A beam switching method and apparatus

Abstract

A beam switching method and device, the method is used for switching a first beam set to a second beam set, a terminal device is located in an overlapping part of a coverage range of the first beam set and a coverage range of the second beam set, the method comprises: a network device switches the first beam set to a first third beam set, in a process of switching from the first third beam set to the second beam set, the network device sends N indication information to the terminal device, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the i-th indication information is used for indicating a QCL relationship between a signal carried by a beam in the 2i-th third beam set and a first signal, and the N-th indication information is used for indicating a QCL relationship between a signal carried by a beam included in the second beam set and the first signal. By using the above method, multiple beam switching is performed to switch from the first beam set to the second beam set, and multiple indication information is sent to update the QCL relationship in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a beam switching method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, high-speed data services and ubiquitous access demands are experiencing explosive growth. However, these data services and access demands pose a significant contradiction to the increasingly scarce spectrum resources. In an environment of increasingly saturated spectrum, improving spectrum utilization has become a focus of attention. Massive MIMO technology emerged under this premise and is considered a core candidate technology for improving spectrum utilization. It enables multiple spatially separated terminal devices to communicate simultaneously on the same time-frequency resource by deploying dozens or even hundreds of antennas on the network equipment side.

[0003] In the 4G era, the broadcast channel beam is a vertically narrow, horizontally wide beam formed by beamforming. A single broadcast channel beam can cover the entire cell.

[0004] In the 5G era, broadcast channels transmit data in a scanning manner over a period of time using a narrow beam formed by beamforming. By increasing the number of digital channels, more beams can be formed in the vertical plane, resulting in a wider coverage area. For example, in traditional cellular (sub6GHz) frequency bands, the New Radio (NR) protocol limits the number of broadcast beams to a maximum of eight.

[0005] The concept of quasi-co-located (QCL) has emerged in LTE systems, and similar to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, QCL relationships also exist in NR systems. For example, network equipment needs to configure the QCL relationship between the SSB and the tracking reference signal (TRS) in real time based on the currently optimal synchronization signal block (SSB) beam for the terminal equipment. The terminal equipment can then estimate or assist in estimating the large-scale parameters of the channel used to receive the TRS based on the large-scale parameters of this optimal SSB beam. However, if the SSB beam on the network equipment side changes, and the QCL relationship corresponding to the new optimal SSB beam is not configured to the terminal equipment in a timely manner, the terminal equipment may use incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation, resulting in dropped calls. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a beam switching method and apparatus to solve the problem that terminal devices use incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation because the QCL relationship is not updated in time when the SSB beam changes on the network device side.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a beam switching method, the method being used to switch a first beam set to a second beam set, wherein the coverage area of ​​the first beam set overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second beam set, and a terminal device is located in the overlapping portion of the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set. The method includes: a network device switching the first beam set to a first third beam set; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first third beam set, k ≥ 0; and the network device switching from the first third beam set to the second third beam set... During the second beam set process, the network device sends N indication messages to the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; wherein, the i-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the 2i-1 third beam set to the 2i-th third beam set, and the i-th indication message is used to indicate the quasi-co-address QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the 2i-th third beam set and the first signal, where i takes any positive integer from 1 to N-1; the N-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the 2N-1-th third beam set to the second beam set, and the N-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam included in the second beam set and the first signal, and the total number of the third beam sets is 2N-1.

[0008] Using the above method, network devices can perform multiple beam switchings to switch from the first beam set to the second beam set and send multiple indication messages to terminal devices to update QCL relationships in a timely manner, thereby preventing terminal devices from using incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation and causing dropped calls.

[0009] In one possible design, any two third beam sets have the same coverage area.

[0010] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 in the first beam set is greater than or equal to the number of beams N2 in the second beam set; and at least two beams in the first third beam set have the same beam direction. Using this method, switching from the first beam set to the first third beam set can be achieved without updating the QCL relationship.

[0011] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 in the second beam set, and the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is greater than the number of beams N2 in the second beam set; the number of beams in the first third beam set is N1 + N3 - N2, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams. Using this method, switching from the first beam set to the first third beam set can be achieved without updating the QCL relationship.

[0012] In one possible design, the beam index j of the first N1 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the beam index j of the N1 beams in the first beam set, where 1 ≤ j ≤ N1; the beam indices corresponding to the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set are all greater than the largest beam index in the second beam set. Using this method, the number of times indication information is transmitted can be reduced.

[0013] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 in the second beam set; the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is the same as the number of beams N2 in the second beam set; the number of beams in the first third beam set is N1+1, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the last beam in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams. Using this method, switching from the first beam set to the first third beam set can be achieved without updating the QCL relationship.

[0014] In one possible design, the beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first beam set, where 1 ≤ j ≤ N1; the beam index of the last beam in the first third beam set is greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set. Using this method, the number of times indication information is transmitted can be reduced.

[0015] In one possible design, the first signal may be a TRS.

[0016] In one possible design, each of the N indication messages may be carried by downlink control information, or radio resource control messages, or media access layer control units.

[0017] Secondly, this application also provides an apparatus. This apparatus can perform the above-described method design. The apparatus may be a chip or circuit capable of performing the functions corresponding to the above-described method, or a device including the chip or circuit.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the device includes: a memory for storing computer-executable program code; and a processor coupled to the memory. The program code stored in the memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device or a device equipped with the device to perform any of the methods in the first aspect described above.

[0019] The device may also include a communication interface, which may be a transceiver, or, if the device is a chip or circuit, the communication interface may be the chip's input / output interface, such as input / output pins.

[0020] In one possible design, the device includes corresponding functional units, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a device, executes the method in any of the possible designs in the first aspect described above.

[0022] Fourthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when run on a device, executes the method in any of the possible designs described in the first aspect.

[0023] Fifthly, this application provides a communication system, the system including a terminal device and a network device, wherein the network device is used to implement any of the possible designs in the first aspect.

