An uplink transmission method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides an uplink transmission method and device, relates to the technical field of communication, and solves the problem that terminal equipment accesses two stations with different distances to the terminal equipment, and the terminal equipment sends time-different uplink transmissions to the two stations, which affects uplink switching. The specific scheme is as follows: a first uplink transmission is sent to a first network device on a first uplink carrier, and a second uplink transmission is sent to a second network device on a second uplink carrier; wherein, uplink switching is performed in a first time period, and no uplink transmission is sent in the first time period; the first time period is determined by a switching gap and a second time period, the switching gap is an uplink switching time reported by the terminal equipment, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The embodiment of the present application is used for the process of sending uplink transmissions by the terminal equipment to two carriers of different stations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an uplink transmission method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In uplink transmission, different terminal devices can achieve orthogonal multiple access (OMA) on time-frequency resources, meaning that uplink transmissions from different terminal devices within the same cell do not interfere with each other. To ensure the orthogonality of uplink transmission and avoid interference between terminal devices within the same cell, network devices require signals from different terminal devices on different time-domain resources but different frequency-domain resources to arrive at the network device at essentially aligned times. Specifically, the network device can control the timing advance value of each terminal device to ensure the alignment of uplink signals arriving at the network device at the same time.

[0003] If a terminal device is configured with two types of carriers in the serving cell of a site: a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier and a normal uplink (NUL) carrier, and the SUL and NUL carriers use different frequency bands and have different uplink coverage (e.g., the SUL band has a larger uplink coverage area, while the NUL band has a smaller uplink coverage area), the base station will configure the same timing advance value for both carriers, and the NUL and SUL carriers will share a single timing adjustment command. Because the propagation delay is the same for different frequency bands along the same transmission path, this helps improve the efficiency of time domain resource utilization. Therefore, the protocol stipulates that the SUL and NUL carriers belong to the same timing adjustment group, and the network device uses a single timing adjustment command (TAC) to simultaneously adjust the timing of both the SUL and NUL carriers in a cell. Furthermore, when SUL and NUL carriers are deployed at the same site, the uplink handover time between the carriers is fixed and depends on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0004] Although currently, the different carriers accessed by terminal devices are deployed at the same site—for example, SUL and NUL carriers are deployed at the same site—in future network deployments, to save costs, the different carriers accessed by terminal devices may be deployed at different sites. For example, NUL and SUL carriers may be deployed at different sites, with one SUL band serving as a supplementary uplink band for multiple NUL bands. In this case, the distance from the two sites to the terminal device may differ, resulting in different timing advance values ​​sent by the two sites to the terminal device. There will be a time difference between the SUL and NUL carriers. In this situation, when the terminal device transmits uplink data between the different carriers corresponding to the two sites, if the uplink handover is still performed according to the fixed uplink handover time reported by the terminal device, it may lead to uplink handover failure. For example, when there is a time difference between the SUL and NUL carriers, the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device may not be sufficient to complete the uplink handover. The actual uplink handover time required by the terminal device is longer than the reported uplink handover time, which will affect the reliability of uplink transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an uplink transmission method and apparatus that can solve the problem that when a terminal device accesses two stations at different distances from the terminal device, the time difference in the transmission between the terminal device and the two stations affects the uplink handover.

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

[0007] In a first aspect, an uplink transmission method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device. The method includes: transmitting a first uplink transmission to a first network device on a first uplink carrier, and transmitting a second uplink transmission to a second network device on a second uplink carrier; wherein uplink switching occurs during a first time period, and no uplink transmission is transmitted during the first time period; the first time period is determined by a switching gap and a second time period, wherein the switching gap is the uplink switching time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier.

[0008] Therefore, in this application, when a terminal device accesses two carrier frequency bands deployed at different sites, or when a terminal device accesses network devices on different carriers, if the terminal device sends uplink transmissions to different network devices respectively, the handover interval for uplink handover is not fixed. The terminal device does not perform uplink handover according to the handover interval configured by the network side. The terminal device can determine the first time period for handover based on the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers and the handover interval configured by the network side. That is, the first time period for uplink handover is adjustable. Thus, when the distance difference between the terminal device and the two sites changes due to the movement of the terminal device, the transmission time difference for the two sites will also change accordingly. If a fixed handover interval is reserved, it is easy for uplink handover to start before the previous uplink transmission has been completed on the carrier, which may lead to uplink handover failure and uplink service interruption. However, this application can adjust the first time period for carrier handover by the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers, so that the adjusted first time period can change with the change in the distance between the current terminal device and the two sites, thereby better supporting the mobility of the terminal device and preventing uplink handover failure. Furthermore, when the adjusted first time period is less than the configured switching interval, uplink transmission latency can be reduced and uplink capacity improved.

[0009] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier. When the first uplink transmission precedes the second uplink transmission, and the second time interval is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first time interval is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. This can be understood as follows: when the terminal device has finished sending the first uplink transmission and is about to send the second uplink transmission, if the second time interval is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is small. The duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device may not be sufficient for the terminal device to perform uplink handover. In this case, the terminal device can determine that the first time interval is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. Thus, when the difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is small, by appropriately extending the inter-carrier handover time, the terminal device can have sufficient time to complete the uplink handover before sending the second uplink transmission, thereby improving the success rate of uplink handover and the reliability of uplink transmission.

[0010] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a third uplink transmission to a first network device on a first uplink carrier, the third uplink transmission being the subsequent uplink transmission after the second uplink transmission; performing uplink handover during a third time period, and not sending any uplink transmission during the third time period; wherein, when the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the third time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold. This can be understood as follows: when the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the frame boundary difference between the first and second uplink carriers is large, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device is sufficient to perform uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold as the third time period for performing uplink handover. In this way, when the frame boundary difference between the first and second uplink carriers is large, by appropriately shortening the handover time between carriers, the third uplink transmission can begin transmission on the first uplink carrier earlier, thereby reducing uplink transmission latency and improving uplink capacity.

[0011] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier. When the first uplink transmission follows the second uplink transmission, and the second time interval is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the first time interval is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold. This can be understood as follows: if the second time interval is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates a large difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device is sufficient for the terminal device to perform uplink handover. In this case, the terminal device can determine that the first time interval is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold. Thus, when the difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is large, by appropriately shortening the handover time between carriers, the first uplink transmission can begin earlier on the first uplink carrier, thereby reducing uplink transmission latency and improving uplink capacity.

[0012] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a fourth uplink transmission to a second network device on a second uplink carrier, the fourth uplink transmission being the next uplink transmission after the first uplink transmission; performing uplink handover during a fourth time period, and not sending any uplink transmission during the fourth time period, wherein when the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, the fourth time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. This can be understood as follows: when the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the difference in frame boundaries between the first and second uplink carriers is small, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device may not be sufficient to perform the uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold as the fourth time period for performing the uplink handover. In this way, when the difference in frame boundaries between the first and second uplink carriers is small, by appropriately extending the inter-carrier handover time, the terminal device can have sufficient time to complete the uplink handover before sending the fourth uplink transmission, thereby improving the success rate of the uplink handover and the reliability of the uplink transmission.

[0013] In one possible design, not transmitting uplink data during the first time period includes: not transmitting uplink data on both the first and second uplink carriers during the first time period. That is, the terminal device can perform the action of not transmitting uplink data during the first time period.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a first indication message to a first network device and / or a second network device, the first indication message indicating a second time period. For the network devices, when invoking a terminal device to send an uplink transmission, the network device can determine the time-domain resources for the uplink transmission based on the difference in radio frame boundaries.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving downlink control information (DCI) at a first moment, the DCI being used to schedule the second uplink transmission; sending the second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier includes: sending the second uplink transmission to the second network device at a second moment on the second uplink carrier; wherein the difference between the first moment and the second moment is not less than a third threshold, the third threshold being a preparation time before sending the second uplink transmission. This allows for flexible uplink switching before the terminal device sends the second uplink transmission, and also provides sufficient time to complete preparations before sending the second uplink transmission, improving the success rate of uplink transmission.

[0016] In one possible design, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier belong to the same serving cell; or, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are indicated by SIB1. For example, the first uplink carrier is an SUL carrier, and the second uplink carrier is an NUL carrier.

[0017] In one possible design, before sending the first uplink transmission, the method further includes: obtaining a first timing advance (TA) and a second TA; the first TA corresponds to a first uplink carrier, and the second TA corresponds to a second uplink carrier; determining the transmission timing of the first uplink transmission based on the first TA and the reception timing of the first downlink carrier, and determining the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission based on the second TA and the reception timing of the first downlink carrier; and determining a second time period based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA. That is, the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier can be determined based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA. When the terminal device is at different distances from two sites, the first TA and the second TA are different, indicating a time difference between the frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers. If a fixed handover time is reserved between carriers, uplink handover may be performed before one uplink transmission is completed, leading to uplink handover failure. However, when the frame boundary difference is determined based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA, the handover time between carriers can be adjusted according to the frame boundary difference, thereby preventing uplink handover failure.

[0018] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a terminal device or a chip within the terminal device. The communication device includes: a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first uplink transmission to a first network device via a first uplink carrier and to transmit a second uplink transmission to a second network device via a second uplink carrier; a switching unit configured to perform uplink switching during a first time period, and the transmitting unit configured not to transmit uplink transmission during the first time period; the first time period is determined by a switching gap and a second time period, wherein the switching gap is the uplink switching time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier.

[0019] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; when the first uplink transmission is the preceding uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0020] In one possible design, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier, the third uplink transmission being the next uplink transmission after the second uplink transmission; the switching unit is further configured to perform uplink switching during a third time period, and the transmitting unit is further configured to not transmit uplink transmission during the third time period; wherein, when the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the third time period is the difference between the switching gap and the second threshold.

[0021] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; when the first uplink transmission is the next uplink transmission after the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0022] In one possible design, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a fourth uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier, the fourth uplink transmission being the next uplink transmission after the first uplink transmission; the switching unit is further configured to perform uplink switching during the fourth time period, and the transmitting unit is further configured to not transmit uplink transmission during the fourth time period, wherein when the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, the fourth time period is the sum of the switching gap and the first threshold.

