] Method 1: If it is determined that the first SSB beam has the highest correlation with the uplink signal and is greater than the preset threshold, then the first SSB beam is considered to be the best beam and no operation is required.

[0206] Method 2: If it is determined that the second SSB beam has the highest correlation with the uplink signal and is greater than a preset threshold, then the second SSB beam is considered the optimal beam. In carrier aggregation scenarios, the second SSB beam can be switched to the beam corresponding to the primary carrier, and the secondary carrier can be switched to the first SSB beam accordingly. Alternatively, in dual connectivity scenarios, the second SSB beam can be switched to the beam corresponding to the primary cell, and the first SSB beam can be switched to the beam corresponding to the secondary cell.

[0207] For example, taking the configuration of the first and second SSB beam sets as mode a1, and the transmission mode as C1, the terminal device might move from position 1 to position 4 in sector 1. In this case, the optimal SSB beam received by the terminal device is the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set; therefore, the primary carrier needs to be switched. Alternatively, with the configuration of the first and second SSB beam sets as mode a1 and the transmission mode as C2, the terminal device might move from position 1 in sector 1 to the center of sector 1. In this case, the optimal SSB beam received by the terminal device over multiple cycles might be the second SSB beam in the second SSB beam set. By determining the correlation between the uplink signal and the second SSB beam over multiple cycles, it is determined that the second SSB beam has a higher correlation; therefore, the primary carrier needs to be switched to the second SSB beam.

[0208] Method 3: If it is determined that the third SSB beam has the highest correlation with the uplink signal and is greater than the preset threshold, then the third SSB beam is considered the best beam. In this case, the third SSB beam can be switched to the beam corresponding to the main carrier (in the carrier aggregation scenario) or the beam corresponding to the main cell (in the dual connectivity scenario).

[0209] In one implementation, when the third SSB beam is determined to be the optimal beam, and the third SSB beam is an SSB beam of carrier A (located on the same carrier as the first SSB beam set) in sector 2 of the terminal device, the terminal device can be switched to the cell corresponding to the third SSB beam, that is, the third SSB beam is switched to the main carrier of the terminal device, and the terminal device is switched to the same frequency between cells.

[0210] In one implementation, when the third SSB beam is determined to be the optimal beam, and the third SSB beam is an SSB beam of carrier B (located on the same carrier as the second SSB beam set) in sector 2 of the terminal device, the terminal device can be switched to the cell corresponding to the third SSB beam, that is, the third SSB beam is switched to the auxiliary carrier of the terminal device, and inter-cell frequency handover is performed for the terminal device.

[0211] Accordingly, the serving cell of the terminal device needs to notify the target cell (the cell corresponding to the third SSB beam) that the terminal device needs to switch to the cell corresponding to the third SSB beam so that the target cell can prepare uplink physical random access channel (PRACH) resources and common physical downlink control channel (Common PDCCH) resources for the terminal device.

[0212] By adopting the above design, multiple SSB beam sets cover the same sector and form joint coverage, which can reduce power consumption and resource consumption while enabling terminal devices to quickly establish beam pairs with better communication quality with network devices.

[0213] The apparatus used to implement the above method in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the content above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be described again. Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a first communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0214] The first communication device 1300 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. Exemplarily, the first communication device 1300 may be a network device, or a chip or other combination of devices or components with the aforementioned network device functions applied in a network device. When the first communication device 1300 is a network device, the transceiver module 1302 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module 1301 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the first communication device 1300 is a chip system, the transceiver module 1302 may be the input / output interface of a chip (e.g., a baseband chip), and the processing module 1301 may be the processor of the chip system, which may include one or more CPUs. It should be understood that the processing module 1301 in the embodiments of this application may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 1302 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0215] For example, processing module 1301 can be used to execute Figure 2 The embodiments shown include all operations performed by the network device other than the send / receive operations, and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein. The transceiver module 1302 can be used to perform... Figure 2 The embodiments shown include all send and receive operations performed by the network device, and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein.

[0216] Additionally, the transceiver module 1302 can be a functional module capable of performing both sending and receiving operations. For example, the transceiver module 1302 can be used to execute... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, all sending and receiving operations are performed by the network device. For example, when performing a sending operation, the transceiver module 1302 can be considered as the sending module, and when performing a receiving operation, it can be considered as the receiving module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1302 can also be two functional modules, which can be considered as a collective term for these two functional modules: the sending module and the receiving module. The sending module is used to complete the sending operation. For example, the sending module can be used to perform... Figure 2In any of the embodiments shown, the receiving module performs all the sending operations by the network device and completes the receiving operations. For example, the receiving module can be used to perform... Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment represents all the receive operations performed by the network device.