[0024] For a description of the technical effects that any possible design in any of the second to fifth aspects above could achieve, please refer to the technical effects brought about by any possible design in the first aspect above. Repeated descriptions will not be repeated. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an SSB beamset according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart outlining a beam switching method as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4A This is one of the schematic diagrams of the first beam set and the second beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 4B This is one of the schematic diagrams of the first third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 4C This is one of the schematic diagrams of the second third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 4D This is one of the schematic diagrams of the third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4E This is one of the schematic diagrams of the fourth third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 4F This is one of the schematic diagrams of the fifth third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 4G This is a second schematic diagram of the second beam set in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5A This is a second schematic diagram of the first beam set in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5B This is the third schematic diagram of the second beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 5C This is a second schematic diagram of the first third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 5D This is a second schematic diagram of the second third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 5E This is a second schematic diagram of the third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 5F This is the fourth schematic diagram of the second beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 6A This is the fifth schematic diagram of the second beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 6B This is the third schematic diagram of the first third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6C This is the third schematic diagram of the second third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 6D This is the third schematic diagram of the third beam set in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a device in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the mobile communication system includes core network equipment 110, access network equipment 120, and at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 1 The terminal devices 130 and 140 are included in this document. The terminal devices connect wirelessly to the access network devices, and the access network devices connect wirelessly or via a wired connection to the core network devices. The core network devices and access network devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of the core network devices and the logical functions of the access network devices onto the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network devices and some of the functions of the access network devices. The terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. Figure 1 This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 Not shown in the diagram. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of core network devices, access network devices, and terminal devices included in the mobile communication system.

[0048] Terminal devices connect wirelessly to access network equipment to access the mobile communication system. Access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system; it can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, for example, a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the access network equipment. In this application, access network equipment is referred to as network equipment; unless otherwise specified, network equipment refers to access network equipment.

[0049] Terminal equipment can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality terminal device, augmented reality terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in autonomous driving, wireless terminal in remote surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal equipment.

[0050] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminal devices.

[0051] Network devices and terminal devices can communicate using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. They can also communicate using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used between network devices and terminal devices.

[0052] The following is a brief description of the technical concepts involved in this application:

[0053] 1. QCL

[0054] If the large-scale characteristics of the channel for a symbol transmitted on one antenna port can be inferred from the channel characteristics of a symbol transmitted on another antenna port, then these two antenna ports are said to have a QCL (Qualitative Channel Clone) relationship. Simply put, symbols on two antenna ports with a QCL relationship are correlated.

[0055] Large-scale characteristics typically include time delay spread, average time delay, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, and spatial reception parameters.

[0056] To better support beamforming, NR systems extend the concept of quasi-co-location to the spatial domain. If two reference signals are spatially quasi-co-located, it means they are transmitted by the same beam from the same geographical location. Typically, the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) (or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH, etc.)) and specific reference signals, such as channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) and SSBs, are spatially quasi-co-located. Therefore, terminal equipment can determine the optimal beam pointing for receiving the PDSCH (or PDCCH, etc.) based on measurements of specific reference signals.

[0057] For example, the following explanation uses the configuration of the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS as an example.

[0058] Network devices can first configure the TRS resource set. For example, a network device can set the tracking reference signal information (trs-Info) in the non-zero power-channel state information-reference signal-ResourceSet (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet) to true. Here, NZP-CSI-RS-Resource in NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet corresponds to the TRS resource.

[0059] Then, the network device can configure the Transmission Configuration Indicator State ID (TCI-StateID) and QCL relationship corresponding to the TRS resource. For example, the network device can configure the qcl-InfoPeriodicCSI-RS indicator in NZP-CSI-RS-Resources to indicate the TCI-StateID corresponding to the TRS resource, and configure the reference signal in the QCL information (QCL-Info) of the TCI-State corresponding to the TCI-StateID as the SSB index (SSB-Index). Each TCI-State corresponds to one QCL relationship. The SSB-Index can be configured by the network device to be measured and reported by the terminal device, or it can be obtained through other means such as uplink / downlink beam mapping. This application does not limit this.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, network devices can configure the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0, SSB Index1, SSB Index2, SSB Index3, SSB Index4, SSB Index5, SSB Index6, and SSB Index7. The QCL relationship is user-level, and each terminal device will be configured with one of the above eight QCL relationships. For example, if a terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index0, the network device will configure the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0 for the terminal device. Similarly, if a terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index1, the network device will configure the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index1 for the terminal device.

[0061] Therefore, the success rate of TRS demodulation can be improved by using QCL relationships. For example, if the SSB corresponding to SSB Index0 is QCL with the TRS, then the terminal device can demodulate the TRS from that SSB through the QCL relationship.

[0062] 2.SSB

[0063] The SSB Index represents the temporal location of the SSB. For example, for Sub3G to Sub6G, the SSB Index can range from 0 to 7. The SSB beam represents the spatial location of the SSB. For example, SSB Index 0 can correspond to SSB beam 1, and SSB Index 1 can correspond to SSB beam 2. SSB Index 0 and SSB Index 1 correspond to different transmission times, and beam 1 and beam 2 correspond to different beam directions. As another example, SSB Index 0 can correspond to SSB beam 1, and SSB Index 1 can correspond to SSB beam 2. In this case, SSB beam 1 is transmitted at the transmission times corresponding to both SSB Index 0 and SSB Index 1.

[0064] It should be noted that modifying the SSB beam is a common network optimization technique for NR systems. Changes in the number of SSB beams due to variations in time slot allocation or energy-saving measures by network equipment are also common. This application does not limit the specific reasons for network equipment initiating SSB beam switching, nor does it specify how the switched SSB beam is determined. Furthermore, this application does not address situations where the movement of the terminal device results in the terminal device being within the coverage area of ​​different SSB beams.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, the first beam set represents the beam set before the switch, and the second beam set represents the beam set after the switch, wherein the coverage area of ​​the first beam set overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the second beam set.