[0023] In one possible design, the transmitting unit is configured to: not transmit uplink data on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier during a first time period.

[0024] In one possible design, the sending unit is further configured to: send first indication information to a first network device and / or a second network device, the first indication information indicating a second time period.

[0025] In one possible design, the system further includes a receiving unit for receiving downlink control information (DCI) at a first moment, the DCI being used to schedule the second uplink transmission; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the second uplink transmission to the second network device at a second moment on the second uplink carrier; wherein the difference between the first moment and the second moment is not less than a third threshold, the third threshold being a preparation time before transmitting the second uplink transmission.

[0026] In one possible design, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier belong to the same serving cell; or, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are indicated by SIB1.

[0027] In one possible design, the system further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring a first timing advance (TA) and a second timing advance (TA); the first TA corresponds to a first uplink carrier, and the second TA corresponds to a second uplink carrier; and a determination unit for determining the transmission timing of the first uplink transmission based on the reception timing of the first TA and the first downlink carrier, determining the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission based on the reception timing of the second TA and the first downlink carrier, and determining a second time period based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA.

[0028] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, such that the device performs the method as described in the first aspect or any one thereof.

[0029] Fourthly, a chip coupled to a memory is provided for reading and executing program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects above.

[0030] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, including a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, are performed as in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0031] Sixthly, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a computer, causes an electronic device to perform the design of the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0032] A seventh aspect provides an uplink handover method, applied to a network device or a chip within the network device. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a terminal device, the first indication information indicating a second time period, the second time period being the difference between the radio frame boundaries of a second uplink carrier and a first uplink carrier; the first uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to transmit uplink data to a first network device; the second uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to transmit uplink data to a second network device; instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, not expecting to receive uplink data on either the first or second uplink carrier during the first time period; the first time period being determined by a handover gap and the second time period, the handover gap being the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device. In this application, when the network device receives the radio frame boundary difference determined by the terminal device, if it needs to schedule the terminal device to transmit uplink data, it can determine the time-domain resources for uplink transmission based on the radio frame boundary difference to avoid conflicts with the time-domain resources for uplink transmissions transmitted by the terminal device to another network device. Furthermore, when a terminal device is deployed at different sites on two carrier frequency bands, the distance difference between the terminal device and the two sites changes due to the terminal device's movement, and the transmission time difference between the two sites also changes accordingly. If a fixed handover gap is reserved, uplink handover may begin before the previous uplink transmission on the carrier has finished, potentially leading to uplink handover failure and uplink service interruption. In this application, when the network device instructs the terminal device to perform uplink handover, the terminal device determines that the first time period for uplink handover can vary with the difference in frame boundaries between the two carriers. This difference in frame boundaries varies with the distance between the terminal device and the two sites, thereby better supporting terminal device mobility and preventing uplink handover failure.

[0033] It should be noted that the network device to which this method is applied can be either the first network device or the second network device described above. When applied to the first network device, the first network device may not expect to receive uplink transmissions on the first uplink carrier during a first time period; when applied to the second network device, the second network device may not expect to receive uplink transmissions on the second uplink carrier during a second time period. It can be understood that the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier can be carriers from different sites. For example, the first uplink carrier is a NUL carrier, and the second uplink carrier is a SUL carrier. Alternatively, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are two carriers configured for carrier aggregation.

[0034] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time interval is less than or equal to a first threshold, where the first time interval is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. Thus, when the difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is small, appropriately extending the inter-carrier handover time allows the terminal device sufficient time to complete the uplink handover, thereby improving the success rate of uplink handover and the reliability of uplink transmission.

[0035] In one possible design, after instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover and not expecting to receive uplink transmissions on the first uplink carrier during a first time period, the method further includes: instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover and not expecting to receive uplink transmissions on the first uplink carrier during a third time period. For example, after the first network device instructs the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, the first network device does not expect to receive uplink transmissions on the first uplink carrier during the third time period; wherein the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the third time period is the difference between the handover interval and the second threshold. When the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is large, by appropriately shortening the handover time between carriers, the uplink transmission to be transmitted can start transmitting on the first uplink carrier earlier, thereby reducing uplink transmission latency and improving uplink capacity.

[0036] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The first time period is the difference between the handover interval and the second threshold. Thus, when the difference between the frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is large, by appropriately shortening the handover time between carriers, the first uplink transmission can begin earlier on the first uplink carrier, thereby reducing uplink transmission latency and improving uplink capacity.

[0037] In one possible design, after instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier during a first time period, the method further includes: instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier during a fourth time period. For example, after the second network device instructs the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, the second network device does not expect to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier during the fourth time period; wherein the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the fourth time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. This can be understood as follows: when the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the difference in frame boundaries between the first and second uplink carriers is small, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device may not be sufficient to perform the uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold as the fourth time period for performing the uplink handover. In this way, when the difference in frame boundaries between the first and second uplink carriers is small, by appropriately extending the inter-carrier handover time, the terminal device can have sufficient time to complete the uplink handover, thereby improving the success rate of the uplink handover and the reliability of the uplink transmission.

[0038] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a network device or a chip within the network device. The communication device includes: a receiving unit for receiving first indication information from a terminal device, the first indication information indicating a second time period, the second time period being the difference between the radio frame boundaries of a second uplink carrier and a first uplink carrier; the first uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to transmit uplink data to a first network device; the second uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to transmit uplink data to a second network device; and an indicating unit for instructing the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, not expecting to receive uplink data on either the first or second uplink carrier during the first time period; the first time period being determined by a handover gap and the second time period, the handover gap being the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device.

[0039] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, wherein the first time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0040] In one possible design, the indication unit is also used to: instruct the terminal device to perform uplink handover and not expect to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier during a third time period; wherein the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the third time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0041] In one possible design, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, while the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0042] In one possible design, the indication unit is further configured to: instruct the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, and not expect to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier during a fourth time period; wherein the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the fourth time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0043] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory such that the device performs the method as described in the seventh aspect or any one of the seventh aspects above.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, a chip coupled to a memory is provided for reading and executing program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in the seventh aspect or any one of the seventh aspects above.

[0045] Eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, including a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, are performed as in the seventh aspect or any possible design of the seventh aspect.

[0046] In the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when run on a computer, causes an electronic device to perform the design of the seventh aspect or any of the possible designs of the seventh aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a SUL used to supplement uplink coverage, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cell type including two uplink carriers is provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of uplink timing advance for a UE, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an internal radio frequency chain switching procedure provided in this application embodiment;

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating uplink transmission on carrier 1 and carrier 2, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating uplink transmission on carrier 1 and carrier 2 with a time difference, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 7 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system.

[0054] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an uplink transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an uplink transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an uplink transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an uplink transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 12 A network diagram illustrating cross-site deployment of NUL and SUL frequency bands is provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 13 A network diagram illustrating cross-site deployment of NUL and SUL frequency bands is provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 14 This application provides a network diagram illustrating a cross-site CA scenario or a UMTS EN-DC scenario.

[0061] Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of a first time period for uplink handover, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating an uplink transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of a first time period for uplink handover, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a line transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time-domain overlap of uplink transmissions on an uplink carrier, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 20 A schematic diagram illustrating the modification of uplink transmission format during time-domain overlap, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 21 A schematic diagram illustrating the modification of temporal resource locations during temporal overlap, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 22This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] For ease of understanding, the examples provide explanations of some concepts related to the embodiments of this application for reference. As shown below:

[0072] SUL (Supply-Use Low-Low ... Figure 1 As shown, at the same site, NUL and NR DL (downlink) correspond to high-frequency time division duplexing (TDD). However, the coverage area of ​​NUL at this site is relatively small. Deploying a supplementary uplink carrier SUL at this site can enhance the uplink coverage. 5G NR defines a new cell type for the combination of SUL and TDD carriers (NUL carriers). This cell (TDD+SUL cell) includes one downlink carrier (TDD downlink carrier) and two uplink carriers (TDD uplink carrier and SUL carrier). The SUL carrier operates at frequency 2, which is higher than the TDD uplink carrier operating at frequency 1. Figure 2 As shown.

[0073] Uplink timing advance (TA) is a negative offset between the start time of receiving downlink transmission and the time of sending uplink transmission. It can be understood as the uplink transmission transmission time determined for the terminal device to control the time alignment of uplink transmissions from different terminal devices arriving at the network device. Specifically, a key characteristic of uplink transmission is orthogonal multiple access in time and frequency for different user equipment (UEs), meaning that uplink transmissions from different UEs from the same cell do not interfere with each other. To ensure the orthogonality of uplink transmissions and avoid intra-cell interference, the base station (gNode B, gNB) requires that the arrival times of signals from different UEs from the same time domain resource (e.g., time slot) but different frequency domain resources (e.g., different resource blocks, RB) at the gNB are essentially aligned. As long as the gNB receives the uplink data sent by the UE within the time domain range indicated by the cyclic prefix (CP), it can correctly decode the uplink data. Therefore, uplink synchronization requires that the arrival times of signals from different UEs from the same time domain resource at the gNB all fall within the CP. The gNB controls the arrival time of uplink signals from different UEs by appropriately controlling the timing offset of each UE. For UEs farther from the gNB, due to the larger transmission delay, they need to send uplink data earlier than UEs closer to the gNB.

[0074] For the gNB, the timing advance value of each UE can be determined by measuring the uplink transmissions of the UE. Therefore, as long as the UE has uplink transmissions, the gNB can estimate the timing advance value using the uplink transmissions. Theoretically, any signal sent by the UE (sounding reference signal (SRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel quality indication (CQI), acknowledgement character (ACK), non-acknowledgment character (NACK), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), etc.) can be used to measure timing advance. For example, during random access, the gNB can determine the timing advance value by measuring the received preamble and issue an initial timing adjustment to the UE via a timing advance command in the random access response (RAR). When the UE is in RRC connected state, the timing of the uplink signal arriving at the gNB may vary over time. The reasons for this may include:

[0075] 1) The distance between the UE and gNB changes constantly as the UE moves at high speed, causing the transmission delay between the UE and gNB to change constantly;

[0076] 2) UE crystal offset leads to long-term offset accumulation, which in turn causes uplink timing errors;

[0077] 3) UE switches transmission paths;

[0078] 4) UE movement causes Doppler frequency shift.

