Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and a communication device. The communication method comprises: determining that a first downlink bandwidth part (BWP) is activated, and / or determining that a synchronization signal block (SSB) is in the first downlink BWP. Thus, the overhead of the SSB can be effectively reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] During initial access, a narrowband user equipment (UE) can operate within an initial downlink bandwidth part (BWP) and an initial uplink BWP, which are less than or equal to a narrowband UE bandwidth. The initial downlink BWP can be referred to as an initial downlink BWP, initial DL BWP, or initial active DL BWP. The initial uplink BWP can be referred to as an initial uplink BWP, initial UL BWP, or initial active UL BWP. Generally, the initial downlink BWP is a downlink BWP configured by a master information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB), and the initial uplink BWP is an uplink BWP configured by a system information block (SIB). After initial access, the narrowband UE can operate within a UE-specified downlink BWP and a UE-specified uplink BWP, which are less than or equal to a narrowband UE bandwidth. The UE-specified downlink BWP can be referred to as a UE-specified downlink BWP, UE-specified DL BWP, or UE-specified active DL BWP. The UE-specified uplink BWP can be referred to as a UE-specified uplink BWP, UE-specified UL BWP, or UE-specified active UL BWP. Here, the UE-specified downlink BWP is a downlink BWP configured by dedicated RRC, and the UE-specified uplink BWP is an uplink BWP configured by dedicated RRC.

[0003] Switching between the initial downlink BWP, the UE-specified downlink BWP, the initial uplink BWP, and the UE-specified uplink BWP of the narrowband UE can cause a series of problems, such as configuration / effectiveness of a synchronization signal block, alignment of uplink and downlink BWPs, and the like. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device, which effectively reduce the overhead of SSB.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which comprises:

[0006] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated, and / or determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0008] After determining that the identity of the terminal device is included in the paging message, and / or after determining that the network device pages the terminal device, it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0010] After determining that the identity of the terminal device is included in the paging message, and / or after determining that the network device pages the terminal device, it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0012] In a random access channel (RACH) process, it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0013] In a possible implementation, in the random access channel (RACH) process, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0014] After sending a physical random access channel (PRACH), it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP; or

[0015] After receiving a random access response (RAR), it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP; or

[0016] After sending a message 3, it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP; or

[0017] After receiving a message 4, it is determined that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0019] In a random access channel (RACH) process, it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0020] In a possible implementation, in the random access channel (RACH) process, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0021] After sending a physical random access channel (PRACH), it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated; or

[0022] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving a random access response, RAR; or

[0023] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting a message 3; or

[0024] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving a message 4.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0026] determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a small data transmission, SDT, procedure.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a small data transmission, SDT, procedure comprises:

[0028] determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH; or

[0029] determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, feedback.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0031] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated in a small data transmission, SDT, procedure.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated in a small data transmission, SDT, procedure comprises:

[0033] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting a physical uplink shared channel, PUSCH; or

[0034] determining that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving an uplink hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, feedback.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0036] determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a connected state or after initial access.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a connected state or after initial access comprises:

[0038] Upon receiving the message 4, or upon receiving a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message, it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0040] In the connected state or after initial access, it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated in the connected state or after initial access comprises:

[0042] Upon receiving the message 4, or upon receiving a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message, it is determined that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises:

[0044] Determining a period of the SSB within the first downlink BWP.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the determining the period of the SSB within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0046] According to a period configuration of the SSB in a system information block (SIB) 1, the period of the SSB within the first downlink BWP is determined.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the period configuration of the SSB in the SIB 1 is from a serving cell SSB period parameter ssb-PeriodicityServingCell in the SIB 1.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the determining the period of the SSB within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0049] According to a period configuration of the SSB dedicated to a narrowband terminal device in a system information block (SIB) 1, the period of the SSB within the first downlink BWP is determined.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises:

[0051] Determining a position of actually transmitting the SSB within the first downlink BWP.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the determining the position of actually transmitting the SSB within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0053] The location of the SSB actually transmitted is determined according to a location configuration of the SSB actually transmitted in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the location configuration of the SSB actually transmitted in the SIB 1 is from a location parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst of the SSB in the SIB 1 in a burst.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the determining the location of the SSB actually transmitted in the first downlink BWP includes:

[0056] The location of the SSB actually transmitted is determined according to a location configuration of the SSB actually transmitted in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the first downlink BWP includes an activated downlink BWP.

[0058] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0059] Receiving a random access response (RAR) in a RAR receiving window.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after a last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and the X is an integer greater than 1.

[0061] In a possible implementation, when a center frequency of the first downlink BWP is different from a center frequency of the first uplink BWP, the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after a last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and the X is an integer greater than 1; or,

[0062] When the first downlink BWP is not configured and the first uplink BWP is configured, the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after a last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and the X is an integer greater than 1.

[0063] In a possible implementation, a duration of the X symbols is greater than or equal to a preset time.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the preset time is equal to 200 us.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the X is positively correlated with a subcarrier spacing.

[0066] In a possible implementation, when the subcarrier spacing is equal to 15 kilohertz (KHz), the X is equal to 3.

[0067] X = 6 when subcarrier spacing = 30 kilohertz (KHz).

[0068] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0069] Determining a measurement gap.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the determining the measurement gap comprises:

[0071] Determining the measurement gap when a synchronization signal block (SSB) is not completely contained in a first downlink bandwidth part (BWP).

[0072] In a possible implementation, the first downlink BWP comprises an activated first downlink BWP.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the measurement gap comprises one or more of a measurement gap for an in-cell measurement or a measurement gap for a neighbor cell measurement.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises units for implementing the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0075] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory are connected to each other, the memory is configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprises program instructions, the processor is configured to invoke the program instructions to execute the method in the first aspect, or execute the method in the second aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which comprises a processor and an interface, the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is configured to receive or output a signal, and the processor is configured to execute code instructions to execute the method in the first aspect, or execute the method in the second aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a module device, which comprises a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip module, wherein: the power module is configured to provide power for the module device; the storage module is configured to store data and instructions; the communication module is configured to perform internal communication of the module device, or to perform communication between the module device and an external device; and the chip module is configured to execute the method in the first aspect, or execute the method in the second aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect.

[0078] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. The computer program includes program instructions. When the program instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method in the first aspect, or executes the method in the second aspect, or executes the method in the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0079] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 4 is a flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a module device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0087] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising", "including", or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that processes, methods, articles, or devices including a series of elements not only include those elements, but also include other elements not explicitly listed, or further include elements inherent in such processes, methods, articles, or devices. Without more limitations, the element defined by the statement "including a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device including the element, and in addition, components, features, elements with the same name in different embodiments of the present application can have the same meaning or different meanings, and the specific meaning thereof should be determined in the explanation in the specific embodiment or further in combination with the context in the specific embodiment.