[0066] In one example, the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the second beam set, or it can be described as the coverage area of ​​the first beam set being consistent with the coverage area of ​​the second beam set. It should be noted that, generally, the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set cannot be exactly the same. In this application, "the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set are the same" means that the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set are approximately the same.

[0067] In another example, the first beam set and the second beam set have the same coverage area and also have different coverage areas, or, to describe it, the coverage areas of the first beam set and the coverage areas of the second beam set have overlapping parts and also non-overlapping parts.

[0068] For example, the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam before the handover is the same as that of the SSB beam after the handover, or the SSB beam before the handover and the SSB beam after the handover have the same coverage area, or they have different coverage areas.

[0069] In the following specific embodiments, only the scenario where the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as that of the second beam set is described. For scenarios where the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set are not the same, the overlapping beams can be selected and the same processing procedure can be performed.

[0070] To ensure that terminal devices relying on SSB for channel estimation do not experience call drops during SSB beam switching in network equipment, this application provides a beam switching method, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The terminal device is located in the overlapping area between the coverage of the first beam set and the coverage of the second beam set.

[0071] Step 300: The network device switches the first beam set to the first third beam set.

[0072] The number of beam sets in the third beam set is greater than or equal to 1. The third beam set can also be called the transition beam set.

[0073] For example, the first third beam set needs to satisfy the following two conditions simultaneously:

[0074] Condition 1: The coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set. It is understood that the coverage area of ​​the first beam set will not be exactly the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set. The statement that the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set means that the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is approximately the same as the coverage area of ​​the first beam set.

[0075] Alternatively, the coverage of the first third beam set includes the overlap between the coverage of the first beam set and the coverage of the second beam set.

[0076] Condition 2: The coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first third beam set, and k≥0.

[0077] Step 310: During the process of the network device switching from the first third beam set to the second beam set, the network device sends N indication messages, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0078] The i-th indication information is sent by the network device before switching from the (2i-1)-th third beam set to the 2i-th third beam set. The i-th indication information is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the 2i-th third beam set and the first signal, where i takes any positive integer from 1 to N-1. The N-th indication information is sent by the network device before switching from the (2N-1)-th third beam set to the second beam set. The N-th indication information is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam included in the second beam set and the first signal. The total number of third beam sets is 2N-1.

[0079] For example, the i-th indication information can be used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam capable of covering the terminal device in the 2i-th third beam set and the first signal, or the i-th indication information can be used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam capable of covering the terminal device in the 2i-th third beam set and the first signal. The N-th indication information can be used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam capable of covering the terminal device included in the second beam set and the first signal, or the N-th indication information can be used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam capable of covering the terminal device included in the second beam set and the first signal.

[0080] For example, the first indication information is sent before the network device switches from the first third beam set to the second third beam set. This first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the second third beam set and the first signal. Here, the beam in the second third beam set refers to a beam in the second third beam set that can cover the terminal device or a beam that can cover the terminal device. Alternatively, it can be described as follows: before beam switching, the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​a beam in the first third beam set (denoted as the beam corresponding to beam index A); after beam switching, the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​a beam in the second third beam set (denoted as the beam corresponding to beam index B). The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the signal carried by beam B (corresponding to beam index B) and the first signal. Among them, the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index A overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index B, and the terminal device is located in the overlapping part of the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index A and the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index B.

[0081] Similarly, the second indication information is sent before the network device switches from the third third beam set to the fourth third beam set. The second indication information is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the fourth third beam set and the first signal.

[0082] For example, any two third beam sets have the same coverage area. It is understood that, generally, the coverage areas of any two third beam sets will not be exactly the same; the same coverage area of ​​any two third beam sets means that their coverage areas are approximately the same.

[0083] The first signal can be a TRS, the signals carried by the beams included in the first beam set, the signals carried by the beams included in the second beam set, and the signals carried by the beams included in each third beam set can be of the same type, such as SSB.

[0084] It is understood that the N indication messages are sent before beam switching, not together, but separately. Each indication message can be carried by downlink control information (DCI), radio resource control (RRC) messages, or medium access control control element (MAC CE) messages. For example, the network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device, which includes the SSB-Index of the ReferenceSignal in the QCL-Info. Alternatively, the network device can send a DCI or MAC CE message to the terminal device, indicating the new TCI-State.

[0085] Optionally, in step 320: the terminal device performs channel estimation based on the received instruction information and receives the first signal based on the channel estimation result.

[0086] Understandably, the terminal device updates the QCL relationship based on the latest received instruction information to avoid using incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation, which could cause the terminal device to drop calls.

[0087] It should be noted that not every terminal device located in the overlapping area of ​​the coverage of the first beam set and the second beam set will receive N indication messages. Some terminal devices may receive fewer than N indication messages, and a terminal device may receive a maximum of N indication messages. For example, in use case 1 below, a terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBindex3 or the SSB beam corresponding to SSBindex1 in the second beam set will receive 2 indication messages, while a terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBindex0 or the SSB beam corresponding to SSBindex2 in the second beam set will receive 3 indication messages.

[0088] The following section discusses the specific beam switching process. Figure 3 The embodiments shown are described in detail below:

[0089] Use Case 1: The number of beams N1 in the first beam set is greater than the number of beams N2 in the second beam set, meaning the number of beams before the handover is greater than the number of beams after the handover. In this case, at least two beams in the first third beam set have the same beam direction.

[0090] For example, such as Figure 4A The left side shows the first beam set, and the right side shows the second beam set. The first beam set includes 8 SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 from smallest to largest. For example, in the first beam set, SSB Index 0 transmits a beam pointing at 60 degrees, and SSB Index 2 transmits a beam pointing at 20 degrees. Network devices can configure the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index 0, SSB Index 1, SSB Index 2, SSB Index 3, SSB Index 4, SSB Index 5, SSB Index 6, and SSB Index 7.