[0079] Therefore, the gNB needs to send dynamic signaling over time to adjust the UE's timing advance value.

[0080] Methods for determining uplink timing advance: such as Figure 3 As shown, the UE's uplink timing advance is based on the downlink timing advance, with an advance of N. TA With N TA*offset The time of the sum can be expressed as (N) TA +N TA*offset )T c Among them, N TA The TA is the cumulatively determined UE based on timing adjustment commands sent by the network side. For example, the network side can adjust the UE's transmission timing through media access control (MAC) layer control signaling.TA*offset This represents the offset of the uplink transmission time relative to the downlink reception time, used to ensure that the UE in TDD mode has sufficient time to complete the handover between uplink transmission and downlink reception on the same frequency. When NR and LTE coexist, N... TA*offset Configured by RRC signaling n-TimingAdvanceOffset, this ensures the base station can use a single receive window to simultaneously receive uplink signals from NR and LTE. If no higher-layer signaling is configured, the UE can determine the uplink timing advance based on default values. Where T... c =1 / (Δf) max ·N f ), N f =4096.

[0081] If a UE is configured with two carriers (SUL carrier, NUL carrier) in a serving cell, then both carriers will be configured with the same N. TA offset Furthermore, the NUL carrier and the SUL carrier share a single timing adjustment command (N... TA Because the propagation delay is the same for different frequency bands along the same transmission path, this helps improve the efficiency of time domain resource utilization. Therefore, the protocol stipulates that SUL carriers and NUL carriers belong to the same timing adjustment group, and the base station can use one TAC to simultaneously perform timing adjustments on both SUL and NUL carriers in a cell.

[0082] Uplink handover: This can be understood as the switching of terminal devices between uplink carriers of different frequencies in order to send uplink transmissions on the uplink carrier after the handover.

[0083] Radio link switching (Tx chain switching / uplink switching): This can be understood as a hardware implementation of uplink handover by the terminal device. To increase uplink capacity and enable UEs in the cell center to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) in the 3.5GHz band, the protocol introduces radio link switching technology, such as... Figure 4As shown, each RF chain of the terminal device may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a phase-locked loop (PLL), an RF module, a power amplifier (PA), and a transceiver connected to a modem. For example, a 3.5 GHz RF chain may include DAC 0, PLL 0, RF 0, PA0, and transceiver 0; another 3.5 GHz RF chain may include DAC 1, PLL 1, RF 1, PA1, and transceiver 1; and a 1.8 GHz RF chain may include DAC 1, PLL 1, RF 1, PA2, and transceiver 2. The RF chain containing transceiver 1 and the RF chain containing transceiver 2 can share a power supply, while the RF chain containing transceiver 0 is connected to a single power supply. (Reference) Figure 4 When a UE with two radio chains accesses a cell, one radio chain is fixed at 3.5 GHz, while the other radio chain can switch between the 3.5 GHz and SUL1.8 GHz frequency bands. Therefore, two states exist:

[0084] State 1: There is one radio chain on the 3.5GHz band and one radio chain on the SUL 1.8GHz band. The UE can transmit uplink data on both bands, but the time domains of the uplink transmissions on the two bands do not overlap.

[0085] Status 2: There are two radio chains in the 3.5GHz band and zero radio chains in the SUL 1.8GHz band. The UE can only transmit uplink data in the 3.5GHz band.

[0086] When the UE switches from state one to state two, there is a radio frequency chain switching time, including hardware phase-locked loop switching, PA and DAC switching, etc.

[0087] For the handover procedure, firstly, the UE can report its radio link handover capability to the network device (e.g., gNB) (e.g., via the uplinkTxSwitchRequested-r16 field). When the network device determines that the UE has radio link handover capability, it can configure the uplink transmission handover interval for the UE (e.g., via the uplinkTxSwitchingPeriod-r16 field). The uplinkTxSwitchingPeriod-r16 field is indicated by the UE's capability. Within the uplink transmission handover interval, the UE can perform a radio link handover, that is, a handover from one carrier to another.

[0088] For example, the UE transmits a first uplink transmission on carrier 1 and a second uplink transmission on carrier 2, such as... Figure 5As shown. The network devices receiving the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission are network devices at the same site, or the network devices receiving the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission are the same network device. The frame boundaries of carrier 1 and carrier 2 are aligned, that is, there is no time difference between carrier 1 and carrier 2. The first uplink transmission is the preceding uplink transmission to the second uplink transmission. During the uplink transmission switching interval (N) Tx1-Tx2 During this period, the UE does not transmit uplink data on either the first or second uplink carrier. The uplink handover gap is reserved for the UE to switch uplink radio chains.

[0089] In existing technologies, SUL carriers and NUL carriers are deployed at the same site. The SUL band has a large uplink coverage area, while the NUL band has a small coverage area. The uplink handover interval is fixed and depends on the UE's capabilities. However, this only applies to co-site deployments. Figure 5 As shown, when SUL and NUL carriers are deployed at the same site, the frame boundaries of carrier 1 and carrier 2 are aligned, and N... Tx1-Tx2 This is for uplink handover intervals. However, in future network deployments, to save costs, NUL and SUL carriers may be deployed at different sites. That is, the frequency band of one low-frequency base station is used as a supplementary uplink frequency band for multiple high-frequency base station bands. However, with off-site deployment, if the UE moves, the distance from the two base stations to the UE may be different, resulting in different timing advances for the two base stations to send signals to the UE. Figure 6 As shown, when deployed at different sites, the timing advance of the UE on carrier 1 and carrier 2 is different, the frame boundaries of carrier 1 and carrier 2 are not aligned, and there is a time difference between the frame boundaries. If a fixed uplink handover gap is reserved, and uplink handover is performed before the first uplink transmission is completed, it may lead to uplink handover failure, which in turn leads to UE service interruption.

[0090] This application addresses the issue of uplink handover caused by the asynchronous uplink carriers when a UE accesses two base stations in different locations during a cross-site deployment scenario.

[0091] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is an architectural schematic of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the mobile communication system includes core network equipment 71 and at least two radio access network devices (such as...). Figure 7 The device includes access network equipment 721 and access network equipment 722, and at least one terminal device 73. The terminal device 73 is connected to the wireless access network equipment wirelessly, and the wireless access network equipment is connected to the core network equipment 71 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0092] Figure 7In this context, core network equipment and radio access network equipment can be independent physical devices, or the functions of core network equipment and the logical functions of radio access network equipment can be integrated into the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of core network equipment and some of the functions of radio access network equipment. Terminal equipment can be fixed in location or mobile. Figure 7 This is just an illustration; the mobile communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay equipment and wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 7 Not shown in the diagram. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of core network devices, radio access network devices, and terminal devices included in the mobile communication system.

[0093] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as LTE systems, new radio (NR) systems in 5G mobile communication systems, and future mobile communication systems.

[0094] The network device in this application embodiment can be a wireless access device in the mobile communication system. The terminal device can access the wireless access device wirelessly. The wireless access device can be a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation base station (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network device.

[0095] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a UE. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, UE, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, 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 specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0096] Wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, drones, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0097] To address the issue of uplink handover caused by differences in uplink timing between the UE and the two base stations, this application proposes an uplink transmission method. This method is applied to a terminal device or a chip within the terminal device. The method may include: transmitting a first uplink transmission to a first network device via a first uplink carrier, and transmitting a second uplink transmission to a second network device via a second uplink carrier; wherein uplink handover occurs within a first time period, and no uplink transmission is transmitted during the first time period; the first time period is determined by a handover gap and a second time period, where the handover gap is the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. In other words, in this application, when a terminal device accesses network devices on different carriers, if the terminal device needs to send uplink transmissions to different network devices, the first time period used for uplink handover is not fixed. The terminal device does not perform uplink handover according to the handover gap configured on the network side. The terminal device can determine the first time period itself based on the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers and the handover gap configured on the network side. That is, the first time period used for uplink handover is adjustable. Therefore, when the terminal device sends uplink handover to two network devices, it can perform uplink handover according to the adjusted handover gap to improve the success rate of uplink handover.

[0098] This application provides an uplink transmission method that can be applied to a terminal device or a chip within a terminal device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0099] S81: The terminal device accesses the first network device and the second network device. The first network device configures the terminal device with a first uplink carrier, and the second network device configures the terminal device with a second uplink carrier.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first uplink carrier configured by the first network device and the second uplink carrier configured by the second network device operate in different frequency bands. For example, the first uplink carrier is a high-frequency carrier and the second uplink carrier is a low-frequency carrier, or the first uplink carrier is a low-frequency carrier and the second uplink carrier is a high-frequency carrier. Alternatively, the first uplink carrier is a NUL carrier and the second uplink carrier is a SUL carrier. Or, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are two carriers configured for carrier aggregation.

[0101] In some embodiments, the subcarrier spacing of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier may also be different. For example, the subcarrier spacing of the first uplink carrier is 15 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the second uplink carrier is 30 kHz.

[0102] S82: The terminal device sends a first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0103] When the first network device schedules the terminal device to send the first uplink transmission, the terminal device sends the first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0104] Accordingly, the first network device receives the first uplink transmission sent by the terminal device on the first uplink carrier.

[0105] S83: During the first time period, the terminal device performs uplink transmission handover from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier. The first time period is determined by the handover gap and the second time period. The handover gap is the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier.

[0106] If the terminal device also receives an instruction from the second network device to schedule a second uplink transmission, then the terminal device must first switch from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier before sending the second uplink transmission. Before performing the carrier switch, the terminal device must first determine the uplink handover time between carriers. Considering that there is a time difference between the first and second uplink carriers, which may affect uplink handover failure, it is necessary to first redetermine the first time period based on the difference in radio frame boundaries between the first and second uplink carriers and the handover gap reported by the terminal device's capabilities, so as to complete the uplink handover within the first time period.

