Carrier switching method and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to a carrier switching method and apparatus. The carrier switching method includes: a terminal device receiving a first timing advance (TA) for a first carrier and a second TA for a second carrier; the terminal device determining a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, the first switching time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjusted switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier; and the terminal device switching from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first switching time parameter. By determining a new switching time or adjusting the original switching time based on the timing advance of the two carriers, the position and / or length of the switching time can be adjusted according to the timing advance, enabling the UE to flexibly switch between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a carrier switching method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, mobile communication networks are gradually evolving towards fifth-generation (5G) networks, also known as new radio (NR) networks. Terminal devices are placing higher demands on both downlink and uplink transmission performance. In practical networks, considering the large volume of downlink data, more downlink time-domain resources are typically allocated to terminal devices, while fewer uplink time-domain resources are allocated. This limited uplink time-domain resource allocation results in poor uplink transmission performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, a carrier switching method and apparatus are proposed, which provides a switching time scheduling mechanism to improve data transmission efficiency when there is a conflict between the carrier switching switching time and data transmission.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: the terminal device receiving a first timing advance (TA) of a first carrier and a second TA of a second carrier; the terminal device determining a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, the first switching time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier; and the terminal device switching from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first switching time parameter.

[0005] The carrier switching method provided in this application obtains a first switching time (TA) of a first carrier and a second switching time (TA) of a second carrier, determines a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0006] According to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the terminal device determining a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA includes: the terminal device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0007] The carrier switching method provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing for flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0008] According to the first aspect or the first possible implementation of the first aspect, in the second possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting the first handover time parameter to the network device, and receiving an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. By repeatedly determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and repeatedly reporting the determined first handover time parameter to the network device, the handover time can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different scenarios.

[0009] According to the first aspect, in a third possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate: the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: the terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is determined and reported by the terminal device to the network device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier; the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first handover time parameter, including: the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the second handover time parameter and the first handover time parameter.

[0010] According to the third possible implementation of the first aspect, in the fourth possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting the first handover time parameter to the network device, and receiving an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. By repeatedly determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and repeatedly reporting the determined first handover time parameter to the network device, the handover time can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different scenarios.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching device, which is applied to a terminal device, and the device includes:

[0012] A first receiving module is configured to receive a first timing advance (TA) of a first carrier and a second timing advance (TA) of a second carrier; a first determining module is configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, wherein the first switching time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier; and a first switching module is configured to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first switching time parameter.

[0013] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment obtains the first switching time (TA) of the first carrier and the second switching time (TA) of the second carrier, determines the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the device to adjust the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0014] According to the second aspect, in a first possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a second receiving module, configured to receive data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the first determining module is further configured to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0015] The carrier switching device provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing for flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0016] According to the second aspect or the first possible implementation of the second aspect, in the second possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a first reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. By repeatedly determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and repeatedly reporting the determined first handover time parameter to the network device, the handover time can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different scenarios.

[0017] According to the second aspect, in a third possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first determining module is further used to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter. The second handover time parameter is determined and reported to the network device by the terminal device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first handover module is further used to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the second handover time parameter and the first handover time parameter.

[0018] According to the third possible implementation of the second aspect, in the fourth possible implementation, the device further includes: a first reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter.

[0019] According to the third possible implementation of the first aspect, and according to the third possible implementation of the second aspect, in the fifth possible implementation, the position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier, and the length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA or a quantization index of the difference.

[0020] According to the first aspect or any one of the first to fourth possible implementations of the first aspect, or according to the second aspect or any one of the first to fifth possible implementations of the second aspect, in the sixth possible implementation, the terminal device communicates with the network device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, wherein the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0021] In the seventh possible implementation of the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, according to the sixth possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the multi-carrier is time division multiplexing (TDM).

[0022] According to the first aspect or any of the first to fourth possible implementations of the first aspect, or according to the second aspect or any of the first to fifth possible implementations of the second aspect, in the eighth possible implementation, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers multiplexed by the power amplifier (PA) link.

[0023] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier handover method, the method comprising: a terminal device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, the first handover time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time from a first carrier to a second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the terminal device switching from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first handover time parameter.

[0024] The carrier switching method provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0025] According to the third aspect, in a first possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device determining the capability information of the terminal device; the terminal device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, including: the terminal device determining the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0026] The carrier switching method provided in this application provides a first switching time parameter that can be determined based on the PA capability during carrier switching in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station. Alternatively, the first switching time parameter can be determined based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time can be obtained. This allows for advance adjustment of the switching time position and / or length according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0027] According to the third aspect or the first possible implementation of the third aspect, in the second possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting the first handover time parameter to the network device, and receiving an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. The carrier handover method of this application can send handover time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, allowing the handover time to change flexibly according to changes in the application scenario during carrier handover.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching device applied to a terminal device. The device includes: a second determining module, configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the first switching time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from a first carrier to a second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; and a second switching module, configured to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the first switching time parameter.

[0029] The carrier switching device provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0030] According to the fourth aspect, in a first possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a third determining module, configured to determine the capability information of the terminal device; and a second determining module, configured to determine the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0031] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability during carrier switching, or can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time is obtained, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, so as to realize flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

[0032] According to the fourth aspect or the first possible implementation of the fourth aspect, in the second possible implementation, the device further includes: a second reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. The carrier switching device of this application can send handover time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, allowing the handover time to change flexibly according to changes in the application scenario during carrier switching.

[0033] According to the second possible implementation of the third aspect, or according to the second possible implementation of the fourth aspect, in the third possible implementation, the terminal device communicates with the network device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, wherein the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0034] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching method applied to a network device. The method includes: the network device determining a first timing advance (TA) for a first carrier and a second TA for a second carrier; the network device determining a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, the first switching time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time when a terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjusted switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; and the network device sending the first switching time parameter to the terminal device.

[0035] The carrier switching method provided in this application obtains a first switching time (TA) of a first carrier and a second switching time (TA) of a second carrier, determines a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0036] According to the fifth aspect, in a first possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device determining data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the network device determining a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA includes: the network device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0037] The carrier switching method provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing for flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0038] According to the fifth aspect, in a second possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate: the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when the terminal switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: the network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is determined and issued by the network device to the terminal device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0039] According to the fifth aspect or any of the first to third possible implementations of the fifth aspect, in the sixth possible implementation, the network device is a main network device in the DC, the DC further includes a secondary network device, the main network device communicates with the terminal device via a first carrier, and the secondary network device communicates with the terminal device via a second carrier. The network device determines the first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, including: the network device receiving the TA of the second carrier or the difference between the TA of the second carrier and the TA of the first carrier reported by the terminal device, or the network device receiving the TA of the second carrier reported by the secondary network device.

[0040] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching device applied to a network device, the device comprising: a fourth determining module, configured to determine a first timing advance (TA) of a first carrier and a second TA of a second carrier; a fifth determining module, configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, the first switching time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time when a terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjusted switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; and a first sending module, configured to send the first switching time parameter to the terminal device.

[0041] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment obtains the first switching time (TA) of the first carrier and the second switching time (TA) of the second carrier, determines the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the device to adjust the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0042] According to the sixth aspect, in a first possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a sixth determining module, configured to determine data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the fifth determining module is further configured to determine the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0043] The carrier switching device provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing for flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0044] According to the sixth aspect, in the second possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment when the terminal switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The fifth determining module is further used to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is determined and issued to the terminal device by the network device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0045] In a third possible implementation, according to the second possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or according to the second possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier, and the length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA or a quantization index of the difference.

[0046] According to the fifth aspect or any of the first to second possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or according to the sixth aspect or any of the first to third possible implementations of the sixth aspect, in the fourth possible implementation, the network device communicates with the terminal device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, wherein the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0047] According to the fourth possible implementation of the sixth aspect, in the fifth possible implementation, the multi-carrier in the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is time division multiplexing (TDM).

[0048] According to the sixth aspect or any one of the first to third possible implementations of the sixth aspect, in the sixth possible implementation, the network device is a main network device in the DC, the DC also includes a secondary network device, the main network device communicates with the terminal device via a first carrier, the secondary network device communicates with the terminal device via a second carrier, and the fourth determining module is further configured to receive the TA of the second carrier or the difference between the TA of the second carrier and the TA of the first carrier reported by the terminal device, or to receive the TA of the second carrier reported by the secondary network device.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a carrier handover method applied to a network device. The method includes: the network device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the first handover time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when a terminal device switches from a first carrier to a second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; and the network device sending the first handover time parameter to the terminal device.

[0050] The carrier switching method provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0051] The carrier switching method of this application can send switching time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, so that the switching time can be flexibly changed according to the changes in the application scenario during carrier switching.

[0052] According to the seventh aspect, in a first possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device receiving capability information reported by the terminal device; the network device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, including: the network device determining the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0053] The carrier switching method provided in this application provides a first switching time parameter that can be determined based on the PA capability during carrier switching in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station. Alternatively, the first switching time parameter can be determined based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time can be obtained. This allows for advance adjustment of the switching time position and / or length according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0054] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching device, the device being applied to a network device, the device comprising: a seventh determining module, configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, the first switching time parameter indicating at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjusted switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; and a second sending module, configured to send the first switching time parameter to the terminal device.

[0055] The carrier switching device provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0056] According to the eighth aspect, in a first possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a third receiving module, configured to receive capability information reported by the terminal device; and a seventh determining module, configured for the network device to determine the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0057] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability during carrier switching, or can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time is obtained, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, so as to realize flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

[0058] According to the seventh aspect or the first possible implementation of the seventh aspect, or according to the eighth aspect or the first possible implementation of the eighth aspect, in the second possible implementation, the network device communicates with the terminal device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, wherein the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0059] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device that can execute one or more of the carrier switching methods described in the first aspect or in various possible implementations of the first aspect, or the terminal device can execute one or more of the carrier switching methods described in the third aspect or in various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0060] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network device that can execute one or more of the carrier switching methods described in the fifth aspect or various possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or the network device can execute one or more of the carrier switching methods described in the seventh aspect or various possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0061] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying computer-readable code. When the computer-readable code is run in an electronic device, the processor in the electronic device executes one or more of the carrier switching methods of the first aspect or multiple possible implementations of the first aspect, or executes one or more of the carrier switching methods of the third aspect or multiple possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0062] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying computer-readable code. When the computer-readable code is executed in an electronic device, a processor in the electronic device executes one or more of the carrier switching methods of the fifth aspect or multiple possible implementations of the fifth aspect, or executes one or more of the carrier switching methods of the seventh aspect or multiple possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0063] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The at least one terminal device can communicate with one or more of the at least one network device. The at least one terminal device and the network device communicate via multi-carrier uplink transmission technology. The at least one terminal device and / or the at least one network device determine a first handover time parameter based on a first timing advance (TA) of a first carrier and a second timing advance (TA) of a second carrier. The first handover time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time at which the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; or the position or length of the adjusted handover time at which the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The at least one terminal device performs a handover between the first carrier and the second carrier based on the first handover time parameter.

[0064] These and other aspects of this application will become more apparent in the description of the following embodiments(s). Attached Figure Description

[0065] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a CA scenario according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a DC scene according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0068] Figure 3a This is an example diagram of a communication scenario involved in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 3b This is an example diagram of a communication scenario involved in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figures 4a-4e The diagrams show the switching times specified in the standard.

[0071] Figures 5a-5f The diagrams show the handover times specified in the 3GPP standard.

[0072] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the timing relationship between the uplink and downlink.

[0073] Figures 7a-7c A schematic diagram illustrating carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application is shown.

[0074] Figure 8a A schematic diagram of a DC scene according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0075] Figure 8b A flowchart of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0076] Figure 9a The diagram illustrates the interaction of a device in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 9b A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0078] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a subframe structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0079] Figure 11a A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0080] Figure 11b A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0081] Figure 11c An interactive diagram of a device for performing a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0082] Figure 12a A flowchart of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0083] Figure 12b An interactive diagram of a device for performing a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0084] Figure 13a A flowchart of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0085] Figure 13b An interactive diagram of a device for performing a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0086] Figures 14a-14c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0087] Figures 15a-15c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0088] Figures 16a-16c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0089] Figures 17a-17c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0090] Figure 18a and Figure 18b Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively.

[0091] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the interaction of a device in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to another embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 20 The diagram illustrates the interaction of a device in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to another embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 21 A block diagram of a carrier switching apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0094] Figure 22 A block diagram of a carrier switching apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0095] Figure 23 A block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0096] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0097] The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, example, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0098] In addition, numerous specific details are provided in the detailed description below to better illustrate the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present application can be practiced without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the main purpose of the present application.

[0099] This application provides a communication system that includes at least one network device and at least one terminal device, wherein the at least one terminal device can communicate with one or more of the at least one network device.