[0088] It should be understood that, in this paper, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper represents that the associated objects before and after are an "or" relationship.

[0089] It should be understood that, in this paper, "multiple" means two or more.

[0090] It should be understood that, in this paper, the first, second, etc. description appears only for illustrative and distinguishing purposes, and there is no order or special limitation on the number of devices in the embodiments of the present application, and it cannot constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0091] It should be understood that, in this paper, the one-way communication link from the network device to the terminal device is defined as the downlink, the data transmitted on the downlink is the downlink data, and the transmission direction of the downlink data is called the downlink direction. The one-way communication link from the terminal device to the network device is the uplink, the data transmitted on the uplink is the uplink data, and the transmission direction of the uplink data is called the uplink direction.

[0092] The technical solutions of the present application can be applied to the third generation mobile communication (3th generation, 3G) system, the fourth generation mobile communication (45th generation, 4G) system, and also can be applied to the fifth generation mobile communication (5th generation, 5G) system, also known as new radio (new radio, NR) system, or sixth generation mobile communication (6th generation, 6G) system or other future communication system.

[0093] In embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can refer to various forms of user equipment (user equipment, UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (mobile station, MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user equipment. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (session initiation protocol, SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (wireless local loop, WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant, PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. Embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0094] In embodiments of the present application, the network device can be a device with wireless transceiver function or a chip that can be disposed in the device. The network device includes but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), network device controller (BSC), network device transceiver station (BTS), home network device (for example, home evolved node B or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP), etc. It can also be a device used in 4G, 5G, 6G, etc. system, etc. which is not limited here.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication system can include but is not limited to one or more network devices, one or more terminal devices, such as Figure 1 Take one network device 101 and one terminal device 102 as an example, wherein, Figure 1The network device 101 in the figure is taken as an example of a base station, and the terminal device 102 is taken as an example of a mobile phone. The terminal device 102 can establish a wireless link with the network device 101 to perform communication. Figure 1 The communication system shown in the figure includes but is not limited to the network device and the terminal device, and can further include other communication devices, Figure 1 The number and form of the devices shown in the figure are used for example and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0096] First, the synchronization signal block in Rel-15 NR is introduced:

[0097] In Rel-15 NR, the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel are transmitted in the form of a synchronization signal block, and the function of beam sweeping is introduced. The primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) are in the synchronization / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block). For convenience of description, the synchronization / physical broadcast channel block is referred to as a synchronization signal block (i.e., SSB) hereinafter. Each synchronization signal block can be regarded as a resource of one beam (analog domain) in the beam sweeping process. A plurality of synchronization signal blocks constitute a synchronization signal burst (SS-burst). The synchronization signal burst can be regarded as a relatively concentrated block of resources containing a plurality of beams. A plurality of synchronization signal bursts constitute a synchronization signal burst set (SS-burst-set). The synchronization signal block is repeatedly transmitted on different beams, which is a beam sweeping process. Through the training of beam sweeping, the user equipment can perceive that the signal received on which beam is the strongest.

[0098] The time domain positions of L synchronization signal blocks in a 5ms window are fixed. The indices of the L synchronization signal blocks are arranged continuously in the time domain positions from 0 to L-1. Therefore, the transmission time of a synchronization signal block in the 5ms window is fixed, and the index is also fixed.

[0099] The remaining minimum system information (RMSI) in Rel-15 NR is introduced:

[0100] The remaining minimum system information in Rel-15 NR is equivalent to system information block (SIB) 1 in LTE, which includes the main system information other than the master information block (MIB). The RMSI can also be referred to as SIB1. The RMSI is carried in a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), which is scheduled by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The PDSCH carrying the RMSI is generally referred to as the RMSI PDSCH, and the PDCCH scheduling the RMSI PDSCH is generally referred to as the RMSI PDCCH.

[0101] Generally, a search space set contains properties such as monitoring occasions of PDCCH, search space type, etc. A search space set is generally associated with a control resource set (CORESET), and a CORESET contains properties such as frequency domain resources and duration of PDCCH, etc.

[0102] The search space set where RMSI PDCCH is located is generally referred to as Type0-PDCCH search space set. Generally, the Type0-PDCCH search space set configured by MIB or configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) in the case of handover, etc. is referred to as search space 0 (or search space set 0), and the bound CORESET is referred to as CORESET 0. In addition to the search space set of the RMSI PDCCH, other common search spaces or common search space sets, such as the search space set of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) PDCCH (Type0A-PDCCH search space set), the search space set of the Random Access Response (RAR) PDCCH (Type1-PDCCH search space set), the search space set of the paging PDCCH (Type2-PDCCH search space set), etc. can be the same as the search space set 0 by default. Generally, the above-mentioned common search spaces or common search space sets can be reconfigured.

[0103] The RMSI PDCCH monitoring occasion is associated with a synchronization signal block. The UE obtains this association according to the RMSI PDCCH monitoring occasion table. In the initial access process, the UE searches for a certain synchronization signal block, and the UE determines the time domain position (starting symbol index or first symbol index) of the RMSI PDCCH associated with the synchronization signal block according to the row index of the table indicated by the PBCH, so as to detect the RMSI PDCCH and receive and decode the RMSI PDSCH according to the RMSI PDCCH scheduling.

[0104] Introduce the UE to obtain timing information through a synchronization signal block:

[0105] UE needs to obtain timing information through synchronization signal block. Timing information can also be referred to as frame timing information, or half-frame timing information, generally used to indicate the timing of the frame or half-frame corresponding to the detected synchronization signal. After the UE obtains the frame timing information, the UE obtains the complete timing information of the cell corresponding to the synchronization signal block through the system frame number (SFN). After the UE obtains the half-frame timing information, the UE obtains the complete timing information of the cell corresponding to the synchronization signal block through the half-frame indication (whether it is the first half-frame or the second half-frame) and the SFN.

[0106] Generally, the UE obtains the 10 ms timing information by obtaining the synchronization signal block index. In the licensed spectrum, the synchronization signal block index is related to the L candidate positions of the synchronization signal block. When L = 4, the low two bits (2 LSBs) of the synchronization signal block index are carried in the PBCH-DMRS (PBCH demodulation reference signal); when L > 4, the low three bits (3 LSBs) of the synchronization signal block index are carried in the PBCH-DMRS; when L = 64, the high three bits (3 MSBs) of the synchronization signal block index are carried in the PBCH payload or MIB.