[0107] For example, when there is a time difference between carriers, the handover gap reported by the terminal device may not be enough for the terminal device to complete the uplink handover. Therefore, the first time period determined by the terminal device should be longer than the handover gap so that the terminal device can successfully perform the uplink handover within the first time period.

[0108] S84: After the first time period, the terminal device sends a second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0109] Accordingly, after the first time period, the second network device receives the second uplink transmission sent by the terminal device on the second uplink carrier.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal device does not transmit uplink data during a first time period. For example, during the first time period, the terminal device does not transmit uplink data on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier. Accordingly, the second network device and the first network device also do not expect to receive uplink data from the terminal device during the first time period.

[0111] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, wherein the first time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0112] This is because if the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, the handover gap reported by the terminal device may not be enough for the terminal device to complete the uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold as the uplink handover time at this time.

[0113] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0114] This is because when the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it means that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is large, and the duration of the handover gap reported by the terminal device is sufficient for the terminal device to perform uplink handover. In this case, the terminal device can use the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold as the uplink handover time.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terminal device may further perform an uplink transmission handover from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier. The method may further include:

[0116] S85: During the third time period, the terminal device performs uplink transmission handover from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier. The third time period is determined by the handover gap and the second time period. The handover gap is the uplink handover time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal device does not transmit uplink data during the third time period. For example, during the third time period, the terminal device does not transmit uplink data on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier. Correspondingly, the first network device and the second network device also do not expect the terminal device to transmit uplink data during the third time period.

[0118] The method for determining the third time period is similar to that for the first time period.

[0119] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the third time period is the sum of the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0120] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the third time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0121] S86: After the third time period, the terminal device sends a third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0122] Correspondingly, the first network device receives the third uplink transmission sent by the terminal device on the first uplink carrier.

[0123] Before sending the first uplink transmission, the terminal device sends a first indication message to the first network device and / or the second network device. The first indication message indicates a second time period, which is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. In this way, the network device can also perform data scheduling on the terminal device according to the second time period to configure appropriate time and frequency resources for the terminal device's uplink transmission.

[0124] Therefore, in this application, when a terminal device is deployed at different sites on two carrier frequency bands, if the terminal device sends uplink transmissions to different network devices respectively, the handover interval for uplink handover is not fixed. The terminal device does not perform uplink handover according to the handover interval configured on the network side. The terminal device can determine the first time period for handover based on the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers and the handover interval configured on the network side. That is, the first time period for uplink handover is adjustable. In other words, this application can adjust the first time period for carrier handover by the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers, so that the adjusted first time period can change with the distance between the current terminal device and the two sites, thereby better supporting the mobility of the terminal device and preventing uplink handover failure.

[0125] Corresponding to the terminal device side, this application provides an uplink handover method, such as... Figure 9 As shown, this method can be applied to network devices or chips within network devices, and the method includes:

[0126] S91: The first network device configures the first uplink carrier for the terminal device.

[0127] When a terminal device needs to connect to the first network device, the first network device can configure a first uplink carrier suitable for the terminal device's capabilities. This first uplink carrier can be a high-frequency carrier or a low-frequency carrier.

[0128] S92: The first network device obtains the first indication information sent by the terminal device. The first indication information indicates a second time period. The second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The second uplink carrier is the carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to the second network device.

[0129] Accordingly, the terminal device sends a first instruction message to the first network device.

[0130] If a terminal device connects to both a first and a second network device simultaneously, and the second network device configures a second uplink carrier for the terminal device, with the second uplink carrier operating at a different frequency than the first uplink carrier, and a time difference exists between the radio frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers, to prevent uplink handover failure based on the handover gap reported by the terminal device's capabilities, the terminal device can send a second time interval to the first network device. This second time interval indicates the difference in radio frame boundaries, and the terminal device can also refer to the second time interval when determining the uplink handover time. For the first network device, when scheduling uplink transmissions from the terminal device, it can also refer to the second time interval to configure appropriate time-frequency resources for the terminal device to receive uplink transmissions from the terminal device on those time-frequency resources.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first uplink carrier is an NUL carrier and the second uplink carrier is an SUL carrier. Alternatively, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are two carriers configured for carrier aggregation.

[0132] S93: The first network device receives the first uplink transmission sent by the terminal device on the first uplink carrier.

[0133] Accordingly, the terminal device sends a first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0134] S94: The first network device instructs the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, and the first network device does not expect to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier in the first time period.

[0135] Accordingly, the terminal device performs uplink switching during the first time period and does not send uplink transmissions during the first time period.

[0136] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, where the first time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold. The principle can be found in the description of S84 above.

[0137] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, where the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold. The principle can be found in the description of S84 above.

[0138] The beneficial effects that the method on the first network device side described in this embodiment can achieve can be found in the above description on the terminal device side, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] Corresponding to the terminal device side, this application provides an uplink handover method, such as... Figure 10As shown, this method can be applied to network devices or chips within network devices, and the method includes:

[0140] S11: The second network device configures a second uplink carrier for the terminal device.

[0141] Similar to S91, the second uplink carrier can be a high-frequency carrier or a low-frequency carrier.

[0142] S12: The second network device obtains the first indication information sent by the terminal device. The first indication information indicates a second time period. The second time period is the difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The first uplink carrier is the carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to the first network device.

[0143] Correspondingly, the terminal device can send the first instruction information to the second network device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first uplink carrier is an NUL carrier and the second uplink carrier is an SUL carrier. Alternatively, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are two carriers configured for carrier aggregation.

[0145] The implementation of S12 can be found in S92 above.

[0146] S13: The second network device instructs the terminal device to perform an uplink handover, and the second network device does not expect to receive uplink transmissions on the second uplink carrier during the first time period.

[0147] Accordingly, the terminal device performs uplink handover during the first time period. This uplink handover may be, for example, the terminal device switching from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier. Therefore, during the first time period, the terminal device does not send uplink transmissions on the second uplink carrier, and the second network device naturally does not expect to receive uplink transmissions on the second uplink carrier.

[0148] Similar to S84, in some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first time period being the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0149] In some embodiments, the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier precedes the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0150] S14: The second network device receives the second uplink transmission sent by the terminal device on the second uplink carrier.

[0151] Correspondingly, the terminal device can send a second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0152] The beneficial effects that the method on the second network device side described in this embodiment can achieve can be found in the above description on the terminal device side, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the uplink transmission method provided in this application.

[0154] Example 1

[0155] This application provides an uplink transmission method, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the method includes:

[0156] 901. The terminal device connects to the first network device and the second network device.

[0157] In some embodiments, to save costs and improve uplink capacity, future network deployments will involve off-site deployment of NUL and SUL bands, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the terminal device simultaneously accesses base station A and base station B, and can use two uplink frequency bands to transmit uplink data. The UE transmits uplink data to base station A via a NUL carrier and transmits uplink data to base station B via a SUL carrier. Alternatively, the frequency band of one low-frequency base station can be used as a supplementary uplink frequency band for multiple high-frequency base station frequency bands, such as... Figure 13 As shown, at least one terminal device can send uplink transmissions to multiple base stations A through different NUL carriers. This terminal device can also send uplink transmissions to base station B through a SUL carrier. The SUL carrier serves as a supplementary uplink carrier to the aforementioned multiple NUL carriers. However, the distances from base stations A and B to the terminal device are different, resulting in different transmission paths. Therefore, the timing advance (including NUL carriers) sent by base stations A and B to the terminal device will vary. TA and / or N TA_offset They are also different.

[0158] Optionally, base station A and base station B operate on two different frequency bands, with base station A operating at a higher frequency than base station B. That is, the frequency of carrier a corresponding to base station A is higher than the frequency of the carrier b corresponding to base station B. In other words, carrier a is a high-frequency carrier, and carrier b is a low-frequency carrier. Combinations of operating frequency bands for base station B and base station A include, but are not limited to: 1.8GHz and 3.5GHz, 1.8GHz and 2.6GHz, 1.8GHz and 2.3GHz, 1.8GHz and 2.1GHz, 1.8GHz and 700MHz, 1.8GHz and 4.9GHz, 2.3GHz and 4.9GHz, 2.6GHz and 4.9GHz, and 3.5GHz and 4.9GHz.

[0159] according to Figure 9 and Figure 10For example, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier belong to the same serving cell, or the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are indicated by system information blocks (SIB) 1, that is, by the same SIB.

[0160] In some embodiments, this application can also be applied to carrier aggregation (CA) scenarios and the evolved UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) Terrestrial Radio Access-New Radio (EUTRA-NR) dual connection (EN-DC) scenario. In the CA scenario, spectrum resources of the same or different frequency bands from two base stations can be aggregated for use by the terminal device, improving the terminal device's speed. In the evolved UMTS EN-DC scenario, by maintaining a connection between the terminal device and two base stations, cell coverage can be enhanced, solving coverage problems for users at the cell edge.

[0161] In these two scenarios, such as Figure 14 As shown, the terminal device can simultaneously access base station A and base station B, and send a first uplink transmission to base station A via carrier a, and a second uplink transmission to base station B via carrier b. Base station A can also send a first downlink transmission to the terminal device via carrier c, and base station B can also send a second downlink transmission to the terminal device via carrier d.

[0162] Therefore, application Figure 12 , Figure 13 or Figure 14 In the network architecture shown, terminal devices can send uplink transmissions on carrier a and carrier b corresponding to base station A and base station B, respectively.

[0163] In some embodiments, base station A may be a first network device and base station B may be a second network device; or, base station A may be a second network device and base station B may be a first network device.

[0164] Accordingly, carrier a can be the first uplink carrier mentioned below, and carrier b can be the second uplink carrier mentioned below; or, carrier a can be the second uplink carrier mentioned below, and carrier b can be the first uplink carrier mentioned below.

[0165] It should be noted that the embodiments in this application are all described using the example of the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier preceding the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier.