[0100] The communication system in this application embodiment can be a communication system supporting fourth-generation (4G) access technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) access technology; or, the communication system can be a communication system supporting 5G access technology, such as NR access technology; or, the communication system can be a communication system supporting third-generation (3G) access technology, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) access technology; or, the communication system can be a communication system supporting multiple wireless technologies, such as a communication system supporting LTE and NR technologies. Furthermore, the communication system can also be adapted to future-oriented communication technologies.

[0101] The network device in this application embodiment can be an access network-side device used to support terminal devices accessing the communication system. For example, it can be a base transceiver station (BTS) and base station controller (BSC) in a second-generation (2G) access technology communication system; a node B and radio network controller (RNC) in a 3G access technology communication system; an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 4G access technology communication system; a next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), relay node, access point (AP), etc., in a 5G access technology communication system. The network device can be referred to as a base station, node, or access network device, etc.

[0102] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device that provides voice or data connectivity to a user, and can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station, subscriber unit, station, etc. For example, the terminal can be a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), modem, handheld device, laptop computer, cordless phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, tablet computer, smartphone, customer premises equipment (CPE), sensor with network access function, etc. With the development of wireless communication technology, any device that can access a communication system, communicate with the network side of the communication system, or communicate with other objects through the communication system can be the terminal device in this application embodiment. Examples include terminal devices and automobiles in intelligent transportation, home appliances in smart homes, electricity meter reading instruments, voltage monitoring instruments, environmental monitoring instruments in smart grids, video surveillance instruments in smart security networks, cash registers, etc.

[0103] In related technologies, multi-carrier uplink transmission technology alleviates the technical problem of poor uplink transmission performance caused by limited uplink time domain resources. Multi-carrier uplink transmission refers to the existence of multiple carriers between the terminal device and the network device in the uplink direction. The terminal device can connect to one network device, and the multiple carriers can include the carriers between the terminal device and one network device; alternatively, the terminal device can connect to two network devices simultaneously, and the multiple carriers can include the carriers between the terminal device and each of the two network devices; or, the terminal device can connect to multiple network devices through multiple different carriers, and the terminal device can switch between different carriers.

[0104] For example, multi-carrier uplink transmission technologies may include carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), super uplink / supplementary uplink (SUL) technology, or sidelink communication. Multi-carrier uplink transmission can be performed using time-division multiplexing (TDM) or concurrent transmission. TDM scenarios can include 1T1T, 1T2T, 2T2T, etc. In 1T1T, 1T2T, and 2T2T, the "T" represents the antenna link or the power amplifier (PA) driving the antenna link. For example, 1T1T can represent a scenario of switching from one antenna on the same PA to another antenna or from one PA to another.

[0105] The three different technologies will be introduced below.

[0106] Carrier aggregation (CA)

[0107] CA (Carrier Aggregation) is a technology that aggregates two or more carriers to support greater transmission bandwidth. CA can be divided into uplink CA and downlink CA. For uplink CA, terminal devices can simultaneously receive or transmit on multiple carriers depending on their capabilities. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a CA scenario according to an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the terminal device can perform uplink CA between carrier 1 and carrier 2, thereby supporting greater uplink transmission bandwidth between the network device and the terminal device and improving uplink transmission performance.

[0108] Dual-connection DC

[0109] In current communication systems, terminal devices can simultaneously access two different nodes; this access method is called DC (Distributed Access). In this case, the terminal device can utilize the radio resources of one or more of the two nodes for transmission; these two nodes can be of the same or different standards.

[0110] Of these two different nodes, one is the primary node and the other is the secondary node. The link between the two nodes can be either a non-ideal backhaul link or an ideal backhaul link. These two different nodes can be different network devices or different modules within the same network device; one module can correspond to one cell.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, the DC can be a multi-radio (MR)-DC. The MR-DC can include the DC of Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and NR (E-UTRANR Dual Connectivity, EN-DC), the DC of Next Generation (NG) Radio Access Network (RAN) E-UTRA and NR (NG-RAN E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity, NGEN-DC), the DC of NR and E-UTRA (NR-E-UTRA Dual Connectivity, NE-DC), or the DC of NR and NR (NR-DC).

[0112] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a DC scene according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device can communicate with one of two different nodes via multiple carriers, or the terminal device can communicate with both nodes via multiple carriers. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, if two different nodes are a Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station and an NR base station, the terminal device can communicate with the LTE base station through multiple carriers, and uplink CA and / or downlink CA can be performed between these multiple carriers. The terminal device can also use multiple carriers to communicate with the NR base station, and uplink CA and / or downlink CA can be performed between these multiple carriers.

[0113] Figure 2 The example shown is a non-co-site deployment scenario. As mentioned above, DC can also be applied to co-site deployment scenarios.

[0114] Supplementing upstream SUL

[0115] To enhance uplink coverage, lower frequency bands (e.g., <3GHz) are introduced as SUL bands (supplementary uplink bands). An SUL can be associated with a Time Division Duplex (TDD) or Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band (including Normal Downlink (NDL) / Normal Uplink (NUL)) and still become a cell. SUL technology allows user equipment (UE, terminal equipment) to select uplink resources to initiate random access in NUL and SUL carriers.

[0116] Figure 3a This is an example diagram illustrating a communication scenario according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3b This is an example diagram of a communication scenario involved in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3a The image shows a wireless communication scenario with LTE-NR co-site deployment. Figure 3b The image shows a wireless communication scenario for LTE-NR non-co-site deployment.

[0117] like Figure 3a As shown, network device 100 supports both LTE and NR technologies, and is a co-located LTE-NR network. Figure 3a The dashed circles represent the uplink coverage area of ​​the NR carrier of network device 100, while the solid circles represent the uplink coverage area of ​​the LTE carrier. LTE UE1 is an LTE terminal (meaning it can use uplink and downlink resources on the LTE carrier to transmit signals with network device 100), NR UE1 is an NR terminal (meaning it can use uplink and downlink resources on the NR carrier to transmit signals with network device 100), and NR UE2 is an NR terminal supporting uplink sharing (meaning it can use uplink and downlink resources on the NR carrier to transmit signals with network device 100, and can also use SUL resources to transmit uplink signals with network device 100). If NR UE2 uses uplink resources on the NR carrier to send uplink signals to network device 100, due to the high frequency and large path loss of the NR carrier, or the limited power of NR UE2, the quality of the uplink signal received by network device 100 may be poor, and it may be unable to receive the uplink signal correctly. Therefore, NR UE2 can use SUL resources (low frequency with smaller path loss) to send uplink signals to network device 100, thereby improving the uplink coverage in NR. In this embodiment of the application, signal transmission can also be described as information transmission or data transmission.

[0118] like Figure 3bAs shown, network device 200 is an NR base station, and network device 300 is an LTE base station. For network device 200, curve 1 represents the boundary line of the NR uplink coverage area, curve 2 represents the boundary line of the NR downlink coverage area, and the ring-shaped area between curve 2 and curve 1 represents the area where uplink and downlink coverage do not match. NR UE3 is an NR terminal (i.e., it can use uplink and downlink resources in the NR carrier to transmit signals with network device 2), and NR UE4 is an NR terminal that supports uplink sharing (i.e., it can use uplink and downlink resources in the NR carrier to transmit signals with network device 200, and can also use SUL resources to transmit uplink signals with network device 300). If NR UE4 uses uplink resources in the NR carrier to send an uplink signal to network device 200, due to the high frequency and large path loss of the NR carrier, the quality of the uplink signal received by network device 200 may be poor, and it may be unable to receive the uplink signal correctly. Therefore, NR UE4 can use SUL resources to send an uplink signal to network device 300 (i.e., the downlink transmitting node and the uplink receiving node of NR UE4 are not on the same node), and then network device 300 can send the uplink signal to network device 200, thereby improving part of the uplink coverage in the NR of network device 200. Figure 3b As shown, the ring area between curve 2 and curve 1 can be supplemented by another LTE carrier to improve uplink coverage in NR, and can also be seamlessly improved by multiple other LTE carriers, enabling UE to use SUL resources to initiate random access.

[0119] The number and capabilities of antennas configured on terminal devices vary. When using CA, DC, or SUL technologies to upload uplink signals, terminal devices can switch between different carriers. For example, a typical transmit antenna architecture for a terminal device supporting EN-DC consists of one NR antenna and one shared antenna. The NR antenna is dedicated to NR uplink transmission, while the shared antenna, through switching, meets the uplink transmission requirements of NR or LTE at different times. For another example... Figure 3b If the UE4 shown is associated with TDD technology and does not have dual PA capability, then the UE4 can switch between different carriers to meet the uplink transmission requirements of NR or LTE at different times.

[0120] The standard stipulates that, except for a few DC band combinations caused by intermodulation interference, most DC band combinations support concurrency. Based on this stipulation, the standard defines a basic handover time upper limit, such as the handover time upper limit in a co-located single Timing Advance Group (TAG) scenario. The NR protocol specifies that the handover time is located on the NR carrier. Single-band (Intra-band) EN-DC has two handover times depending on the number of power amplifiers (PAs), and currently, a single-band EN-DC handover time upper limit is defined.

[0121] Figures 4a-4e The diagrams show the switching times specified in the standard. For example... Figure 4a The example shown illustrates the handover time window (150μs) from E-UTRA to NR in a single-band EN-DC scenario with only a single uplink and no dual PA capability. The handover time window includes a 20μs transition period, a 10μs transition period, and a 120μs power-off time. The handover time window is located within the NR band. Figure 4b The diagram shows the switching time window (150μs) from NR to E-UTRA in a single-band EN-DC scenario with only a single uplink and no dual PA capability. The switching time window includes a 20μs transition period, a 10μs transition period, and a 120μs power-off time. The switching time window is located on NR.

[0122] like Figure 4c The example shown is the switching time window (30μs) from E-UTRA to NR in a single-band EN-DC scenario with dual PA capability. The switching time window includes a 20μs transition period and a 10μs transition period. The switching time window is located between E-UTRA and NR.

[0123] like Figure 4d The example shown is a switching time window (150μs) for switching from E-UTRA to NR in a single-band EN-DC scenario that only supports a single switchable uplink. The switching time window includes a 20μs transition period, a 10μs transition period, and a 120μs power-off time. The switching time window is located on NR.

[0124] like Figure 4e The diagram shows the switching time window (150μs) from NR to E-UTRA in a single-band EN-DC scenario that only supports a single switchable uplink. The switching time window includes a 20μs transition period, a 10μs transition period, and a 120μs power-off time. The switching time window is located on NR.

[0125] For SUL technology, the 3GPP standard also specifies the switching time between other DC and SUL technologies. Figures 5a-5f The diagrams show the handover times specified in the 3GPP standard.

[0126] like Figure 5a The example shown is a Type 1 handover time window (32.21μs) for switching from E-UTRA to NR in a TDMS-based UL shared scenario. The handover time window includes a 20μs transition period and a 12.21μs transition period, and the handover time window spans both E-UTRA and NR. Figure 5b The example shown is a Type 1 handover time window (32.21μs) for switching from NR to E-UTRA in a TDMS-based UL shared scenario. The handover time window includes a 10μs transition period and a 22.21μs transition period, and the handover time window is located between E-UTRA and NR.

[0127] like Figure 5c The example shown is a Type 2 handover time window (52.21μs) for switching from E-UTRA to NR in a TDMS-based UL shared scenario. The handover time window includes a 20μs transition period, a 12.21μs transition period, and a 20μs power relationship time. The handover time window is located within NR. Figure 5d The example shown is a Type 2 handover time window (52.21μs) for switching from NR to E-UTRA in a TDMS-based UL shared scenario. The handover time window includes a 10μs transition period, a 22.21μs transition period, and a 20μs power relationship time. The handover time window is located in NR.

[0128] like Figure 5e The example shown illustrates a handover time window where the handover time is located on the NR (Near-North) line, specifically a handover from an E-UTRA uplink to an NR uplink. Figure 5f The example shown is an example of a switching time window where the switching time is located on carrier 1, switching from the supplementary uplink of carrier 1 to the uplink of carrier 2.

[0129] A key characteristic of uplink transmission is orthogonal multiple access (OMI) between different UEs, meaning uplink transmissions from different UEs within the same cell do not interfere with each other. To ensure orthogonality and avoid intra-cell interference, signals from different UEs originating from the same subframe but using different frequency domain resources arrive at the eNodeB at essentially synchronized times. The eNodeB receives uplink data transmitted by a UE within the Cyclic Prefix (CP) range, enabling it to correctly decode the uplink data. Therefore, uplink synchronization requires that the arrival times of signals from different UEs within the same subframe all fall within the CP. To ensure time synchronization at the eNodeB side, LTE has introduced an uplink timing advance mechanism.

[0130] The standard specifies the timing relationship between uplink and downlink transmissions. At the terminal device, the timing advance (TA) is a negative offset between the start of the received downlink subframe and the start of the transmitted uplink subframe. This offset at the terminal device enables the synchronization of downlink and uplink subframes at the network device.

