A method and apparatus for broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block

Abstract

A method and apparatus for broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block. The method includes: a first radio access network device RAN1 determines to request a second radio access network device RAN2 to allocate resources for a terminal, and RAN1 sends a first message to RAN2 for instructing RAN2 to broadcast a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block SSB. RAN2 accordingly starts to broadcast the SBB. The first message may further include the broadcast period of the SSB. The broadcast period may also be sent by RAN1 to the terminal. RAN2 may stop broadcasting the SBB according to specific circumstances. For example, RAN2 sends an access status report of the terminal to RAN1, and RAN1 refers to the access status report and notifies RAN2 to stop broadcasting. The start and stop of broadcasting the SBB may be performed according to cell granularity. The method and apparatus are applicable to dual-connection or handover scenarios and can be applied in 5G or future communication systems to achieve reduction of system energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technologies, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for broadcasting synchronization signal / broadcast signal blocks. Background Art

[0002] High energy consumption is a pain point problem in network systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and apparatus for broadcasting synchronization signal / broadcast signal blocks, so as to reduce system energy consumption.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method for broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (SSB) is provided. This method can be implemented according to the following steps: A first access network device determines to request a second access network device to allocate resources for a terminal, and the first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, where the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (synchronization signal / PBCH block, SSB) SSB. When the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the first access network device sends a message for instructing to broadcast the SSB to the second access network device. By the first access network device determining to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal and instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, it can be made that the second access network device starts to broadcast the SSB only when receiving the instruction, avoiding the second access network device broadcasting the SSB all the time, reducing the energy consumption of the second access network device, and thus reducing the energy consumption of the entire system.

[0005] In a possible design, the first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. By the first access network device sending this broadcast period to the second access network device, the second access network device can broadcast the SSB according to this broadcast period. In another possible design, the first access network device sends a message including a broadcast period to the second access network device, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. This message can be other messages except the first message. By the first access network device sending a message including a broadcast period to the second access network device, the second access network device can broadcast the SSB according to this broadcast period. By setting the broadcast period, the system can be made more flexible and have lower energy consumption. For example, setting the broadcast period to be greater than the default period can further save energy. If the broadcast period is set to be less than the default period, it can enable the terminal to access the second access network device faster.

[0006] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a broadcast period to the terminal. The broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB. In this way, the terminal obtains the broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB, so that the terminal can receive the SSB of the second access network device according to this broadcast period. This can avoid the terminal searching for SSB according to other periods, and selecting other network access because it cannot find the SSB, which helps to ensure the normal access of the terminal to the second access network device.

[0007] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device, and the second message is used to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting SSB. By instructing to stop broadcasting SSB, the energy consumption overhead of the second access network device can be further saved, thereby further reducing the system energy consumption.

[0008] In a possible design, before the first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device, the first access network device receives a third message from the second access network device, and the third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device. Optionally, the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may be the status of the terminal that has been requested to allocate resources and accesses the second access network device. In this way, through the third message, the first access network device can learn about the situation of the terminal accessing the second access network device, so that the first access network device can determine whether to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting SSB according to the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device indicated by the third message. Further, by instructing the second access network to stop broadcasting SSB in a timely manner, the energy consumption of the second access network device can be saved.

[0009] In a possible design, the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may specifically include: (1) all terminals have accessed the second access network device; (2) some terminals have accessed the second access network device. In the second possible case, the third message may carry the identifier of the terminal accessing the second access network device; and / or, the third message may carry the identifier of the terminal that has not accessed the second access network device.

[0010] In a possible design, the first access network device receives a message from the second access network device for instructing the second access network device to decide to stop broadcasting SSB. By stopping broadcasting SSB, the energy consumption overhead of the second access network device can be saved. In this way, the first access network device can determine that the second access network device has decided to stop broadcasting SSB according to this message. And when the second access network device needs to allocate resources for the terminal subsequently, a message with the same / similar function as the first message is sent to the second access network device again.

[0011] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a fourth message to the terminal. The fourth message may include a threshold, denoted as the first threshold; or the fourth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The first access network device instructs the terminal to report by sending the fourth message, so that it can determine whether to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal according to the reporting content of the terminal. Thus, the first access network device can instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Further, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, when the second access network device receives the instruction, it can start broadcasting the SSB. Compared with the scheme where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time, the energy consumption of the second access network device can be reduced.

[0012] In a possible design, the first access network device receives a fifth message from the terminal. The fifth message may include the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; or the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold. When applied in a dual-connection architecture or a multi-connection architecture, the first access network device can determine whether the second access network device is suitable for allocating resources for the terminal through the fifth message reported by the terminal, so that the first access network device determines to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Further, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, when the second access network device receives the instruction, it can start broadcasting the SSB. Compared with the scheme where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time, the energy consumption of the second access network device can be reduced.

[0013] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a sixth message to the terminal. The sixth message may include a threshold, denoted as the second threshold; or the sixth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The first access network device instructs the terminal to report by sending the sixth message, enabling the terminal to trigger reporting according to the downlink signal strength of the second access network device. This enables the first access network device to obtain more accurate information from the terminal to determine whether to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal. When the determination is affirmative, the first access network device can instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Further, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, when the second access network device receives the instruction, it can start broadcasting the SSB. Compared with the scheme where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time, the energy consumption of the second access network device can be reduced.

[0014] In a possible design, the first access network device receives a seventh message from the terminal. The seventh message may include the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal; alternatively, the seventh message may be used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The first access network device can more accurately determine whether the second access network device is suitable for allocating resources to the terminal based on the seventh message reported by the terminal. When the determination is affirmative, the first access network device may instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Further, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, the second access network device can start broadcasting the SSB when it receives the instruction, which can reduce the power consumption of the second access network device compared to the solution where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time.

[0015] In a possible design, the first access network device receives an eighth message from a third access network device. The eighth message is used to indicate that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to switch from the third access network device to the second access network device, or is used to indicate that the second network device needs to be added as the secondary access network device of the terminal. The third access network device is the secondary access network device. In a handover scenario, the first access network device receives a message indicating the handover from the third access network device to determine the timing for instructing the second access network device to start broadcasting the SSB. Further, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, the second access network device can start broadcasting the SSB when it receives the instruction, which can reduce the power consumption of the second access network device compared to the solution where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time.

[0016] In a possible design, the second access network device is a gNB.

[0017] In a possible design, the first message may indicate, at the cell granularity, that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB. For example, one or more cell identifiers are carried in the first message, which are used to indicate that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB in these one or more cells.

[0018] In a possible design, the second message may indicate, at the cell granularity, to stop the second access network device from broadcasting the SSB. For example, one or more cell identifiers are carried in the first message, which are used to indicate to stop the second access network device from broadcasting the SSB in these one or more cells.

[0019] Second aspect, a method for broadcasting SSB is provided, and the method can be implemented through the following steps: The second access network device receives a first message from the first access network device; the second access network device broadcasts SSB according to the first message. By starting to broadcast SSB only when the second access network device receives the first message, it is avoided that the second access network device broadcasts SSB all the time, which can reduce the energy consumption of the second access network device, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the entire system.

[0020] In a possible design, the first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB. By the second access network device receiving the broadcast period from the first access network device, the second access network device can broadcast SSB according to this broadcast period. In another possible design, the second access network device receives a message including a broadcast period sent by the first access network device, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB. By the second access network device receiving the message including the broadcast period from the first access network device, the second access network device can broadcast SSB according to this broadcast period. If the broadcast period is greater than the default broadcast period, by increasing the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB, energy consumption can be further saved; if the broadcast period is greater than the default broadcast period, it can enable the terminal to access the second access network device faster.

[0021] In a possible design, the second access network device sends a message to the first access network device, and the message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB. By the second access network device indicating the broadcast period of its own SSB broadcast to the first access network device, the first access network device can send the broadcast period to the terminal, so that the terminal obtains the broadcast period of the second access network device. Receive SSB according to the broadcast period of the second access network device. Avoid that when the terminal searches for SSB according to other periods, the SSB selects other networks to access because it cannot find the SSB, which helps to ensure that the terminal can normally access the second access network device.

[0022] In a possible design, the second access network device stops broadcasting SSB.

[0023] In a possible design, the second access network device receives a second message from the first access network device; the second access network device stops broadcasting SSB according to the second message. By indicating to stop broadcasting SSB, the energy consumption overhead of the second access network device can be further saved.

[0024] In a possible design, before sending a second message to the second access network device, the second access network device sends a third message to the first access network device, and the third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device. Optionally, the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may be the status of the terminal that has been requested to allocate resources and accesses the second access network device. In this way, the first access network device can learn about the situation of the terminal accessing the second access network device through the third message, so that the first access network device can determine whether to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB according to the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device indicated by the third message. Further, by promptly instructing the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB, the power consumption of the second access network device can be further saved.

[0025] In a possible design, the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may specifically include: (1) all terminals have accessed the second access network device; (2) some terminals have accessed the second access network device. In the second possible case, the third message may carry the identifiers of the terminals that have accessed the second access network device; and / or, the third message may carry the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device.

[0026] In a possible design, the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB according to its own situation. The "own situation" may refer to the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device. By promptly stopping the second access network device from broadcasting the SSB, the power consumption of the second access network device for broadcasting the SSB can be saved.

[0027] In a possible design, when the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB, the second access network device may also notify the first access network device that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0028] In a possible design, the second access network device receives the uplink measurement configuration from the third access network device. The uplink measurement configuration may include information about the resources of the uplink measurement signal, and the uplink measurement configuration can be used to notify the second access network device to receive the uplink measurement signal of the terminal. The second access network device sends an uplink measurement report to the third access network device. The uplink measurement report includes that the received uplink reference signal strength from the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold, or the strength value of the uplink measurement signal received from the terminal. In this way, the third access network device can determine a handover event based on the uplink measurement report, that is, determine to hand over the secondary access network device of the terminal from the third access network device to the second access network device. Further, the third access network device can send a request message to the first access network device to request the first access network device to initiate a handover, that is, to hand over the secondary access network device of the terminal from the third access network device to the second access network device, so that the terminal can obtain better services from the secondary access network device.