[0217] The processing module 1301 is used to transmit N first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial BWP resource via the transceiver module 1302; and to transmit M second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource via the transceiver module 1302; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set is located in the first part of the sector; the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set is located in the second part of the sector; and N and M are positive integers.

[0218] One possible implementation is that the first initial BWP resource and the second initial BWP resource are located on different carriers.

[0219] One possible implementation is that the frequency band where the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band where the second initial BWP resource is located.

[0220] One possible implementation is that the first and second regions are the same in the vertical direction but different in the horizontal direction.

[0221] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction.

[0222] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the horizontal direction and partially different; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the vertical direction and partially different.

[0223] One possible implementation is that at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

[0224] One possible implementation is that the processing module 1301 is used to periodically transmit N first SSB beams through the transceiver module 1302 and periodically transmit M second SSB beams through the transceiver module 1302.

[0225] One possible implementation is that the N first SSB beams emit beams in the same direction in the first and second periods; and the M second SSB beams emit beams in the same direction in the first and second periods.

[0226] One possible implementation is that at least one of the N first SSB beams emits beams in different directions in the first and second periods; and / or, at least one of the M second SSB beams emits beams in different directions in the first and second periods.

[0227] One possible implementation is that the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the second period; and / or, the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period.

[0228] One possible implementation is that the N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams are transmitted at the same time; or, the N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams are transmitted at different times.

[0229] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of a second communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The second communication device 1400 includes a processing module 1401 and a transceiver module 1402. Exemplarily, the second communication device 1400 can be a terminal device, or a chip or other combination device or component having the aforementioned terminal device functions applied in the terminal device. When the second communication device 1400 is a network device, the transceiver module 1402 can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module 1401 can be a processor, such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the second communication device 1400 is a component having the aforementioned terminal device functions, the transceiver module 1402 can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module 1401 can be a processor, such as a baseband processor. When the second communication device 1400 is a chip system, the transceiver module 1402 can be the input / output interface of a chip (e.g., a baseband chip), and the processing module 1401 can be the processor of the chip system, which may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the processing module 1401 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 1402 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0230] For example, processing module 1401 can be used to execute Figure 2The embodiments shown include all operations performed by the terminal device other than the transmit / receive operations, and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein. The transmit / receive module 1402 can be used to perform... Figure 2 The embodiments shown include all transmit and receive operations performed by the terminal device, and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein.

[0231] Additionally, the transceiver module 1402 can be a functional module capable of performing both sending and receiving operations. For example, the transceiver module 1402 can be used to execute... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, all sending and receiving operations are performed by the terminal device. For example, when performing a sending operation, the transceiver module 1402 can be considered as the sending module, and when performing a receiving operation, it can be considered as the receiving module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1402 can also be two functional modules, which can be considered as a collective term for these two functional modules: the sending module and the receiving module. The sending module is used to complete the sending operation; for example, the sending module can be used to perform... Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown, the receiving module performs all the sending operations by the terminal device, and the receiving module performs the receiving operations. For example, the receiving module can be used to perform... Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment represents all the receiving operations performed by the terminal device.

[0232] The processing module 1401 is configured to receive N1 first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial BWP resource via the transceiver module 1402; and / or, receive M1 second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource via the transceiver module 1402; the first SSB beam set covers a first part of the sector; the second SSB beam set covers a second part of the sector; N1 and M1 are positive integers; thereby, the processing module 1401 is configured to access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set according to the first initial BWP resource; and access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set according to the second initial BWP resource.

[0233] One possible implementation is that the first initial BWP resource and the second initial BWP resource are located on different carriers.

[0234] One possible implementation is that the frequency band where the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band where the second initial BWP resource is located.

[0235] One possible implementation is that the first and second regions are the same in the vertical direction but different in the horizontal direction.

[0236] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction.

[0237] One possible implementation is that the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the horizontal direction and partially different; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the vertical direction and partially different.

[0238] One possible implementation is that at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, at least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

[0239] One possible implementation is that the processing module 1401 is used to periodically receive N1 first SSB beams through the transceiver module 1402; and / or, the processing module 1401 is used to periodically receive M1 second SSB beams through the transceiver module 1402.

[0240] One possible implementation is that the N1 first SSB beams receive beams in the same direction in the first and second periods; and / or, the M1 second SSB beams receive beams in the same direction in the first and second periods.

[0241] One possible implementation is that at least one of the N1 first SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first period and the second period; and / or, at least one of the M1 second SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first period and the second period.

[0242] One possible implementation is that the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the second period; and / or, the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the first period is different from the position of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period.

[0243] In one possible implementation, before accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam according to the first initial BWP resources, the processing module 1401 further includes: measuring N1 first SSB beams; and / or, before accessing the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam according to the second initial BWP resources, the processing module 1401 further includes: measuring M1 second SSB beams.