[0131] Network devices can determine timing advance based on measurements of uplink transmissions from terminal devices (such as random access preambles). The network device informs the UE of the timing advance amount by sending a Timing Advance Command (TAC). Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the uplink-downlink timing relationship. Figure 6 As shown, for a downlink subframe with system frame number i and its corresponding uplink subframe, the start of uplink subframe i precedes the start of downlink subframe i. The terminal device transmits uplink subframe i before the start of the corresponding downlink subframe at the terminal device (N... TA +N TA offset )*T s Starts in seconds. Where N... TA N is the measurement quantity parsed by UE in TAC. TA offset These are constant values ​​that vary depending on the frequency band and subcarrier spacing. For example, for frame structure type 1 (i.e., LTE FDD), 0 ≤ N. TA ≤20512, N TA offset = 0; for frame structure type 2 (i.e., LTE TDD), 0 ≤ N TA ≤20512, N TA offset =624. T s = 1 / (15000*2048) seconds, T s The sampling period for the OFDM symbol.

[0132] Different carriers may have different transfer conditions (TAs). For example, in a DC scenario, if two network devices are not co-located, the distance from the UE to the two network devices may be different, and therefore the TAs of the two carriers will also be different. When the UE switches between carriers, the difference in TAs between the two carriers will affect the transmission of data on the carrier.

[0133] Figures 7a-7c This diagram illustrates carrier switching according to some embodiments of the present application. It is assumed that the switching time is always on carrier 2, the timing advance of carrier 1 is TA1, and the timing advance of carrier 2 is TA2, as follows... Figure 7a As shown, if TA1 = TA2, the data transmission of carrier 1 and carrier 2 is unaffected, and there is no data scheduling conflict. Figure 7b As shown, if TA1 < TA2, a data transmission and carrier switching conflict may occur at the tail of carrier 1. Since TA1 < TA2, the timing advance of carrier 2 is greater than that of carrier 1. Therefore, the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 will occupy the data transmission time at the tail of carrier 1, affecting the transmission of data at the tail of carrier 1. Figure 7b The data circled in the middle. For example... Figure 7c As shown, if TA1 > TA2, a data transmission and carrier switching conflict may occur at the tail of carrier 2. Since TA1 < TA2, the timing advance of carrier 2 is less than that of carrier 1. Therefore, the switching time from carrier 2 to carrier 1 will occupy the time for data transmission at the beginning of carrier 1, affecting the transmission of the header data of carrier 1. Figure 7c The data circled in the middle.

[0134] The above analysis shows that different carrier switching modes (TAs) can affect transmitted data, causing conflicts and impacting transmission efficiency. In practical applications, other factors can also cause carrier switching and data transmission conflicts, affecting transmission efficiency.

[0135] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application provides a carrier switching method that can determine the new switching time or adjust the original switching time in advance based on the timing of two carriers. This allows the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, enabling the UE to flexibly switch between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0136] The carrier switching method provided in this application can be applied to scenarios involving multi-carrier uplink transmission and TDM (Transmission Management Device) integration. For example, it can be applied to scenarios where CA (Carrier Association), DC (Distributed Control), SUL (Supply-Use Utility), or Sidelink communication is associated with TDM. Here, TDM can include 1T1T, 1T2T, 2T2T, etc., and carrier switching involves PA (Parapper) readjustment scenarios, where the multiple carriers are carriers multiplexed by the PA link.

[0137] The carrier switching method provided in this application can be applied to multi-carrier uplink transmission scenarios that are not co-located, such as non-co-located multi-TAG scenarios, which may include CA, DC or SUL as described above.

[0138] The carrier switching method provided in this application can be applied to network devices and / or terminal devices in a communication system. The network device and / or terminal device can acquire the transfer times (TAs) of multiple carriers and determine a first switching time parameter based on the multiple carriers. The network device can determine whether to schedule the UE based on the first switching time parameter. The UE can determine the carrier for transmitting data and the time period for not transmitting data based on the first switching time parameter, thereby switching between carriers.

[0139] The carrier switching method of this application embodiment is described below using a DC scenario as an example.

[0140] Figure 8a A schematic diagram of a DC scene according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 8a As shown, network device 10 is connected to UE 30 via carrier 1, with the timing advance of carrier 1 being TA1. Network device 20 is connected to UE 30 via carrier 2, with the timing advance of carrier 2 being TA2. Network device 10 is the master device, transmitting control information. UE 30 reports different frequency band combinations and different handover times to network device 10. In the embodiments of this application, both network device 10 and network device 20 can be base stations.

[0141] This application provides a carrier switching method that can be applied to terminal devices, for example, it can be applied to... Figure 8a The terminal device shown is UE30. Figure 8b A flowchart of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 8b As shown, the carrier switching method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0142] In step S800, the terminal device receives the first timing advance TA of the first carrier and the second timing advance TA of the second carrier;

[0143] Step S801, the terminal device determines a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first handover time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when switching from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when switching from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0144] Step S802: The terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter.

[0145] Figure 9a This diagram illustrates the interaction of devices in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8a and Figure 9a As shown, UE30 can send a random access preamble to network device 10 and network device 20. Network device 10 and network device 20 will estimate the TA1 of carrier 1 and the TA2 of carrier 2 respectively based on the random access preamble sent by UE30. Network device 10 indicates the estimated TA1 to UE30 through a random access response, and network device 20 indicates the estimated TA2 to UE30 through a random access response. In this way, the terminal device can receive the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier.

[0146] In the relevant technology, UE30 sends uplink data to network device 10 according to TA1, and UE30 sends uplink data to network device 20 according to TA2.

[0147] like Figure 7b and Figure 7c As shown, if TA1 is not equal to TA2, it affects the efficiency of data transmission on the carrier. For example, as... Figure 7c As shown, if TA1 < TA2, the transmission of the header data of carrier 1 will be affected. Control signaling is at the beginning of the frame, and data is at the end. The reliability of control signaling transmission is the guarantee of valid and reliable data transmission. If the transmission of the header data of carrier 1 is affected, the reliability of user data transmission will be impacted. In some scenarios, the importance of data transmitted on each carrier in multi-carrier transmission may differ. As analyzed above, the relationship between the TAs of each carrier affects the data frames transmitted on different carriers. Related technologies have not considered the impact of different carrier TAs on data transmission efficiency.

[0148] In the carrier switching method provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device can obtain the TA of multiple carriers, determine the first switching time parameter based on the TA of multiple carriers, and obtain the actual switching time based on the first switching time parameter, thereby adjusting the switching time and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0149] In one embodiment of this application, the first switching time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0150] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine the standard-specified handover time. For example, the handover time on the terminal device can be configured through higher-layer signaling. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine parameters for adjusting the handover time based on the first TA and the second TA, such as parameters for adjusting the position and length of the handover time, and adjust the handover time according to the adjusted parameters to obtain the first handover time parameter.

[0151] For example, suppose the carrier occupied by the handover time specified in the standard is the second carrier, and the length of the handover time is T1. Figure 9b A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 9b As shown, T1 represents the switching time. When switching between carrier 1 and carrier 2, the switching time is always on carrier 2. The duration and position of T1 can be predefined or configured by higher-layer signaling. This application embodiment does not limit this. TA1 represents the first TA, and TA2 represents the second TA. It is assumed that the first TA determined by the terminal device is less than the second TA.

[0152] In the carrier switching diagram of the embodiments of this application, the upper part of the dividing line indicates the switching method between carrier 1 and carrier 2 when there is no timing advance, and the lower part of the dividing line indicates the switching method between carrier 1 and carrier 2 when timing advance is introduced and the timing advance of the two carriers is different.

[0153] like Figure 9b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 9b This manifests as a larger leftward offset for carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time T1 on the left side of carrier 2 will occupy the data transmission time at the tail of carrier 1. However, since the standard specifies that the carrier occupied by the switching time is carrier 2, the terminal device delays the switching time backward by TA2-TA1. The switching time occupies the transmission time of the header data on carrier 2, and the occupied portion is as follows... Figure 9b The circled part is shown in the image. Figure 9bAs shown, the time when the handover start time on the lower carrier 2 of the boundary line is TA1, which is the time that the handover start time on the upper carrier 2 of the boundary line is advanced by. The time when the uplink data on the lower carrier 2 of the boundary line should begin transmission (the left side of the rectangle filled with the diagonal grid, i.e.) Figure 9b The left side of the rectangle circled in the middle is TA2, which is the time ahead of the start time of uplink data transmission for carrier 2 above the boundary line. The actual start time of uplink data transmission for carrier 2 below the boundary line is (the left side of the rectangle filled with diagonal grids, i.e.) Figure 9b The time that the uplink data transmission of carrier 2 on the left side of the rectangle circled in the middle is TA1 is earlier than the time that the uplink data transmission of carrier 2 on the upper side of the dividing line starts. Therefore, the switching time occupies the length of the header data transmission of carrier 2 for TA2-TA1.

[0154] In other words, if the time at which the terminal device switches from carrier 1 to carrier 2, determined by the switching time, is M and the length is T1, then the time at which the terminal device switches from carrier 1 to carrier 2, indicated by the first switching time parameter determined by TA1 and TA2, is M+TA2-TA1, and the length of the switching time is still T1.

[0155] In another embodiment of this application, the first switching time parameter can be used to indicate the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0156] In this embodiment, step S801, whereby the terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, may include: the terminal device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is a position or length of handover time that the terminal device determines and reports to the network device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0157] In other words, in this embodiment, the first handover time parameter determined by the terminal device based on the first TA and the second TA is a parameter for adjusting the standard-specified handover time, which can be used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment. The aforementioned second handover time parameter can refer to the handover time mentioned above, indicating the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The terminal device can report the handover time to the network device.

[0158] Still with Figure 9bFor example, the first switching time parameter may include a parameter indicating the position of the switching time adjustment. The parameter indicating the position of the switching time adjustment may be a subframe symbol of the carrier. The length of the switching time adjustment may be represented by the difference of the TA of different carriers or the quantization index of the difference, or it may be represented by the subframe symbol length or the number of bits, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the parameter indicating the position of the handover time adjustment can also be the carrier data type or the carrier priority, etc. Different data types have different priorities. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the position of the handover time adjustment based on the carrier data type or the carrier priority. For example, the terminal device can determine that the adjusted handover time does not affect the transmission of data on a high-priority carrier or a carrier carrying a high-priority data type. In other words, the terminal device can determine that the adjusted handover time can occupy the transmission time of data on a low-priority carrier or a carrier carrying a low-priority data type.

[0160] In this embodiment, step S802, where the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first handover time parameter, may include: the terminal device switching from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the second handover time parameter and the first handover time parameter. That is, the terminal device can perform carrier switching according to the handover time specified in the standard and the first handover time parameter.

[0161] For example, suppose the terminal device switches to carrier 2 from the Nth subframe symbol of carrier 1, based on the handover time determined by the handover time, and the handover time length is T1. The terminal device, based on the first handover time parameters determined by TA1 and TA2, adjusts the handover time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 at the Nth subframe symbol of carrier 1, and the adjustment length is K subframe symbols. Then, when switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the terminal device starts the carrier handover from the Kth subframe symbol after the Nth subframe symbol of carrier 1.

[0162] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a subframe structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 10 The subframe shown can be an NR or LTE subframe. The subframe includes 14 symbols (0 to 13). The position of the handover time adjustment can be represented by the subframe symbol. For example, the position of the handover time adjustment is subframe symbol 13.

[0163] For example, the length of the first switching time parameter adjustment can be represented by the subframe symbol length. If the switching time adjustment length is one subframe symbol length, the adjustment position is subframe symbol 13. Combined with... Figure 10and Figure 9b In the example shown, the terminal device can begin carrier switching at the end of carrier 1.

[0164] According to the carrier switching method in the embodiments of this application, the actual starting point of the switching time can be determined, and flexible switching can be performed between carriers to maximize network throughput and bring a better data experience to the UE.

[0165] It should be noted that the examples above regarding handover time and the first handover time parameter are merely examples provided in this application, and this application is not limited thereto. For instance, the length of the handover time adjustment in the first handover time parameter could also be the precise time occupied by the handover time, or the number of bits in the data transmission subframe occupied by the handover time, etc.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the carrier switching method provided in this application embodiment may further include: the terminal device receiving data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the network device may configure data type information or carrier priority information to the terminal device during Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration or RRC reconfiguration, or it may configure it through system information blocks (SIB).

[0168] In this embodiment, step S801, where the terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, may include: the terminal device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0169] In the embodiments of this application, different data types can represent different priorities, meaning that the terminal device can prioritize transmitting data types with higher priority. For example, the data types transmitted between the terminal device and the network device may include: Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), or Sound Retrieval System (SRS), etc. In one example, the priority order of the above data types is PRACH > PUCCH > PUSCH > SRS.

[0170] Carrier priority information can directly represent the priority of the first carrier and the priority of the second carrier. For example, if the priority of the first carrier is 1 and the priority of the second carrier is 2, the terminal device can determine the carrier with higher priority based on the priorities of the first and second carriers. In one example, the carrier with the smaller priority number can be determined to have higher priority. Carrier priority information can also indicate the carrier with higher priority. For example, the carrier priority information can indicate that the carrier with higher priority is carrier 1, and the terminal device can prioritize transmitting the data carried by the carrier with higher priority.