[0166] 902. The terminal device sends a first indication message to a first network device and / or a second network device. The first indication message indicates a second time period, which is the difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The first network device configures the terminal device with a first uplink carrier, and the second network device configures the terminal device with a second uplink carrier. Alternatively, the first network device configures the terminal device with both a first and a second uplink carrier. Or, the second network device configures both a first and a second uplink carrier.

[0167] It is understandable that the uplink transmission timing of the terminal device is based on the downlink reception timing, N times in advance. TA With N TA offset The sum of the times. When the terminal device transmits uplink data on the first uplink carrier, it uses the downlink reception time of the corresponding first network device as a reference; when the terminal device transmits uplink data on the second uplink carrier, it uses the downlink reception time of the corresponding second network device as a reference. Simultaneously, due to the different distances and transmission paths from the terminal device to the first and second network devices, the N values ​​indicated by the two network devices are respectively... TA and / or N TA offset They may differ. Therefore, when the terminal device performs uplink handover during the configured handover interval (i.e., uplink transmission switches from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier, or from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier, or from the first uplink carrier to a state of concurrent transmission on both the first and second uplink carriers, or from a state of concurrent transmission on both the first and second uplink carriers to transmission only on the first uplink carrier, etc.), handover failure may occur. For example, if the terminal device has not completed the uplink handover within the configured handover interval, the second uplink transmission has already started transmitting, but the second uplink transmission has not been successfully transmitted on the carrier to which it is to switch.

[0168] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each smallest box in the time domain corresponds to a time slot. Figure 5 As shown, NUL and SUL carriers deployed at the same site use the same downlink reception timing as a reference, and N... TA With N TA offset Since they are identical, there is no time difference between the radio frame boundaries of the two uplink carriers. Figure 6 This indicates that NUL and SUL carriers deployed at different sites differ in downlink reception timing and / or N... TA N TA offset Unlike other carriers, there is a time difference between the radio frame boundaries of NUL and SUL carriers.

[0169] Therefore, when the first TA (Transmission Time Interchange) of the first uplink carrier configured by the first network device for the terminal device differs from the second TA of the second uplink carrier configured by the second network device for the terminal device, the terminal device can first determine the second time period based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA. This second time period is equivalent to the difference in radio frame boundaries between the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. Thus, for the terminal device, when determining the uplink handover time period, it no longer needs to rely solely on the configured handover interval but can also refer to the second time period. For the network device, when invoking the terminal device to send uplink transmissions, it can determine the uplink transmission time-domain resources based on this difference in radio frame boundaries.

[0170] In some embodiments, the terminal device can acquire a first TA and a second TA, determine the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier based on the first TA and the frame boundary of the first downlink carrier, and determine the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier based on the second TA and the frame boundary of the second downlink carrier, thereby determining the difference between the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier and the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier. Wherein, the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier belong to the same serving cell, or the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier are configured by SIB1.

[0171] In some embodiments, in a cross-site CA scenario or an evolved UMTS EN-DC scenario, the terminal device determines the second time period by: determining it based on the radio frame boundary between the second downlink carrier and the first downlink carrier, as well as the first TA and the second TA. Here, the first downlink carrier is the downlink carrier corresponding to the first uplink carrier, and the second downlink carrier is the downlink carrier corresponding to the second uplink carrier. The terminal device determines the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier based on the first TA and the first downlink carrier frame boundary, and determines the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier based on the second TA and the second downlink carrier frame boundary, thereby determining the difference between the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier and the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier.

[0172] It should be noted that the difference in the wireless frame boundary in this embodiment can be understood as the time difference between two uplink carriers. This boundary can be the boundary of a slot or the boundary of a subframe.

[0173] After determining the frame boundary difference between the two uplink carriers, the following embodiments will be further explained using the example of a terminal device transmitting a first uplink transmission on a first uplink carrier and a second uplink transmission on a second uplink carrier, wherein the uplink radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the uplink radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, the time difference between the uplink frame boundaries of the first and second uplink carriers is t1, the first network device receives the first uplink transmission, the second network device receives the second uplink transmission, and the first and second network devices are at different network addresses. Therefore, the method further includes:

[0174] 903. The terminal device sends the first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0175] In some embodiments, if the terminal device receives downlink control information (DCI) sent by the first network device, and the DCI is used to schedule the first uplink transmission, then the first uplink transmission will be sent on the first uplink carrier, that is, the terminal device sends the first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0176] If the first TA corresponds to the first uplink carrier, the terminal device can determine the transmission timing of the first uplink transmission based on the reception timing of the first TA and the first downlink carrier.

[0177] After determining the transmission timing of the first uplink transmission, the terminal device can send the first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier according to the transmission timing of the first uplink transmission.

[0178] 904. The terminal device determines a first time period for uplink handover, which includes handover from a first uplink carrier to a second uplink carrier.

[0179] In some embodiments, if the terminal device receives a DCI sent by the second network device at a first moment, and the DCI is used to schedule a second uplink transmission, and the second uplink transmission needs to be transmitted on a second uplink carrier, then the terminal device must first perform an uplink handover so that it can transmit the second uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier. It is understood that the second uplink transmission is the subsequent uplink transmission after the first uplink transmission. Before transmitting the second uplink transmission, the terminal device needs to determine the first time period for the uplink handover.

[0180] The first time period can be understood as a duration or a gap.

[0181] In some embodiments, if the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is small, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device may not be sufficient for the terminal device to perform uplink handover. In this case, the terminal device can determine that the first time period is the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold.

[0182] For the terminal device to successfully perform uplink handover, the second time period must be less than or equal to the first threshold. This is because the second time period, which serves as the difference between frame boundaries, cannot be too long. If the second time period is too long, the terminal device may be unable to complete the uplink handover between the two uplink carriers.

[0183] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown in (a), t1 represents the second time period, t2 represents the first time period, and N Tx1-Tx2 Let t1 represent the switching interval, and n1 represent the first threshold. When t1 ≤ n1, t2 = N. Tx1-Tx2 +n1.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first threshold may be predefined or configured via higher-level parameters.

[0185] 905. The terminal device performs uplink switching during the first time period and does not send uplink transmissions during the first time period.

[0186] That is, the terminal device switches from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier within the first time period.

[0187] 906. The terminal device sends a second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0188] In some embodiments, when the second TA corresponds to the second uplink carrier, the terminal device can determine the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission based on the reception timing of the second TA and the second downlink carrier, and the terminal device can send the second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier after uplink switching based on the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send a second uplink transmission to the second network device at a second time and on a second uplink carrier. The difference between the first time determined in step 904 and the second time in step 906 is greater than or equal to a third threshold, where the third threshold is the preparation time before the terminal device prepares to send the second uplink transmission.

[0190] For example, the third threshold could be the PUSCH preparation procedure time for the second uplink transmission; or, the third threshold could be the PDSCH processing procedure time; or, the third threshold could be the channel state information (CSI) calculation time, i.e., the aperiodic CSI triggered by DCI is carried on the PUSCH. For instance, the preparation time T for the second uplink transmission... proc,2 It can be represented as:

[0191] T proc，2 =max((N2+d 2，1 +d2)(2048+144)·κ2 -μ ·T C +T ext +T switch d 2,2 )

[0192] The value of N2 is determined based on the UE capability and the subcarrier spacing μ, as shown in Tables 1 and 2. If the first symbol assigned to the PUSCH contains only the demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), then d2,1 = 0; otherwise, d... 2，1 =1; κ is a constant and κ=64; if the PUSCH with the larger priority index overlaps with the PUCCH with the smaller priority index, the d2 value of the PUSCH with the larger priority index is determined according to the value reported by the UE, otherwise d2=0. T c =1 / (Δf) max ·N f ), Δf max =480·10 3 Hz; N f =4096; T switch Indicates the handover interval. If a partial bandwidth (BWP) handover is triggered via DCI scheduling, d 2,2 Equal to BWP switching time, otherwise d 2,2 =0. T ext The value of is related to shared spectrum channel access.

[0193] Table 1. PUSCH preparation time for PUSCH timing capability 1

[0194] μ N2 0 10 1 12 2 23 3 36

[0195] Table 2. PUSCH preparation time for PUSCH timing capability 2

[0196] μ N2 0 5 1 5.5 2 11 (Frequency Range 1)

[0197] After the terminal device completes the second uplink transmission, if it also receives a DCI (Distributed Control Information) from the first network device (used to schedule the third uplink transmission), then the third uplink transmission will be sent on the first uplink carrier. Therefore, the terminal device determines that it needs to switch back from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier to send the third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier. The third uplink transmission is the uplink transmission following the second uplink transmission. Therefore, the terminal device first needs to determine the third time period for the uplink switching. Thus, the method also includes:

[0198] 907. The terminal device determines a third time period for uplink handover, the uplink handover including handover from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier. In some embodiments, when the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is large, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device is sufficient to perform uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold as the third time period for performing uplink handover.

[0199] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown in (b), t1 represents the second time period, t3 represents the third time period, and N Tx1-Tx2 t1 represents the switching interval, and n2 represents the second threshold. When t1 ≥ n2, t3 = N. Tx1-Tx2 -n2.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second threshold may be predefined or configured via higher-level parameters.

[0201] In some embodiments, the value of the second threshold can be a positive number greater than or equal to 0.

[0202] 908. The terminal device performs uplink switching during the third time period and does not send uplink transmissions during the third time period.

[0203] That is, during the third time period, the terminal device switches from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier.

[0204] 909. The terminal device sends a third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0205] The specific implementation of step 909 can be found in step 906, that is, the implementation of the terminal device sending the third uplink transmission is similar to the implementation of the terminal device sending the second uplink transmission.

[0206] Therefore, in the uplink transmission method provided in this application, when the terminal equipment is deployed at different sites on two carrier frequency bands, the mobility can be better supported by adjusting the carrier handover reservation time, and uplink service interruption caused by uplink handover failure can be prevented. Furthermore, uplink transmission latency can be reduced and uplink capacity can be improved.

[0207] The above embodiment one is illustrated by taking the example where the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the terminal device first transmits the first uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier. The following embodiment two will be illustrated by taking the example where the frame boundary of the second uplink carrier precedes the frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, but the terminal device first transmits the second uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier.