[0244] One possible implementation is that the N1 first SSB beams and M1 second SSB beams are received at the same time; or, the N1 first SSB beams and M1 second SSB beams are received at different times.

[0245] This application also provides a communication device, which can be a network device, a terminal device, or a circuit. This communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device or critical equipment in the above method embodiments.

[0246] Based on the same concept as the coverage enhancement methods described above, such as Figure 15 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a communication device 1500 is also provided. The communication device 1500 can be used to implement the methods executed by network devices or terminal devices in the above method embodiments. Refer to the description in the above method embodiments, wherein the communication device 1500 can be a network device or a terminal device, or can be located in a network device or a terminal device, and can be a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0247] The communication device 1500 includes one or more processors 1501. The processor 1501 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., network equipment, terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, or chips), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The communication device 1500 may include a transceiver unit for inputting (receiving) and outputting (transmitting) signals. For example, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, an RF chip, etc.

[0248] Communication device 1500 includes one or more processors 1501, which can implement the methods executed by the network device or terminal device in the embodiments shown above.

[0249] Optionally, in addition to implementing the methods in the embodiments shown above, the processor 1501 can also implement other functions. Optionally, in one implementation, the processor 1501 can execute a computer program, causing the communication device 1500 to execute the methods executed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments. This computer program can be stored wholly or partially within the processor 1501, such as computer program 1503, or it can be stored wholly or partially in a memory 1502 coupled to the processor 1501, such as computer program 1504. Alternatively, computer programs 1503 and 1504 can jointly cause the communication device 1500 to execute the methods executed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0250] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 may also include circuitry that performs the functions of the network device or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0251] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 may include one or more memories 1502 storing a computer program 1504, which can be executed on a processor to cause the communication device 1500 to perform the encoding method described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories may also store data. Optionally, the processor may also store computer programs and / or data. For example, the one or more memories 1502 may store the associations or correspondences described in the above embodiments, or related parameters or tables involved in the above embodiments. The processor and memories may be configured separately, or integrated or coupled together.

[0252] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver unit 1505. The processor 1501, which may be referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (the first communication device or the second communication device). The transceiver unit 1505, which may be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to transmit and receive data or control signals.

[0253] For example, if the communication device 1500 is a chip or other combination device or component with the above-mentioned communication device functions applied in a communication device, the communication device 1500 may include a transceiver unit 1505.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver unit 1505 and an antenna 1506. The processor 1501, which may be referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (the first coverage enhancement device or the second communication device). The transceiver unit 1505, which may be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the device's transmission and reception functions via the antenna 1506.

[0255] In one embodiment, the processor 1501 is configured to transmit N first SSB beams from a first SSB beam set on a first initial BWP resource via a transceiver unit 1505; and to transmit M second SSB beams from a second SSB beam set on a second initial BWP resource via the transceiver unit 1505; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set is located in a first part of the sector; the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set is located in a second part of the sector; and N and M are positive integers.

[0256] In another embodiment, the processor 1501 is configured to receive N1 first SSB beams from a first SSB beam set on a first initial BWP resource via the transceiver unit 1505; and / or, receive M1 second SSB beams from a second SSB beam set on a second initial BWP resource via the transceiver unit 1505; wherein the first SSB beam set covers a first portion of the sector; the second SSB beam set covers a second portion of the sector; N1 and M1 are positive integers; thereby, the processor 1501 is configured to access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set according to the first initial BWP resource; and access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set according to the second initial BWP resource.

[0257] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the processor's hardware or by a computer program in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The method steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0258] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be 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 random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0259] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the method described above for any of the method embodiments applied to a network device or a terminal device.

[0260] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the method described above for any of the method embodiments applied to network devices or terminal devices.

[0261] This application embodiment also provides a communication system, which includes, as follows: Figure 13 The first communication device shown or Figure 15 The communication device shown, and including, as Figure 14 The second communication device shown or Figure 15 The communication device shown.

[0262] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When a computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0263] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method described in any of the above-described method embodiments applied to a network device or a terminal device.

[0264] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0265] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figure 2 The embodiments shown are processes related to network devices or terminal devices.

[0266] This application also provides a computer program product for storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figure 2The embodiments shown are processes related to network devices or terminal devices.

[0267] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, or 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. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0268] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be 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 random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0269] 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, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0270] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0271] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0272] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for a specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0273] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0275] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0276] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0277] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to: computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), universal serial bus flash disk, portable hard disk, or other optical disc storage, disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer.