[0171] Therefore, when determining the first handover time parameter, the terminal device may consider the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, in addition to considering the first TA and the second TA. Alternatively, it may consider carrier priority information, or it may simultaneously consider the data type of the first data of the first carrier, the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information.

[0172] The carrier switching method provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing for flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0173] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9aAs shown, the carrier handover method may further include: the terminal device reporting the first handover time parameter to the network device, and receiving an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter. The terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter multiple times based on the first TA and the second TA, and report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device multiple times, so as to flexibly adjust the handover time to adapt to different scenarios.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can report the first handover time parameter to the network device via RRC signaling, such as UE capabilities, UE assistance information, or dedicated handover information. Alternatively, it can dynamically report the first handover time parameter via MACCE or a Universal Communications Identifier (UCI). Upon receiving the first handover time parameter, the network device can also send an acknowledgment character (ACK) to the terminal device.

[0175] The carrier switching methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0176] Example 1

[0177] The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the data type information. Assuming that the data type priority of the first data transmitted on the first carrier is lower than the data type priority of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, and the first TA is less than the second TA, the carrier occupied by the handover time configured by the system is the second carrier.

[0178] Figure 11a A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 11a As shown, T1 represents the handover time. When handover occurs between carrier 1 and carrier 2, the handover time always occurs on carrier 2. The duration and position of T1 can be predefined or configured via higher-layer signaling; this embodiment does not limit this. The first carrier is carrier 1, and the second carrier is carrier 2. The first TA is TA1, and the second TA is TA2.

[0179] When a terminal device needs to perform carrier switching, for example, switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the terminal device determines the first switching time parameter based on the switching time, TA1, TA2, the data type of the first data transmitted on the first carrier, and the priority of the data type of the second data transmitted on the second carrier.

[0180] like Figure 11aAs shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 11a This manifests as a greater leftward offset of carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. Since the switching time occurs on carrier 2, the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 will consume a portion of the data transmission time of carrier 1. In this embodiment, because the data type priority of the first data transmitted on the first carrier is lower than the data type priority of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, the loss of data transmitted on the first carrier has a relatively small impact on transmission efficiency. Therefore, the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device can be the same as the standard-specified switching time; or, in other words, the terminal device does not adjust the standard-specified switching time. In the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device, both the position and length of the switching time adjustment are empty.

[0181] In this embodiment, the terminal device may not report the determined first handover time parameter. In one possible implementation, the terminal device may report the location and length of data transmission occupied by the determined handover time to the network device. The location of data transmission occupied by the handover time can be represented by a subframe symbol, and the length of data transmission occupied by the handover time can be represented by the symbol length. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10 .

[0182] Example 2

[0183] The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the data type information. Assuming that the data type priority of the first data transmitted on the first carrier is higher than the data type priority of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, and the first TA is less than the second TA, the carrier occupied by the handover time configured by the system is the second carrier.

[0184] Figure 11b A schematic diagram of carrier switching according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 11b As shown, T1 represents the handover time. When handover occurs between carrier 1 and carrier 2, the handover time always occurs on carrier 2. The duration and position of T1 can be predefined or configured via higher-layer signaling; this embodiment does not limit this. The first carrier is carrier 1, and the second carrier is carrier 2. The first TA is TA1, and the second TA is TA2.

[0185] When a terminal device needs to perform carrier switching, for example, switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the terminal device determines the first switching time parameter based on the switching time, TA1, TA2, the data type of the first data transmitted on the first carrier, and the priority of the data type of the second data transmitted on the second carrier.

[0186] like Figure 11b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 11b This manifests as a larger leftward offset of carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. Since the switching time occurs on carrier 2, the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 will consume a portion of the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 1. In this embodiment, because the data type priority of the first data transmitted on the first carrier is higher than that of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, the loss of data transmitted on the first carrier has a significant impact on transmission efficiency. Therefore, the terminal device delays the switching time by TA2-TA1, and the switching time consumes the transmission time of the header data on carrier 2. The consumed portion is as follows: Figure 11b The circled part is shown.

[0187] If the terminal device determines the time of switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2 based on the switching time as M, and the length is T1, then the time indicated by the terminal device to switch from carrier 1 to carrier 2 based on the first switching time parameter determined by TA1 and TA2 is M+TA2-TA1, and the length of the switching time is still T1. Alternatively, if the terminal device determines, based on the switching time, to switch from the 13th subframe symbol of carrier 1 to carrier 2, with a switching time length of T1, and the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device indicates that the adjustment position for the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 is the 13th subframe of carrier 1, with a switching time adjustment length of 1 subframe symbol length, then the terminal device will start carrier switching from carrier 2 when switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2. Or, if the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device indicates that the adjustment position for the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 is carrier 1 (higher priority for data types), with a switching time adjustment length of 1 subframe symbol length, since the terminal device determines, to switch from the 13th subframe symbol of carrier 1 to carrier 2 based on the switching time, the terminal device will adjust the switching time backward by 1 symbol length from the 13th subframe symbol of carrier 1 to start carrier switching.

[0188] The terminal device can report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device. In addition, the terminal device can also report the location and length of data transmission occupied by the handover time to the network device.

[0189] Example 3

[0190] The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and carrier priority information. Assuming the first carrier has a priority of 1, the second carrier has a priority of 2, the first carrier has a lower priority than the second carrier, the first TA is less than the second TA, and the carrier used for the handover time configured by the system is the second carrier.

[0191] by Figure 11a Taking the example shown, when a terminal device needs to perform carrier switching, say, switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the terminal device determines the first switching time parameter based on the switching time, TA1, TA2, and carrier priority information. Figure 11a As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 11a This manifests as a larger leftward offset of carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. Since the switching time occurs on carrier 2, the switching time from carrier 1 to carrier 2 will consume a portion of the data transmission time of carrier 1. In this embodiment, because carrier 1 has a lower priority than carrier 2, the loss of data transmitted on carrier 1 has a smaller impact on transmission efficiency. Therefore, the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device can be the same as the standard-specified switching time; or, the terminal device does not adjust the standard-specified switching time. In the first switching time parameter determined by the terminal device, both the position and length of the switching time adjustment are empty.

[0192] Example 4

[0193] The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and carrier priority information. Assuming the first carrier has a priority of 2, the second carrier has a priority of 1, the first carrier has a higher priority than the second carrier, the first TA is less than the second TA, and the carrier used for the handover time configured by the system is the second carrier.

[0194] In this example, it can be used as Figure 11b The example shown is used for illustration. In this embodiment, because the first carrier has a higher priority than the second carrier, the loss of data transmitted on the first carrier has a significant impact on transmission efficiency. Therefore, the terminal device delays the switching time by TA2-TA1. The switching time occupies the transmission time of the header data on carrier 2, and the occupied part is as follows: Figure 11b The circled part is shown. The rest of the process is the same as in Example 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] Example 5

[0196] Figure 11cThis diagram illustrates the interaction of an apparatus for performing a carrier handover method according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal device can determine a first handover time parameter multiple times based on a first TA and a second TA, and report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device multiple times. For example... Figure 11c As shown, the terminal device can periodically send a random access preamble to the network device. The network device 10 and the network device 20 determine the TA1 of carrier 1 and the TA2 of carrier 2 based on the random access preamble sent by the terminal device. The network device 10 and the network device 20 can respectively send the determined TA1 and TA2 to the terminal device through the random access corresponding indication.

[0197] Each time a carrier handover is required, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter based on TA1 and TA2, and report the first handover time parameter to the network device. The terminal device can then perform the carrier handover based on the determined first handover time parameter. In other words, the terminal device can execute [the necessary steps] before each carrier handover. Figure 9a The method shown is used to report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device.

[0198] It should be noted that Example 5 can be combined with any of Examples 1 to 4. That is, in any of Examples 1 to 4, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter multiple times based on the first TA and the second TA, and report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device multiple times.

[0199] This application provides a carrier switching method that can be applied to network devices in non-co-site scenarios, for example, it can be applied to... Figure 8a Network device 10 is shown. Figure 12a A flowchart of a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 12b An interactive diagram of a device for performing a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0200] like Figure 12a As shown, the carrier switching method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0201] In step S120, the network device determines the first timing advance TA of the first carrier and the second timing advance TA of the second carrier;

[0202] Step S121, the network device determines a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first handover time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0203] Step S122: The network device sends the first handover time parameter to the terminal device.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the network device communicates with the terminal device via multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication. In this embodiment, the terminal device communicates with multiple network devices via multi-carrier technology; in other words, the carrier switching method in this embodiment is applied in a non-co-site scenario.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the multi-carrier in the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is time division multiplexing (TDM).

[0206] In one possible implementation, the network device is a primary network device in a DC, and the DC also includes a secondary network device. The primary network device communicates with the terminal device via a first carrier, and the secondary network device communicates with the terminal device via a second carrier. The network device determines a first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and a second TA of the second carrier, including: the network device receiving the TA of the second carrier or the difference between the TA of the second carrier and the TA of the first carrier reported by the terminal device; or, the network device receiving the TA of the second carrier reported by the secondary network device.

[0207] For example, in the carrier switching method provided in the embodiments of this application, the network device can obtain the TA of multiple carriers, such as... Figure 8a and Figure 13b In the example shown, network device 10 is the master device, and network device 20 reports TA2 to network device 10. Alternatively, in another possible implementation, UE 30 reports TA2 or the difference between TA2 and TA1 to network device 10. In this way, network device 10 can obtain TA1 of carrier 1 and TA2 of carrier 2. Network device 10 can determine the first handover time parameter based on the TA of the carriers.

[0208] When issuing scheduling information, network devices can send the determined first handover time adjustment parameters to terminal devices. The scheduling information, used to indicate resource allocation and usage, can be RRC signaling, MAC Control Element (MAC CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI), carrying the first handover time parameter. Upon receiving the scheduling information from the network device, the terminal device can obtain the first handover time parameter and perform carrier handover based on it.

[0209] like Figure 12b In step S12, as shown, when network device 10 sends scheduling information to UE30, it can send the first handover time parameter to UE30, and UE30 can perform carrier handover according to the first handover time parameter.

[0210] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can determine the handover time specified in the standard. For example, the handover time on the terminal device can be configured through higher-layer signaling. The terminal device can report the handover time to the network device. The handover time specified in the standard includes the carrier occupied by the handover time and the length of the handover time, etc.

[0211] In embodiments of this application, the network device may determine a new handover time based on the first TA, the second TA, and the handover time, or determine parameters for adjusting the handover time based on the first TA and the second TA.

[0212] In one embodiment of this application, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The network device can determine parameters for adjusting the handover time based on the first TA and the second TA, such as parameters for adjusting the position and length of the handover time, and adjust the handover time according to the adjusted parameters to obtain the first handover time parameter. For details, please refer to the description in the terminal device section, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] In another embodiment of this application, the first switching time parameter can be used to indicate the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0214] In this embodiment, step S121 may include: the network device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is a position or length of handover time that the network device determines and sends to the terminal device before determining the first handover time parameter, for indicating the handover time of the terminal device from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0215] In this embodiment, in one possible implementation, the position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier, and the length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA or a quantization index of the difference. For details, please refer to the description in the terminal device section, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the carrier switching method of this application embodiment may further include: the network device determining data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier.

[0217] The network device can obtain the data type of the data sent during communication with the scheduled terminal device, and / or obtain the priority information of the carrier sent during communication with the scheduled terminal device. The carrier or data type sent during communication between the network device and the scheduled terminal device is defined according to specified rules, which can be defined by a standard or implemented by a base station; this application does not limit this.

[0218] In this embodiment, step S121, where the network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, may include: the network device determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information. For details, please refer to the description in the terminal device section, which will not be repeated here.

[0219] In the embodiments of this application, the network device may determine the first handover time parameter multiple times and send the first handover time parameter to the terminal device multiple times. For details, please refer to the description of the terminal device's multiple reporting, which will not be repeated here. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can report TA2 or the difference between TA2 and TA1 to the network device in various ways. For example, the terminal device can report the number of symbols occupied by the difference between TA2 and TA1, or the number of bits occupied, or the precise time of the difference between TA2 and TA1. This application does not limit this.

[0220] When reporting in units of symbols, frequent reporting is unnecessary in scenarios where the number of bits remains constant. For example, in typical 5G non-co-site subframes, the SCS is less than 240kHz, and in Inter RAT DC subframes, the SCS is less than 60kHz. When reporting in units of precise time, if it is non-periodic reporting, it needs to be reported once at intervals or when the RSRP measurement value changes beyond a certain threshold. If it is periodic reporting, it can be reported according to the predetermined period. The following example illustrates how the terminal device reports the difference between TA2 and TA1 to the network device, using the number of bits used to report the difference between TA2 and TA1.

[0221] In mobile communication, data is transmitted in frames over a wireless network. A wireless frame can include multiple subframes. For 5G and LTE technologies, the length of a subframe is fixed at 1ms. The sub-carrier space (SCS) in LTE is fixed at 15kHz, while the SCS in 5G is variable, for example, it can be 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, etc. In conventional NR carrier transmission scenarios, the number of symbols that cannot be transmitted due to conflicts between handover time and data transmission time can be used as a standardized baseline scheme.