[0208] Example 2

[0209] This application provides an uplink transmission method, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the method includes:

[0210] 131. The terminal device connects to the first network device and the second network device.

[0211] The implementation method of step 131 can be found in step 901.

[0212] 132. The terminal device sends first indication information to a first network device and / or a second network device. The first indication information indicates a second time period, which is the difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The first network device configures the terminal device with the first uplink carrier, and the second network device configures the terminal device with the second uplink carrier. Alternatively, the first network device configures the terminal device with both the first and second uplink carriers. Or, the second network device configures both the first and second uplink carriers for the terminal device.

[0213] The implementation method of step 132 can be found in step 902.

[0214] 133. The terminal device sends a second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0215] In some embodiments, if the terminal device receives a DCI sent by the network device, and the DCI is used to schedule the second uplink transmission, then the terminal device sends the second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0216] If the second TA corresponds to the second uplink carrier, the terminal device can determine the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission based on the reception timing of the second TA and the second downlink carrier.

[0217] After determining the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission, the terminal device can send the second uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier according to the transmission timing of the second uplink transmission.

[0218] 134. The terminal device determines a first time period for uplink handover, which includes handover from a second uplink carrier to a first uplink carrier.

[0219] In some embodiments, if the terminal device receives a DCI sent by the first network device at a first moment, and the DCI is used to schedule the first uplink transmission, and the first uplink transmission needs to be transmitted on the first uplink carrier, then the terminal device must first perform an uplink handover in order to transmit the first uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier. It is understood that the first uplink transmission is the subsequent uplink transmission after the second uplink transmission. Before transmitting the first uplink transmission, the terminal device needs to determine the first time period for the uplink handover.

[0220] In some embodiments, if the second time period is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is large, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device is sufficient for the terminal device to perform uplink handover. In this case, the terminal device can determine that the first time period is the difference between the handover gap and the second threshold.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown in (a), t1 represents the second time period, t2 represents the first time period, and N Tx1-Tx2 Let t1 represent the switching interval, and n2 represent the second threshold. When t1 ≥ n2, t2 = N. Tx1-Tx2 -n2.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second threshold may be predefined or configured via higher-level parameters. The second threshold may be a positive number greater than or equal to 0.

[0223] 135. The terminal device performs uplink switching in the first time period and does not send uplink transmissions during the first time period.

[0224] That is, the terminal device switches from the second uplink carrier to the first uplink carrier within the first time period.

[0225] 136. The terminal device sends the first uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier.

[0226] The implementation method of step 136 can be found in step 906, that is, the way the terminal device sends the first uplink transmission is similar to the way the terminal device sends the second uplink transmission.

[0227] It should be noted that if, in step 136, the terminal device sends a first uplink transmission to the first network device at a second time on the first uplink carrier, the difference between the first time in step 134 and the second time in step 136 is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The third threshold is the preparation time before the terminal device prepares to send a second uplink transmission. For an explanation of the third threshold, please refer to the explanation in step 906.

[0228] If the terminal device also receives a DIC sent by the second network device, and this DIC is used to schedule the fourth uplink transmission, which needs to be transmitted on the second uplink carrier, then the terminal device determines that it needs to switch from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier again to transmit the fourth uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier. It can be understood that the fourth uplink transmission is the next uplink transmission after the first uplink transmission. Therefore, the terminal device first needs to determine the fourth time period for the uplink switching. Therefore, the method also includes:

[0229] 137. The terminal device determines a fourth time period for uplink handover, which includes handover from a first uplink carrier to a second uplink carrier.

[0230] In some embodiments, when the second time period is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the difference between the frame boundaries of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is small, and the duration of the handover gap configured for the terminal device may not be sufficient to perform uplink handover. Therefore, the terminal device can use the sum of the handover gap and the first threshold as the fourth time period for performing uplink handover.

[0231] For example, such as Figure 17 As shown in (b), t1 represents the second time period, t4 represents the fourth time period, and N Tx1-Tx2 t1 represents the switching interval, and n1 represents the first threshold. When t1 ≤ n2, t4 = N. Tx1-Tx2 +n1.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first threshold may be predefined or configured via higher-level parameters.

[0233] 138. The terminal device performs uplink switching during the fourth time period and does not send uplink transmissions during the fourth time period.

[0234] That is, during the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier.

[0235] 139. The terminal device sends a fourth uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier.

[0236] The implementation method of step 139 can be found in step 906, that is, the way the terminal device sends the fourth uplink transmission is similar to the way the terminal device sends the second uplink transmission.

[0237] Therefore, in the uplink transmission method provided in this application, when the terminal equipment is deployed at different sites on two carrier frequency bands, the mobility can be better supported by adjusting the carrier handover reservation time, and uplink service interruption caused by uplink handover failure can be prevented. Furthermore, uplink transmission latency can be reduced and uplink capacity can be improved.

[0238] Furthermore, as explained in the above embodiments, when NUL and SUL bands are deployed at different sites—that is, when the frequency band of one low-frequency base station is used as a supplementary uplink frequency band for multiple high-frequency base station bands—the distances from the two base stations to the UE may be different. This results in different timing advances for the uplink transmissions sent by the two base stations to the UE. In this case, uplink transmissions sent by the UE on carrier a and carrier b may overlap in the time domain. For example, if the UE transmits at different timings on two uplink carriers, when the UE's uplink transmission switches between NUL and SUL carriers, the time slots of channels / signals located on different uplink carriers and being temporally adjacent may be misaligned, resulting in symbol overlap. The base stations are unaware of the overlapping resources in the uplink transmissions sent by the UE to the two base stations. Therefore, the reliability of uplink transmissions will be affected. Moreover, when there is time domain overlap, the UE's instantaneous transmission power may exceed the UE's configured maximum transmission power, leading to uplink transmission failures. Furthermore, time domain overlap can also affect the UE's ability to perform inter-carrier radio frequency chain handover.

[0239] To address the problems caused by time-domain overlap, this application provides an uplink transmission method. This method allows for the specification of a discard order for transmissions on overlapping time-domain resources. Specifically, it allows for the discarding of uplink transmissions on one carrier, ensuring the transmission of the uplink channel / signal on one carrier and improving uplink capacity. Alternatively, it allows for the modification of the time-domain resources occupied by the channel / signal on one carrier, thereby avoiding time-domain overlap of uplink transmissions on two carriers, ensuring the transmission of the uplink channel / signal on both carriers, and improving uplink capacity. A specific implementation can be found in Embodiment 3 below.

[0240] Example 3

[0241] This application also provides an uplink transmission method, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the method includes:

[0242] 151. The terminal device connects to the first network device and the second network device.

[0243] The implementation method of step 151 can refer to the implementation method of step 901.

[0244] 152. The terminal device sends first indication information to the first network device and / or the second network device. The first indication information indicates a time difference, which is the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier. The first network device configures the terminal device with the first uplink carrier, and the second network device configures the terminal device with the second uplink carrier. Alternatively, the first network device configures the terminal device with both the first and second uplink carriers. Or, the second network device configures both the first and second uplink carriers for the terminal device.

[0245] It is understandable that the uplink transmission timing of the terminal device is based on the downlink reception timing, N times in advance. TA With N TA offset The sum of the times. When the terminal device transmits uplink data on the first uplink carrier, it uses the downlink reception time of the corresponding first network device as a reference; when the terminal device transmits uplink data on the second uplink carrier, it uses the downlink reception time of the corresponding second network device as a reference. Simultaneously, due to the different distances and transmission paths from the terminal device to the first and second network devices, the N values ​​indicated by the two network devices are respectively... TA With N TA offset They may differ. Therefore, uplink transmissions sent by the terminal device on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier may overlap in the time domain.

[0246] In some embodiments, the time difference between the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier can be regarded as the duration of time-domain resources corresponding to the time-domain overlap between the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier. This time difference can be the difference between the radio frame boundaries of the second uplink carrier and the first uplink carrier.

[0247] like Figure 19 As shown, Figure 19 Each smallest box in the time domain corresponds to a time slot. Figure 19 (a) shows NUL and SUL carriers deployed at the same site using the same downlink reception timing as a reference, and N... TA With N TA offset Since they are identical, there is no time difference between the two uplink carriers. Figure 19 (b) shows NUL and SUL carriers deployed at different sites due to differences in downlink reception timing and / or N... TA N TA offset Unlike other carriers, there is a time difference of several symbols between the two uplink carriers, and the uplink transmissions sent on the two uplink carriers overlap in the time domain.

[0248] In some embodiments, the time difference may be indicated in absolute duration or in the number of symbols corresponding to the difference between radio frame boundaries.

[0249] For example, if the subcarrier spacing of the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier is different, then the absolute time represented by each symbol under the two carriers will be different. For instance, for a carrier with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, 1 ms contains 14 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols; for a carrier with a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz, 1 ms contains 28 OFDM symbols. When the subcarrier spacing of the two carriers is different, the absolute time of reporting overlapping time-domain resources is more accurate.

[0250] If reporting the number of symbols corresponding to the difference in radio frame boundaries, one can report the number of symbols corresponding to the low-frequency carriers in the first and second uplink carriers, or the number of symbols corresponding to the carriers with smaller subcarrier spacing; or, one can report the number of symbols corresponding to the high-frequency carriers in the first and second uplink carriers, or the number of symbols corresponding to the carriers with larger subcarrier spacing.

[0251] In some embodiments, the network device receiving the first indication information reported by the terminal device may be a dominant network device, either a first network device or a second network device.

[0252] For example, when the network device is a base station, the determination of the dominant base station can be pre-agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device. For instance, the base station to which the core network connects is the dominant base station. Another example is that the base station with the higher carrier frequency is the dominant base station, or the base station with the lower carrier frequency is the dominant base station, where the carrier frequency refers to the uplink carrier frequency. Yet another example is that the base station accessed by the terminal device earlier in time is the dominant base station, or the base station accessed by the terminal device later in time is the dominant base station. The dominant base station can also be determined by the network device informing the terminal device which base station is the dominant base station by sending identification information. This identification information can be higher-layer parameter configuration information, MAC CE (control element), or physical layer indication information. Alternatively, the terminal device can report the time difference to both the first and second network devices, for example, in the form of the time domain resource symbol number corresponding to the time difference or absolute time.