[0029] In a possible design, the first message can indicate, at the cell granularity, that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB. For example, the first message carries the identifiers of one or more cells, which are used to indicate that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB in these one or more cells.

[0030] In a possible design, the second message can indicate, at the cell granularity, to stop the second access network device from broadcasting the SSB. For example, the first message carries the identifiers of one or more cells, which are used to indicate to stop the second access network device from broadcasting the SSB in these one or more cells.

[0031] In a third aspect, a method for handover of a secondary access network device is provided. The execution entity of this method is the third access network device, and this method can be implemented through the following steps: The third access network device receives a message from the second access network device. The message may be an uplink measurement report, and the message may include information that the strength of the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal is greater than the second threshold. The third access network device sends a request message to the first access network device. The request message is used to indicate that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to be handed over from the third access network device to the second access network device. In this way, when receiving this request message, the first access network device can determine that the second access network device needs to allocate resources for the terminal, that is, can further determine the timing for indicating the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Avoiding the second access network device from continuously broadcasting the SSB can reduce the energy consumption of the second access network device, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the entire system.

[0032] In a possible design, the third access network device sends an uplink measurement configuration to the second access network device. The uplink measurement configuration may include information about the resources of the uplink measurement signal. This uplink measurement configuration can be used to notify the second access network device to receive the uplink measurement signal of the terminal. In this way, after receiving this uplink measurement configuration, the second access network device can receive the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal on the resources indicated by this uplink measurement configuration, so as to determine whether the terminal has moved into its service area.

[0033] In a possible design, the uplink measurement configuration includes the second threshold or event trigger information. This second threshold or event trigger information can be used to instruct the second access network device to send an uplink measurement report to the third access network device after meeting certain conditions.

[0034] In a possible design, the uplink measurement configuration includes the identifier of the terminal.

[0035] In a possible design, the third access network device sends an uplink measurement configuration to the terminal. By the third access network device sending an uplink measurement configuration to the terminal, the terminal sends an uplink measurement signal on the resources indicated by the uplink measurement configuration, and then the second access network device can detect the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal on the resources indicated by the uplink measurement configuration.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a method for broadcasting an SSB is provided. The method may include the following steps: The terminal receives a message from the first access network device, denoted as the fourth message. The fourth message may include a threshold, denoted as the first threshold; or the fourth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the measured downlink signal strength of the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The terminal sends a fifth message to the first access network device. The fifth message may include the measured downlink signal strength of the first access network device by the terminal; or the fifth message may be used to indicate that the measured downlink signal strength of the first access network device by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold. By receiving the fourth message, the terminal can report the fifth message to the first access network device when the reporting condition is met, so that the first access network device can determine that the second access network is suitable to be the auxiliary access network device of the terminal based on the fifth message reported by the terminal. Further, the first access network device may instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, so as to realize the second access network device broadcasting the SSB according to the instruction of the first access network device, and achieve the purpose of energy saving when not broadcasting the SSB.

[0037] Optionally, the downlink signal strength may be the downlink signal power or the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0038] In a possible design, the fourth message may be a broadcast message, and the fifth message may be an RRC message. Alternatively, if the fourth message includes measurement configuration information, the fifth message may be a measurement report.

[0039] In a possible design, when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal sends the fifth information to the first access network device.

[0040] In a possible design, the terminal receives a broadcast period from the first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to send an SSB to the terminal. The first access network device sends the broadcast period to the terminal, enabling the terminal to obtain the broadcast period of the second access network device. The terminal receives the SSB according to the broadcast period of the second access network device. This avoids the terminal selecting other network accesses when searching for the SSB according to a short period and helps ensure the normal access of the terminal to the second access network device.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, a method for broadcasting an SSB is provided. The method may be implemented through the following steps: The terminal receives a message including a broadcast period from a first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for a second access network device to broadcast the SSB; the terminal receives the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period. By the terminal receiving the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB from the first access network device, the terminal can detect the SSB broadcast by the second access network device according to this period, avoiding the terminal selecting other network accesses when searching for the SSB according to other periods and helping ensure the normal access of the terminal to the second access network device.

[0042] In a possible design, the broadcast period is the period for one or more cells of the second access network device to broadcast the SSB; the terminal receives the SSB from one or more cells of the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, a method for broadcasting an SSB is provided. The method may be implemented through the following steps: The first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, and the first message carries a second broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast a common control signal, where the second broadcast period is less than the first broadcast period, and the first broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the common control signal before the first access network device sends the first message to the second access network device.

[0044] On the other hand, a method for broadcasting SSB is provided, and the method can be implemented through the following steps: The second access network device broadcasts SSB with a first broadcast period. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, and the second broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB is carried in the first message, and the second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device; alternatively, the second access network device determines the second broadcast period for broadcasting SSB and sends a second message to the first access network device, and the second broadcast period determined by the second access network device is carried in the second message. The first access network device receives the second message sent by the second access network device. The second broadcast period can be greater than or less than the first broadcast period. If the second broadcast period is greater than the first broadcast period, by increasing the period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB, power consumption can be further saved. If the second broadcast period is less than the first broadcast period, when the first access network device determines that the second access network device allocates resources to the terminal, the first message can be sent to the second access network device, and the second access network device can be instructed through the first message to adjust the first broadcast period to the second broadcast period. Since the second broadcast period is less than the first broadcast period, the broadcast period of the second access network device is considered to change from a long period to a short period. In this way, the terminal can access the second access network device faster. The second access network device broadcasts SSB with a longer first broadcast period. Compared with turning off the broadcast of SSB, it is not necessary to frequently start and stop broadcasting SSB, thereby saving the signaling overhead caused by starting and stopping broadcasting SSB.

[0045] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a second message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the second message sent by the first access network device. Information about the second broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB is carried in the message. By sending the second broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast SSB to the terminal through the first access network device, the terminal can receive SSB according to the broadcast period of the second access network device. When the terminal searches for SSB according to a period less than the broadcast period of the second access network device, it helps the terminal to normally access the second access network device by preventing the SSB from selecting other networks to access due to the inability to search for SSB.

[0046] In a possible design, the identification of one or more cells is carried in the first message, and is used to indicate the second broadcast period for the one or more cells of the second access network device to broadcast SSB.

[0047] In a possible design, the identification of one or more cells is carried in the first message, and is used to indicate the second broadcast period for the one or more cells of the second access network device to broadcast SSB.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be an access network device, such as a first access network device, or a device in the first access network device (e.g., a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in combination with the first access network device. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the first access network device described in the first aspect or the sixth aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, or software, or implemented by a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is used to call the communication module to perform the functions of receiving and / or sending. Exemplarily: the processing module is used to determine to request the second access network device to allocate resources for a terminal; the communication module is used to send a first message to the second access network device, and the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast an SSB.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be an access network device, such as a second access network device, or a device in the second access network device (e.g., a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in combination with the second access network device. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the second access network device described in the second aspect or the sixth aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, or software, or implemented by a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is used to call the communication module to perform the functions of receiving and / or sending. Exemplarily: the communication module is used to receive a first message from the first access network device; the processing module is used to call the communication module to broadcast an SSB according to the first message.

[0050] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be an access network device, such as a third access network device, or a device in the third access network device (e.g., a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in combination with the second access network device. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is used to call the communication module to perform the functions of receiving and / or sending. Exemplarily: The communication module is used to receive an uplink measurement report from the second access network device, where the uplink measurement report includes information that the power of the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal is greater than a set threshold; The communication module is further used to send a request message to the first access network device, where the request message is used to indicate that the terminal needs to switch from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a terminal, or a device in the terminal (e.g., a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in combination with the terminal. In one design, the communication device may include modules corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is used to call the communication module to perform the functions of receiving and / or sending. Exemplarily: The communication module is used to receive a broadcast message from the first access network device, where the broadcast message includes trigger event information, and the trigger event information is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. The communication module is further used to send a radio resource control (RRC) message to the first access network device, where the RRC message includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate that the terminal meets the reporting condition. Exemplarily: The communication module is used to receive information about the broadcast period from the first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB; and is used to receive the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

[0052] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is a first access network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices, such as the transceiver or reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces. The other devices can be a second access network device or a terminal. The processor is used to call a set of programs, instructions, or data to execute the method described in the first aspect above. The device may further include a memory for storing the programs, instructions, or data called by the processor. The memory is coupled to the processor. When the processor executes the instructions or data stored in the memory, the method described in the first aspect above can be implemented.

[0053] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is a second access network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices, such as the transceiver or reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces. The other devices can be a first access network device, a third access network device, or a terminal. The processor is used to call a set of programs, instructions, or data to execute the method described in the second aspect above. The device may further include a memory for storing the programs, instructions, or data called by the processor. The memory is coupled to the processor. When the processor executes the instructions or data stored in the memory, the method described in the second aspect above can be implemented.

[0054] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is a third access network device. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices, such as the transceiver or reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces. The other devices can be a first access network device, a second access network device, or a terminal. The processor is used to call a set of programs, instructions, or data to execute the method described in the third aspect above. The device may further include a memory for storing the programs, instructions, or data called by the processor. The memory is coupled to the processor. When the processor executes the instructions or data stored in the memory, the method described in the third aspect above can be implemented.

[0055] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices, such as transmitting and receiving data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces, and the other device may be a first access network device. The processor is used to call a set of programs, instructions, or data to execute the method described in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect above. The device may further include a memory for storing the programs, instructions, or data called by the processor. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the instructions or data stored in the memory, the method described in the fourth aspect above can be implemented.