[0091] The second beam set includes four SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, and 3 from smallest to largest. The coverage areas of the first beam set overlap with those of the second beam set. The network device updates the QCL relationships to the following relationships: SSB Index3 corresponds to the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS; SSB Index0 corresponds to the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS; SSB Index1 corresponds to the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS; and SSB Index2 corresponds to the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS.

[0092] Understandably, if a network device switches from the first beam set to the second beam set and sends information to update the QCL relationship, a terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first beam set before the SSB beam switch will, after the SSB beam switch, assuming the terminal device's location does not change (or the terminal device's location changes but it is still within the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first beam set), be located within the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the second beam set. Since the terminal device may not update the QCL relationship in time (there is a time difference between the terminal device measuring the SSB and updating the QCL relationship), the terminal device will still believe it is receiving the SSB on the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first beam set and perform channel estimation based on the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index0 and TRS in the first beam set. However, in reality, the terminal device is receiving the SSB on the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the second beam set. This may cause the terminal device to use incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation, leading to dropped calls.

[0093] The process by which network devices switch from the first beam set to the second beam set involves the following steps:

[0094] Process 1: The network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as that of the first third beam set.

[0095] like Figure 4B As shown, the first third beam set includes 8 SSB beams. The SSB indices of the 8 SSB beams, from smallest to largest, are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Specifically, the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 0 is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 1; the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 2 is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 3; the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 4 is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 5; and the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 6 is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 7. It can be seen that... Figure 4B The first third beam set shown satisfies the above two conditions:

[0096] First, the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set is the same as that of the first beam set.

[0097] Second, the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 3 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 3 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 4 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 4 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 ...4 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first third beam set; the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 3 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area The coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to Index6 belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to Index6 in the first third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to Index7 in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to Index7 in the first third beam set.

[0098] Furthermore, when the network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship. This is because if the terminal device was within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first beam set before the switch, then after the switch, the terminal device will also be within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first third beam set. That is, the terminal device is always within the same SSB beam before and after the SSB beam switch, and the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to each SSB Index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to each SSB Index k in the first third beam set. Therefore, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship.

[0099] It should be noted that, as Figure 4B The schematic diagram of the first third beam set shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0100] Process 2: The network device switches from the first third beam set to the second third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first third beam set is the same as that of the second third beam set.

[0101] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 4B The first third beam set shown is switched to as follows Figure 4C The second third beam set is shown. Among them, as shown... Figure 4C The second and third beam sets shown include four SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 2, 4, and 6 from smallest to largest. Network devices will then... Figure 4B The first third beam set shown is switched to as follows Figure 4C Before the second third beam set shown, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the following: the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0, the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index2, the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index4, and the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index6.

[0102] As Figure 4B The first third beam set shown and as follows Figure 4CAs shown in the second third beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set are now located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the second third beam set after the SSB beam switching. Although the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the second third beam set, the SSB Indexes are different. Therefore, the network device re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set. That is, it sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0, which enables the terminal device to use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Similarly, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index2. The network device also sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index5 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index4. The network device also sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index6.

[0103] It should be noted that, as Figure 4C The schematic diagram of the second third beam set shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit this application. Wherein, in determining Figure 4C When selecting the second third beam set, the beam set with the highest similarity to the second beam set can be chosen as the third beam set. If the similarity of each candidate second third beam set is the same, any one of them can be selected. For example, the above second third beam set can also be replaced with: the SSB index of the four SSB beams in ascending order is 1, 3, 5, 7, or the SSB index of the four SSB beams in ascending order is 1, 4, 5, 7, or the SSB index of the four SSB beams in ascending order is 0, 4, 5, 7, etc.

[0104] Process 3: The network device switches from the second third beam set to the third third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the second third beam set is the same as that of the third third beam set.

[0105] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 4C The second third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 4D The third set of beams shown. Among them, as... Figure 4D The third set of beams shown includes eight SSB beams, with the SSB indices of the eight SSB beams in clockwise order being 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

[0106] As Figure 4C The second and third beam sets shown and as follows Figure 4D As shown in the third set of third beams, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 will, after the SSB beam switching, be located within the coverage area of ​​both the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3. However, since the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 is the same as that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3, the terminal device will always remain located within the same beam corresponding to the same SSB Index (SSB index0) before and after the SSB beam switching. Therefore, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship.

[0107] Similarly, network devices do not need to update other QCL relationships.

[0108] It should be noted that, as Figure 4D The schematic diagram of the third third beam set shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit this application. Wherein, in determining Figure 4D When considering the third beam set, two aspects can be taken into account: the second beam set has the highest similarity and there is no need to update the QCL relationship. For example, the SSB indices of the four SSB beams in the clockwise direction of the second beam set are 3, 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Therefore, it can be determined that the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index 3 in the second beam set is the same as the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index 0 in the third beam set, and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index 4 in the second beam set is the same as the SSB beam corresponding to SSB index 1 in the third beam set. This can reduce the number of SSB beam switching operations.

[0109] Process 4: The network device switches from the third third beam set to the fourth third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the third third beam set is the same as that of the fourth third beam set.

[0110] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 4D The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 4E The fourth third beam set is shown. Among them, as shown... Figure 4E The fourth third beam set shown includes four SSB beams, with SSB indices of 1, 3, 5, and 7 from smallest to largest. Network devices will then... Figure 4D The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 4E Before the fourth third beam set shown, the network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device. The second indication message indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the following: the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index3, the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index5, the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index1, and the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index7.