[0107] The time domain resource allocation and rate matching of RMSI PDSCH are introduced:

[0108] In Rel-15 NR, the UE decodes the RMSI PDCCH to obtain multiple bits of time domain resource allocation, and according to these bits, the UE looks up a predefined table to obtain the starting symbol index (or number) and symbol length (or duration) of the RMSI PDSCH.

[0109] In Rel-15 NR, in the initial access stage, the UE assumes that the RMSI PDSCH does not rate match the synchronization signal block. The RMSI can indicate whether the synchronization signal block is transmitted, and after the UE obtains the RMSI, the UE can rate match the synchronization signal block indicated by the RMSI.

[0110] The monitoring occasions of paging PDCCH are introduced:

[0111] In Rel-15 NR, for a given UE, its corresponding paging occasion (PO) is composed of multiple paging PDCCH monitoring occasions. Within a PO, paging PDCCH can be transmitted by sweeping beams as synchronization signal block. Within a PO, paging PDCCH monitoring occasion and synchronization signal block are one-to-one correspondence, i.e. within a PO, the Kth paging PDCCH monitoring occasion corresponds to the Kth synchronization signal block.

[0112] Introduction of initial access for LTE Rel-13 eMTC:

[0113] In LTE Rel-13 eMTC, eMTC UE is narrowband UE. The bandwidth of eMTC UE is about 1MHz, which can cover 6 PRBs. Therefore, eMTC UE can detect PSS / SSS / PBCH of LTE when initial access. Since MIB (Master Information Block) is carried in PBCH, eMTC UE can decode MIB of LTE. And MIB of LTE has 10 spare bits, part of which can be used to carry information of scheduling SIB1 (SIB1-BR, different from LTE SIB1) of eMTC. By default, the frequency domain resource of PDSCH carrying eMTC SIB1 is also within 6 PRBs, so eMTC UE can also receive PDSCH carrying eMTC SIB1. In this way, after eMTC UE decodes MIB of LTE, it obtains eMTC SIB1 information therein, and then accesses the network.

[0114] Introduction of initial access for NR:

[0115] In NR, generally, a UE is a 100MHz bandwidth capable UE. The UE blindly detects PSS / SSS / PBCH in SSBs at initial access, obtains MIB and time index information carried in PBCH. The UE obtains the configuration of CORESET (may be referred to as CORESET0) and its search space set (may be referred to as search space set0) scheduling PDSCH carrying SIB1 from the information in MIB. Further, the UE can monitor Type0-PDCCH scheduling PDSCH carrying SIB1 and decode SIB1. Since the bandwidth of CORESET0 is set by table in PBCH, the maximum bandwidth of CORESET0 is implicitly defined in the protocol. Further, the protocol specifies that the frequency domain resource of PDSCH carrying SIB1 is within the bandwidth (PRBs) of CORESET0, thus the maximum bandwidth of PDSCH carrying SIB1 is also implicitly defined in the protocol. In fact, in idle state, the UE works in initial active DL BWP, the frequency domain location of which is by default the same as that of CORESET0 (non-defaultly, the frequency domain location of initial active DL BWP can be modified by signaling to cover that of CORESET0), thus the maximum bandwidth of initial active DL BWP is implicitly defined in the protocol.

[0116] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can effectively solve the problem of switching between initial downlink BWP, UE specified downlink BWP, initial uplink BWP and UE specified uplink BWP for narrowband UE, such as configuration / effectiveness of SSB, alignment of uplink / downlink BWP, etc.

[0117] Problem 1: The narrowband UE processes SSB in initial downlink BWP or UE specified downlink BWP to perform any one or more of Auto Gain Control (AGC), time / frequency synchronization or RRM measurement. Accordingly, the base station transmits SSB in initial downlink BWP or UE specified downlink BWP. In different stages, the narrowband UE can activate different initial downlink BWP or UE specified downlink BWP. For this problem, in order to reduce the overhead of SSB, the narrowband UE can have different assumptions on whether SSB is transmitted in different stages, i.e., different assumptions on SSB effectiveness.

[0118] Problem 2: The activated downlink BWP and uplink BWP of the narrowband UE can be misaligned in center frequency. In this way, the downlink BWP can be a downlink BWP shared by all or most of the UEs in the cell (or in the carrier), and thus there is only one SSB in the cell (or in the carrier), without the need for multiple SSBs, reducing the overhead of SSBs. At this time, since the center frequencies of the activated downlink BWP and uplink BWP are misaligned, the narrowband UE needs to perform RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching. The RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching needs to leave a time gap. Therefore, for this problem, the base station and the UE need to agree on some time gaps for RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching.

[0119] Solution 3: In order to reduce the overhead of SSBs, the base station does not transmit SSBs in some downlink BWPs, and when the narrowband UE activates one of these downlink BWPs, the narrowband UE needs to perform RF retuning in order to process SSBs outside the downlink BWP when any one or more of AGC, time-frequency synchronization or RRM measurement is needed. RF retuning needs to leave a time gap. Therefore, for this problem, the base station and the UE need to agree on some time gaps for RF retuning outside the downlink BWP.

[0120] The communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below.

[0121] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a terminal device, and the description of the terminal device can be referred to the foregoing, which will not be described in detail here. For ease of description, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described below by taking a UE as an example. For example, the UE shown in the present application can be a narrowband UE. The narrowband UE refers to a UE whose bandwidth is smaller than that of a general UE, for example, the bandwidth of the general UE is 100 megahertz (MHz), and the bandwidth of the narrowband UE is 20 megahertz (MHz), and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the specific type of UE. It can be understood that the narrowband UE shown in the embodiments of the present application is only an example, and should not be understood as a limitation of the embodiments of the present application.

[0122] As shown in Figure 2 , the method comprises:

[0123] 201, determining that a first downlink BWP is activated, and / or determining that an SSB is in the first downlink BWP.

[0124] In the embodiments of the present application, the first downlink BWP can be a downlink BWP or an initial downlink BWP configured for a narrowband UE. The first downlink BWP can be a downlink BWP or an initial downlink BWP configured independently of the MIB. The first downlink BWP can also be referred to as a downlink BWP specific to a narrowband UE, an independent downlink BWP, an initial downlink BWP specific to a narrowband UE, or an independent initial downlink BWP, etc. Generally, the first downlink BWP is a downlink BWP configured by high-layer signaling, such as SIB1.