[0056] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-readable instructions are stored. When the computer-readable instructions run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in each aspect or any possible design in each aspect.

[0057] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may further include a memory for implementing the method described in the first aspect or any possible design in the first aspect, or for implementing the method executed by the first access network device described in the sixth aspect or any possible design in the sixth aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0058] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may further include a memory for implementing the method described in the second aspect or any possible design in the second aspect, or for implementing the method executed by the second access network device described in the sixth aspect or any possible design in the sixth aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0059] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may further include a memory for implementing the method described in the third aspect or any possible design in the third aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0060] In a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may further include a memory for implementing the method described in the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, any possible design in the fourth aspect, or any possible design in the fifth aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0061] In a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a system, the system includes a first access network device and a second access network device, the first access network device is used to execute the method in the above first aspect or any possible design, and the second access network device is used to execute the method in the above second aspect or any possible design.

[0062] In a possible design, the system further includes a third access network device, and the third access network device is used to execute the method in the above third aspect or any possible design.

[0063] In a possible design, the system further includes a terminal, and the terminal is used to execute the method in the above fourth aspect, fifth aspect, any possible design of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0064] In a twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a system, the system includes a first access network device and a second access network device, the first access network device is used to determine to request the second access network device to allocate resources for a terminal; send a first message to the second access network device, and the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to start broadcasting SSB; the second access network device is used to receive the first message from the first access network device and broadcast SSB according to the first message. Description of the Drawings

[0065] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the system architecture based on non-standalone (NSA) in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the system architecture based on standalone (SA) in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 4 It is one of the schematic diagrams of the SSB broadcast method flow in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 5 It is another schematic diagram of the SSB broadcast method flow in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 8Schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 Schematic flowchart III of the SSB broadcasting method in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 10 Schematic flowchart IV of the SSB broadcasting method in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 11 Schematic flowchart V of the SSB broadcasting method in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 12 Schematic diagram I of the communication device structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 13 Schematic diagram II of the communication device structure in an embodiment of this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0078] An SSB broadcasting method and device provided by an embodiment of this application. The implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. These three situations. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and back associated objects. At least one involved in this application refers to one or more; multiple refers to two or more.

[0079] In addition, it should be understood that in the description of this application, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order. The SSB broadcasting method provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied to the fifth-generation 5G communication system, such as the 5G new radio (NR) communication system, and can also be applied to various future communication systems.

[0080] Next, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Combined with Figure 1As shown in the figure, a communication system to which the SSB broadcasting method provided by the embodiment of the present application is applicable. The communication system includes a first access network device 101-1 and a second access network device 101-2. The communication system may further include a terminal device 102 and a core network device 103. The access network device or the terminal device may be hardware, may also be software divided functionally, or a combination of the above two. The first access network device 101-1 and the second access network device 101-2 may be connected through an interface (for example, an Xn interface or an X2 interface). The first access network device 101-1 or the second access network device 101-2 may send downlink data to the terminal device 102, or may receive uplink data sent by the terminal device 102.

[0082] The first access network device 101-1 and the second access network device 101-2 are nodes in a radio access network (RAN), and may also be referred to as base stations, and may also be referred to as RAN nodes (or devices). Some examples of access network devices may include: next generation node B (gNB), next generation evolved node B (Ng-eNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP), or access network devices in a 5G communication system, or access network devices in a future possible communication system.

[0083] The device for implementing the function of the access network device may be the access network device; it may also be a device capable of supporting the access network device to implement this function, such as a chip system, and this device may be installed in the access network device. When describing the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application below, the device for implementing the function of the access network device is taken as an example of the access network device to describe the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0084] The terminal device 102, which can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to users and can also be an Internet of Things device. For example, the terminal device 102 includes handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, etc. with wireless connection capabilities. The terminal device 102 can be: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, etc.), an in-vehicle device (such as a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed train, etc.), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a TV, an air conditioner, an electricity meter, etc.), a smart robot, a workshop device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, a flying device (such as a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc.

[0085] In the embodiments of this application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement such functions, such as a chip system, and this device can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can also include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, taking the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device as the terminal or UE as an example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described.

[0086] In the embodiments of this application, the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission". This technical solution can be used for wireless communication between a scheduling entity and a subordinate entity, and those skilled in the art can use the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application for wireless communication between other scheduling entities and subordinate entities, such as wireless communication between a macro base station and a micro base station.

[0087] In this application, "indication" may include direct indication and indirect indication, and may also include explicit indication and implicit indication. If the information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be indicated, then in the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as indicating the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc. It is also possible to indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to only indicate a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed. For example, it is also possible to implement the indication of specific information by relying on the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as protocol regulations), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0088] In the embodiments of this application, when describing the indication function of a message, the indication function can be implemented in various ways. For example, if message A is used to indicate B, it can be implemented in the following ways: Message A contains indication information indicating B. Or the message type of message A indicates B. Or message A contains a cell indicating B.

[0089] In the embodiments of this application, the SSB may include a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (synchronization signal / PBCH block, SSB). The SS / PBCH block may be referred to as the SSB. The SSB may include at least one of the following: a primary synchronization signal (primary synchronization signal, PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (secondary synchronization signal, SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (physical broadcast channel, PBCH).

[0090] The following gives several possible examples of the first access network device 101-1 and the second access network device 101-2.

[0091] Example 1:

[0092] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the NSA-based system architecture in the embodiments of this application. As Figure 2As shown, the first access network device is an access network device in a 4G communication system (long term evolution, LTE) (such as an eNB), and the second access network device is an access network device in 5G NR (such as a gNB). The eNB and the gNB can be connected through an interface (such as the X2-C interface). The core network control plane device is a mobility management entity (MME). The eNB and the MME can be connected through an interface (such as the S1 interface). The gNB has no connection with the core network control plane device. The terminal accesses the network from the eNB and is connected to the core network. The terminal can receive downlink control plane data from the core network from the eNB. When the terminal is connected to the gNB, it can receive downlink data on the data plane from the gNB. The core network device on the user plane of 4G is a serving gateway (S-GW). The eNB and the gNB are connected to the S-GW and can be connected through the S1-U interface. After the terminal accesses the network from the eNB, it can receive downlink user plane data from the eNB and the gNB respectively.

[0093] Example 2:

[0094] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the SA-based system architecture in the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the first access network device and the second access network device are base stations (gNBs) in 5G NR. For example, the first access network device is represented by gNB#1, and the second access network device is represented by gNB#2. The two gNBs can provide dual-connectivity (DC) services for the terminal. One of the gNBs serves as the primary access network device or the master node (MN), and the other gNB serves as the secondary access network device or the secondary node (SN). The MN and the SN can be connected through an interface (such as the Xn-C interface). The core network control plane device is an access and mobility management function (AMF). The MN and the AMF can be connected through an interface (such as the NG-C interface). The SN has no control plane connection with the core network. The terminal accesses the network from the MN and is connected to the core network. The terminal can receive downlink control plane data from the core network from the MN. The core network device on the user plane of NR is a user plane function (UPF). The MN and the SN are connected to the UPF and can be connected through the NG-U interface. After the terminal accesses the network from the MN, it can receive downlink user plane data from the MN and the SN respectively. Figure 2 and Figure 3It shows an architecture to which the present application can be applied for the separation of the control plane and the data plane. It should be noted, however, that the present application is not limited to the exemplified architecture of the separation of the control plane and the data plane.

[0095] As Figure 4 shown, the specific process of the SSB broadcasting method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described as follows.

[0096] S400. The first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal.

[0097] In the scenario of dual connection or multi-connection, S400 can also be: the first access network device determines to add the second access network device as a secondary node of the terminal. Correspondingly, the first access network device can be regarded as the master access network device, and the master access network device can also be called the master node; the second access network device can be regarded as the secondary access network device, and the secondary access network device can also be called the secondary node.

[0098] The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other scenarios, such as the handover scenario. Correspondingly, S400 can also be: the first access network device determines to hand over the terminal to the second access network device. At this time, the first access network device can be regarded as the source access network device, and the second access network device can be regarded as the target access network device.

[0099] S401. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the first message from the first access network device. This first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

[0100] Exemplarily, the first message may include indication information, which is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Or, the message type of the first message indicates that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB. Or, the first message may include a cell for instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. Optionally, the first message may instruct one or more cells under the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. For example, the first message carries the identifiers of one or more cells, which are used to instruct the one or more cells to broadcast the SSB.

[0101] In the case where the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the first access network device instructs the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, which can enable the second access network device to broadcast the SSB only when it receives the instruction. Compared with the solution where the second access network device broadcasts the SSB all the time, it can reduce the energy consumption of the second access network device. The second access network device does not need to broadcast the SSB periodically all the time, so as to reduce the energy consumption of the second access network device, and further reduce the energy consumption of the entire system.

[0102] For example, the first message can also be used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB and System Information Block 1 (SIB1). In this way, after the second access network device broadcasts the SSB and SIB1, the terminal can obtain the SIB1 message of the second access network through the air interface of the second access network, so as to obtain the access parameters of the second access network, without obtaining them from the radio resource control (RRC) message of the first access network device, saving RRC signaling.

[0103] In one implementation, a broadcast period can also be carried in the first message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device, and this broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. After receiving the first message from the first access network device, the second access network device starts to broadcast the SSB. Of course, this broadcast period can also be carried in other messages other than the first message. If the second access network device receives the broadcast period from the first access network device, the second access network device will broadcast the SSB according to the broadcast period indicated by the first access network device.

[0104] In another implementation, the second access network device can determine the period for it to broadcast the SSB by itself and notify the first access network device of this broadcast period. The first access network device can further notify the terminal.