[0253] 153. The terminal device determines that the first uplink transmission to be sent to the first network device occupies the first time-frequency resource on the first uplink carrier, and determines that the second uplink transmission to be sent to the second network device occupies the second time-frequency resource on the second uplink carrier.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal device may first determine a first TA and a second TA. The first TA is used to determine the transmission timing of a first uplink transmission to be sent to a first network device on a first carrier, and the second TA is used to determine the transmission timing of a second uplink transmission to be sent to a second network device on a second carrier. In this embodiment, the first uplink transmission is the transmission preceding the second uplink transmission.

[0255] After determining the first TA corresponding to the first uplink transmission and the second TA corresponding to the second uplink transmission, the first time-frequency resource occupied by the first uplink transmission can be determined based on the first TA and the content of the first uplink transmission to be sent, and the second time-frequency resource occupied by the second uplink transmission can be determined based on the second TA and the content of the second uplink transmission to be sent.

[0256] Then, you can proceed with step 154, step 155, or step 156.

[0257] It should be noted that before executing step 154 ​​or step 155, the network device that receives the first instruction information may instruct the terminal device to discard the uplink transmission on overlapping time-domain resources or change the time-domain position of the uplink transmission, so that the terminal device can discard the uplink transmission or change the time-domain position of the uplink transmission according to the network device's instruction. Alternatively, the terminal device may directly discard the uplink transmission or change the time-domain position of the uplink transmission according to the transmission rules agreed upon in advance between the network device and the terminal device.

[0258] 154. If the time domain resources of the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource partially overlap, the terminal device shall discard the first uplink transmission or the second uplink transmission.

[0259] In some embodiments, when the frequency of the first uplink carrier is higher than the frequency of the second uplink carrier, if the time domain resources of the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource partially overlap, the terminal device discards the second uplink transmission on the second time-frequency resource.

[0260] Given the abundance of frequency domain resources of high-frequency carriers, which can improve uplink capacity, prioritizing the transmission of uplink channels / signals on high-frequency carriers (first uplink carriers) is beneficial for improving uplink capacity.

[0261] In some embodiments, when the frequency of the first uplink carrier is higher than the frequency of the second uplink carrier, if the time domain resources of the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource partially overlap, the terminal device discards the first uplink transmission on the first time-frequency resource.

[0262] Considering that low-frequency carriers can guarantee network coverage, prioritizing the transmission of uplink channels / signals on low-frequency carriers (second uplink carriers) is beneficial for ensuring network coverage.

[0263] For example, the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission described above can be one of the following channels / signals:

[0264] Physical random access channel (PRACH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and sounding reference signal (SRS), etc.

[0265] In some embodiments, the terminal device may discard uplink transmissions with lower priority in the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission according to the priority order of the uplink transmissions; wherein the priority order includes: PRACH has a higher priority than PUCCH, PUCCH has a higher priority than SRS, and SRS has a higher priority than PUSCH.

[0266] In this way, PRACH and PUCCH transmission can be prioritized, thereby ensuring the random access procedure of terminal equipment and the transmission of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) and acknowledgment / negative acknowledgment (A / N) carried on PUCCH, reducing unnecessary downlink retransmissions.

[0267] Alternatively, the transmission of channel state information (CSI) / scheduling request (SR) carried on the PUCCH can be guaranteed. Secondly, guaranteeing the transmission of SRS allows network devices to easily select the uplink carrier with the best channel quality from the two uplink carriers for transmission.

[0268] For example, if a PUCCH transmitted on one uplink carrier and an SRS transmitted on another uplink carrier overlap in the time domain, the PUCCH is transmitted first, and the SRS transmitted on the other uplink carrier is discarded; if an SRS transmitted on one uplink carrier and a PUSCH transmitted on another uplink carrier overlap in the time domain, the SRS is transmitted first, and the PUSCH transmitted on the other uplink carrier is discarded; if a PUCCH transmitted on one uplink carrier and a PUSCH transmitted on another uplink carrier overlap in the time domain, the PUCCH is transmitted first, and the PUSCH transmitted on the other uplink carrier is discarded.

[0269] In some embodiments, when the first uplink transmission is PUCCH and the second uplink transmission is not PUCCH, the second uplink carrier is discarded. This ensures the reliability of PUCCH transmission, thereby guaranteeing the transmission of HARQ-A / N carried on the PUCCH and reducing unnecessary downlink retransmissions. Alternatively, it can guarantee the transmission of CSI / SR carried on the PUCCH.

[0270] In some embodiments, when the first uplink transmission is SRS and the second uplink transmission is not SRS, the second uplink transmission is discarded. This ensures SRS transmission, as SRS is used to detect uplink channel quality. Based on the SRS detection results, the network device can instruct the terminal device to perform uplink transmission on a carrier with better channel quality.

[0271] 155. If the time domain resources of the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource partially overlap, the terminal device shall change the time domain resource position occupied by at least one of the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission.

[0272] In some embodiments, when only one of the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission is a PUCCH, the format of the PUCCH is changed; when both the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission are PUCCH, the formats of the first uplink transmission and / or the second uplink transmission are changed.

[0273] Specifically, changing the PUCCH format involves converting the long-format PUCCH to the short-format PUCCH. In other words, the modified PUCCH uses fewer time-domain resources than the original PUCCH.

[0274] In the protocol, PUCCH formats 1, 3, and 4 are long PUCCH formats, occupying 4 to 14 OFDM symbols in the time domain; PUCCH formats 0 and 2 are short PUCCH formats, occupying 1 to 2 OFDM symbols in the time domain. Therefore, when the signal / channel time domain resources of a long PUCCH on one carrier overlap with those of another carrier, the long PUCCH can be converted to a short PUCCH for transmission.

[0275] Therefore, when two carriers are deployed at different stations, the PUCCH on one carrier and the transmission on another carrier at a different frequency can be avoided in the time domain, ensuring the reliability of PUCCH transmission, while avoiding the UE's instantaneous transmission power exceeding the maximum transmission power due to the overlap of transmissions on the two carriers.

[0276] For example, Figure 20 Figure (a) shows the time domain resources occupied by uplink transmissions on NUL carriers using PUCCH format 1 and uplink transmissions on SUL carriers using PUCCH format 3, with overlapping time domain resources. Therefore, referring to... Figure 20 In (b), PUCCH format 3 can be changed to PUCCH format 2, which occupies fewer time-domain resources. This avoids the overlap of PUCCH time-domain resources on NUL and SUL carriers, ensuring the reliability of PUCCH transmission, while also preventing the UE's instantaneous transmission power from exceeding the maximum transmission power due to transmission overlap on the two carriers.

[0277] In some embodiments, when only one of the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission is SRS, the time domain resource location occupied by SRS is changed; when both the first uplink transmission and the second uplink transmission are SRS, the time domain resource location occupied by the first uplink transmission or the second uplink transmission is changed.

[0278] The transmission types of this SRS include periodic SRS, semi-static SRS, and aperiodic SRS. Aperiodic SRS is dynamically triggered by DCI, while semi-static SRS is dynamically triggered by MAC CE. When the SRS on one carrier overlaps with the transmission time domain of another carrier, and the SRS transmitted on the overlapping resource is a semi-static or aperiodic SRS, the SRS signal can be repositioned in the time domain before transmission. When the SRS transmitted on the overlapping resource is periodic, the SRS on that overlapping resource can be discarded.

[0279] For example, Figure 21 Figure (a) shows the time domain resources occupied by SRS1 for uplink transmission on the NUL carrier and the time domain resources occupied by SRS2 for uplink transmission on the SUL carrier, with overlapping time domain resources. Therefore, refer to Figure 21 In (b), the location of the time domain resources occupied by SRS2 can be changed. After the change, the time domain resources occupied by SRS1 and SRS2 will not overlap.

[0280] 156. The terminal equipment indicates its uplink handover capability for the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier. When the first uplink transmission is transmitted before the second uplink transmission in the time domain, the terminal equipment begins transmitting the second uplink transmission with the first available symbol after the overlapping time domain resources of the first and second time-frequency resources. This available symbol can be a symbol that does not bear DMRS.

[0281] This can be understood as the terminal device delaying the start of the second uplink transmission until the first available symbol after the overlap of the first and second time-frequency resources in the time domain begins transmission. In other words, the second uplink transmission is delayed to avoid time domain overlap with the first uplink transmission.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first available symbol may be the first available symbol after the terminal device has completed sending the first uplink transmission and performed an RF chain switch. RF chain switch can be understood as switching from the first uplink carrier to the second uplink carrier.

[0283] For example, the time difference between the first and second uplink carriers, which are asynchronous, might cause the terminal device to need to perform a radio chain switch before the uplink transmission on one uplink carrier is completed, leading to uplink transmission failure. Therefore, the terminal device can perform a delayed radio chain switch. The radio chain switch is performed only after the first uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier is completed, thus delaying the radio chain switch time and consequently delaying the second uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier. The first available symbol occupied by the second uplink transmission can be the first available symbol after the delayed radio chain switch is completed.

[0284] The methods for switching the radio frequency chain can be as follows:

[0285] Mode 1: Switch from "one radio chain each for the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier" to "two radio chains for the second uplink carrier or zero radio chains for the first uplink carrier";

[0286] Method 2: Switch from "two radio chains for the first uplink carrier or zero radio chains for the second uplink carrier" to "one radio chain each for the first and second uplink carriers".

[0287] In one mode, due to the asynchronous carrier time difference, the first uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier needs to be switched before it is completed. If the incomplete transmission on the first uplink carrier is a PUCCH, the terminal device will perform the switch radio chain after completing the PUCCH transmission. The terminal device also needs to report the delay switch radio chain time to the first network device and / or the second network device.