[0111] As Figure 4D The third beam set shown and as... Figure 4EAs shown in the fourth third beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the third third beam set is now located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the fourth third beam set. Although the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the third third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the fourth third beam set, the SSB Indexes are different. Therefore, the network device re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the third third beam set. That is, it sends a second indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the third third beam set. The second indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index3, which enables the terminal device to use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Similarly, the network device sends a second indication message to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2 in the third third beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index5. It also sends a second indication message to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index4 in the third third beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index1. Furthermore, it sends a second indication message to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the first third beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index7.

[0112] Process 5: The network device switches from the fourth third beam set to the fifth third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the fourth third beam set is the same as that of the fifth third beam set.

[0113] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 4E The fourth third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 4F The fifth third beam set is shown. Among them, as shown... Figure 4F The fifth third beam set shown includes six SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 from smallest to largest.

[0114] As Figure 4E The fourth third beam set shown and as follows Figure 4FAs shown in the fifth third beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 will, after the SSB beam switching, be located within the coverage area of ​​both the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0. However, since the coverage areas of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 are the same, the terminal device will always remain located within the same SSB Index (SSBindex 5) beam before and after the SSB beam switching. Therefore, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship.

[0115] Similarly, network devices do not need to update other QCL relationships.

[0116] Process 6: The network device switches the fifth third beam set to the second beam set. The coverage area of ​​the fifth third beam set is the same as that of the second beam set.

[0117] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 4F The fifth third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 4G The second beam set shown (i.e., as shown) Figure 4A The second beam set shown on the right). In network devices, from such... Figure 4F The fifth third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 4G Before the second beam set shown, the network device sends a third indication message to the terminal device. The third indication message indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0 and the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index2.

[0118] As Figure 4F The fifth third beam set shown and Figure 4GAs shown in the second beam set, terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBIndex3 remain within the same SSBIndex beam before and after SSB beam switching; therefore, QCL relationships do not need to be updated. Similarly, terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBIndex1 remain within the same SSBIndex beam before and after SSB beam switching; therefore, QCL relationships do not need to be updated. Before the SSB beam switching, terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the 5th third beam set will, after the SSB beam switching, be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the 2nd beam set. Although the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the 5th third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the 2nd beam set, the SSB Indexes are different. Therefore, the network device re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the 5th third beam set. That is, it sends a third indication message to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 5 in the 5th third beam set. The third indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index 0 and the TRS, thus enabling the terminal device to use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Similarly, the network device sends the third indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the fifth third beam set. The third indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index2 and the TRS.

[0119] Use Case 2: The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set, and the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is greater than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set.

[0120] The first third beam set includes N1 + N3 - N2 beams. The first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set. The coverage area of ​​the last N3 - N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams. It is understandable that, generally, the coverage area of ​​the last N3 - N2 beams in the first third beam set will not be exactly the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams. The statement that the coverage area of ​​the last N3 - N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams means that the coverage area of ​​the last N3 - N2 beams in the first third beam set is approximately the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams.

[0121] In one possible design, the beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam index j in the first N1 beams set, 1≤j≤N1, and the beam indices corresponding to the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set are all greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

[0122] For example, such as Figure 5A The image shows the first beam set, as shown below. Figure 5B The image shows the second beam set. The first beam set includes three SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, and 2 from smallest to largest. Network devices can configure the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSBIndex0, SSBIndex1, and SSBIndex2.

[0123] The second beam set includes six SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 from smallest to largest. The coverage areas of the first beam set overlap with those of the second beam set. The network device updates the QCL relationships to the following relationships: SSB Index0, SSB Index1, SSB Index2, SSB Index3, SSB Index4, and SSB Index5.

[0124] In scenarios where the network device configuration supports a maximum of 8 SSB Indexes, the network device switches from the first beam set to the second beam set through the following process:

[0125] Process 1: The network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as that of the first third beam set.

[0126] like Figure 5CAs shown, the first third beam set includes 5 SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 6, and 7 from smallest to largest. Specifically, the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set. The beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first beam set. The beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first beam set. The coverage area formed by the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 in the first third beam set and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 7 in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area formed by the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set, the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first third beam set, and the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first third beam set.

[0127] It can be seen that, as Figure 5C The first third beam set shown satisfies the above two conditions.

[0128] Therefore, when a network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship. This is because if the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first beam set before the SSB beam switch, then after the SSB beam switch, the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first third beam set. That is, the terminal device is always located within the same beam corresponding to the same SSB Index before and after the SSB beam switch, so there is no need to update the QCL relationship. For example, if the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set before the SSB beam switch, then after the SSB beam switch, the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set. Although the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 in the first third beam set, the terminal device is always located within the same beam corresponding to SSB Index (SSB index 0) before and after the SSB beam switch. Therefore, there is no need to update the QCL relationship.

[0129] It should be noted that, as Figure 5C The schematic diagram of the first third beam set shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0130] Process 2: The network device switches from the first third beam set to the second third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first third beam set is the same as that of the second third beam set.

[0131] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 5C The second third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 5D The third set of beams shown. Among them, as... Figure 5D The third beam set shown includes two SSB beams, with SSB indices of 6 and 7 respectively, from smallest to largest. Network devices will then... Figure 5C The first third beam set shown is switched to as follows Figure 5D Before the second third beam set shown, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index6 and the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index7.

[0132] As Figure 5C The first third beam set shown and as follows Figure 5DAs shown in the second third beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set is now located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the second third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set is different from that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the second third beam set, and the SSB Index is also different before and after the switching. Therefore, the network device re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set. That is, it sends the first indication information to the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index6, which enables the terminal device to use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Similarly, the network device sends a first indication message to terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set. This first indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index6 and the TRS, or the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index7 and the TRS. It also sends a first indication message to terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2 in the first third beam set, indicating the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index7 and the TRS. Specifically, the network device sends the first indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the second third beam set; this first indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index6 and the TRS. The network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the second third beam set. The first indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index7 and the TRS.