[0105] Whether the second access network device notifies the broadcast period of the SSB through the first access network device or determines the broadcast period of the SSB by itself, the second access network device can determine the next period for broadcasting the SSB. Further, by notifying the terminal of the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB through the first access network device, the terminal can obtain the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, enabling the terminal to more accurately monitor the SSB broadcast by the second access network device, so that the terminal can correctly access the second access network device.

[0106] In practical applications, the access network device may broadcast the SSB with a default period. The access network device broadcasts the SSB according to the default period, and the terminal also detects the SSB according to the default period. In the embodiments of the present application, by notifying the second access network device of the period for broadcasting the SSB (which can be simply referred to as the broadcast period) by the first access network device, or the second access network device itself determines the broadcast period, there are at least the following beneficial effects. If the broadcast period is greater than the default period, by increasing the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, the energy consumption can be further saved. If the broadcast period is less than the default period, by reducing the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, the speed of the terminal accessing the second access network device can be increased. The first access network device can also send the broadcast period to the terminal, so that the terminal obtains the broadcast period of the SSB of the second access network device. The terminal receives the SSB according to the broadcast period of the second access network device. Avoiding the situation that when the terminal searches for the SSB according to other periods and cannot find the SSB and then selects other network accesses helps to ensure that the terminal can normally access the second access network device. Taking the NSA architecture as an example, the eNB is used as the primary access network device, and the gNB is used as the secondary access network device. The period for the gNB to broadcast the SSB (for example, the SSB) can be any one of 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms. The smaller the period, the faster the terminal access speed, because the terminal can quickly search for the SSB and thus can perform cell reselection and cell access. The larger the period, the lower the energy consumption. In the deployment of the actual system, the SSB broadcast period of 20 ms can be adopted by default. In the case of low load of the gNB, the method of the embodiments of the present application can be used to determine a broadcast period greater than 20 ms to broadcast the SSB, thereby saving the energy consumption of the gNB.

[0107] There is no limitation on the message name of the first message. If the SSB includes the SSB, the first message can be an SSB broadcast request message.

[0108] After the second access network device starts to broadcast the SSB, terminals will successively receive the SSB. The terminals perform downlink synchronization based on the SSB and access the second access network device. Alternatively, the terminals perform downlink synchronization based on the SSB and send an uplink sounding reference signal (SRS), so that the second access network device can perform uplink measurement.

[0109] After the second access network device broadcasts the SSB for a period of time, it can stop broadcasting the SSB, thereby saving the energy consumption of the second access network device. The trigger timing for stopping the broadcast can be determined by the second access network device or by the first access network device and notified to the second access network device.

[0110] For example, after S401, the following steps may also be included.

[0111] S402. The second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

[0112] The implementation of the second access network device stopping to broadcast the SSB may be notified by the first access network device. For example, before S402, the following steps may also be included:

[0113] S403. The first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device; the second access network device receives the second message from the first access network device. The second message is used to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0114] Exemplarily, the second message may contain indication information for instructing the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB. Or the message type of the second message indicates that the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB. Or, the second message may contain a cell for instructing the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB. Optionally, the second message may indicate to stop broadcasting the SSB at the cell granularity. For example, the second message carries the identifier of one or more cells, which is used to instruct the one or more cells to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0115] There is no limitation on the message name of the second information. For example, the second information may be a RAN configuration update message.

[0116] The first access network device may decide to send the second message to the second access network device according to a certain policy. For example, the first access network device may decide according to whether the second access network device needs to continue to provide resources for the terminal. One implementation is as follows: It is implemented through step S404 before step S403.

[0117] S404. The second access network device sends a third message to the first access network device; the first access network device receives the third message from the second access network device. The third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

[0118] Specifically, the third message may contain indication information for indicating the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device. Or, the message type of the third message indicates the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device. Or, the third message may contain a cell for indicating the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

[0119] Among them, the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may be the status of the terminal that is requested to allocate resources in S400 accessing the second access network device. The status of the terminal accessing the second access network device may specifically include:

[0120] (1) All terminals have accessed the second access network device.

[0121] (2) Some terminals have accessed the second access network device.

[0122] In the second possible case, the third message may carry the identifiers of the terminals that have accessed the second access network device; alternatively, the third message carries the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device; or, the third message carries the identifiers of each terminal for which resources are requested to be allocated, and information on whether each terminal corresponding to each identifier has accessed the second access network device.

[0123] If the third message carries the identifiers of the terminals that have accessed the second access network device, the first access network device may determine the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device based on the identifiers of the terminals that have accessed the second access network device.

[0124] If the third message carries the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device, the first access network device may determine the terminals that have accessed the second access network device based on the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device. Optionally, the second access network device may obtain the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device in the following manner: The first access network device may request the second access network device to allocate resources for multiple terminals. For example, the first access network device may send a message requesting the second access network device to allocate resources for multiple terminals, and this message includes the identifiers of the multiple terminals for which resources are requested to be allocated. The second access network device may determine the identifiers of the terminals that have not accessed the second access network device based on the identifiers of the multiple terminals and the terminals that have already accessed the second access network device.

[0125] If the third message carries the identifiers of each terminal for which resources are requested to be allocated and information on whether each terminal corresponding to each identifier has accessed the second access network device, then the first access network device may determine the access status of each terminal for which resources are requested to be allocated to the second access network device based on the information carried in the third message.

[0126] (3) The status of one or more cells of the terminals for which resources are requested to be allocated accessing the second access network device.

[0127] In the third possible case, the third message may carry the identifier of the terminal, the identifier of the cell, and indication information for indicating the status of the terminal for which resources are requested to be allocated accessing the cell under the second access network device. The third message may also indicate the access situation of the terminals in each cell under the second access network device. Among them, the access situation of the terminals in a cell includes: all terminals within the service range of the cell and for which the cell is requested to be the SN have successfully accessed the cell; or some terminals within the service range of the cell and for which the cell is requested to be the SN have successfully accessed the cell, or whether there are terminals for which the cell is requested to be the SN that need to access the cell.

[0128] When the third message indicates the status of the terminals requested to be allocated resources accessing the second access network device at the cell granularity, the first access network device may also send a second message to the second access network device at the cell granularity. That is, the second message is used to instruct one or more cells to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0129] There is no restriction on the message name of the third information. For example, the third message may be an access report message.

[0130] Based on S404, the first access network device may determine to send the second message to the second access network device according to the third message sent by the second access network device, and determine the content indicated by the second message.

[0131] Another possible implementation for the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB is that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB according to its own situation. For example, before S402, the following steps may also be included:

[0132] S405. The second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB according to its own situation.

[0133] For example, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. When terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 have all successfully accessed the second access network device, for example, terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 have all completed the initial access, the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB. Or when the second access network device receives the message that terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 have successfully accessed, the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB. After terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3 have all successfully accessed the second access network device, the second access network device may start a timer. If before the timer times out, the second access network device receives again a message instructing to start broadcasting the SSB (for example, when the first access network device needs the second access network device to allocate resources for other terminals, the first access network device will send this message again), the SSB continues to be broadcast. If after the timer times out, the second access network device does not receive again a message instructing to broadcast the SSB, the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

[0134] In the case where the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB, the second access network device may also notify the first access network device that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB. For example, after S405, S406 may also be included.

[0135] S406. The second access network device sends a message to the first access network device to indicate that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB, and the first access network device receives this message from the second access network device.

[0136] There is no restriction on the execution order between S402 and S406, and they can be exchanged or carried out simultaneously.

[0137] In this way, the first access network device can determine that the second access network device has decided to stop broadcasting the SSB. And when it is necessary for the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal subsequently, the first access network device sends a message with the same / similar function as the first message to the second access network device again. Optionally, the second access network device can notify the first access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB in cell granularity. For example, by carrying the identifier of one or more cells in the notified message, it can indicate to the first access network device that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the SSB for the cells indicated by the identifier of the one or more cells.

[0138] In summary, by the first access network device instructing the second access network device to start broadcasting the SSB, the power consumption caused by the second access network device continuously broadcasting the SSB can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the entire system. By instructing the second access network device to turn off the broadcast of the SSB, the power consumption caused by the second access network device broadcasting the SSB can be further reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the entire system.

[0139] Based on the above description, taking the dual-connection architecture or multi-connection architecture as the application scenario, the method for broadcasting the SSB will be further described in detail below. The first access network device is the master access network device. As Figure 5 shown, the specific implementation process is as follows.

[0140] S501. The first access network device determines to add the second access network device as a secondary node (SN) for the terminal.

[0141] In the scenario of the dual-connection architecture or multi-connection architecture, the step where the S400 access network device determines that the second access network device allocates resources for the terminal can be described as the step described in S501.

[0142] S502. The first access network device sends a secondary gNodeB / secondary node addition request (SgNB addition request) message to the second access network device. The second access network device receives the secondary gNodeB / secondary node addition request message from the first access network device.

[0143] In a possible implementation, indication information is carried in the SgNB / SN addition request message. For example, this indication information is referred to as first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a second access network device broadcasts an SSB. Optionally, the SgNB / SN addition request message may further carry the broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, denoted as broadcast period 1.

[0144] The second access network device may start broadcasting the SSB when receiving the SgNB / SN addition request message.

[0145] In another possible implementation, the first indication information is not included in the SgNB / SN addition request message, that is, the first access network device does not carry in the SgNB / SN addition request message the indication information for indicating that the second access network device broadcasts the SSB. Alternatively, the SgNB / SN addition request message may include second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the condition for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. For example, the condition may be that the second access network device starts broadcasting the SSB when receiving the SN reconfiguration completion message. Another example is that the condition may also be to start broadcasting the SSB after a set time period from receiving the SgNB / SN addition request. In this implementation manner, the second access network device does not immediately broadcast the SSB when receiving the SgNB / SN addition request. Therefore, this implementation manner can be applicable to a scenario where the terminal does not need to immediately listen to the SSB of the SN when the MN determines to add the SN for the terminal. For example, this implementation manner can be applicable to a scenario of pre-configuring the SN for the terminal. SN pre-configuration means performing the RRC configuration process of the SN for the terminal, but the terminal does not need to access the SN, that is, the terminal does not need to perform a random access process with the SN.