[0222] In the embodiments of this application, the TA value granularity is 1TA = 16Ts (0.52µs), 1Ts = 64Tc, 1Ts = 1 / (15000*2048) seconds, and one TA value corresponds to a distance change between the terminal device and the network device of (300000km / s*0.52μs) / 2 = 78m. The symbol length of a regular subframe with an SCS of 15kHz is 66.7µs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 0.7% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 15kHz; the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 30kHz is 33.3µs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 1.5% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 30kHz; the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 60kHz is 16.7µs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 3% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 60kHz. For a subframe with an SCS of 120 kHz, the symbol length is 8.3 μs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 6% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 120 kHz. For a subframe with an SCS of 240 kHz, the symbol length is 4.1 μs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 12% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 240 kHz. For a subframe with an SCS of 480 kHz, the symbol length is 2.1 μs, and one TA value accounts for approximately 24% of the symbol length of a subframe with an SCS of 480 kHz.

[0223] The typical coverage radius of a 2G base station is approximately 5-10 kilometers, that of a 3G base station is approximately 2-5 kilometers, that of a 4G base station is approximately 1-3 kilometers, and that of a 5G base station is approximately 0.25-0.5 kilometers. Since one TA value corresponds to a distance variation of (300,000 km / s * 0.52 μs) / 2 = 78 meters between the terminal device and the network device, the range of TA values ​​for the terminals served by the base station can be determined based on the base station's coverage radius and the distance variation corresponding to one TA value. For example, the typical non-co-site TA difference in 5G is 0-13TA (0-1km), which accounts for approximately 0-9.1% of the symbol length (66.7us) of a regular subframe SCS at 15kHz, approximately 0-18.2% of the symbol length (33.3us) of a regular subframe SCS at 30kHz, approximately 0-36.4% of the symbol length (16.7us) of a regular subframe SCS at 60kHz, approximately 0-72.8% of the symbol length (8.3us) of a regular subframe SCS at 120kHz, approximately 0-145.6% of the symbol length (4.1us) of a regular subframe SCS at 240kHz, and approximately 0-291.2% of the symbol length (2.1us) of a regular subframe SCS at 480kHz.

[0224] Therefore, when the SCS of a regular subframe is below 240kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 1, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 1 bit; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 240kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 2, that is, the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 2 bits; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 480kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 3, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 2 bits.

[0225] The typical non-co-station TA difference for Inter RAT DC (EN-DC / NE-DC) is 0-43 TA (0-5.5km), which accounts for approximately 0-30.1% of the symbol length (66.7us) of a regular subframe SCS at 15kHz, approximately 0-60.2% of the symbol length (33.3us) of a regular subframe SCS at 30kHz, approximately 0-120.4% of the symbol length (16.7us) of a regular subframe SCS at 60kHz, approximately 0-240.8% of the symbol length (8.3us) of a regular subframe SCS at 120kHz, approximately 0-481.6% of the symbol length (4.1us) of a regular subframe SCS at 240kHz, and approximately 0-963.2% of the symbol length (2.1us) of a regular subframe SCS at 480kHz.

[0226] Therefore, when the SCS of a regular subframe is below 30kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 1, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 1 bit; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 60kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 2, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 2 bits; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 120kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 2, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 2 bits; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 240kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 5, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 3 bits; when the SCS of a regular subframe is 480kHz, the maximum number of sign bits occupied is 10, and the difference between TA2 and TA1 reported by the terminal device can occupy 4 bits.

[0227] When reporting is done in units of symbols, frequent reporting is unnecessary in scenarios where the number of bits remains constant, reducing the number of communications between the terminal device and the network device. It should be noted that the first handover time parameter determined by the network device and the terminal device includes the difference between TA2 and TA1, which can also be represented in the manner described above.

[0228] The above describes the carrier switching process of terminal devices in non-co-site scenarios. This application also provides a carrier switching method that can be applied to multi-carrier communication technology in co-site scenarios. In co-site scenarios, such as... Figure 3a As shown, for different carriers in a multi-carrier system, since the distance between the terminal device and the base station is the same, the switching time (TA) of the carriers in multi-carrier communication is the same. However, due to differences in UE capabilities, the switching time required for the terminal device to perform carrier switching may vary. In related technologies, the switching time is fixed, which cannot adapt to various different environments or changes in actual application scenarios, and is not flexible enough.

[0229] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application provides a carrier switching method. In a multi-carrier communication scenario with a shared site, before carrier switching, a first switching time parameter is determined based on data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time is obtained. This allows for advance adjustment of the switching time position and / or length according to timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers based on different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0230] This application provides a carrier switching method applicable to multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which can be any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication. The device executing this carrier switching method can be a terminal device or a network device; this application does not limit this. The main difference between the carrier switching method provided in this application and related technologies is that the carrier switching method in this application can send switching time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, allowing the switching time to flexibly change according to variations in the application scenario.

[0231] Figure 13a A flowchart illustrating a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 13a As shown, the carrier switching method in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0232] In step S130, the terminal device determines a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information. The first handover time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein, the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier;

[0233] Step S131: The terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter based on the data types transmitted on the first carrier and the second carrier. The data types of the first data transmitted on the first carrier and the second data transmitted on the second carrier may be different, and different data types have different priorities. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter based on the data types transmitted on the first carrier and the second carrier; the specific content indicated by the first handover time parameter can be found above.

[0235] For example, in one instance, the first handover time parameter indicates the location or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. Before performing carrier handover, the terminal device can obtain the data type of the first data transmitted on the first carrier and the data type of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, and determine the first handover time parameter based on the data types of the first and second data. Assuming that the data type of the first data has a higher priority than the data type of the second data, the terminal device can determine that the location of the handover time indicated by the first handover time parameter is the handover time occupying the second carrier, and the length of the handover time can be determined according to the handover time length specified in the standard.

[0236] In another example, the first handover time parameter indicates the position or length of the handover time adjustment from the first carrier to the second carrier. In this example, assuming the standard-specified handover time occupies the second carrier and the handover time length is T1, and the data type of the first data has a lower priority than the data type of the second data, the terminal device can determine that the handover time adjustment position indicated by the first handover time parameter is the first carrier, and the handover time length can still be T1.

[0237] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter based on the priority of the first carrier and the priority of the second carrier. The priorities of the first carrier and the second carrier may be different, and the terminal device can prioritize transmitting data carried by the carrier with the higher priority. The specific process is similar to the method of determining the first handover time parameter based on the data type, and will not be described in detail here.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting the first handover time parameter to the network device and receiving an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device regarding the first handover time parameter. In embodiments of this application, the terminal device may determine the first handover time parameter multiple times based on data type information or carrier priority information, and report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device multiple times. Figure 13b An interaction diagram of a device for performing a carrier switching method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 13b As shown, when carrier switching is required, the terminal device can obtain data type information or carrier priority information, determine the first switching time parameter based on the data type information or carrier priority information, report the determined first switching time parameter to the network device, and perform carrier switching based on the first switching time parameter.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device determining its capability information. In this embodiment, step S130, where the terminal device determines a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, may include: the terminal device determining the first handover time parameter based on one or more of capability information, data type information, or carrier priority information.

[0240] Here, capability information can refer to PA (Portable Controller) capability. Different terminal devices have different PA capabilities, and even the PA capability of the same terminal device may change. Therefore, when performing carrier handover, the terminal device can determine the first handover time parameter based on the PA capability, or it can determine the first handover time parameter based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. In this embodiment, the terminal device can also determine the first handover time parameter multiple times based on the PA capability and report the determined first handover time parameter to the network device multiple times, such as... Figure 12b As shown.

[0241] In one example, the first handover time parameter indicates the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. Before performing carrier handover, the terminal device can obtain the data type of the first data transmitted on the first carrier, the data type of the second data transmitted on the second carrier, and the UE's PA capability. Based on the data types of the first and second data and the UE's PA capability, the first handover time parameter is determined. Assuming the standard specifies that the handover time occupies the second carrier, and the handover time length is T1, and the data type of the first data has higher priority than the data type of the second data, the terminal device can determine the position of the handover time indicated by the first handover time parameter as the handover time occupying the second carrier, and the handover time length T2 can be obtained based on the UE's PA capability. If T2 and T1 are the same, the handover time does not need to be adjusted, or in other words, the determined first handover time parameter is the same as before. If T2 and T1 are different, the terminal device can determine that the handover time length indicated by the first handover time parameter is T2.

[0242] In another example, assuming the standard specifies that the handover time occupies the second carrier, and the handover time length is T1, and the data type of the first data has a lower priority than the data type of the second data, the terminal device can determine the position of the handover time indicated by the first handover time parameter as the handover time occupying the first carrier based on the data type. Based on the UE's PA capability, the handover time length T2 can be obtained. If T2 and T1 are the same, the terminal device can determine that the position of the handover time indicated by the first handover time parameter is the first carrier. If T2 and T1 are different, the terminal device can determine that the position of the handover time indicated by the first handover time parameter is the first carrier, and the handover time length is T2.

[0243] The carrier switching method provided in this application provides a first switching time parameter that can be determined based on the PA capability during carrier switching in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station. Alternatively, the first switching time parameter can be determined based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time can be obtained. This allows for advance adjustment of the switching time position and / or length according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0244] According to the carrier switching method of the present application, the actual switching time can be flexibly determined according to the actual situation, so that the switching time can be flexibly changed according to the changes in the application scenario.

[0245] For network devices in a multi-carrier communication system in a co-location scenario, embodiments of this application also provide a carrier switching method. The network device communicates with the terminal device via multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication. The main difference between the carrier switching method provided in this application and related technologies is that the carrier switching method in this application can send switching time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, allowing the switching time to flexibly change according to variations in the application scenario.

[0246] Specifically, the method may include: a network device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the first handover time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjusted handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the network device sending the first handover time parameter to the terminal device. The specific process can be found in the description of the terminal device section and will not be repeated here.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device receiving capability information reported by the terminal device; the network device determining a first handover time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, including: the network device determining the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information. The specific process can be found in the description of the terminal device section and will not be repeated here.

[0248] According to the carrier switching method of the present application, the actual switching time can be flexibly determined according to the actual situation, so that the switching time can be flexibly changed according to the changes in the application scenario.

[0249] This application also provides a carrier handover method. In non-co-site scenarios, network devices or terminal devices can determine a first handover time parameter based on data priority principles, a first TA, and a second TA. The data priority principle can include data type information or carrier priority information as described above, and can also include header data priority, tail data priority, channel priority information, etc. Header data priority means that when the handover time occupies the carrier's data transmission time, priority is given to the transmission of header data, or the handover time prioritizes the transmission time of tail data. Tail data priority is the opposite of header data priority; when the handover time occupies the carrier's data transmission time, priority is given to the transmission of tail data, or the handover time prioritizes the transmission time of header data. Channel priority information is similar to carrier priority information; carriers transmitted in channels with higher priority have higher priority.

[0250] The carrier switching methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0251] Example 6

[0252] by Figure 8a and Figure 9a Taking the scenario shown as an example, assume that the handover time occupies carrier 2, meaning that the handover time is all on carrier 2. In this embodiment, the data priority principle configured on network device 10 is header data priority.

[0253] Network device 10 determines the TA1 of carrier 1 based on the random access preamble sent by UE 30, and network device 10 obtains the TA2 of carrier 2. Network device 10 obtains TA2 by receiving the TA2 of carrier 2 reported by network device 20, or by receiving the TA2 reported by UE 30 or the difference between TA2 and TA1.

[0254] In the embodiments of this application, TA notification signaling (e.g., RAN3 signaling) can be added between network devices. Network device 10 is the master device and network device 20 is the slave device. Network device 20 can send RAN3 signaling to network device 10 to inform network device 10 of the TA2 of carrier 2.

[0255] In embodiments of this application, UE30 can also report TA2 of carrier 2 to network device 10. After estimating TA2 of carrier 2 based on the random access preamble sent by UE30, network device 20 can indicate TA2 of carrier 2 to UE30 through random access response. Therefore, UE30 can report TA2 to network device 10. In one possible implementation, UE30 can report the initial value of TA2 or the difference between the initial value of TA2 and TA1 to network device 10 when the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection is established. In another possible implementation, UE30 can report TA2 or the difference between TA2 and TA1 to network device 10 within the TA validity period. UE30 can report periodically or non-periodically within the TA validity period. The TA validity period can refer to starting a timer after a new TA is measured. If the TA is not updated after the timer expires, the TA value becomes invalid. If the TA is updated to a new TA before the timer expires, the timer is reset and the countdown restarts. In other words, once TA is updated, it is valid for a certain period of time, which is called the TA validity period.

[0256] Network device 10 can determine the first handover time parameter based on the acquired TA1, TA2 and data priority principle. Figures 14a-14c A schematic diagram illustrating carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figures 14a-14c In this context, T1 represents the handover time. When switching between carrier 1 and carrier 2, the handover time always occurs on carrier 2. The duration and position of T1 can be predefined or configured via higher-layer signaling; this embodiment does not limit this. The first carrier can be carrier 1 and the second carrier can be carrier 2, or the first carrier can be carrier 2 and the second carrier can be carrier 1.