[0125] For example, determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP can mean that the UE can process the SSB within the first downlink BWP to facilitate any one or more of automatic gain control, time-frequency synchronization, or RRM measurement by the UE. Generally, the UE can only process the SSB within the activated first downlink BWP.

[0126] For example, determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP can also mean that the UE determines that the SSB is within the activated first downlink BWP, or that the UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated, so that the UE processes the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, when the first downlink BWP is activated, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. That is, when the first downlink BWP is activated, the base station transmits the SSB in the first downlink BWP, which can reduce the overhead of the SSB. For example, only when one first downlink BWP is activated, the narrowband UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. That is, only when the first downlink BWP is activated, the base station transmits the SSB in the first downlink BWP, rather than the base station needs to transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP as long as the first downlink BWP is configured, which can reduce the overhead of the SSB.

[0127] For example, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated can mean confirming that the first downlink BWP is in an active state, or that the first downlink BWP is activated, so that the UE can transmit and receive data within the first downlink BWP.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP, including:

[0129] After determining that the first downlink BWP is activated, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0130] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after determining that the first downlink BWP is activated. Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after activating the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after activating the first downlink BWP, which reduces resource overhead.

[0131] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP, including:

[0132] If a common search space (CSS) is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after determining that the first downlink BWP is activated. The CSS includes at least one of a system information block 1 (SIB1) CSS, an other system information (OSI) CSS, a random access response (RAR) CSS, and a paging CSS.

[0133] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after determining that the first downlink BWP is activated. Equivalently, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after activating the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after activating the first downlink BWP and the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, which reduces resource overhead. The base station can not configure the CSS in the first downlink BWP, and the base station can not transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. The UE can not determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP, which provides flexibility for the base station. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting a paging message and the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, which reduces resource overhead.

[0134] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP, including:

[0135] The UE determines that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after determining that an identity (ID) of the UE is included in a paging message, or after determining that the UE is paged.

[0136] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after determining that the UE ID of the UE is in the paging message, or after determining that the UE is paged (i.e., after determining that the network device (e.g., a base station) pages the UE). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the paging message. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the paging message, reducing resource overhead.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP, including:

[0138] If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE determines that the paging message includes the identity (ID) of the UE, or after determining that the UE is paged, the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the paging message when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0139] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated, including:

[0140] The UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated after determining that the paging message includes the identity (ID) of the UE, or after determining that the UE is paged.

[0141] For example, the UE can determine that the configured first downlink BWP is activated after determining that the UE ID of the UE is in the paging message, or after determining that the UE is paged (i.e., after determining that the network device (e.g., a base station) pages the UE). In this way, the base station can determine that the narrowband UE switches to the configured first downlink BWP after transmitting the paging message. Then, the narrowband UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP, and equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the paging message. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the paging message, reducing resource overhead.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated, including:

[0143] If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE determines that the paging message includes the identity (ID) of the UE, or after determining that the UE is paged, the UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the paging message when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0144] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0145] In a random access channel (RACH) procedure, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0146] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a random access channel procedure. In this way, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP only in the RACH procedure. Since the RACH procedure is short, the time for determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP is also short, and equivalently, the time for the base station to send the SSB within the first downlink BWP is also short, which can reduce the overhead. It can be understood that the RACH procedure shown in the embodiments of the present application includes four-step random access, two-step random access, and / or RACH based small data transmission (RA-SDT). Hereinafter, the four-step random access procedure is mainly taken as an example for description, but it should not be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP comprises:

[0148] If the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP is in a random access channel (RACH) procedure. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP only when the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP and in the RACH procedure. Since the RACH procedure is short, the time for determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP is also short, and equivalently, the time for the base station to send the SSB within the first downlink BWP is also short, which can reduce the overhead. In this way, the base station sends the SSB only after sending the paging message when the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, which reduces the resource overhead.

[0149] For example, the determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in the random access channel (RACH) procedure includes the following implementations:

[0150] Implementation 1: After sending a physical random access channel (PRACH), the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP.

[0151] For example, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH). The PRACH can also be referred to as a message 1 (Msg1). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after receiving the PRACH. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the PRACH, reducing resource overhead.

[0152] Implementation 1A, if a CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH). The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the PRACH and if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0153] Implementation 2, determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving a random access response (RAR).

[0154] For example, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving a RAR message. The RAR can also be referred to as a message 2 (Msg2). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the RAR. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the RAR, reducing resource overhead.

[0155] Implementation 2A, if a CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving a RAR message. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the RAR message and if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0156] Implementation 3, determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a message 3.

[0157] For example, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a message 3 (Msg3). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after receiving the message 3. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message 3, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a message A (MsgA). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after receiving the message A. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message A, reducing resource overhead.

[0158] In an implementation 3A, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after transmitting a message 3 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message 3 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0159] In an implementation 4, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4.

[0160] For example, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4 (Msg4). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message 4. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message 4, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, the UE can determine the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving a message B (MsgB). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message B. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message B, reducing resource overhead.

[0161] In an implementation 4A, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message 4 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0162] In one possible implementation, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated includes:

[0163] In one possible implementation, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated includes:

[0164] Exemplarily, in the random access channel procedure, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises the following implementations.

[0165] Implementation 1, after sending the PRACH, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0166] Exemplarily, the UE can confirm that the first downlink BWP is activated after sending the PRACH, and then determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after receiving the PRACH, and then send the SSB in the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station only sends the SSB after receiving the PRACH, reducing resource overhead.

[0167] Implementation 1A, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, after sending the PRACH, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated. The CSS comprises at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS and paging CSS. In this way, only when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, and after receiving the PRACH, the base station sends the SSB, reducing resource overhead.

[0168] Implementation 2, after receiving the random access response RAR, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0169] Exemplarily, the UE can confirm that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the RAR, and then determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending the RAR, and then send the SSB in the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station only sends the SSB after sending the RAR, reducing resource overhead.

[0170] Implementation 2A, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, after receiving the RAR, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated. The CSS comprises at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS and paging CSS. In this way, only when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, and after sending the RAR, the base station sends the SSB, reducing resource overhead.

[0171] Implementation 3, after sending the message 3, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0172] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting the message 3, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after receiving the message 3, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message 3, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting the message A, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after receiving the message A, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message A, reducing resource overhead.

[0173] Implementation 3A, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting the message 3 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message 3 if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting the message A if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after receiving the message A if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the message A if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0174] Implementation 4, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message 4.

[0175] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message 4, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message 4, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message 4, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message B, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message B, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message B, reducing resource overhead.