[0146] S503. The second access network device sends an SgNB / SN addition request acknowledgment message (SgNB addition request acknowledge) to the first access network device. The first access network device receives the SgNB / SN addition request acknowledgment message from the second access network device.

[0147] If the second access network device has broadcast the SSB after S502, then, optionally, the broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB may be carried in the SgNB / SN addition request acknowledgment message, denoted as broadcast period 2. If the second access network device receives broadcast period 1 in S502, broadcast period 2 may be the same as or different from broadcast period 1. That is, the second access network device may, when receiving broadcast period 1, not broadcast the SSB according to broadcast period 1, but determine the broadcast period 2 of the SSB by itself and notify the first access network device of broadcast period 2.

[0148] S504. The first access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration (RRC connection reconfiguration) message to the terminal. The terminal receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the first access network device.

[0149] Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration message includes the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device. For example, if the first access network device does not receive the broadcast period 2 notified by the second access network device, the broadcast period included in the RRC reconfiguration message may be broadcast period 1; if the first access network device receives the broadcast period 2 notified by the second access network device, the broadcast period included in the RRC reconfiguration message may be broadcast period 2.

[0150] If the default broadcast period of the SSB is 20 ms, the second access network device can broadcast the SSB in a shorter period, such as broadcasting the SSB in a 5 - ms broadcast period, which can enable the terminal to access the second access network device faster. Or, the second access network device can broadcast the SSB in a longer period, such as broadcasting the SSB in a 160 - ms period, which can save more power consumption of the second access network device. The second access network device notifies the first access network device of the broadcast period of the SSB, and the first access network device notifies the terminal of the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device, so that the terminal can know the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device. This can avoid the terminal searching for the SSB according to the default broadcast period and choosing to access other networks because it cannot be found. For example, the terminal searches for the SSB according to the default 20 - ms broadcast period, while in fact the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device is 160 ms. The terminal may choose to access other networks because it does not find the SSB within 20 ms, resulting in a failure to access the second access network device. By informing the terminal of the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device, this problem can be avoided, enabling the terminal to access the second access network device more accurately.

[0151] S505. The terminal sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message (RRC connection reconfiguration complete) to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the RRC reconfiguration complete message from the terminal.

[0152] S506. The first access network device sends an SN reconfiguration complete (SgNB reconfiguration complete) message to the second access network device. The second access network device receives the SN reconfiguration complete message from the first access network device.

[0153] If the first indication information is not carried in the SgNB / SN addition request message in S502, that is, the first access network device does not instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB, the SN reconfiguration complete message may include the first indication information for instructing the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. That is to say, Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first message sent by the first access network device to the second access network device may be the SgNB / SN addition request message in S502 or the SN reconfiguration complete message in S506. When the first message is the SN reconfiguration complete message in S506, it can be applied to the SN pre-configuration scenario described in S502 above, which can further reduce the power consumption of the SN broadcasting the SSB, and thus save the power consumption of the entire system in the dual-connection architecture or multi-connection architecture.

[0154] If the first indication information is carried in S502, after S506, S507 to S508 may also be executed.

[0155] S507. The terminal accesses the second access network device through a random access procedure. After the access, the second access network device can serve as the SN in the dual-connection architecture or multi-connection architecture to provide services to the terminal.

[0156] S508. The second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

[0157] After the terminal accesses the second access network device, the second access network device can stop broadcasting the SSB. In practical applications, it is possible that the first access network device requests to add the second access network device as the SN for multiple terminals. Then, the second access network device can decide whether to stop broadcasting the SSB according to the access status of the multiple terminals. It is also possible that the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB after receiving the message instructing it to stop broadcasting the SSB from the first access network device. For the specific details of the related solution for the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB, reference can be made to Figure 4 the description of the illustrated embodiment. By the second access network device stopping broadcasting the SSB in a timely manner, the power consumption of the second access network device can be saved.

[0158] S509. The second access network device sends a gNB configuration update message to the first access network device.

[0159] Optionally, this message may carry indication information, denoted as the third indication information. The third indication information is used to instruct the SN to decide to stop or has stopped broadcasting the SSB.

[0160] It can be understood that Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment and Figure 4The descriptions of the illustrated embodiments can be referred to and supplemented with each other.

[0161] Based on the descriptions of the above embodiments, Figure 6 a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 6 shown, before the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the following steps may further be included.

[0162] S601. The first access network device sends a fourth message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the fourth message from the first access network device.

[0163] The fourth message may include a threshold, denoted as the first threshold; or the fourth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0164] Optionally, the fourth message may be a broadcast message. The broadcast message includes trigger event information. The trigger event information is used to indicate the first threshold, or the trigger event information is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0165] Optionally, the fourth message may also include measurement configuration information. In this case, the fourth message may be an RRC message. For example, an RRC reconfiguration message. The measurement configuration information can be used to indicate the first threshold; or the measurement configuration information is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. The reporting condition may include that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0166] Wherein, in the embodiment of the present application, the downlink signal strength may be the downlink signal power or the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0167] S602. The terminal sends a fifth message to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal.

[0168] The fifth message may include the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; or the fifth message may be used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0169] When the terminal receives the fourth message from the first access network device, it determines whether the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured is greater than or equal to the first threshold according to the first threshold included in the fourth message or the above reporting condition. If so, it indicates that the reporting condition is satisfied, and the terminal triggers reporting the fifth message.

[0170] If the fourth message is a broadcast message, the fifth message may be an RRC message; if the fourth message includes measurement configuration information, the fifth message may be a measurement report.

[0171] It can be understood that if the first threshold is included in the fourth message, the fifth message may include the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; if the first threshold is included in the fourth message, the fifth message may also be used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold. When the fourth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal, the fifth message may include the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; when the fourth message is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal, the fifth message may also be used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0172] After S602, S400 in the above Figure 4 shown embodiment may be executed, that is, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal. The first access network device may determine whether the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold according to the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal included in the fifth message. If so, it is determined to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal. Alternatively, if the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal according to the fifth message.

[0173] When the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal according to the fifth message, it may be implemented in the following manner. The first access network device may obtain the relationship between the downlink signal strength of the first access network device and the downlink signal strength of the second access network device (abbreviation: signal relationship). For example, when the downlink signal strength (or signal strength range) received by the terminal from the first access network device is A, the downlink signal strength (or signal strength range) received by the terminal from the second access network device is B, and there is a certain relationship between A and B. The first access network device may obtain this signal relationship from the core network device or the operation administration and maintenance (OAM) device. The first access network device may also obtain this signal relationship based on historical measurement information.

[0174] When the first access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal, it may determine the downlink signal strength that the terminal should receive from the second access network device according to this signal relationship. Further, the first access network device determines that it may request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal according to the determined downlink signal strength that the terminal should receive from the second access network device.

[0175] In another implementation, the first access network device does not need to make further judgments based on the signal relationship, but has considered the signal relationship when setting the first threshold. That is, once the first access network device receives the fifth message, it can determine that it can request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal.

[0176] Figure 7 Another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 7 shown, the third access network device serves as a secondary access network device to provide services for the terminal. The first access network device serves as a primary access network device to provide services for the terminal. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment describes an application scenario where the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to be switched from the third access network device to the second access network device. In this scenario, when the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal in S400, it can be understood that the first access network device determines to switch the secondary access network device of the terminal from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0177] Specifically, before the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the following steps may further be included.

[0178] S701. The third access network device sends an uplink measurement configuration to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the uplink measurement configuration from the third access network device.

[0179] The uplink measurement configuration may include information about the resources of the uplink measurement signal. The uplink measurement configuration may be used to notify the second access network device to receive the uplink measurement signal of the terminal. After receiving the uplink measurement configuration, the second access network device can receive the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal on the resources indicated by the uplink measurement configuration, so as to determine whether the terminal has moved into its service area. Optionally, the uplink measurement configuration may further include a second threshold or event trigger information. The second threshold or event trigger information may be used to instruct the second access network device to execute S704, that is, send an uplink measurement report to the third access network device, after meeting certain conditions. For example, the second access network device sends an uplink measurement report to the third access network device when the uplink measurement signal strength received from the terminal is greater than the second threshold. The uplink measurement signal strength may be the uplink measurement signal power or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0180] The uplink measurement configuration may further include an identifier of the terminal. The uplink measurement signal may be SRS.

[0181] The uplink measurement configuration can be carried in the X2AP / XnAP message. The X2AP message refers to the application layer message transmitted through the X2 interface, and the XnAP message refers to the application layer message transmitted through the Xn interface.

[0182] S702. The third access network device sends the uplink measurement configuration to the terminal, and the terminal receives the uplink measurement configuration.

[0183] The third access network device can first send the uplink measurement configuration to the first access network device, and the first access network device forwards the uplink measurement configuration to the terminal. The uplink measurement configuration may include information on the resources for sending the uplink measurement signal.

[0184] By sending the uplink measurement configuration to the terminal through the third access network device, the terminal can determine the information on the resources for sending the uplink measurement signal. The terminal can send the uplink measurement signal on the resources indicated by the uplink measurement configuration.

[0185] There is no strict execution order for S701 and S702, and they can be carried out simultaneously or in an exchanged order.

[0186] S703. The terminal sends the uplink measurement signal.

[0187] The second access network device may receive the uplink measurement signal from the terminal, and the third access network device may also receive the uplink measurement signal from the terminal.

[0188] S704. The second access network device sends the uplink measurement report to the third access network device, and the third access network device receives the uplink measurement report from the second access network device.

