A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a communication method and device, the method is applied to an IAB node, the IAB node is connected with a terminal device through a wireless access link, the IAB node is connected with an IAB host through a wireless backhaul link, and the method comprises the following steps: the IAB node determines a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation, the first range is a range of an energy detection threshold of CCA detection, the self-interference is interference of a first channel to a second channel, the first channel is a channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is a channel between the IAB node and the terminal device; a first energy detection threshold is determined, the first energy detection threshold is in the first range; CCA detection is performed on the second channel; and when energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold, a signal is sent to the terminal device through the second channel. In the embodiment of the application, the CCA detection efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) technology uses wireless transmission for both the access link and the backhaul link. To expand spectrum resources, unlicensed spectrum can be introduced into IAB networks. However, when the backhaul link occupies a large amount of spectrum, it can impact the spectrum resources on the access link. Therefore, to address this issue, full-duplex technology can be introduced into IAB networks so that the backhaul and access links can use the same spectrum resources.

[0003] When an IAB node sends a signal to its IAB donor and simultaneously sends a signal to an end device, the signal transmitted on the backhaul link can interfere with the signal transmitted on the access link. This interference is called "self-interference." Before transmitting signals on the access link using unlicensed spectrum, an IAB node needs to use a listen-before-talk (LBT) mechanism to listen to the channel. It only transmits a signal when the channel is found to be idle. While listening to the channel, clear channel assessment (CCA) can be used to detect whether the channel is idle. Self-interference can affect CCA detection, thus reducing CCA detection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a communication method and apparatus for improving CCA detection efficiency.

[0005] The first aspect discloses a communication method applicable to IAB nodes or modules (e.g., chips) within IAB nodes. The following description uses an IAB node as an example. The IAB node connects to a terminal device via a wireless access link, and to an IAB host via a wireless backhaul link. The communication method may include: the IAB node determining a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation, where the first range is the range of an energy detection threshold for CCA detection, and the self-interference is interference from a first channel to a second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device; determining a first energy detection threshold within the first range; performing CCA detection on the second channel; and transmitting a signal to the terminal device through the second channel when the energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold.

[0006] In this embodiment, before performing CCA detection, the IAB node can first perform self-interference cancellation, which can eliminate the impact of self-interference on CCA detection, thereby improving CCA detection efficiency. Furthermore, since the determined energy detection threshold is within the range determined based on self-interference cancellation, it ensures that during CCA detection, the channel's busy or idle status can be accurately determined based on the determined energy detection threshold. This avoids situations where the channel is actually idle but the detection result is busy, or vice versa, thus improving the accuracy of CCA detection.

[0007] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation, including: the IAB node performs self-interference channel estimation to obtain a first interference; performs self-interference cancellation based on the first interference to obtain a second range, the second range being the range of self-interference remaining after self-interference cancellation; and determines the first range based on the second range.

[0008] In this embodiment, the range of the energy detection threshold is determined based on the range of the remaining self-interference after self-interference elimination. This takes into account the impact of self-interference that was not eliminated after self-interference elimination on CCA detection, which can further improve the accuracy of CCA detection.

[0009] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the first range based on the second range by: the IAB node determining the minimum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the first channel; and determining the maximum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

[0010] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the first energy detection threshold by: the IAB node determining a second energy detection threshold; when the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the second energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold; when the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, only one initial energy detection threshold needs to be determined after one self-interference channel estimation, reducing the number of times the initial energy detection threshold needs to be determined. This reduces the processing steps of the IAB node, thereby reducing its power consumption. The energy detection threshold can be dynamically adjusted according to different CCA detection methods, improving CCA detection efficiency.

[0012] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the second energy detection threshold by: the IAB node determining the second energy detection threshold based on the first range.

[0013] In this embodiment, the initial energy detection threshold after a self-interference channel estimation is determined based on the range of the energy detection threshold, taking into account the impact of self-interference on CCA detection, thereby improving CCA detection efficiency.

[0014] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the first energy detection threshold by: the IAB node determining a third energy detection threshold based on the time of the CCA detection; when the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the third energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold; when the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0015] In this embodiment of the application, after a self-interference channel estimation, the initial energy detection threshold needs to be re-determined for each CCA detection. The initial energy detection threshold is related to the time of CCA detection. The optimal initial energy detection threshold can be determined according to the current situation, which can improve the accuracy of the determination of the initial energy detection threshold, thereby further improving the accuracy of CCA detection.

[0016] As one possible implementation, the IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time, including: the IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time and the first range.

[0017] In this embodiment, the initial energy detection threshold for CCA detection after a self-interference channel estimation is determined based on the range of the energy detection threshold and the CCA detection time. This takes into account the CCA detection time and the impact of self-interference on CCA detection, thereby further improving the accuracy of CCA detection.