[0176] Implementation Method 4A: If the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, the UE determines that the first downlink BWP is activated upon receiving message 4. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. Thus, the base station sends the SSB only when the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP and after sending message 4, reducing resource overhead. For two-step random access, if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving message B, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending message B, and then send the SSB within the first downlink BWP. Thus, the base station sends the SSB only when the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP and after sending message B, reducing resource overhead.

[0177] In one possible implementation, determining the SSB within the first downlink BWP includes:

[0178] During Small Data Transmission (SDT), the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP.

[0179] The following example mainly uses Configured Grant based Small Data Transmission (CG-SDT).

[0180] For example, the UE can determine the SSB within the first downlink BWP during small packet data transmission. In this way, the UE can only determine the SSB within the first downlink BWP during the SDT (Short Time Tolerance) process. Since the SDT process is short, the time to determine the SSB within the first downlink BWP is also short. Equivalently, the time the base station spends transmitting the SSB within the first downlink BWP is also short, thus reducing overhead.

[0181] For example, during Small Data Transmission (SDT), determining the SSB within the first downlink BWP can be achieved in the following ways:

[0182] Implementation Method 1: After sending the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP.

[0183] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the PUSCH. The PUSCH is a Configured Grant PUSCH (CG-PUSCH). Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after receiving the CG-PUSCH. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the CG-PUSCH, reducing resource overhead.

[0184] In an implementation 1A, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the PUSCH if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the CG-PUSCH if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0185] In an implementation 2, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after receiving an uplink Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) feedback.

[0186] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP after receiving the uplink HARQ feedback. The HARQ feedback is an uplink HARQ feedback. For SDT, the UE receives the uplink HARQ feedback after transmitting the CG-PUSCH. Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback. For SDT, the base station transmits the uplink HARQ feedback after receiving the CG-PUSCH. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback, reducing resource overhead.

[0187] In an implementation 2A, the SSB is determined to be within the first downlink BWP after receiving the uplink HARQ feedback if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0188] In one possible implementation, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated includes:

[0189] In a small data transmission (SDT) procedure, the first downlink BWP is determined to be activated. Hereinafter, a small data transmission based on a configured grant is taken as an example.

[0190] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated in a small data transmission, SDT, procedure, including the following implementations.

[0191] Implementation 1, after transmitting the PUSCH, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0192] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after transmitting the PUSCH, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after receiving the PUSCH, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the PUSCH, reducing resource overhead.

[0193] Implementation 1A, after transmitting the PUSCH, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after receiving the CG-PUSCH if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0194] Implementation 2, after receiving the uplink HARQ feedback, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated.

[0195] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the uplink HARQ feedback, and then determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP. For SDT, the UE receives the uplink HARQ feedback after transmitting the CG-PUSCH. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback, and then transmit the SSB within the first downlink BWP. For SDT, the base station transmits the uplink HARQ feedback after receiving the CG-PUSCH. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback, reducing resource overhead.

[0196] Implementation 2A, after receiving the uplink HARQ feedback, determine that the first downlink BWP is activated if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of SIB1 CSS, OSI CSS, RAR CSS, and paging CSS. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the uplink HARQ feedback if the CSS is configured within the first downlink BWP, reducing resource overhead.

[0197] In one possible implementation, determining that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP includes:

[0198] Determine that the SSB is within the first downlink BWP in a connected state or after initial access.

[0199] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in connected state or after initial access. In this way, the UE can determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP only in connected state or after initial access, and the SSB is not always on in the first downlink BWP since connected state or initial access is not always on, and thus the overhead is not so large.

[0200] The determination that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in connected state or after initial access includes:

[0201] The determination that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP is after receiving a message 4 or after receiving a radio resource control reconfiguration (RRC reconfiguration) message.

[0202] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4 or after receiving a RRC reconfiguration message. Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message. After receiving the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE can confirm that it is in connected state or in connected state. The message 4 can include a RRC setup message, a RRC resume message, and / or a RRC reestablishment message, etc. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, and thus the resource overhead is reduced.

[0203] For example, the UE can determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a RRC setup message, a RRC resume message, and / or a RRC reestablishment message. Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message, and thus the resource overhead is reduced.

[0204] In a possible implementation, the determination that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP includes:

[0205] The determination that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP is in connected state or after initial access if a CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS.

[0206] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in connected state or after initial access. In this way, the SSB is not always on in the first downlink BWP since the connected state or initial access is not always on, and thus the overhead is not so large.

[0207] If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in connected state or after initial access, including:

[0208] If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4 or after receiving a radio resource control reconfiguration (RRC reconfiguration) message. The CSS includes at least one of a SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, a RAR CSS, and a paging CSS.

[0209] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4 or after receiving a RRC reconfiguration message. Equivalently, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message. If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can confirm to enter or be in the connected state after receiving the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message. The message 4 can include a RRC setup message, a RRC resume message, and / or a RRC reestablishment message. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, which reduces the resource overhead.

[0210] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a RRC setup message, a RRC resume message, and / or a RRC reestablishment message. Equivalently, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the base station can transmit the SSB in the first downlink BWP after transmitting the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message. In this way, the base station transmits the SSB only after transmitting the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, which reduces the resource overhead.

[0211] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0212] The first downlink BWP is determined to be activated in a connected state or after initial access.

[0213] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving a message 4 or receiving an RRC reconfiguration message, and then the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending the message 4 or sending the RRC reconfiguration message, and then send the SSB in the first downlink BWP. After receiving the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE can enter or be in the connected state. The message 4 can include an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, and / or an RRC reestablishment message, etc. In this way, the base station sends the SSB only after sending the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, reducing resource overhead.

[0214] For example, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, and / or an RRC reestablishment message, and then the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message, and then send the SSB in the first downlink BWP. In this way, the base station sends the SSB only after sending the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message, reducing resource overhead.

[0215] It can be understood that the first downlink BWP can also be determined to be activated after receiving the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message, and / or the SSB can be determined to be in the first downlink BWP.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the determining that the first downlink BWP is activated comprises:

[0217] The first downlink BWP is determined to be activated in a connected state or after initial access if a CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP. The CSS includes at least one of an SIB1 CSS, an OSI CSS, an RAR CSS, and a paging CSS.

[0218] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message 4 or receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, and then the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending the message 4 or sending the RRC reconfiguration message, and then the base station sends the SSB in the first downlink BWP. If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can confirm entering or being in the connected state after receiving the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message. The message 4 can include an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, and / or an RRC reestablishment message, etc. In this way, only when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP and after sending the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, the base station sends the SSB, which reduces resource overhead.