[0257] In the carrier switching diagram of the embodiments of this application, the upper part of the dividing line indicates the switching method between carrier 1 and carrier 2 when there is no timing advance, and the lower part of the dividing line indicates the switching method between carrier 1 and carrier 2 when timing advance is introduced and the timing advance of the two carriers is different.

[0258] If TA1 = TA2, network device 10 can determine that the handover time does not require the time spent transmitting data via the carrier. For example... Figure 14aAs shown, if switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, since TA1 = TA2, therefore Figure 14a The leftward offset (negative offset) time of carriers 1 and 2 below the dividing line relative to carriers 1 and 2 above the dividing line is the same, and the handover time does not require the time for data transmission at the tail of carrier 1. Similarly, if switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the handover time does not require the time for data transmission at the header of carrier 1. Therefore, in this example, the first handover time parameter determined by the network device is the same as the handover time specified in the standard.

[0259] Since the switching time is all on carrier 2, TA1 < TA2, and the data priority type used in this example is header data priority, network device 10 can determine that when switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time occupies the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 1, and the occupied time length is TA2-TA1. Figure 14b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 14b This manifests as carrier 2 being offset to the left by a greater length relative to carrier 1. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time T1 on the left side of carrier 2 will occupy the data transmission time at the tail of carrier 1, with the occupied time being TA2-TA1. Figure 14b The circled portion of data does not violate the principle of header data priority. Therefore, the first handover time parameter determined by the network device indicates that the position and length of the handover time are the same as those specified in the standard. Alternatively, the first handover time parameter determined by the network device indicates that both the position and length of the handover time adjustment are empty. If switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the handover time is located on carrier 2, and carrier 2 is offset to the left by a larger length. Therefore, the handover time will not occupy the carrier's data transmission time.

[0260] Since the switching time is all on carrier 2, TA1 > TA2, and the data priority type used in this example is header data priority, the network device 10 can determine that when switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time occupies the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 2, and the time length occupied is TA1-TA2.

[0261] like Figure 14c As shown, the time it takes for carrier 1 below the dividing line to shift to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time it takes for carrier 2 below the dividing line to shift to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 > TA2, carrier 1 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 14cThis manifests as a larger leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2. If the switch occurs from carrier 1 to carrier 2, and the switching time occurs on carrier 2, the leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2 is greater, such as... Figure 14c As shown, the switching time on the left side of carrier 2 is still some distance from the tail data of carrier 1. Therefore, the switching time will not occupy the data transmission time of carrier 1 and does not violate the data priority principle. Therefore, the first switching time parameter determined by the network device indicates that the position and length of the switching time are the same as those specified in the standard. Alternatively, the first switching time parameter determined by the network device indicates that the position and length of the switching time adjustment are both empty.

[0262] If the switch is made from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time T1 on the right side of carrier 2 will occupy the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 2, such as... Figure 14c The circled portion of the data occupies the time period TA1-TA2. For example... Figure 14c As shown, this is because carrier 2 is offset to the left by a smaller length relative to carrier 1. Therefore, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 will conflict with the transmission time of the header data of carrier 1. In this example, the data priority principle is header data priority. Therefore, in order to ensure the transmission of the header data of carrier 1, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 is changed from TA2 to TA1 in advance. However, the uplink transmission time of carrier 2 is still changed to TA2 in advance. Therefore, the transmission time of part of the tail data of carrier 2 will be occupied by the switching time.

[0263] Therefore, when switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, assuming the network device determines the time of switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2 as M, with a length of T1, based on the switching time, the network device can determine the first switching time parameter as M-(TA1-TA2), with a length of T1, according to the priority principle of TA1, TA2, and header data. Alternatively, assuming the network device determines the switching time to begin from the Nth subframe symbol of carrier 2, with a switching time length of T1, and the first switching time parameter determined by the network device indicates the switching time adjustment position for switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1 as the NKth subframe symbol of carrier 2, with a switching time adjustment length of K subframe symbols, then the terminal device, when switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, will begin carrier switching from the NKth subframe symbol of carrier 2.

[0264] The carrier switching method described in the above embodiments of this application can prioritize the protection of header data, ensuring the initial arrival time of the data. It is suitable for application scenarios requiring protection of header signaling.

[0265] Example 7

[0266] In this example, it is assumed that the carrier occupied by the handover time is the previous carrier. That is, during carrier handover, the handover time is always on the carrier preceding the handover. For example, if switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the carrier occupied by the handover time is carrier 1; if switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the carrier occupied by the handover time is carrier 2. In this embodiment, the data priority principle is header data priority.

[0267] The process by which network device 10 acquires TA1 and TA2 is as described in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, since the carrier occupied by the handover time is the previous carrier, that is, the handover time parameters are different from those in the previous embodiment; specifically, the carrier occupied by the handover time is different. Therefore, the first handover time parameter determined by network device 10 based on the acquired TA1, TA2, handover time, and data priority principle is different from that in the previous embodiment.

[0268] Figures 15a-15c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown. Figures 15a-15c In this context, T1 represents the switching time. When switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time is on carrier 1, and when switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2.

[0269] If TA1 = TA2, network device 10 can determine that the handover time does not require the time spent transmitting data via the carrier. For detailed analysis, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14a The analysis will not be repeated here.

[0270] If TA1 < TA2, this example uses a data priority principle of header data priority, and the handover time is located on the preceding carrier. Therefore, network device 10 can determine that the handover time occupies the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 1, and the occupied time length is TA2-TA1. Figure 15b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 15b This manifests as a larger leftward offset for carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, part of the switching time is spent on carrier 1, and part is used for the header data of carrier 2. Since this example uses a header data priority principle, to ensure the transmission of the header data on carrier 2, network device 10 changes the switching time TA on carrier 1 from TA1 to TA2. The switching time occupies the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 1, and the occupied portion is as follows: Figure 15b The circled part is shown in the image. Figure 15bAs shown, the time that the handover start time on the lower carrier 1 of the boundary line is TA2, which is earlier than the time that the handover start time on the upper carrier 1 of the boundary line. The time that the uplink data on the lower carrier 1 of the boundary line is earlier than the time that the uplink data on the upper carrier 1 of the boundary line begins transmission is TA1. The time length occupied by the data transmission at the tail of carrier 1 is TA2-TA1. The specific method for determining the first handover time parameter can be found in the analysis process of Example 6.

[0271] If the switch is from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2, and carrier 2 is offset to the left by a larger length, so the switching time will not occupy the data transmission time of the carrier.

[0272] If TA1 > TA2, this example uses a data priority principle of header data priority, and the handover time is located on the preceding carrier. Therefore, network device 10 can determine that the handover time occupies the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 2, and the occupied time length is TA2-TA1. Figure 15c As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 > TA2, carrier 1 shifts to the left for a longer period. Figure 15c This manifests as a greater leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2 occurs during the switching time of carrier 1, the leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2 is greater, as shown below. Figure 15c As shown, the switching time on the right side of carrier 1 is some distance from the header data of carrier 2, therefore the switching time will not occupy the transmission time of the header data of carrier 2, and no conflict will occur. If switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2, and the switching time T1 on the right side of carrier 2 will occupy the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 2, as shown. Figure 15c The circled portion of the data occupies the time period TA1-TA2. For example... Figure 15c As shown, this is because carrier 2's leftward offset relative to carrier 1 is smaller. Therefore, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 conflicts with the transmission time of the header data on carrier 1. In this example, the data priority principle is header data priority. Therefore, to ensure the transmission of the header data on carrier 1, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 is advanced from TA2 to TA1. However, the uplink data transmission time of carrier 2 remains advanced to TA2. Thus, the transmission time of part of the tail data on carrier 2 will be occupied by the switching time. The specific method for determining the first switching time parameter can be found in the analysis process of Example 6.

[0273] The carrier switching method described in the above embodiments of this application can prioritize the protection of header data, ensuring the initial arrival time of the data. It is suitable for application scenarios requiring protection of header signaling.

[0274] Example 8

[0275] In this example, the data priority principle configured on network device 10 is selected carrier priority, assuming that the carrier occupied by the handover time is carrier 2. Selected carrier priority means that data on the selected carrier is transmitted first. If the handover time conflicts with the data transmission time of the selected carrier, the handover time does not occupy the data transmission time of the selected carrier, but instead occupies the data transmission time of the unselected carrier (other than the selected carrier).

[0276] In one possible implementation, the selected carrier can be a network-configured priority carrier. For example, the network may have different carrier priorities, with the carrier having the highest priority being the selected carrier. Alternatively, the selected carrier can be a standardized priority carrier. In other words, the selected priority carrier can be configured in the network according to the specific transmission service requirements; for example, the priority of the selected carrier can be set to the highest priority. A standardized priority carrier can refer to setting the type of the preferentially selected carrier to a standard form. For instance, if the two carriers being switched are NR and LTE, the carrier transmitting non-control information can be set as the priority carrier, meaning the handover time takes precedence over the carrier transmitting non-control information. In other words, the selected carrier for transmitting control information takes precedence over the transmission of data on the selected carrier. Alternatively, in an Inter-RAT DC scenario, NR can be the priority carrier, meaning the handover time takes precedence over the NR carrier, or the carrier transmitting non-control information can be the priority carrier, meaning the handover time takes precedence over the carrier transmitting non-control information.

[0277] In one possible implementation, a priority can be set for the carriers, with the carrier with the highest priority being the selected carrier, and data on the selected carrier being transmitted first.

[0278] by Figure 8a and Figure 9a Taking the application scenario shown as an example, in this example, we assume that the selected carrier is carrier 1.

[0279] The process by which network device 10 obtains TA1 and TA2 is as described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0280] In this embodiment, since the data priority principle is different from that in Example 1, the first handover time parameter determined by the network device 10 based on the acquired TA1, TA2 and the data priority principle is different from that in the embodiment described in Example 6. Figures 16a-16c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown. Figures 16a-16cIn this context, T1 represents the switching time, which is located on carrier 2.

[0281] If TA1 = TA2, network device 10 can determine that the handover time does not require the time spent transmitting data via the carrier. For detailed analysis, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14a The analysis will not be repeated here.

[0282] If TA1 < TA2, since the handover time is all on carrier 2, and the data priority principle used in this example is carrier selection priority, with carrier 1 being the selected carrier, the network device 10 can determine that the handover time occupies the transmission time of the header data on carrier 2, and the occupied time length is TA2 - TA1. Figure 16b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 16b This manifests as a larger leftward offset for carrier 2 relative to carrier 1. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time T1 on the left side of carrier 2 will occupy the time for data transmission at the tail of carrier 1. However, since this example uses a carrier-priority principle, and carrier 1 is selected, to ensure data transmission on carrier 1, network device 10 changes the switching time TA on carrier 2 from TA2 to TA1. The switching time occupies the transmission time of the header data on carrier 2, and the occupied portion is as follows: Figure 13b The circled part is shown in the image. Figure 16b As shown, the time when the handover start time on the lower carrier 2 of the boundary line is TA1, which is the time that the handover start time on the upper carrier 2 of the boundary line is advanced by. The time when the uplink data on the lower carrier 2 of the boundary line should begin transmission (the left side of the rectangle filled with the diagonal grid, i.e.) Figure 16b The left side of the rectangle circled in the middle is TA2, which is the time ahead of the start time of uplink data transmission for carrier 2 above the boundary line. The actual start time of uplink data transmission for carrier 2 below the boundary line is (the left side of the rectangle filled with diagonal grids, i.e.) Figure 16b The time difference between the left side of the rectangle circled in the middle and the start time of uplink data transmission of carrier 2 on the upper side of the dividing line is TA1. Therefore, the handover time occupies the length of the header data transmission time of carrier 2 as TA2-TA1. The specific method for determining the first handover time parameter can be found in the analysis process of Example 6.

[0283] If the switch is from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2, and carrier 2 is offset to the left by a larger length, so the switching time will not occupy the data transmission time of the carrier.

[0284] If TA1 > TA2, the data priority principle used in this example is carrier priority, and the handover time is on carrier 2. Therefore, network device 10 can determine the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 2 occupied by the handover time, the length of which is TA1-TA2. Figure 16c As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 > TA2, carrier 1 shifts to the left for a longer period. Figure 16c This manifests as a larger leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2. If the switch occurs from carrier 1 to carrier 2, and the switching time occurs on carrier 2, the leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2 is greater, such as... Figure 16c As shown, the switching time on the left side of carrier 2 is some distance from the tail data of carrier 1, therefore the switching time will not occupy the data transmission time of carrier 1. If switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time T1 on the right side of carrier 2 will occupy the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 2, as shown. Figure 16c The circled portion of the data occupies the time period TA1-TA2. For example... Figure 16c As shown, this is because carrier 2's leftward offset relative to carrier 1 is smaller. Therefore, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 conflicts with the transmission time of the header data on carrier 1. In this example, the data priority principle is carrier selection priority. Therefore, to ensure the transmission of the header data on carrier 1, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 is advanced from TA2 to TA1, while the uplink data transmission time of carrier 2 remains advanced to TA2. Thus, the transmission time of part of the tail data on carrier 2 will be occupied by the switching time. The specific method for determining the first switching time parameter can be found in the analysis process of Example 6.