[0133] Process 3: The network device switches from the second third beam set to the third third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the second third beam set is the same as that of the third third beam set.

[0134] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 5DThe second third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 5E The third set of beams shown. Among them, as... Figure 5D The third set of beams shown includes eight SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 from smallest to largest.

[0135] As Figure 5D The second and third beam sets shown and as follows Figure 5E As shown in the third set of third beams, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 will, after the SSB beam switching, remain within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6, and simultaneously within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2. However, since the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 includes the coverage areas of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0, SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1, and SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2, the terminal device will always remain within the same SSB Index (SSBindex 6) beam before and after the SSB beam switching. Therefore, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship.

[0136] Similarly, network devices do not need to update other QCL relationships.

[0137] Process 4: The network device switches the third beam set to the second beam set. The coverage area of ​​the third beam set is the same as that of the second beam set.

[0138] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 5E The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 5F The second beam set shown (i.e., as shown) Figure 5B (The second beam set shown).

[0139] Network devices will be like Figure 5E The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 5FBefore the second beam set shown, the network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device. The second indication message indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the following: the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0, SSB Index1, SSB Index2, SSB Index3, SSB Index4, and SSB Index5.

[0140] Depend on Figure 5E The third beam set shown and as... Figure 5FAs shown in the second beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 in the third beam set are located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 1, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the second beam set after the SSB beam switching. Therefore, the SSB re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 in the third beam set. That is, it sends a second indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 6 in the third beam set. The second indication information indicates the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index 0, or SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index 1, or SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index 2. This enables the terminal device to use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Specifically, the network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index0 and the TRS. The network device also sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index1 and the TRS. Finally, the network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index2 and the TRS.

[0141] Similarly, the network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index3, the SSB corresponding to SSB Index4, or the SSB corresponding to SSB Index5. Specifically, the network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and also within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index3 and the TRS. The network device also sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and also within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index4 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index4 and the TRS. The network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBIndex7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSBIndex5 in the second beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSBIndex5 and the TRS.

[0142] Use Case 3: The number of beams N1 in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 in the second beam set; the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is the same as the number of beams N2 in the second beam set.

[0143] The first third beam set includes N1+1 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams included in the first beam set, and the coverage of the last beam in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage of the first N beams.

[0144] In one possible design, the coverage area of ​​the Nth third beam set is different from the coverage area of ​​the second beam set, but the coverage area of ​​the Nth third beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the second beam set.

[0145] In one possible design, the beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam index j in the N1 beams of the first beam set, 1≤j≤N1, and the beam index corresponding to the last beam in the first third beam set is greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

[0146] For example, such as Figure 5A The image shows the first beam set, as shown below. Figure 6A The image shows the second beam set. The first beam set includes three SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, and 2 from smallest to largest. Network devices can configure the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSBIndex0, SSBIndex1, and SSBIndex2.

[0147] The second beam set includes 8 SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 from smallest to largest. The coverage areas of the first beam set overlap with those of the second beam set. The network device updates the QCL relationships to the following relationships: SSB Index0, SSB Index1, SSB Index2, SSB Index3, SSB Index4, SSB Index5, SSB Index6, and SSB Index7.

[0148] In scenarios where the network device configuration supports a maximum of 8 SSB Indexes, the network device switches from the first beam set to the second beam set through the following process:

[0149] Process 1: The network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as that of the first third beam set.

[0150] like Figure 6BAs shown, the first third beam set includes four SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, and 7 from smallest to largest. Specifically, the beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set. The beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 1 in the first beam set. The beam pointing of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first third beam set is the same as that of the SSB beam transmitted at the time corresponding to SSB Index 2 in the first beam set. The coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the SSB beams corresponding to SSB Index0, SSB Index1, and SSB Index2 in the first third beam set.

[0151] It can be seen that, as Figure 6B The first third beam set shown satisfies the above two conditions.

[0152] Therefore, when a network device switches from the first beam set to the first third beam set, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship. This is because if the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first beam set before the SSB beam switch, then after the SSB beam switch, the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index k in the first third beam set. That is, the terminal device is always located within the same beam corresponding to the same SSB Index before and after the SSB beam switch, so there is no need to update the QCL relationship. For example, if the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first beam set before the SSB beam switch, then after the SSB beam switch, the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 0 in the first third beam set. Although the terminal device will also be located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 7 in the first third beam set, the terminal device is always located within the same beam corresponding to SSB Index (SSB index 0) before and after the SSB beam switch. Therefore, there is no need to update the QCL relationship.

[0153] It should be noted that, as Figure 6BThe schematic diagram of the first third beam set shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0154] Process 2: The network device switches from the first third beam set to the second third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the first third beam set is the same as that of the second third beam set.

[0155] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 6B The second third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 6C The third set of beams shown. Among them, as... Figure 6C The third beam set shown includes one SSB beam with an SSB index of 7. Network devices will then... Figure 6B The first third beam set shown is switched to as follows Figure 6C Before the second third beam set shown, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index7.

[0156] As Figure 6B The first third beam set shown and as follows Figure 6CAs shown in the second third beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set are located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the second third beam set after the SSB beam switching. The coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set is different from that of the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the second third beam set, and the SSB Index is different before and after the switching. Therefore, the network device re-indicates the QCL relationship to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set. That is, it sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index7, so that the terminal device can use the correct large-size parameters for channel estimation. Similarly, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index7 and the TRS. The network device will also send the first indication information to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2 in the first third beam set. The first indication information indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index7 and the TRS.

[0157] Process 3: The network device switches from the second third beam set to the third third beam set. The coverage area of ​​the second third beam set is the same as that of the third third beam set.

[0158] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 6C The second third beam set shown switches to as follows Figure 6D The third set of beams shown. Among them, as... Figure 6D The third set of beams shown includes eight SSB beams, with SSB indices of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 from smallest to largest.