[0219] For example, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message 4 or receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, and then the UE determines that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP. Equivalently, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the base station can activate the first downlink BWP after sending the message 4 or sending the RRC reconfiguration message, and then the base station sends the SSB in the first downlink BWP. If the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the UE can confirm entering or being in the connected state after receiving the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message. The message 4 can include an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, and / or an RRC reestablishment message, etc. In this way, only when the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP and after sending the message 4 or the RRC reconfiguration message, the base station sends the SSB, which reduces resource overhead.

[0220] It can be understood that, if the CSS is configured in the first downlink BWP, the first downlink BWP can be determined to be activated after receiving the RRC setup message, the RRC resume message, and / or the RRC reestablishment message, and / or the SSB can be determined to be in the first downlink BWP.

[0221] In a possible implementation manner, Figure 2 The method shown further includes:

[0222] 202. Determine a period of the SSB in the first downlink BWP.

[0223] For example, the UE determines the period of the SSB in the first downlink BWP. In this way, the UE can process the SSB according to the period of the SSB, such as automatic gain control, time-frequency synchronization, or RRM measurement.

[0224] For example, determining the period of the SSB in the first downlink BWP can include the following implementation manners:

[0225] In an implementation, the UE determines the periodicity of the SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSBs in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0226] For example, the UE determines the periodicity of the SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSBs in the SIB 1 that is specific for narrowband UEs. In this way, a new parameter can be used and more flexibility can be achieved.

[0227] In an implementation, the UE determines the periodicity of the SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSBs in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0228] For example, the UE determines the periodicity of the SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSBs in the SIB 1 that is specific for narrowband UEs. In this way, a new parameter can be used and more flexibility can be achieved.

[0229] In an implementation, the UE determines the periodicity of the SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSBs in a system information block (SIB) 1. Figure 2 The method also includes:

[0230] 203. determining the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP.

[0231] For example, the UE determines the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP. In this way, the UE can process the SSBs according to the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs for automatic gain control, time-frequency synchronization, and RRM measurement.

[0232] For example, determining the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP includes the following implementations:

[0233] In an implementation, the UE determines the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a position configuration of the actually transmitted SSBs in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0234] For example, the UE determines the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a position configuration of the actually transmitted SSBs in the SIB 1. The position configuration of the actually transmitted SSBs in the SIB 1 is from a SSB positions in burst parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst in the SIB 1. In this way, the current parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst can be reused.

[0235] In an implementation, the UE determines the positions of the actually transmitted SSBs within the first downlink BWP according to a position configuration of the actually transmitted SSBs in a system information block (SIB) 1 that is specific for narrowband UEs.

[0236] For example, the UE determines the location of the actually transmitted SSB in the first downlink BWP as the location of the actually transmitted SSB dedicated to the narrowband UE in the SIB1. In this way, a new parameter can be used, and flexibility can be improved.

[0237] Figure 3 FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another method of communication provided by embodiments of the present disclosure. The method can be applied to a terminal device, and the description of the terminal device can be referred to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here. For ease of description, the method provided by embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below by taking a UE as an example. For example, the UE shown in the present disclosure can be a narrowband UE. Narrowband refers to a bandwidth less than the bandwidth of a general UE, such as 20 megahertz (MHz). Embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific type of UE. It can be understood that the narrowband UE shown in embodiments of the present disclosure is only an example, and should not be construed as a limitation of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 7, the method includes the following steps. Figure 3

[0239] 301. Receiving a random access response (RAR) in a RAR reception window.

[0240] For example, the downlink BWP and the uplink BWP can be misaligned in center frequency. In this way, the downlink BWP can be a downlink BWP shared by all or most of the UEs in the cell (or in the carrier), so there is only one SSB in the cell (or in the carrier), and there is no need for multiple SSBs, reducing the overhead of SSBs. At this time, since the center frequencies of the activated downlink BWP and the uplink BWP are misaligned, the UE needs to perform radio frequency retuning (RF retuning) for uplink-downlink switching. The RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching needs to leave a time gap. Therefore, the base station and the UE need to agree on some time gaps for RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the RAR reception window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and X is an integer greater than 1. Thus, X greater than 1 allows the UE's RAR reception window to leave a time gap for RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching. For example, the duration of X symbols is greater than or equal to a preset time. In other words, X can be such that the duration of X symbols is greater than or equal to the preset or configured time length. In this way, as long as the preset or configured time length is greater than or equal to the time gap for RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching, the time gap for RF retuning for uplink-downlink switching is left.

[0242] ​For example, the preset time can be equal to 200 microseconds (us). It is generally considered that the time interval of the radio frequency retuning for the uplink-downlink switching is within 200 us.

[0243] For example, the X is positively correlated with the subcarrier spacing. For example, when the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz, the X can be 3. In this way, a time greater than 200 us can be left for the time interval of the radio frequency retuning for the uplink-downlink switching. When the subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, the X can be 6. In this way, a time greater than 200 us can be left for the time interval of the radio frequency retuning for the uplink-downlink switching.

[0244] In a possible implementation, when the center frequencies of the first downlink BWP and the first uplink BWP are different, the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion. For example, when the center frequencies of the downlink BWP and the uplink BWP of the UE are different, the UE receives the RAR in the RAR receiving window, where the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after the last symbol of the PRACH occasion, and the X is an integer greater than 1. In this way, as long as the center frequencies of the uplink-downlink BWPs are different, it means that the time of the radio frequency retuning for the uplink-downlink switching needs to be left.

[0245] In a possible implementation, when the first downlink BWP is not configured and the first uplink BWP is configured, the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion. For example, when the downlink BWP dedicated to the UE is not configured and the uplink BWP dedicated to the narrowband UE is configured, the UE receives the RAR in the RAR receiving window, where the RAR receiving window starts X symbols after the last symbol of the PRACH occasion, and the X is an integer greater than 1. In this way, when the downlink BWP dedicated to the UE is not configured and the uplink BWP dedicated to the UE is configured, it means that the center frequencies of the uplink-downlink BWPs are different, and it means that the time of the radio frequency retuning for the uplink-downlink switching needs to be left. The condition that the downlink BWP dedicated to the UE is not configured and the uplink BWP dedicated to the UE is configured is easier to judge than the condition that the center frequencies of the uplink-downlink BWPs are different.