[0189] The second access network device, according to the second threshold or event trigger information in the uplink measurement configuration, when meeting the conditions indicated by the second threshold or event trigger information, sends the uplink measurement report to the third access network device. The uplink measurement report may include information that the uplink measurement signal strength received by the second access network device from the terminal is greater than the second threshold. The uplink measurement report can be carried in the X2AP / XnAP message. The uplink measurement report may include indication information for indicating that the uplink measurement signal strength received by the second access network device from the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Or the uplink measurement report includes the strength value of the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal.

[0190] The uplink measurement report can be at the cell level and can be for one cell or multiple cells. If the uplink measurement report is at the cell level, the uplink measurement report may also carry the identifier of the cell, indicating that the uplink measurement signal strength of the cell indicated by the identifier of the cell is greater than the second threshold.

[0191] S705. The third access network device makes a handover decision to determine that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to be handed over from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0192] Regardless of whether the third access network device receives the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal, the third access network device can make a handover decision based on the uplink measurement report sent by the second access network device. For example, if the third access network device determines from the uplink measurement report that the signal strength of the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal is higher than the second threshold, it decides to perform a handover.

[0193] If the third access network device receives the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal, the third access network device can also combine the uplink measurement report sent by the second access network device with the uplink measurement signal received from the terminal by itself to make a handover decision. For example, the third access network device compares the uplink measurement signal received from the terminal by itself with the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal in the uplink measurement report received from the second access network device in S704. If the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal in the uplink measurement report is greater than or equal to the uplink measurement signal received by the third access network device from the terminal, then the third access network device decides on a handover event. Or, if the difference between the uplink measurement signal received by the second access network device from the terminal and the uplink measurement signal received by the third access network device from the terminal in the uplink measurement report is greater than a set threshold, then the third access network device decides on a handover event.

[0194] S706. The third access network device sends a sixth message to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives this sixth message from the third access network device.

[0195] This sixth message is used to indicate that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to be handed over from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0196] For example, this request message is a SN change required message.

[0197] This request message includes the identifier of the second access network device. If it is a cell-level handover indication, it can include the identifier of the cell of the second access network device.

[0198] After S706, the first access network device determines to switch the secondary access network device of the terminal from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0199] Or, after S706, then execute S400 in the above Figure 4 illustrated embodiment, or Figure 5 S501 in the illustrated embodiment, that is, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal.

[0200] Based on the description of the above embodiments, Figure 8 Another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 8 shown, the third access network device serves as a secondary access network device to provide services for the terminal. The first access network device serves as a primary access network device to provide services for the terminal. Figure 8 The described embodiment depicts an application scenario where the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to switch from the third access network device to the second access network device. In this scenario, in S400, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal. It can be understood that the first access network device determines to switch the secondary access network device of the terminal from the third access network device to the second access network device.

[0201] Specifically, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, which can be achieved through the following means.

[0202] S801. The first access network device separately sends an uplink measurement configuration to the second access network device and the third access network device, and the second access network device and the third access network device respectively receive the uplink measurement configuration from the first access network device.

[0203] The uplink measurement configuration may include information about the resources of the uplink measurement signal. The uplink measurement configuration can be used to notify the second access network device and the third access network device to receive the uplink measurement signal of the terminal. After receiving the uplink measurement configuration, the second access network device and the third access network device can receive the uplink measurement signal sent by the terminal on the resources indicated by the uplink measurement configuration. Optionally, the uplink measurement configuration may further include a second threshold or event trigger information. The second threshold or event trigger information can be used to indicate that the second access network device or the third access network device sends an uplink measurement report to the first access network device after meeting certain conditions. For example, when the uplink measurement signal strength received by the second access network device or the third access network device from the terminal is greater than the second threshold, an uplink measurement report is sent to the third access network device. Among them, the thresholds in the uplink measurement configuration sent by the first access network device to the second access network device and the third access network device may be the same or different. If they are different, the second access network device and the third access network device respectively determine whether to meet the reporting conditions according to the received threshold values, and send an uplink measurement report to the first access network device when the reporting conditions are met.

[0204] S802. The first access network device sends an uplink measurement configuration to the terminal, and the terminal receives the uplink measurement configuration.

[0205] The uplink measurement configuration may include information on the resources for transmitting uplink measurement signals. The terminal can determine the information on the resources for transmitting uplink measurement signals based on this uplink measurement configuration. The terminal may transmit uplink measurement signals on the resources indicated by this uplink measurement configuration.

[0206] There is no strict execution order for S801 and S802, and they can be performed simultaneously or in an exchanged order.

[0207] S803. The terminal transmits uplink measurement signals.

[0208] The first access network device, the second access network device, and the third access network device may all receive uplink measurement signals from the terminal.

[0209] S804. The second access network device / the third access network device sends an uplink measurement report to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the uplink measurement report from the second access network device / the third access network device.

[0210] This step may refer to the description of S704, and the method for the third access network device to send an uplink measurement report to the first access network device may also refer to the method for the second access network device to send an uplink measurement report to the first access network device, which will not be elaborated here.

[0211] S805. The first access network device makes a handover decision to determine that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to be handed over from the third access network device to the second access network device. That is, the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal.

[0212] The method for the first access network device to make a handover decision may refer to the method for the third access network device to make a handover decision in S705. That is, it can directly make a handover decision based on the received uplink measurement report, or compare the uplink measurement signals received by itself with the uplink measurement signals in the uplink measurement report to make a handover decision. The specific method may refer to the detailed description in S705, which will not be elaborated here.

[0213] Based on the description of the above embodiments, Figure 9 Another method for broadcasting SSB provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 9 shown, this method includes the following steps.

[0214] S901. The first access network device sends a broadcast message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the broadcast message from the first access network device.

[0215] The broadcast message includes trigger event information, which is used to indicate a third threshold, or the trigger event information is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0216] S902. The terminal sends a message to the first access network device, which can be an RRC message for example, and the first access network device receives the RRC message from the terminal.

[0217] The RRC message may include the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal, or the RRC message may be used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the third threshold. The third threshold may be the same as the first threshold above.

[0218] S903. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the first message from the first access network device. The first message instructs the second access network device to broadcast an SSB.

[0219] The steps of S903 can specifically refer to the steps of S401.

[0220] Specifically, based on the RRC message reported by the terminal, the first access network device preliminarily determines that it can request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, and then the first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, instructing the second access network device to broadcast an SSB.

[0221] S904. The second access network device broadcasts an SSB according to the first message.

[0222] S905. The first access network device sends measurement configuration information to the terminal, and the terminal receives the measurement configuration information from the first access network device. The measurement configuration information is used to notify the terminal to measure the downlink signal of the second access network device. For example, the downlink signal can be an SSB.

[0223] The measurement configuration information may include a fourth threshold; or the measurement configuration information is used to indicate the reporting condition of the terminal. For example, the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0224] The terminal measures the downlink signal of the second access network device according to the measurement configuration information.

[0225] S906. The terminal sends a measurement report to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the measurement report from the terminal.

[0226] The terminal triggers reporting when the conditions for reporting are met based on the SSB broadcast by the second access network device measured.

[0227] The first access network device can more accurately determine whether the second access network device is suitable for allocating resources to the terminal based on the measurement report sent by the terminal. If so, it maintains the state of the second access network device broadcasting the SSB; otherwise, it instructs the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0228] Through Figure 9 The method of the embodiment shown, the first access network device can more accurately determine whether it is suitable to request the second access network device to allocate resources to the terminal. If it is suitable, the second access network device maintains broadcasting the SSB, facilitating the terminal to access. When it is not suitable, the first access network device notifies the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB to save the energy consumption of the second access network device broadcasting the SSB.

[0229] Based on the description of the above embodiments, Figure 10 Another method for broadcasting the SSB provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 10 shown, the method includes the following steps. This embodiment can be applied to the application scenarios of dual-connection architecture or multi-connection architecture, where the first access network device is the primary access network device and the second access network device is the access network device that will serve the terminal. It can also be applied to the application scenario of handover, where the first access network device is the source access network device and the second access network device is the target access network device.

[0230] S1001. The first access network device sends an SRS request message to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the SRS request message from the first access network device.

[0231] This SRS request message is used to request the second access network device to allocate SRS resources for one or more terminals.

[0232] Optionally, the SRS request message may further include the identifier of the terminal, which is used to indicate allocating SRS resources for the terminal corresponding to the identifier. If the identifier of the terminal is not carried in the SRS request message, the SRS resources allocated by the SRS request message can be shared by multiple terminals.

[0233] In practical applications, in the scenario where no terminal initially accesses the second network device or when no terminal needs to perform downlink synchronization with the second network device, the second access network device can turn off the broadcast of the SSB. This can save the energy consumption of the second access network device.

[0234] S1002. The second access network device sends an SRS request reply message to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the SRS request reply message from the second access network device.

[0235] The SRS request response message includes the SRS resources allocated by the second access network device for one or more terminals.

[0236] S1001 and S1002 can be implemented through the process of establishing an Xn / X2 interface. For example, the SRS request message can be an Xn / X2 interface establishment request message, and the SRS request response message can be an Xn / X2 interface establishment request response message.

[0237] In S1003, the first access network device sends an RRC message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the RRC message sent by the first access network device.

[0238] For example, the RRC message is an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0239] The RRC message includes the SRS resources allocated by the second access network device, and the SRS resources are used for the terminal to send SRS.

[0240] In S1004, the first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device. The second access network device receives the first message from the first access network device. The first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast an SSB. This step can specifically refer to S401.

[0241] The execution order of S1004 and S1003 is not limited. They can be carried out simultaneously or in an exchanged order.

[0242] Optionally, the function of the SRS request message in S1001 can have the function of the first message, that is, the SRS request message can be used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast an SSB. In this case, S1004 can be omitted.

[0243] In S1005, the second access network device broadcasts an SSB. The terminal receives the SSB broadcast by the second access network device.

[0244] In S1006, the terminal performs downlink synchronization based on the common control information broadcast by the second access network device.