[0285] The carrier switching method described in the above embodiments of this application can prioritize the data transmission of the selected carrier (the carrier with higher priority), ensuring the arrival time and transmission of the data on the selected carrier. In some application scenarios, different carriers transmit different information; for example, some carriers transmit control signaling, while others transmit data. To prioritize the transmission of control signaling, the carrier transmitting control signaling can be set to the highest priority, meaning the carrier transmitting control signaling is the selected carrier. This ensures the transmission of control signaling.

[0286] Example 9

[0287] In this example, the data priority principle configured on network device 10 is selected carrier priority. It is assumed that the carrier occupied by the handover time is the previous carrier; that is, during carrier handover, the handover time always occurs on the carrier preceding the handover. Figure 8a and Figure 9aTaking the application scenario shown as an example, in this example, we assume that the selected carrier is carrier 1.

[0288] The process by which network device 10 acquires TA1 and TA2 is as described in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, since the carrier occupied by the handover time is the previous carrier, the data priority principle is selected carrier priority. Therefore, the first handover time parameter determined by network device 10 based on the acquired TA1, TA2 and the data priority principle is different from that in the embodiment described above. Figures 17a-17c Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown. Figures 17a-17c In this context, T1 represents the switching time. When switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, the switching time is on carrier 1, and when switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2.

[0289] If TA1 = TA2, network device 10 can determine that the handover time does not require the time spent transmitting data via the carrier. For detailed analysis, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14a The analysis will not be repeated here.

[0290] If TA1 < TA2, the data priority principle used in this example is carrier priority, and the handover time is located on the previous carrier. Therefore, network device 10 can determine that the handover time occupies the transmission time of the header data of carrier 2, and the occupied time length is TA2-TA1. Figure 17b As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 17b This manifests as carrier 2 having a larger leftward offset relative to carrier 1. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, part of the switching time occurs on carrier 1, and part occupies the header data of carrier 2; this does not affect the principle of prioritizing carrier 1. The occupied portion is as follows... Figure 17b The circled part is shown in the image. Figure 17bAs shown, the end time of the handover on the lower carrier 1 of the boundary line is TA1 time earlier than the reception time of the handover on the upper carrier 1 of the boundary line, while the uplink data of the lower carrier 2 of the boundary line is TA2 time earlier than the start time of transmission of the uplink data of the upper carrier 2 of the boundary line. The time length occupied by the header data transmission of carrier 2 is TA2-TA1. However, in this embodiment, the transmission of the header data of carrier 2 can be prioritized. After the handover from carrier 1 to carrier 2 is completed, the transmission can start from the header data of carrier 2. If the handover from carrier 2 to carrier 1 is to be completed next, since the leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2 is small and smaller than TA2-TA1, the carrier handover can start after the data transmission of carrier 2 is completed. After the handover is completed, the data transmission of carrier 1 can start just in time. This is equivalent to advancing the actual time of carrier 2 by TA1.

[0291] If TA1 > TA2, the data priority principle used in this example is carrier priority, and the handover time is located on the preceding carrier. Therefore, network device 10 can determine the transmission time of the tail data on carrier 2 occupied by the handover time, the length of which is TA2-TA1. Figure 17c As shown, the time by which carrier 1 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 1 above the dividing line is TA1, and the time by which carrier 2 below the dividing line shifts to the left relative to carrier 2 above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 > TA2, carrier 1 shifts to the left for a longer period. Figure 17c This manifests as a larger leftward offset of carrier 1 relative to carrier 2. If switching from carrier 1 to carrier 2, because carrier 1 has a larger leftward offset relative to carrier 2, the switching time on carrier 1 will not affect the data transmission on carrier 2, and no conflict will occur. If switching from carrier 2 to carrier 1, the switching time is on carrier 2, and the switching time T1 to the right of carrier 2 will occupy the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 2, such as... Figure 17c The circled portion of the data occupies the time period TA1-TA2. For example... Figure 17c As shown, this is because carrier 2 is offset to the left by a smaller length relative to carrier 1. Therefore, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 will conflict with the transmission time of the header data of carrier 1. In this example, the data priority principle is header data priority. Therefore, in order to ensure the transmission of the header data of carrier 1, the switching time on the right side of carrier 2 is changed from TA2 to TA1 in advance. However, the uplink transmission time of carrier 2 is still changed to TA2 in advance. Therefore, the transmission time of part of the tail data of carrier 2 will be occupied by the switching time.

[0292] In this example, the specific method for determining the first switching time parameter can be found in the analysis process of Example 6.

[0293] The carrier switching method described in the above embodiments of this application can prioritize the data transmission of the selected carrier (the carrier with higher priority), ensuring the arrival time and transmission of the data on the selected carrier. In some application scenarios, different carriers transmit different information; for example, some carriers transmit control signaling, while others transmit data. To prioritize the transmission of control signaling, the carrier transmitting control signaling can be set to the highest priority, meaning the carrier transmitting control signaling is the selected carrier. This ensures the transmission of control signaling.

[0294] Example 10

[0295] In this example, the data priority principle configured on network device 10 can be selected channel priority, such as... Figure 8a As shown in the application scenario, assume that carrier 1 includes one or more channels, such as channel 1 and channel 2, and carrier 2 also includes one or more channels, such as channel 3 and channel 4. The channels on carrier 1 and carrier 2 are assigned different priorities. For example, on carrier 1, the priorities of channel 1 and channel 2 are 1 and 3 respectively, and the priorities of channel 3 and channel 4 are 2 and 4 respectively. It should be noted that the higher the priority value, the higher the priority. Among channels 1 to 4, channel 4 has the highest priority.

[0296] The data priority principle configured on network device 10, namely "selected channel priority," means that if no carrier priority is set or no selected carrier is specified, the selected channel can be determined based on the channel priority, and data on the selected channel will be transmitted first. In this example, the selected channel can be a channel with higher priority. For instance, if channel 2 of carrier 1 is transmitting data, and the handover from carrier 1 to carrier 2 is needed, then channel 3 of carrier 2 needs to transmit data. In this case, channel 2 is selected, and data transmission on channel 2 (carrier 1) will be prioritized during carrier handover. If the handover from carrier 1 to carrier 2 is needed, then channel 4 of carrier 2 needs to transmit data. In this case, channel 4 is selected, and data transmission on channel 4 (carrier 2) will be prioritized during carrier handover.

[0297] Figure 18a and Figure 18b Schematic diagrams of carrier switching according to some embodiments of this application are shown respectively. Assuming that in Figure 18a and Figure 18b In the example shown, the switching time is on the previous carrier, and the data priority principle is that the selected channel takes precedence.

[0298] like Figure 18a As shown, channel 2 of carrier 1 is currently transmitting data. To switch from carrier 1 to carrier 2, channel 3 of carrier 2 needs to transmit data. Assuming channel 3 has a higher priority than channel 2, channel 2 is selected. Figure 18aIn the example shown, TA1 < TA2. The time it takes for carrier 1 (channel 2) below the dividing line to shift to the left relative to carrier 1 (channel 2) above the dividing line is TA1, and the time it takes for carrier 2 (channel 3) below the dividing line to shift to the left relative to carrier 2 (channel 3) above the dividing line is TA2. Since TA1 < TA2, carrier 2 (channel 3) shifts to the left for a longer time. Figure 18a This manifests as carrier 2 having a larger leftward offset relative to carrier 1. If switching from channel 2 of carrier 1 to channel 3 of carrier 2, because carrier 2 has a larger leftward offset time, the switching time of carrier 1 will occupy the transmission time of the header data of channel 3 of carrier 2. However, since channel 2 of carrier 1 is the selected channel, the switching time occupies part of the transmission time of the header data of channel 3 of carrier 2, and the occupied time length is TA2-TA1.

[0299] like Figure 18b As shown, channel 2 of carrier 1 is transmitting data. If we want to switch from carrier 1 to carrier 2, channel 4 of carrier 2 needs to transmit data. Therefore, channel 4 is selected. Figure 18b In the example shown, TA1 < TA2, and the carrier 2 (channel 4) has a longer leftward offset time. The switching time of carrier 1 will occupy the transmission of the header data of carrier 2's channel 4. However, channel 4 of carrier 2 is the selected channel. Therefore, the switching time occupies part of the transmission time of the tail data of carrier 1's channel 2, and the time occupied is TA2-TA1.

[0300] Example 11

[0301] Network device 10 can be configured with various data priority principles, such as a combination of two or more of the following: header data priority, selected carrier priority, or selected channel priority. Network device 10 can determine the data priority principle corresponding to data transmission requirements based on data transmission needs and a decision-making mechanism. Data transmission needs can indicate the data that requires priority transmission. The base station or UE can flexibly schedule antennas or video based on actual data transmission needs. The decision-making mechanism refers to the mechanism that determines the data priority principle corresponding to the data transmission needs. For example, when the data transmission need is to ensure basic transmission on two carriers, the corresponding data priority principle is header data priority. When the data transmission need is to prioritize data transmission on carrier 1, the corresponding data priority principle is selected carrier priority, and the selected carrier is set to carrier 1. For instance, if carrier 1 transmits control signaling and carrier 2 transmits data, to ensure the transmission of control signaling, data transmission on carrier 1 needs to be prioritized. Therefore, the data priority principle can be determined as selected carrier priority, and the selected carrier is carrier 1.

[0302] After determining the data priority principle corresponding to the data transmission requirements, the first handover time parameter can be determined according to the method in Examples 1-5, and the determined first handover time parameter can be sent to the terminal device. When the terminal device receives the scheduling information sent by the network device, it can obtain the first handover time parameter and realize carrier handover according to the first handover time parameter.

[0303] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the interaction of a device in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to another embodiment of this application.

[0304] The carrier switching method of this application embodiment can also be applied to terminal devices in a communication system, such as... Figure 8a and Figure 19 As shown, UE30 sends a random access preamble to network device 10 and network device 20. After estimating the TA1 of carrier 1 based on the random access preamble sent by UE30, network device 10 can indicate the TA1 of carrier 1 to UE30 through a random access response. After estimating the TA2 of carrier 2 based on the random access preamble sent by UE30, network device 20 can indicate the TA2 of carrier 2 to UE30 through a random access response. UE30 can obtain the TA1 of carrier 1 and the TA2 of carrier 2. UE30 can be configured with handover time and data priority principles. UE can execute steps S61 and S62 to determine a first handover time parameter based on the TAs of multiple carriers, the handover time, and the data priority principle, and perform carrier handover according to the first handover time parameter.

[0305] For the specific process of step S61, please refer to Examples 6-11 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] In the embodiments of this application, after determining the first handover time parameter, the terminal device UE30 can also report it to the network device 10 to synchronize the carrier resources used for uplink and the data transmission status of the UE30. The network device 10 can process the uplink data sent by the UE30 according to the first handover time parameter. In one possible implementation, the terminal device can report the first handover time parameter to the network device through RRC signaling, such as UE capabilities, UE assistance information, or dedicated handover information, or it can dynamically report the first handover time parameter through MACCE or Universal Communications Identifier (UCI).

[0307] Figure 20 The diagram illustrates the interaction of a device in an application scenario of a carrier switching method according to another embodiment of this application.

[0308] The carrier switching method of this application embodiment can also be applied to both terminal devices and network devices in a communication system, such as... Figure 8a and Figure 20 As shown, UE30 sends a random access preamble to network device 10 and network device 20. After estimating the TA1 of carrier 1 based on the random access preamble sent by UE30, network device 10 can indicate the TA1 of carrier 1 to UE30 through a random access response. After estimating the TA2 of carrier 2 based on the random access preamble sent by UE30, network device 20 can indicate the TA2 of carrier 2 to UE30 through a random access response. UE30 can obtain the TA1 of carrier 1 and the TA2 of carrier 2. Network device 20 can also report the TA2 to network device 10, and network device 10 can obtain the TA1 of carrier 1 and the TA2 of carrier 2.

[0309] The network device 10 and the terminal device UE30 can be configured with handover time and data priority principles. The network device 10 and the terminal device UE30 determine a first handover time parameter based on the TA of multiple carriers, the handover time, and the data priority principle. The UE30 can perform carrier handover according to the first handover time parameter, and the network device 10 can determine whether to schedule the terminal device UE30 according to the first handover time parameter, and process the uplink data sent by the UE30 according to the first handover time parameter.

[0310] The process by which network device 10 and terminal device UE30 determine the first handover time parameter based on the TA of multiple carriers, handover time parameters and data priority principle can be found in Examples 6-11 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0311] In the above embodiments of this application, the network device and the terminal device simultaneously determine the first handover time parameter based on the TA, handover time parameter and data priority principle, eliminating the need for synchronous reporting or distribution of the first handover time parameter, which can reduce the number of communications between the network device and the terminal device.