[0246] Figure 4is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a terminal device. The terminal device can be the same as the terminal device described above. For the sake of brevity, the method provided by an embodiment of the present application is described below by taking a UE as an example. For example, the UE shown in the present application can be a narrowband UE. Narrowband refers to a bandwidth less than the bandwidth of a general UE, such as 20 megahertz (MHz). Embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific type of UE. It can be understood that the narrowband UE shown in the embodiments of the present application is only an example, and should not be construed as a limitation of the embodiments of the present application.

[0247] As shown in Figure 4 , the method comprises the following steps.

[0248] 401. Determine a measurement gap.

[0249] In a possible implementation, the measurement gap is determined when the SSB is not completely contained in the first downlink bandwidth part (BWP).

[0250] For example, in order to reduce the overhead of the SSB, the base station does not send the SSB in some downlink BWPs. When the narrowband UE activates one of the downlink BWPs, the narrowband UE needs to perform radio frequency retuning in order to process the SSB outside the frequency domain resources (or bandwidth) of the downlink BWP when it is necessary to perform automatic gain control (AGC), time / frequency synchronization, or RRM measurement. Radio frequency retuning requires a time interval, that is, the base station and the UE need to agree on some time intervals for radio frequency retuning outside the downlink BWP. In general, the UE determines a measurement gap.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the UE determines that a measurement gap is needed in the measurement when the SSB is not completely contained in the specified downlink BWP or the activated downlink BWP (i.e., the first downlink BWP), etc. In this way, the narrowband UE can perform radio frequency retuning in order to process the SSB outside the frequency domain resources (or bandwidth) of the first downlink BWP, and the base station knows this measurement gap, and the narrowband UE will not be scheduled in the measurement gap.

[0252] For example, the measurement gap includes a measurement gap for intra-cell measurement. In this way, for intra-cell measurement, the narrowband UE can also perform radio frequency retuning in order to process the SSB outside the frequency domain resources (or bandwidth) of the downlink BWP, and the base station knows this measurement gap, and the narrowband UE will not be scheduled in the measurement gap.

[0253] For example, the measurement gap includes a measurement gap of a neighbor cell measurement. In this way, for the neighbor cell measurement, the narrowband UE can also perform radio frequency retuning to process the SSB outside the frequency domain resources (or bandwidth) of the downlink BWP, and the base station knows this measurement gap, and the narrowband UE will not be scheduled in the measurement gap.

[0254] Figure 5 Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device can be a terminal device, a device in a terminal device, or a device capable of being used in matching with a terminal device. Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown can include a processing unit 501 and a communication unit 502. The processing unit 501 is configured to perform data processing. The communication unit 502 is integrated with a receiving unit and a sending unit. The communication unit 502 can also be referred to as a transceiving unit. Alternatively, the communication unit 502 can be split into a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing unit 501 and the communication unit 502 are the same in the following, and will not be described again. Specifically:

[0255] In some embodiments of the present application, the processing unit 501 is configured to determine that a first downlink BWP is activated, and / or determine that an SSB is in the first downlink BWP.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that an identity of a terminal device is included in a paging message, and / or determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after the network device pages the terminal device.

[0257] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that an identity of a terminal device is included in a paging message, and / or determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the network device pages the terminal device.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in a random access channel (RACH) process.

[0259] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after sending a PRACH; or,

[0260] determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a RAR; or,

[0261] determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after sending a message 3; or,

[0262] determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after receiving a message 4.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated in the RACH procedure.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the PRACH is sent; or,

[0265] determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the RAR is received; or,

[0266] determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the message 3 is sent; or,

[0267] determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the message 4 is received.

[0268] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in the small data transmission (SDT) procedure.

[0269] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after the PUSCH is sent; or,

[0270] determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after the uplink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is received.

[0271] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated in the small data transmission (SDT) procedure.

[0272] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the PUSCH is sent; or,

[0273] determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after the uplink HARQ feedback is received.

[0274] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP in the connected state or after initial access.

[0275] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the SSB is in the first downlink BWP after the message 4 is received or after a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message is received.

[0276] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated in the connected state or after initial access.

[0277] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine that the first downlink BWP is activated after receiving the message 4 or receiving the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0278] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is further configured to determine the periodicity of the SSB in the first downlink BWP.

[0279] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the periodicity of the SSB in the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSB in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0280] In a possible implementation, the periodicity configuration of the SSB in the SIB 1 is from a serving cell synchronization signal block periodicity parameter ssb-PeriodicityServingCell in the SIB 1.

[0281] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the periodicity of the SSB in the first downlink BWP according to a periodicity configuration of the SSB in a system information block (SIB) 1 that is dedicated to a narrowband terminal device.

[0282] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the position of actually transmitting the SSB in the first downlink BWP.

[0283] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the position of actually transmitting the SSB in the first downlink BWP according to a position configuration of actually transmitting the SSB in a system information block (SIB) 1.

[0284] In a possible implementation, the position configuration of actually transmitting the SSB in the SIB 1 is from a position parameter ssb-PositionsInBurst of the SSB in a burst in the SIB 1.

[0285] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the position of actually transmitting the SSB in the first downlink BWP according to a position configuration of actually transmitting the SSB in a system information block (SIB) 1 that is dedicated to a narrowband terminal device.

[0286] In a possible implementation, the first downlink BWP includes an activated downlink BWP.

[0287] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication unit 502 is configured to receive a random access response (RAR) in a RAR receiving window.

[0288] Alternatively, the processing unit 501 is configured to receive a random access response (RAR) within a RAR reception window through the communication unit 502.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the RAR reception window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and X is an integer greater than 1.

[0290] In a possible implementation, when the center frequency of the first downlink BWP is not the same as that of the first uplink BWP, the RAR reception window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and X is an integer greater than 1; or,

[0291] When the first downlink BWP is not configured and the first uplink BWP is configured, the RAR reception window starts X symbols after the last symbol of a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion, and X is an integer greater than 1.

[0292] In a possible implementation, the duration of the X symbols is greater than or equal to a preset time.

[0293] In a possible implementation, the preset time is equal to 200 us.

[0294] In a possible implementation, X is positively correlated with the subcarrier spacing.

[0295] In a possible implementation, when the subcarrier spacing is 15 KHz, X is equal to 3.

[0296] When the subcarrier spacing is 30 KHz, X is equal to 6.

[0297] In some embodiments of the present application, the processing unit 501 is configured to determine a measurement interval.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 501 is specifically configured to determine the measurement interval when the SSB is not completely contained in the first downlink bandwidth part (BWP).

[0299] In a possible implementation, the first downlink BWP includes an activated first downlink BWP.

[0300] In a possible implementation, the measurement interval includes one or more of a measurement interval for intra-cell measurement or a measurement interval for inter-cell measurement.