[0245] In S1007, the terminal sends an uplink SRS to the second access network device, and the second access network device receives the uplink SRS from the terminal.

[0246] After S1007, S1008 - S1010 can also be executed, or S1011 can also be executed after S1007 to implement the process of the second access network device stopping broadcasting the SSB. Either S1008 - S1010 or S1011 is executed, that is, execute S1008 - S1010 and do not execute S1011; or execute S1011 and do not execute S1008 - S1010.

[0247] S1008. The second access network device sends a message to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the message from the second access network device.

[0248] The message can be an SRS notification message or a message with another name. This message is used to notify the first access network device that the second access network device has received the uplink SRS sent by the terminal. Optionally, the message may include the identifier of the terminal and / or the configuration of the SRS. The first access network device can determine which terminals' uplink SRSs the second access network device has received through the identifier of the terminal, so that the first access network device can further determine whether to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting the downlink SSB.

[0249] This step can be Figure 4 a possible implementation of S404 in the embodiment.

[0250] S1009. The first access network device sends a message to the second access network device; the second access network device receives the message from the first access network device. This message is used to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB.

[0251] This step can be Figure 4 a possible implementation of S403 in the embodiment.

[0252] S1010. The second access network device sends a response message to the message in S1009 to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the response message sent by the second access network device.

[0253] This response message is used to notify the first access network device that the second access network device has stopped broadcasting the downlink SSB.

[0254] This step is optional and may not be executed.

[0255] S1011. The second access network device sends a message to the first access network device, and this message is used to indicate that the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the downlink SSB. The first access network device receives the message sent by the second access network device.

[0256] After detecting the uplink SRS sent by the terminal, the second access network device decides to stop broadcasting the downlink SSB.

[0257] This step can be Figure 4 a possible implementation of S406 in the embodiment.

[0258] In Figure 10In the present embodiment shown, a possible application scenario is as follows: The first access network device and the second access network device may be two devices in a dual-connection or multi-connection architecture, where the first access network device is the primary access network device and the second access network device is the secondary access network device. When the first access network device determines that the second access network device allocates resources for a terminal, it instructs the second access network device to start broadcasting the SSB. The function of instructing to start broadcasting the SSB can be implemented through S1001 or S1004. Another possible application scenario is: The first access network device is the source access network device and the second access network device is the target access network device. After S1007, the second access network device can determine whether the terminal is within the service range of the second access network device based on the received uplink SRS of the terminal. If so, the second access network device determines that the terminal can be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device. The message sent by the second access network device to the first access network device in S1008 can be used to instruct the first access network device to perform the handover, that is, to switch the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0259] Figure 11 Another method for broadcasting the SSB provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. The method includes the following steps:

[0260] S1101. The first access network device sends a message to the second access network device, and the message carries the broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. The second access network device receives the message sent by the first access network device.

[0261] Of course, the broadcast period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB may also be determined by the second access network device itself. In this case, the method may not include step S1101, but include step S1102.

[0262] Optionally, before S1101, step S1100 may further be included. Step S1100 may refer to the introduction of step S400 and will not be elaborated here.

[0263] S1102. The second access network device determines the broadcast period for broadcasting the SSB and sends a message to the first access network device. The message carries the broadcast period determined by the second access network device. The first access network device receives the message sent by the second access network device.

[0264] Exemplarily, the messages described in S1101 and S1102 can be interpreted as follows. The message can indicate the broadcast period for one or more cells under the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. For example, the message carries the identifier of one or more cells, which is used to indicate the broadcast period for the one or more cells to broadcast the SSB. The name of the message is not limited. For example, the message can be a RAN configuration update message.

[0265] Either S1101 or S1102 can be selected for execution. After S1101 or after S1102, S1103 can be executed.

[0266] S1103. The first access network device sends a message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the message sent by the first access network device. The information about the broadcast period of the SSB broadcast by the second access network device is carried in the message.

[0267] S1104. The terminal receives the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

[0268] For example, the first access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal, and the broadcast period is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message. The terminal receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the first access network device, receives the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period carried in the RRC reconfiguration message, and sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the first access network device. It can be understood that based on S1102, the broadcast period information sent by the first access network device to the terminal can be sent by the second access network device to the first access network device, and then the first access network device sends it (for example, transparently) to the terminal device. In addition to informing the terminal of the SSB broadcast period of the second access network device through the RRC message, the first access network device can also inform the terminal of the SSB broadcast period of the second access network device in the broadcast message. For example, the first access network device informs the terminal of the SSB broadcast period of the second access network device in SIB10.

[0269] The broadcast period described in each of the above steps can be at the cell granularity. For example, the broadcast period is set for one or more cells under the second access network device. When the first access network device sends the broadcast period to the second access network device, the cell identifier is carried to indicate the broadcast period corresponding to the cell. Or, when the second access network device sends the broadcast period to the first access network device, the cell identifier is carried to indicate the broadcast period corresponding to the cell.

[0270] Before step S1101 or S1102, if the second access network device is not broadcasting the SSB, after S1101 or S1102, the SSB can be broadcast according to the broadcast period indicated by the message in step S1101 or S1102. If before step S1101 or S1102, the second access network device is broadcasting the SSB with the first broadcast period, after step S1101 or S1102, the SSB is broadcast according to the broadcast period indicated by the message in step S1101 or S1102. For the sake of description, the broadcast period in S1101 or S1102 can be called the second broadcast period.

[0271] Optionally, the second broadcast period described in S1101 and S1102 is less than the first broadcast period.

[0272] For example, the first broadcast period is 160 ms. Broadcasting the SSB with a relatively long broadcast period of 160 ms can save the power consumption of the second access network device. When the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the first access network device can perform steps S1101 and S1103. Through step S1101, the second access network device can be notified that the broadcast period is adjusted to the second broadcast period. The second broadcast period can be a period less than 160 ms, such as 20 ms. Through step S1103, the terminal can obtain the second broadcast period. Shortening the broadcast period of the second access network device can enable the terminal to access the second access network device faster. After the terminal accesses the second access network device, the first access network device can notify the second access network device to increase the broadcast period and correspondingly notify the terminal, for example, it can be adjusted back to the first broadcast period, thereby saving the power consumption of the second access network device. By the first access network device indicating the above broadcast period to the second access network device or the second access network device indicating the above broadcast period to the first access network device, the first access network device sends the broadcast period to the terminal, so that the terminal can obtain the broadcast period of the second access network device. Receive the SSB according to the broadcast period of the second access network device. By increasing the period of the second access network device broadcasting the SSB, the power consumption can be further saved. By reducing the period of the second access network device broadcasting the SSB, the speed of the terminal accessing the second access network device can be increased. By sending the broadcast period to the terminal, when the terminal searches for the SSB according to a period less than the broadcast period of the second access network device, it can be avoided that the SSB selects other networks to access due to the inability to search for the SSB, which helps the terminal to normally access the second access network device.

[0273] Each message described in the embodiments of the present application (such as the first message, the second message, the third message, the fourth message, the fifth message or the sixth message) can reuse the messages of the existing protocol. The specific message names for reusing the existing protocol can be the message names exemplified for each message above, or other message names. Each message can also be a newly defined message, and the name of the newly defined message is not limited. For example, the first message can be an SSB trigger request message, the second message can be an SSB broadcast stop message, and the third message can be an access reporting.

[0274] It should be noted that the examples in each application scenario in the present application only show some possible implementation manners, and are for better understanding and explanation of the method of the present application. Those skilled in the art can obtain some examples of evolved forms according to the SSB broadcast method provided in the present application.

[0275] In the embodiments provided by the present application above, the methods provided by the embodiments of the present application are introduced from the perspectives of the first access network device, the second access network device, the third access network device, the terminal, and the interactions between various devices. To implement the various functions in the methods provided by the embodiments of the present application above, the first access network device, the second access network device, the third access network device, and the terminal device may include a hardware structure and / or software module, and implement the above various functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Whether a certain function among the above various functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0276] As Figure 12 shown, the embodiments of the present application also provide a device 1200. The device 1200 may be a terminal device or an access network device. The access network device includes the first access network device, the second access network device, or the third access network device. It may also be a device in the terminal device or the access network device, or a device that can be used in matching with the terminal device or the access network device. In one design, the device 1200 may include modules corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions executed by the terminal device or the access network device in the above method embodiments. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In one design, the device may include a processing module 1201 and a communication module 1202. The processing module 1201 is used to call the communication module 1202 to execute the functions of receiving and / or sending.

[0277] When used to execute the method of the first access network device:

[0278] The processing module 1201 is used to determine to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal;

[0279] The communication module 1202 is used to send a first message to the second access network device. The first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

[0280] Optionally, the processing module 1201 and the communication module 1202 may also be used to execute other steps executed by the first access network device above, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processing module 1201 calls the communication module 1202 to execute the Figures 4 to 11 receiving and sending operations executed by the first access network device in the above various embodiments. The processing module 1201 is also used to execute the Figures 4 to 11 operations other than the receiving and sending operations executed by the first access network device in the above various embodiments.

[0281] When used to execute the method of the second access network device:

[0282] The communication module 1202 is configured to receive a first message from a first access network device, where the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast an SSB.

[0283] The processing module 1201 is configured to call the communication module 1202 to broadcast the SSB according to the first message.

[0284] Optionally, the processing module 1201 and the communication module 1202 may also be configured to perform other steps performed by the second access network device described above, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processing module 1201 calls the communication module 1202 to perform the above Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 7 to 11 the transceiver operations performed by the second access network device in each of the embodiments. The processing module 1201 is further configured to perform the above Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 7 to 11 operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the second access network device in each of the embodiments.