[0159] As Figure 6C The second and third beam sets shown and as follows Figure 6DAs shown in the third set of third beams, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7, after the SSB beam switching, is located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7, and simultaneously within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index4, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index5, or the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6. However, since the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index 7 includes the coverage areas of the SSB beams corresponding to SSB Index 0, SSB Index 1, SSB Index 2, SSB Index 3, SSB Index 4, SSB Index 5, and SSB Index 6, the terminal device remains located in the same beam corresponding to the same SSB Index (SSB index 7) before and after the SSB beam switch. Therefore, the network device does not need to update the QCL relationship.

[0160] Process 4: The network device switches the third beam set to the second beam set. The coverage area of ​​the third beam set is the same as that of the second beam set.

[0161] For example, network devices will receive from such Figure 6D The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 6A The second beam set is shown.

[0162] Network devices will be like Figure 6D The third beam set shown switches to, as... Figure 6ABefore the second beam set shown, the network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device. The second indication message indicates the updated QCL relationship, which includes one of the following: the QCL relationship between SSB and TRS corresponding to SSB Index0, SSB Index1, SSB Index2, SSB Index3, SSB Index4, SSB Index5, and SSB Index6.

[0163] Depend on Figure 6D The third beam set shown and as... Figure 6AAs shown in the second beam set, before the SSB beam switching, the terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set, after the SSB beam switching, are located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0, or SSBIndex1, or SSB Index2, or SSBIndex3, or SSB Index4, or SSBIndex5, or SSB Index6 in the second beam set. Therefore, the network device sends a second indication message to the terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index0 in the second beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index0 and the TRS. The network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index1 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index1 and the TRS. The network device also sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index2 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index2 and the TRS. Finally, the network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index3 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index3 and the TRS. The network device sends a second indication message to the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index4 in the second beam set. The second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index4 and the TRS.The network device sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index5 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index5 and the TRS. The network device also sends a second indication message to terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index7 in the third beam set and within the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam corresponding to SSB Index6 in the second beam set. This second indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the SSB corresponding to SSB Index6 and the TRS.

[0164] Using the method provided in this application embodiment, the network device performs multiple beam switching to switch from the first beam set to the second beam set, and sends multiple indication messages to the terminal device to update the QCL relationship in a timely manner, thereby preventing the terminal device from using incorrect large-scale parameters for channel estimation and causing the terminal device to drop calls.

[0165] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a possible exemplary block diagram of an apparatus 700 according to an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 700 includes a transceiver module 710 and a processing module 720. The transceiver module 710 may include a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing module 720 is used to control and manage the operation of the apparatus 700. The transceiver module 710 is used to support communication between the apparatus 700 and other network entities. Optionally, the apparatus 700 may further include a storage unit for storing program code and data of the apparatus 700.

[0166] Optionally, each module in the device 700 can be implemented by software.

[0167] Optionally, the processing module 720 may be a processor or controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing unit (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc. The transceiver module 710 may be a communication interface, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc., wherein the communication interface is a general term, and in a specific implementation, the communication interface may include multiple interfaces, and the storage unit may be a memory.

[0168] When device 700 is a network device or a chip within a network device, the processing module 720 in device 700 can support device 700 in performing the actions of the network device in the method examples above. For example, it can support device 700 in performing... Figure 3 Step 300 in the process.

[0169] The transceiver module 710 can support communication between the device 700 and the terminal device. For example, the transceiver module 710 can support the device 700 in performing... Figure 3 Step 310 in the process.

[0170] For example, it could be as follows:

[0171] In one implementation, the device 700 includes:

[0172] The processing module 720 is used to switch the first beam set to the first third beam set; wherein the coverage range of the first beam set is the same as the coverage range of the first third beam set, and the coverage range of the beam corresponding to the beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage range of the beam corresponding to the beam index k in the first third beam set, and k≥0.

[0173] The transceiver module 710 is configured to send N indication messages during the process of switching from the first third beam set to the second beam set, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; wherein, the i-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2i-1)-2i third beam set to the 2i-3 third beam set, and the i-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the 2i-3 third beam set and the first signal, where i takes any positive integer from 1 to N-1; the N-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2N-1)-2i third beam set to the second beam set, and the N-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam included in the second beam set and the first signal, and the total number of the third beam sets is 2N-1.

[0174] In one possible design, any two third beam sets cover the same area.

[0175] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is greater than or equal to the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set.

[0176] The first third beam set has at least two beams that point in the same direction.

[0177] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set, and the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is greater than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set.

[0178] The first third beam set includes N1+N3-N2 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage range of the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage range of the first N beams.

[0179] In one possible design, the beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, 1≤j≤N1.

[0180] The beam indices corresponding to the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set are all greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

[0181] In one possible design, the number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set; the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is the same as the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set.

[0182] The first third beam set includes N1+1 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the last beam in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams.

[0183] In one possible design, the beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, where 1≤j≤N1.

[0184] The beam index corresponding to the last beam in the first third beam set is greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

[0185] In one possible design, the first signal is TRS.

[0186] In one possible design, each of the N indication messages is carried by downlink control information, or radio resource control messages, or media access layer control units.

[0187] It should be understood that the apparatus 700 according to the embodiments of this application can correspond to the method of the network device in the foregoing method embodiments, and the operation and / or function of each module in the apparatus 700 are respectively to implement the corresponding steps of the method of the network device in the foregoing method embodiments. Therefore, the beneficial effects in the foregoing method embodiments can also be achieved. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0188] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 includes a processor 801.

[0189] When device 700 is a network device or a chip in a network device, in one possible implementation, when processor 801 is used to call an interface to perform the following actions:

[0190] Switch the first beam set to the first third beam set; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first third beam set, k≥0.