[0301] For details of the implementation, refer to the related content of the method embodiments.

[0302] For details of the implementation, refer to the related content of the method embodiments. Figure 6 ,Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method. Figures 2 to 4 The communication apparatus 600 can be a terminal device or an apparatus for a terminal device. The apparatus for a terminal device can be a chip system or a chip in the terminal device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0303] The communication apparatus 600 includes at least one processor 620, which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The apparatus 600 can also include a communication interface 610, which is used to implement the transceiving operation of the terminal device in the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor 620 can be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication interface 610 can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module or other types of communication interfaces, which are used to communicate with other devices through a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 610 is used for the apparatus 600 to communicate with other devices. The processor 620 transceives data by using the communication interface 610, and is used to implement the above method embodiments Figures 2 to 4 .

[0304] The communication apparatus 600 can also include at least one memory 630, which is used to store program instructions and / or data. The memory 630 is coupled with the processor 620. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information interaction between apparatuses, units or modules. The processor 620 can operate in cooperation with the memory 630. The processor 620 can execute the program instructions stored in the memory 630. At least one of the at least one memory can be included in the processor.

[0305] When the communication apparatus 600 is powered on, the processor 620 can read the software program in the memory 630, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 620 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, and outputs the baseband signal to a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), which performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves through an antenna. When data is transmitted to the apparatus 600, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 620, which converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0306] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged independently of the processor 620 that performs baseband processing, for example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged remotely from the communication apparatus.

[0307] The specific connection medium between the communication interface 610, the processor 620 and the memory 630 in the embodiments of the present application is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application, the memory 630, the processor 620 and the communication interface 610 are connected through a bus 640, and the bus is represented by a thick line in the figure. The connection mode between other components is only illustrative and is not limited. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For convenience, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. Figure 6 Figure 6 The connection mode between other components is only illustrative and is not limited. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For convenience, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. Figure 6

[0308] When the communication apparatus 600 is specifically used for a terminal device, for example, the communication apparatus 600 is specifically a chip or a chip system, the communication interface 610 can output or receive a baseband signal. When the communication apparatus 600 is specifically a terminal device, the communication interface 610 can output or receive a radio frequency signal.

[0309] It should be noted that the communication apparatus can perform the related steps of the terminal device or the network device in the foregoing method embodiments, and specific implementation modes are provided in the foregoing steps, which will not be described here.

[0310] For each device or product applied to or integrated into the communication apparatus, each module contained therein can be realized in the form of hardware such as a circuit, different modules can be located in the same component (for example, a chip, a circuit module, etc.) or different components in the terminal, or at least part of the modules can be realized in the form of a software program running in the processor integrated in the terminal, and the remaining (if any) part of the modules can be realized in the form of hardware such as a circuit. ​​

[0311] The memory can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0312] The embodiment of the present application provides a chip. The chip comprises a processor and a memory. The number of processors can be one or more, and the number of memories can be one or more. The processor can execute the steps of the communication method as described above and the related embodiments by reading the instructions and data stored on the memory. Figures 2 to 4 The processor can execute the steps of the communication method as described above and the related embodiments by reading the instructions and data stored on the memory.

[0313] As shown in Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a module device provided by the embodiment of the present application. The module device 700 can execute the related steps of the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments. The module device 700 comprises a communication module 701, a power module 702, a storage module 703, and a chip module 704. The power module 702 is used for providing power for the module device. The storage module 703 is used for storing data and instructions. The communication module 701 is used for internal communication of the module device, or is used for communication between the module device and an external device. The chip module 704 can execute the steps of the communication method as described above and the related embodiments by reading the instructions and data stored on the memory. Figures 2 to 4The communication method and the steps performed by the related embodiments.

[0314] It can be understood that the specific description of the chip module can also refer to Figure 5 or Figure 6 and the like, which will not be described in detail here.

[0315] The computer readable storage medium in the embodiments of the present application also provides a computer program. The computer program includes program instructions. When the program instructions are executed by a processor, the above-mentioned Figures 2 to 4 The communication method and the steps performed by the related embodiments.

[0316] The computer readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal device, such as a hard disk or a memory of the device. The computer readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, and the like. Further, the computer readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the terminal device. The computer readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device. The computer readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, and the like, which includes one or a set of available media. The available media can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid state disk.

[0317] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are wholly or partially generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center through a wired or wireless manner.

[0318] It should be understood that the size of the sequence number of each process described above in various embodiments of the present application does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0319] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods, devices and systems can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only illustrative; for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner; for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the displayed or discussed each other can be through some interface, device or unit indirect coupling or communication connection, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0320] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or they can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application.

[0321] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically included separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional unit.

[0322] The integrated unit in the form of software function unit can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. The software function unit is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, etc.) to execute part of steps of the method according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0323] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium and can include the processes of the above-mentioned embodiments when executed.

[0324] The above disclosure is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and of course cannot limit the scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes of the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made according to the claims of the present application still fall within the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a system information block (SIB1), wherein the SIB1 configures a first downlink bandwidth part (BWP), and the first BWP is an initial downlink BWP configured for a narrowband UE; in a random access procedure, determining that the first downlink BWP is activated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a period of a synchronization signal block (SSB) in the first downlink BWP. The method further comprises: determining a period of a synchronization signal block (SSB) in the first downlink BWP. The method further comprises:

3. The method according to any of claims 1-2, characterized in that, determining a position of a synchronization signal block (SSB) actually transmitted in the first downlink BWP. The method further comprises:

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, determining a period of a synchronization signal block (SSB) in the first downlink BWP. The method further comprises:

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, determining a position of a synchronization signal block (SSB) actually transmitted in the first downlink BWP.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first downlink BWP comprises an activated downlink BWP. The communication device comprises a processor and a memory, which are connected to each other, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, the computer program comprises program instructions, and the processor is configured to invoke the program instructions to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The chip comprises a processor and an interface, which are coupled to each other; the interface is configured to receive or output a signal, and the processor is configured to execute code instructions, so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is executed. ​ 8. The method of claim 7, wherein, ​ ​ 9. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ 10. The method of claim 9, wherein, ​ ​ 11. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, ​ 12. A communications device, characterized by ​ 13. A communications device, characterized by ​ 14. A chip, characterized by ​ 15. A modular device, comprising: The module device comprises a communication module, a power module, a storage module and a chip module, wherein: The power module is configured to provide power for the module device; The storage module is configured to store data and instructions; The communication module is configured to communicate within the module device or between the module device and an external device; The chip module is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program comprises program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-11.

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