[0285] When implementing the method performed by the terminal: The communication module 1202 is configured to receive information about the broadcast period from a first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB; and is configured to receive the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

[0286] The processing module 1201 and the communication module 1202 may also be configured to perform other corresponding steps or operations performed by the terminal in the above method embodiments, which will not be elaborated one by one here. For example, the processing module 1201 calls the communication module 1202 to perform the above Figures 5 to 11 the transceiver operations performed by the terminal in each of the embodiments. The processing module 1201 is further configured to perform the above Figures 5 to 11 operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the terminal in each of the embodiments.

[0287] The division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional module may be integrated in a processor, may also exist alone physically, or two or more modules may be integrated in one module. The above integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0288] Such as Figure 13The apparatus 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown, which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or the access network device in the above method. The access network device includes a first access network device, a second access network device, and a third access network device. When implementing the functions of the access network device, the apparatus may be the access network device, or a device in the access network device, or a device that can be used in combination with the access network device. When implementing the functions of the terminal device, the apparatus may be the terminal device, or a device in the terminal device, or a device that can be used in combination with the terminal device. Among them, the apparatus may be a chip system. In an embodiment of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices. The apparatus 1300 includes at least one processor 1320, which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or the access network device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1300 may further include a communication interface 1310. In an embodiment of the present application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces, and is used to communicate with other devices through a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 1310 is used for the device in the apparatus 1300 to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, when the apparatus 1300 is the first access network device, the other device may be the second access network device or the terminal device. When the apparatus 1300 is the second access network device, the other device may be the first access network device, the third access network device, or the terminal device. When the apparatus 1300 is the third access network device, the other device may be the second access network device, the first access network device, or the terminal. When the apparatus 1300 is the terminal, the other device may be the first access network device, the second access network device, or the third access network device. The processor 1320 uses the communication interface 1310 to send and receive data, and is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0289] Exemplarily, when implementing the functions of the first access network device, the processor 1320 is used to determine to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal; the communication interface 1310 is used to send a first message to the second access network device, and the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast the SSB. The processor 1320 and the communication interface 1310 may also be used to perform other steps performed by the first access network device described above, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processor 1320 calls the communication interface 1310 to perform the above Figures 4 to 11 transmission and reception operations performed by the first access network device in each of the embodiments. The processor 1320 is also used to perform the above Figures 4 to 11 operations of the first access network device other than the transmission and reception operations in each of the embodiments.

[0290] When implementing the functions of the second access network device, the communication interface 1310 is used to receive a first message from the first access network device, where the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to broadcast an SSB; the processor 1320 is used to call the communication interface 1310 to broadcast the SSB according to the first message. The processor 1320 and the communication interface 1310 can also be used to perform other steps executed by the second access network device as described above, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processor 1320 calls the communication interface 1310 to perform the above Figure 4 and Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 11 the transceiver operations performed by the second access network device in each of the embodiments. The processor 1320 is also used to perform the above Figure 4 and Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 11 operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the second access network device in each of the embodiments.

[0291] When implementing the functions of the third access network device, the processor 1320 and the communication interface 1310 can be used to perform the steps executed by the third access network device in the above method embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processor 1320 calls the communication interface 1310 to perform the above Figure 7 or Figure 8 the transceiver operations performed by the third access network device in each of the embodiments. The processor 1320 is also used to perform the above Figure 7 or Figure 8 operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the third access network device in each of the embodiments.

[0292] When implementing the functions of the terminal, the processor 1320 is used to receive, through the communication interface 1310, information about the broadcast period from the first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB; and is used to receive the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period. The processor 1320 and the communication interface 1310 can also be used to perform other corresponding steps or operations executed by the terminal in the above method embodiments, which will not be elaborated one by one here. When executing the method performed by the terminal, the processor 1320 and the communication interface 1310 can also be used to perform other steps executed by the terminal as described above, which will not be elaborated here. For example, the processor 1320 calls the communication interface 1310 to perform the above Figures 5 to 11 the transceiver operations performed by the terminal in each of the embodiments. The processor 1320 is also used to perform the above Figures 5 to 11 operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the terminal in each of the embodiments.

[0293] The apparatus 1300 may further include at least one memory 1330 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1330 is coupled to the processor 1320. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 1320 may cooperate with the memory 1330. The processor 1320 may execute the program instructions stored in the memory 1330. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0294] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1310, the processor 1320 and the memory 1330 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 13 it is shown that the memory 1330, the communication interface 1320 and the communication interface 1310 are connected through a bus 1340. The bus is indicated by a thick line in Figure 13 which. The connection manners between other components are only schematically illustrated and are not limited thereto. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 13 only one thick line is used to represent it in which, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0295] When the apparatus 1200 and the apparatus 1300 are specifically a chip or a chip system, the baseband signals may be output or received by the communication module 1202 and the communication interface 1310. When the apparatus 1200 and the apparatus 1300 are specifically devices, the radio frequency signals may be output or received by the communication module 1202 and the communication interface 1310. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0296] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or may also be a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0297] The embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when running on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the above method embodiments.

[0298] The embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the above method embodiments.

[0299] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0300] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate a device for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one or more blocks or the combination of blocks.

[0301] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means embodying the function specified in one or more of the flow Figure 1 acts or a plurality of acts and / or boxes Figure 1 specified in one or more of the boxes.

[0302] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the function specified in one or more of the flow Figure 1 acts or a plurality of acts and / or boxes Figure 1 specified in one or more of the boxes.

[0303] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, additional changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to cover the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present application.

[0304] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A method for broadcasting a Synchronization Signal / Broadcast Signal Block (SSB), characterized in that, it includes: The first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal; The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, and the first message is used to instruct the second access network device to start broadcasting the SSB; The first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the method further includes: The first access network device sends the broadcast period to the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the method further includes: The first access network device sends a second message to the second access network device, and the second message is used to instruct the second access network device to stop broadcasting the SSB.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, before the first access network device sends the second message to the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device receives a third message from the second access network device, and the third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, before the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the method further includes: The first access network device sends a fourth message to the terminal, and the fourth message includes a first threshold; or, the fourth message indicates a reporting condition of the terminal, and the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold; The first access network device receives a fifth message from the terminal, and the fifth message includes the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; or, the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the method further includes: The first access network device sends a sixth message to the terminal, and the sixth message includes a second threshold; or, the sixth message indicates a reporting condition of the terminal, and the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold; The first access network device receives a seventh message from the terminal, and the seventh message includes the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal; or, the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, before the first access network device determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, the method further includes: The first access network device receives an eighth message from a third access network device, where the eighth message is used to indicate that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to switch from the third access network device to the second access network device, or is used to indicate that the second access network device needs to be added as the secondary access network device of the terminal.

8. A method for broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (SSB), characterized in that, it includes: A second access network device receives a first message from a first access network device, where the first message is used to indicate that the second access network device starts broadcasting an SSB; The second access network device broadcasts an SSB; the first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, the method further includes: The second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, the method further includes: The second access network device receives a second message from the first access network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, the method further includes: The second access network device sends a third message to the first access network device, where the third message is used to indicate the state of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

12. A method for broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (SSB), characterized in that, it includes: A terminal receives a message including a broadcast period from a first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period for a second access network device to start broadcasting an SSB; The terminal receives the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, the broadcast period includes the periods for one or more cells of the second access network device to broadcast the SSB; The terminal receives the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period, including: The terminal receives the SSB from one or more cells of the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, it includes: A processing module, configured to determine to request a second access network device to allocate resources for a terminal; A communication module, configured to send a first message to the second access network device, where the first message is used to indicate that the second access network device starts broadcasting a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block SSB; the first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, the communication module is further configured to: Send the broadcast period to the terminal.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, the communication module is further configured to: Send a second message to the second access network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that, the communication module is further configured to: Before sending a second message to the second access network device, receive a third message from the second access network device, where the third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: before the processing module determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, send a fourth message to the terminal, where the fourth message includes a first threshold; or, the fourth message indicates a reporting condition of the terminal, and the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the measured first access network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; receive a fifth message from the terminal, where the fifth message includes the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal; or, the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the first access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: send a sixth message to the terminal, where the sixth message includes a second threshold; or, the sixth message indicates a reporting condition of the terminal, and the reporting condition includes that the terminal triggers reporting when the downlink signal strength of the measured second access network device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; receive a seventh message from the terminal, where the seventh message includes the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal; or, the fifth message is used to indicate that the downlink signal strength of the second access network device measured by the terminal is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: before the processing module determines to request the second access network device to allocate resources for the terminal, receive an eighth message from a third access network device, where the eighth message is used to indicate that the secondary access network device of the terminal needs to switch from the third access network device to the second access network device, or is used to indicate that the second access network device needs to be added as the secondary access network device of the terminal.

21. A communication apparatus, wherein, comprises: a communication module, configured to receive a first message from a first access network device, where the first message is used to indicate that a second access network device starts to broadcast a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block SSB; a processing module, configured to broadcast the SSB; the first message includes a broadcast period, and the broadcast period is the period for the second access network device to broadcast the SSB.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein, the processing module is further configured to stop broadcasting the SSB.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: receive a second message from the first access network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the second access network device stops broadcasting the SSB.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The communication module is further configured to: send a third message to the first access network device, where the third message is used to indicate the status of the terminal accessing the second access network device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, it includes: a communication module, configured to receive a message including a broadcast period from a first access network device, where the broadcast period is the period when a second access network device starts to broadcast a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block (SSB); the communication module is further configured to receive the SSB from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that, the broadcast period includes the period when one or more cells of the second access network device broadcast the SSB; the communication module is configured to receive the SSB of one or more cells from the second access network device according to the broadcast period.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, it includes a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is used to communicate with other communication devices; the processor is configured to run a set of programs so that the communication device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, it includes a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is used to communicate with other communication devices; the processor is configured to run a set of programs so that the communication device implements the method according to claim 12 or 13.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, computer-readable instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-readable instructions run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, the computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claim 12 or 13.

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