[0312] Data priority principle First switchover time parameter Data priority principle First switchover time parameter First switchover time parameter Data priority principle First switchover time parameter First switchover time parameter Data priority principle First switchover time parameter First switchover time parameter Data priority principle First switchover time parameter First switchover time parameter Data priority principle First switchover time parameter First switchover time parameter

[0313] This application also provides a carrier switching device, which is applied to a terminal device. Figure 21 A block diagram of a carrier switching apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown, such as Figure 21 As shown, the device includes: a first receiving module 210, used to receive a first timing advance (TA) of a first carrier and a second timing advance (TA) of a second carrier;

[0314] The first determining module 211 is configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first switching time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0315] The first switching module 212 is used to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter.

[0316] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment obtains the first switching time (TA) of the first carrier and the second switching time (TA) of the second carrier, determines the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the device to adjust the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0317] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a second receiving module, configured to receive data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the first determining module is further configured to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0318] The carrier switching device provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0319] In one possible implementation, the device further includes: a first reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction from the network device regarding the first handover time parameter. By repeatedly determining the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and repeatedly reporting the determined first handover time parameter to the network device, the handover time can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different scenarios.

[0320] In one possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first determining module is further used to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter. The second handover time parameter is determined and reported to the network device by the terminal device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The first handover module is further used to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier based on the second handover time parameter and the first handover time parameter.

[0321] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a first reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction issued by the network device for the first handover time parameter.

[0322] In one possible implementation, the position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier, and the length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA or a quantization index of the difference.

[0323] In one possible implementation, the terminal device communicates with the network device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0324] In one possible implementation, the multi-carrier in the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is time division multiplexing (TDM).

[0325] In one possible implementation, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers multiplexed by the power amplifier (PA) link.

[0326] This application also provides a carrier switching device, which is applied to a terminal device, and the device includes:

[0327] The second determining module is configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information. The first switching time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier.

[0328] The second switching module is used to switch from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter.

[0329] The carrier switching device provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0330] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a third determining module, configured to determine the capability information of the terminal device; and a second determining module, configured to determine the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0331] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability during carrier switching, or can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time is obtained, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, so as to realize flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

[0332] In one possible implementation, the device further includes: a second reporting module, configured to report the first handover time parameter to the network device and receive an acknowledgment instruction from the network device regarding the first handover time parameter. The carrier switching device of this application can send handover time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, allowing the handover time to change flexibly according to variations in the application scenario during carrier switching.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the terminal device communicates with the network device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0334] This application also provides a carrier switching device, which is applied to a network device. Figure 22 A block diagram of a carrier switching apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown, such as Figure 22 As shown, the device includes:

[0335] The fourth determining module 220 is used to determine the first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and the second timing advance (TA) of the second carrier.

[0336] The fifth determining module 221 is used to determine a first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first switching time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0337] The first sending module 222 is used to send the first switching time parameter to the terminal device.

[0338] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment obtains the first switching time (TA) of the first carrier and the second switching time (TA) of the second carrier, determines the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the device to adjust the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving the efficiency of data transmission.

[0339] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a sixth determining module, configured to determine data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; the fifth determining module is further configured to determine the first switching time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA and one or more of the following information: data type information, carrier priority information.

[0340] The carrier switching device provided in this application determines the first switching time parameter by combining the first TA of the first carrier and the second TA of the second carrier, as well as data type information or carrier priority information. This enables flexible adjustment of the switching time according to different scenarios, thereby allowing flexible carrier switching in different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0341] In one possible implementation, the first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment when the terminal switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The fifth determining module is further used to determine the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter, wherein the second handover time parameter is determined and issued to the terminal device by the network device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

[0342] In one possible implementation, the position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier, and the length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA or a quantization index of the difference.

[0343] In one possible implementation, the network device communicates with the terminal device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0344] In one possible implementation, the multi-carrier in the multi-carrier uplink transmission technology is time division multiplexing (TDM).

[0345] In one possible implementation, the network device is a primary network device in a DC, and the DC also includes a secondary network device. The primary network device communicates with the terminal device via a first carrier, and the secondary network device communicates with the terminal device via a second carrier. The fourth determining module is further configured to receive the TA of the second carrier or the difference between the TA of the second carrier and the TA of the first carrier reported by the terminal device, or to receive the TA of the second carrier reported by the secondary network device.

[0346] This application also provides a carrier switching device, which is applied to a network device. The device includes: a seventh determining module, configured to determine a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the first switching time parameter indicates at least one of the following: the position or length of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier; wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier; and a second sending module, configured to send the first switching time parameter to the terminal device.

[0347] The carrier switching device provided in this application, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, determines a first switching time parameter based on data type information or carrier priority information before carrier switching, and obtains a new switching time or a parameter to adjust the original switching time based on the first switching time parameter. This enables the position and / or length of the switching time to be adjusted in advance according to the timing, thereby enabling flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0348] The carrier switching device of this application can send switching time-related parameters between the terminal device and the network device multiple times, so that the switching time can be flexibly changed according to the changes in the application scenario during carrier switching.

[0349] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes: a third receiving module for receiving capability information reported by the terminal device; and a seventh determining module for the network device to determine the first handover time parameter based on one or more of the capability information, the data type information, or the carrier priority information.

[0350] The carrier switching device provided in this application embodiment, in a multi-carrier communication scenario with a co-station, can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability during carrier switching, or can determine the first switching time parameter based on the PA capability combined with data type information or carrier priority information. Based on the first switching time parameter, a new switching time or a parameter for adjusting the original switching time is obtained, thereby realizing the adjustment of the position and / or length of the switching time in advance according to the timing, so as to realize flexible switching between carriers according to different scenarios and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

[0351] In one possible implementation, the network device communicates with the terminal device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

[0352] Figure 23 A block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 23 As shown, the network device may consist of a processor 801, a memory 802, and a transceiver 803, wherein the processor, the memory, and the transceiver can be connected via one or more buses. The functions to be implemented by the transmitting module 90 or the configuration module 110 can be implemented by the transceiver 803 of the network device, or implemented by the processor 801 controlling the transceiver 803.

[0353] The processor 801 serves as the control center of the network device, connecting various parts of the network device via various interfaces and lines. It executes software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 802, and calls data stored in the memory to perform various functions of the network device and / or process data. The processor can be composed of integrated circuits (ICs), such as a single packaged IC or multiple packaged ICs with the same or different functions connected together. For example, the processor can include only a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be a combination of a GPU, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a control chip (e.g., a baseband chip) in a transceiver. In this embodiment of the invention, the CPU can be a single processing core or include multiple processing cores.

[0354] The transceiver 803 is used to establish a communication channel, enabling network devices to connect to the receiving device through the communication channel, thereby realizing data transmission between network devices. The transceiver may include communication modules such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) module, a Bluetooth module, and a baseband module, as well as corresponding radio frequency (RF) circuits for WLAN communication, Bluetooth communication, infrared communication, and / or cellular communication systems, such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and / or High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). The transceiver is used to control the communication of various components in the network device and can support direct memory access.

[0355] In different embodiments of the present invention, the various transceivers in transceiver 803 generally appear in the form of integrated circuit chips and can be selectively combined, without necessarily including all transceivers and corresponding antenna groups. For example, transceiver 803 may only include a baseband chip, a radio frequency chip, and corresponding antennas to provide communication functionality in a cellular communication system. The wireless communication connection established via the transceiver, such as wireless LAN access or WCDMA access, allows the network device to connect to a cellular network or the Internet. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the communication module in the transceiver, such as the baseband module, can be integrated into a processor, typically the Qualcomm APQ+MDM series platform. The radio frequency circuit is used to receive and transmit signals during information transmission or calls. For example, it receives downlink information from the network device and processes it; additionally, it sends uplink data to the network device. Typically, the radio frequency (RF) circuitry includes known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to antenna systems, RF transceivers, one or more amplifiers, tuners, one or more oscillators, digital signal processors, codec chipsets, SIM cards, memory, and so on. Furthermore, the RF circuitry can communicate wirelessly with networks and other devices. This wireless communication can use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), email, Short Message Service (SMS), etc.

[0356] Embodiments of this application provide a carrier switching device, including: a processor and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to implement the above-described method when executing the instructions.

[0357] Embodiments of this application provide a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method.

[0358] Embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying computer-readable code, wherein when the computer-readable code is run in a processor of an electronic device, the processor in the electronic device performs the above-described method.

[0359] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example—but not limited to—electrical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices, such as punch cards or recessed protrusions storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0360] The computer-readable program instructions or code described herein can be downloaded from computer-readable storage media to various computing / processing devices, or downloaded via a network, such as the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network, to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards them to the computer-readable storage media in the respective computing / processing device.

[0361] The computer program instructions used to perform the operations of this application may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C" or similar languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits, such as programmable logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), are personalized by utilizing state information from computer-readable program instructions. These electronic circuits can execute computer-readable program instructions to implement various aspects of this application.

[0362] Various aspects of this application are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0363] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, thereby producing a machine, so that when these instructions are executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, a device is generated that implements the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, where these instructions cause the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other device to operate in a specific manner. Thus, the computer-readable medium storing the instructions comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions for implementing various aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0364] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby causing the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to implement the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0365] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of an instruction containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0366] It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using hardware (such as circuits or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits)) that performs the corresponding function or action, or using a combination of hardware and software, such as firmware.

[0367] Although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims in carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0368] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A carrier switching method, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal device receives the first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and the second timing advance (TA) of the second carrier; The terminal device determines a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first handover time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when switching from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when switching from the first carrier to the second carrier. The terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter; The method further includes: The terminal device receives data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier, with different data types representing different priorities; The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information and carrier priority information. The first handover time parameter is used to ensure that the transmission of high-priority data types is not affected during the handover time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device reports the first handover time parameter to the network device and receives a confirmation instruction from the network device for the first handover time parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switching time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: The terminal device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter. The second handover time parameter is a position or length of handover time that the terminal device determines and reports to the network device before determining the first handover time parameter, and is used to indicate the handover time from the first carrier to the second carrier. The terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the first switching time parameter, including: The terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the second switching time parameter and the first switching time parameter.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device reports the first handover time parameter to the network device and receives a confirmation instruction from the network device for the first handover time parameter.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier. The length of the switching time adjustment from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA, or by a quantization index of the difference.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device communicates with the network device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multi-carrier uplink transmission technology uses Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) as its multi-carrier.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first carrier and the second carrier are carriers multiplexed by the power amplifier (PA) link.

9. A carrier switching method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device determines the first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and the second timing advance (TA) of the second carrier; The network device determines a first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA. The first handover time parameter is used to indicate at least one of the following: the position or length of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, or the position or length of the adjustment of the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The network device sends the first handover time parameter to the terminal device; The method further includes: The network device determines data type information or carrier priority information, wherein the data type information includes the data type of the first data of the first carrier and / or the data type of the second data of the second carrier, and the carrier priority information includes the priority of the first carrier and / or the priority of the second carrier, with different data types representing different priorities; The network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: The network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and one or more of the following information: data type information and carrier priority information. The first handover time parameter is used to ensure that the transmission of high-priority data types is not affected during the handover time.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first handover time parameter is used to indicate the position or length of the handover time adjustment when the terminal switches from the first carrier to the second carrier. The network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA and the second TA, including: The network device determines the first handover time parameter based on the first TA, the second TA, and the second handover time parameter. The second handover time parameter is a position or length of handover time that the network device determines and sends to the terminal device before determining the first handover time parameter, indicating the handover time when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The position of the adjustment of the switching time from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the subframe symbol of the first carrier or the second carrier. The length of the switching time adjustment from the first carrier to the second carrier is represented by the difference between the first TA and the second TA, or by a quantization index of the difference.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The network device communicates with the terminal device through multi-carrier uplink transmission technology, which is any one or more of carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), or sidelink communication.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The multi-carrier uplink transmission technology uses Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) as its multi-carrier.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The network device is the main network device in the DC (Distributed Data Center). The DC also includes auxiliary network devices. The main network device communicates with the terminal device via a first carrier, and the auxiliary network device communicates with the terminal device via a second carrier. The network device determines the first timing advance (TA) of the first carrier and the second timing advance (TA) of the second carrier, including: The network device receives the TA of the second carrier or the difference between the TA of the second carrier and the TA of the first carrier reported by the terminal device, or the network device receives the TA of the second carrier reported by the auxiliary network device.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-8 when executing the instructions.

16. A network device, characterized in that, include: processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 9-14 when executing the instructions.

17. A computer program product comprising computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying the computer-readable code, wherein when the computer-readable code is executed in an electronic device, a processor in the electronic device performs the method of any one of claims 1-8.

18. A computer program product comprising computer-readable code, or a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium carrying the computer-readable code, wherein when the computer-readable code is executed in an electronic device, a processor in the electronic device performs the method of any one of claims 9-14.

19. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the method described in any one of claims 1-8.

20. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the method described in any one of claims 9-14.

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