[0191] During the switching from the first third beam set to the second beam set, N indication messages are sent, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The i-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2i-1)-2i third beam set to the 2i-3 third beam set. This i-th indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beams in the 2i-3 third beam set and the first signal, where i is any positive integer from 1 to N-1. The N-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2N-1)-2i third beam set to the second beam set. This N-th indication message indicates the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beams included in the second beam set and the first signal. The total number of third beam sets is 2N-1.

[0192] It should be understood that the device 800 can also be used to perform other steps and / or operations on the network device side in the previous embodiments, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0193] It should be understood that the processor 801 can call an interface to perform the above-mentioned sending and receiving operations. The called interface can be a logical interface or a physical interface, and there is no limitation on this. Optionally, the physical interface can be implemented using a transceiver. Optionally, the device 800 further includes a transceiver 803.

[0194] Optionally, the device 800 further includes a memory 802, which may store the program code in the above method embodiments for the processor 801 to call.

[0195] Specifically, if the device 800 includes a processor 801, a memory 802, and a transceiver 803, then the processor 801, memory 802, and transceiver 803 communicate with each other through internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. In one possible design, the processor 801, memory 802, and transceiver 803 can be implemented using chips. The processor 801, memory 802, and transceiver 803 may be implemented in the same chip, or they may be implemented in different chips, or any two of their functions may be combined into one chip. The memory 802 can store program code, and the processor 801 calls the program code stored in the memory 802 to implement the corresponding functions of the device 800.

[0196] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to a processor or implemented by a processor. The processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0197] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0198] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the designations "first", "second", etc. are only for distinguishing different objects, such as for distinguishing different parameter information or messages, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0199] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above processes do not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. The various numerical numbers or sequence numbers involved in the above processes are merely for descriptive convenience and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0200] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0201] In this application, expressions such as "the item includes one or more of the following: A, B, and C" generally mean, unless otherwise specified, that the item can be any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; A and A; A, A and A; A, A and B; A, A and C, A, B and B; A, C and C; B and B, B, B and B, B, B and C, C and C; C, C and C, and other combinations of A, B, and C. The above example uses three elements, A, B, and C, to illustrate the possible entries for the item. When expressed as "the item includes at least one of the following: A, B, ..., and X," that is, when the expression contains more elements, then the applicable entries for the item can also be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0202] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0203] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0204] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0205] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0206] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0207] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0208] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A beam switching method, characterized in that, The method is used to switch a first beam set to a second beam set, wherein the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set overlap, and the terminal device is located in the overlapping area of ​​the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set. The method includes: The network device switches the first beam set to the first third beam set; wherein the coverage area of ​​the first beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first third beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage area of ​​the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first third beam set, and k≥0. During the process of the network device switching from the first third beam set to the second beam set, the network device sends N indication messages to the terminal device, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; wherein, the i-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2i-1)-2i third beam set to the 2i-3 third beam set, and the i-th indication message is used to indicate the quasi-co-address QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the 2i-3 third beam set and the first signal, where i takes any positive integer from 1 to N-1; the N-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2N-1)-2i third beam set to the second beam set, and the N-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam included in the second beam set and the first signal, and the total number of the third beam sets is 2N-1.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Any two sets of third beams have the same coverage area.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is greater than or equal to the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set; The first third beam set has at least two beams that point in the same direction.

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set, and the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is greater than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set. The first third beam set includes N1+N3-N2 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage range of the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage range of the first N beams.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, 1≤j≤N1. The beam indices corresponding to the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set are all greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

6. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set; the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is the same as the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set. The first third beam set includes N1+1 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the last beam in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, where 1≤j≤N1. The beam index corresponding to the last beam in the first third beam set is greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first signal is the tracking reference signal TRS.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Each of the N indication messages is carried by downlink control information, or radio resource control message, or media access layer control unit.

10. A beam switching device, characterized in that, The device is a network device or a device for implementing the functions of a network device. The device is used to switch a first beam set to a second beam set, wherein the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set overlap. The terminal device is located in the overlapping area of ​​the coverage areas of the first beam set and the second beam set. The device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is used to switch the first beam set to the first third beam set; wherein the coverage range of the first beam set is the same as the coverage range of the first third beam set, and the coverage range of the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first beam set belongs to the coverage range of the beam corresponding to beam index k in the first third beam set, and k≥0. The transceiver module is configured to send N indication messages to the terminal device during the switching process from the first third beam set to the second beam set, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; wherein, the i-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2i-1)-2i third beam set to the 2i-3 third beam set, and the i-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam in the 2i-3 third beam set and the first signal, where i takes any positive integer from 1 to N-1; the N-th indication message is sent before the network device switches from the (2N-1)-2i third beam set to the second beam set, and the N-th indication message is used to indicate the QCL relationship between the signal carried by the beam included in the second beam set and the first signal, and the total number of the third beam sets is 2N-1.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, Any two sets of third beams have the same coverage area.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is greater than or equal to the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set; The first third beam set has at least two beams that point in the same direction.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set, and the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is greater than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set. The first third beam set includes N1+N3-N2 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage range of the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage range of the first N beams.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, 1≤j≤N1. The beam indices corresponding to the last N3-N2 beams in the first third beam set are all greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The number of beams N1 included in the first beam set is less than the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set; the maximum number of beams N3 supported by the network device is the same as the number of beams N2 included in the second beam set. The first third beam set includes N1+1 beams, wherein the first N1 beams in the first third beam set are the same as the N1 beams in the first beam set, and the coverage area of ​​the last beam in the first third beam set is the same as the coverage area of ​​the first N beams.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The beam corresponding to beam index j in the first N1 beams of the first third beam set is the same as the beam corresponding to beam index j in the N1 beams included in the first beam set, where 1≤j≤N1. The beam index corresponding to the last beam in the first third beam set is greater than the maximum beam index in the second beam set.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The first signal is TRS.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-17, characterized in that, Each of the N indication messages is carried by downlink control information, or radio resource control message, or media access layer control unit.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images