[0278] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A coverage enhancement method, characterized in that, include: Transmit N first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial portion bandwidth BWP resource; Transmit M second SSB beams from the second SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource; Wherein, the coverage area of ​​the first SSB beam set includes a first part of the sector; the coverage area of ​​the second SSB beam set includes a second part of the sector; and N and M are positive integers. The transmission of the N first SSB beams and the transmission of the M second SSB beams include: The N first SSB beams are periodically emitted; The M second SSB beams are periodically transmitted.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first SSB beam set and the second SSB beam set are located on different carriers.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frequency band in which the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band in which the second initial BWP resource is located.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the vertical direction, but different in the horizontal direction; or, The first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction; or, The first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same and partially different in the horizontal direction; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same and partially different in the vertical direction.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first portion of the region and the second portion of the region are at least partially identical in the horizontal direction; and / or, the first portion of the region and the second portion of the region are at least partially identical in the vertical direction, including: At least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, At least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of N first SSB beams and the transmission of M second SSB beams include: The beam directions of the N first SSB beams emitted in the first and second cycles are the same. The M second SSB beams emitted in the first cycle and the second cycle have the same beam direction.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission of the first SSB beam and the transmission of the second SSB beam include: At least one of the N first SSB beams emits beams with different directions in the first and second periods; and / or, At least one of the M second SSB beams emits beams in different directions during the first and second periods.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the N first SSB beams emits beams in different directions during the first and second periods, including: The location of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beamset during the first period in the sector is different from the location of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beamset during the second period in the sector; and / or, At least one of the M second SSB beams emits a different beam direction in each cycle, including: The location of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the first period in the sector is different from the location of the second portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period in the sector.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The N first SSB beams and M second SSB beams are transmitted at the same time; or, The timing of transmitting the N first SSB beams and the M second SSB beams is different.

10. A coverage enhancement method, characterized in that, include: Receive N1 first SSB beams from the first SSB beam set on the first initial portion bandwidth BWP resource; And / or, receive M1 second SSB beams from the SSB beam set on the second initial BWP resource; Wherein, the first SSB beam set covers a first part of the sector; the second SSB beam set covers a second part of the sector; and N1 and M1 are positive integers. Based on the first initial BWP resources, access the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam set; Based on the second initial BWP resources, access the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam set; Among them, receiving N1 first SSB beams and / or receiving M1 second SSB beams includes: Periodically receive the N1 first SSB beams; and / or The M1 second SSB beams are periodically received.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first initial BWP resource and the second initial BWP resource are located on different carriers.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The frequency band in which the first initial BWP resource is located is different from the frequency band in which the second initial BWP resource is located.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the vertical direction, but different in the horizontal direction; or, The first part of the region is the same as the second part of the region in the horizontal direction, but different in the vertical direction; or, The first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the horizontal direction and partially different; and / or, the first part of the region and the second part of the region are at least partially the same in the vertical direction and partially different.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first portion of the region and the second portion of the region are at least partially identical in the horizontal direction; and / or, the first portion of the region and the second portion of the region are at least partially identical in the vertical direction, including: At least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the horizontal direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set; and / or, At least one beam direction in the first SSB beam set is located in a different region in the vertical direction from at least one beam direction in the second SSB beam set.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receiving of N1 first SSB beams and / or receiving M second SSB beams includes: The beam directions of the N1 first SSB beams received in the first and second cycles are the same; and / or, The beam directions of the M1 second SSB beams received in the first and second cycles are the same.

16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receiving of N1 first SSB beams and / or receiving M1 second SSB beams includes: At least one of the N1 first SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first and second periods; and / or, At least one of the M1 second SSB beams receives beams in different directions during the first and second periods.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least one of the N1 first SSB beams receives beams with different directions in the first period and the second period, including: The location of the first portion of the region covered by the first SSB beam set in the first period in the sector is different from the location of the first portion of the region covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period in the sector. And / or, at least one of the M1 second SSB beams receives beam directions differently in the first period and the second period, including: The location of the second portion of the sector covered by the first SSB beam set in the first period is different from the location of the second portion of the sector covered by the second SSB beam set in the second period.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Before accessing the cell corresponding to the first SSB beam based on the first initial BWP resource, the method further includes: measuring the received N1 first SSB beams. And / or, Before accessing the cell corresponding to the second SSB beam based on the second initial BWP resource, the method further includes: measuring the received M1 second SSB beams.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10-18, characterized in that, The receiving of N1 first SSB beams and M1 second SSB beams includes: The timing of receiving the N1 first SSB beams and the M1 second SSB beams is the same; or, The timing of receiving the N1 first SSB beams and the M1 second SSB beams is different.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a communication interface; The communication interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor executes the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a communication interface; The communication interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor executes the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 19.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-19 to be implemented.

Citation Information

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