[0288] Therefore, in the case of overlapping uplink channels / signals to be transmitted on two uplink carriers in the time domain, this application embodiment can avoid overlapping uplink transmission time domains sent by the terminal device to two network devices by discarding one uplink transmission, changing the time domain position of one uplink transmission, or delaying the next uplink transmission. This also avoids the instantaneous transmission power of the terminal device exceeding its maximum transmission power, reduces the impact on RF chain switching, and improves the success rate of RF chain switching.

[0289] It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the terminal device includes hardware and / or software modules that perform the respective functions. Based on the algorithmic steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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 each specific application in conjunction with the embodiments, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0290] This embodiment can divide the terminal device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0291] When dividing each function into modules according to its corresponding function. Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a possible composition of the terminal device 190 involved in the above embodiments is shown, such as... Figure 22 As shown, the terminal device 190 may include: an access unit 1901, a transmission unit 1902, a determination unit 1903, and a switching unit 1904.

[0292] The access unit 1901 can be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above steps 131 and 151, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0293] The sending unit 1902 can be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above steps 132, 133, 136, 139, 152, etc., and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0294] The determining unit 1903 can be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above steps 134, 137, 153, etc., and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0295] The switching unit 1904 can be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above steps 135, 138, etc., and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0296] The terminal device 190 may also include a discarding unit and a modification unit. The discarding unit may be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above-described steps 154, etc., and / or other processes of the technology described herein. The modification unit may be used to support the terminal device 190 in performing the above-described steps 155, etc., and / or other processes of the technology described herein.

[0297] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] The terminal device 190 provided in this embodiment is used to execute the antenna gain adjustment method described above, and thus can achieve the same effect as the above implementation method.

[0299] When using integrated units, the terminal device may include a processing module, a storage module, and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the actions of the terminal device; for example, it can support the terminal device in executing the steps performed by the determining unit 1903 and the switching unit 1904. The storage module can support the terminal device in storing program code and data. The communication module can support communication between the terminal device and other devices, such as communication with a wireless access device, and can support the terminal device in executing the steps performed by the transmitting unit 1902.

[0300] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination of functions that implement computing capabilities, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, a Wi-Fi chip, or other devices that interact with other electronic devices.

[0301] In one embodiment, when the processing module is a processor, the storage module is a memory, and the communication module is a transceiver, the terminal device involved in this embodiment can be a device having... Figure 23 The terminal device 200 has the structure shown.

[0302] This application also provides a terminal device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the terminal device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the uplink transmission method in the above embodiments.

[0303] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the uplink transmission method in the above embodiments.

[0304] The embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned related steps to implement the uplink transmission method executed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0305] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer execution instructions. When the apparatus is running, the processor can execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the chip to execute the uplink transmission method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0306] In this embodiment, the terminal device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product or chip are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] When dividing each function into modules according to its corresponding function. Figure 24 A schematic diagram of a possible configuration of the network device 240 involved in the above embodiments is shown. The network device 240 can be either the first network device or the second network device described above. Figure 24 As shown, the network device 240 may include: a configuration unit 2403, a receiving unit 2401, and an indication unit 2402.

[0308] The configuration unit 2403 can be used to support the network device 240 in performing the above-described S91 and S11, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0309] The receiving unit 2401 can be used to support the network device 240 in performing the above-described S92, S93, S12, S13 and S14, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein.

[0310] The instruction unit 2402 can be used to support the network device 240 in performing the above-described S94 and S13, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein.

[0311] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] The network device 240 provided in this embodiment is used to execute the above-described uplink transmission method, and thus can achieve the same effect as the above-described implementation method.

[0313] When using integrated units, the network device may include a processing module, a storage module, and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the operations of the network device; for example, it can support the network device in executing the steps performed by the configuration unit 2403. The storage module can support the network device in storing program code and data. The communication module can support communication between the network device and other devices, such as communication with terminal devices, and can support the network device in executing the steps performed by the receiving unit 2401 and the indicating unit 2402.

[0314] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, a Wi-Fi chip, or other devices that interact with other electronic devices.

[0315] In one embodiment, when the processing module is a processor, the storage module is a memory, and the communication module is a transceiver, the network device 240 involved in this embodiment can be a device having the same characteristics as... Figure 23 The terminal device 200 shown has a similar structure.

[0316] This application also provides a network device, including one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, including computer instructions. When the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the network device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the uplink transmission method in the above embodiments.

[0317] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a network device, the network device performs the aforementioned method steps to implement the uplink transmission method in the above embodiments.

[0318] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned related steps to implement the uplink transmission method for network devices described in the above embodiments.

[0319] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer execution instructions. When the apparatus is running, the processor can execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the chip to execute the uplink transmission method executed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0320] In this embodiment, the network device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product or chip are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0321] Another embodiment of this application provides a system that may include the aforementioned network device and at least one terminal device, and can be used to implement the aforementioned uplink transmission method.

[0322] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0323] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or 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 apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual 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.

[0324] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0325] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0326] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0327] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An uplink transmission method, characterized by, The method is applied to a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device, and the method comprises: sending a first uplink transmission to a first network device on a first uplink carrier and sending a second uplink transmission to a second network device on a second uplink carrier; wherein, uplink switching in a first time period and no uplink transmission being sent in the first time period; the first time period is determined by a switching gap and a second time period, the switching gap being an uplink switching time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period being a difference between a radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and a radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is earlier than the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; the first uplink transmission is a previous uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and the first time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold value.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier, the third uplink transmission being a subsequent uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission; uplink switching in a third time period and no uplink transmission being sent in the third time period; wherein, the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the third time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold value.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is earlier than the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; the first uplink transmission is a subsequent uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the first time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold value.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a fourth uplink transmission to the second network device on the second uplink carrier, the fourth uplink transmission being a subsequent uplink transmission of the first uplink transmission; uplink switching in a fourth time period and no uplink transmission being sent in the fourth time period, wherein the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and the fourth time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Not sending uplink transmission in the first time period comprises: In the first time period, no uplink transmission is sent on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending first indication information to the first network device and / or the second network device, the first indication information indicating the second time period.

8. An uplink transmission method, characterized by, The method is applied to a network device or a chip in the network device, and the method comprises: receiving first indication information from a terminal device, the first indication information indicating a second time period, the second time period being a difference between a radio frame boundary of a second uplink carrier and a radio frame boundary of a first uplink carrier; the first uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to a first network device; and the second uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to a second network device; indicating the terminal device to perform uplink switching, and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier or the second uplink carrier in a first time period; the first time period is determined by a switching gap and the second time period, and the switching gap is an uplink switching time reported by the terminal device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is earlier than the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and the first time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold value.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, After indicating the terminal device to perform uplink switching and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier in the first time period, the method further comprises: indicating the terminal device to perform uplink switching, and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier in a third time period; The second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the third time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold value.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is earlier than the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the first time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold value.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, After indicating the terminal device to perform uplink switching and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier in the first time period, the method further comprises: indicating the terminal device to perform uplink switching, and not expecting to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier in a fourth time period; The second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and the fourth time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold value.

13. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device, and the communication device includes: a sending unit, configured to send first uplink transmission to a first network device on a first uplink carrier and send second uplink transmission to a second network device on a second uplink carrier; a switching unit, configured to perform uplink switching in a first time period, and the sending unit is configured to not send uplink transmission in the first time period; The first time period is determined by a switching gap and a second time period, the switching gap is an uplink switching time reported by the terminal device, and the second time period is a difference between the radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier and the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier.

14. The communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is earlier than the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; the first uplink transmission is a previous uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold value, and the first time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold value.

15. The communication apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The sending unit is further configured to send third uplink transmission to the first network device on the first uplink carrier, and the third uplink transmission is a subsequent uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission; The switching unit is further configured to perform uplink switching in a third time period, and the sending unit is further configured to not send uplink transmission in the third time period; when the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the third time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold value.

16. The communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is prior to the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier; the first uplink transmission is a next uplink transmission of the second uplink transmission, and the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the first time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold.

17. The communication apparatus according to claim 16, wherein The sending unit is further configured to send, to the second network device, a fourth uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier, the fourth uplink transmission being a next uplink transmission of the first uplink transmission. The switching unit is further configured to perform uplink switching in a fourth time period, and the sending unit is further configured to not send uplink transmission in the fourth time period, wherein when the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, the fourth time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold.

18. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein, The sending unit is configured to: not send uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier and the second uplink carrier in the first time period.

19. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein, The sending unit is further configured to: send, to the first network device and / or the second network device, first indication information, the first indication information indicating the second time period.

20. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus includes a network device or a chip in a network device, and the communication apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive, from a terminal device, first indication information, the first indication information indicating a second time period, the second time period being a difference between a radio frame boundary of a second uplink carrier and a radio frame boundary of a first uplink carrier; the first uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to a first network device; and the second uplink carrier being a carrier used by the terminal device to send uplink transmission to a second network device; an indicating unit configured to instruct the terminal device to perform uplink switching and not expect to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier or the second uplink carrier in a first time period; the first time period being determined by a switching gap and the second time period, and the switching gap being an uplink switching time reported by the terminal device.

21. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is prior to the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the first time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold.

22. The communication apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, The indicating unit is further configured to: instruct the terminal device to perform uplink switching and not expect to receive uplink transmission on the first uplink carrier in a third time period; wherein the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the third time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold.

23. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The radio frame boundary of the second uplink carrier is prior to the radio frame boundary of the first uplink carrier, and the second time period is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and the first time period is a difference between the switching gap and the second threshold.

24. The communication apparatus according to claim 23, wherein, The indicating unit is further configured to: instruct the terminal device to perform uplink switching and not expect to receive uplink transmission on the second uplink carrier in a fourth time period; wherein the second time period is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the fourth time period is a sum of the switching gap and the first threshold.

25. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising program or instructions which, when run by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed.

26. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product, when run on a computer, causes an electronic device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising program or instructions which, when run by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 8 to 12 to be performed.

28. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product, when run on a computer, causes an electronic device to perform the method of any one of claims 8 to 12.

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