[0018] As one possible implementation, the i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, i = 1, 2, ..., K.

[0019] In this embodiment, using the same adjustment value can avoid the number of times the IAB node determines the adjustment value, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the IAB node and thus reducing the power consumption of the IAB node.

[0020] As one possible implementation, when K is greater than 2, when the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and no acknowledgment (ACK) response is received from the terminal device for N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where N is an integer greater than 1; when the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and an ACK response is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value; when the interference power is greater than the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the energy detection threshold can be dynamically adjusted based on whether an ACK response is received after the signal is sent, or the number of times the channel is continuously busy, which can further improve the accuracy of the energy detection threshold and thus improve the accuracy of CCA detection.

[0022] The second aspect discloses a communication device, which can be an IAB node or a module (e.g., a chip) within an IAB node. The IAB node is connected to a terminal device via a wireless access link, and the IAB node is connected to the IAB host via a wireless backhaul link. The communication device may include:

[0023] The first determining unit is used to determine a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation. The first range is the range of the energy detection threshold of CCA detection. Self-interference is the interference of the first channel to the second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device.

[0024] The second determining unit is used to determine the first energy detection threshold, which is within a first range;

[0025] The detection unit is used to perform CCA detection on the second channel;

[0026] The transmitting unit is used to transmit a signal to the terminal device through the second channel when the energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold.

[0027] As one possible implementation, the first determining unit is specifically used for:

[0028] The first interference is obtained by performing self-interference channel estimation;

[0029] The second range is obtained by performing self-interference cancellation based on the first interference. The second range is the range of self-interference remaining after self-interference cancellation.

[0030] The first range is determined based on the second range.

[0031] As one possible implementation, the first determining unit determines the first range based on the second range by:

[0032] The minimum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the first channel;

[0033] The maximum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

[0034] As one possible implementation, the second determining unit is specifically used for:

[0035] Determine the second energy detection threshold;

[0036] When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the second energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold;

[0037] When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0038] As one possible implementation, the second determining unit determines the second energy detection threshold by:

[0039] Based on the first range, determine the second energy detection threshold.

[0040] As one possible implementation, the second determining unit is specifically used for:

[0041] The third energy detection threshold is determined based on the CCA detection time.

[0042] When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the third energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold;

[0043] When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0044] As one possible implementation, the second determining unit determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time by: determining the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time and the first range.

[0045] As one possible implementation, the i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, i = 1, 2, ..., K.

[0046] As one possible implementation, when K is greater than 2, when the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and no ACK response is received from the terminal device for N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0047] When the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and an ACK response is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value;

[0048] When the interference power exceeds the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0049] The third aspect discloses a communication device, which can be an IAB node or a module (e.g., a chip) within an IAB node. The communication device may include a processor, a memory, an input interface, and an output interface. The input interface is used to receive information from other communication devices outside the communication device, and the output interface is used to output information to other communication devices outside the communication device. When the processor executes a computer program stored in the memory, it causes the processor to execute the communication method disclosed in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0050] The fourth aspect discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed, implement the communication method disclosed in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0051] The fifth aspect discloses a chip including a processor for executing a program stored in a memory, which, when executed, causes the chip to perform the communication method disclosed in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0052] As one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the chip.

[0053] The sixth aspect discloses a computer program product comprising computer program code that, when executed, causes the communication method disclosed in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect to be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of determining a first energy detection threshold as disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another method for determining the first energy detection threshold disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transmit power and throughput of an IAB node access link disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of a threshold and access link throughput as disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another IAB node access link transmit power and access link throughput disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] This application discloses a communication method and apparatus system for improving CCA detection efficiency. These will be described in detail below.

[0065] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0066] Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology imposes more stringent requirements on network performance indicators, such as a 1000-fold increase in capacity, wider coverage, and ultra-high reliability and ultra-low latency. To meet the ultra-high capacity requirements of 5G, high-frequency small cell networks are used in hotspot areas. However, due to the poor propagation characteristics of high-frequency carriers, severe attenuation due to obstruction, and limited coverage, a large number of small cells need to be deployed densely, requiring a significant amount of optical fiber for backhaul, which is challenging to deploy. Furthermore, to meet the wide coverage requirements of 5G, network coverage needs to be provided in some remote areas, where optical fiber deployment is also difficult.

[0067] To address these issues, the industry has introduced integrated access and backhaul (IAB) technology, where both access and backhaul links utilize wireless transmission. In an IAB network, terminal devices can access IAB nodes via wireless access links, and IAB nodes can connect to IAB donor nodes via wireless backhaul links.

[0068] In emergency situations and when large crowds gather, unlicensed spectrum can be introduced into IAB networks to expand spectrum resources. However, due to the shared nature of unlicensed spectrum resources, different communication devices may use the same resource simultaneously. Therefore, a reasonable resource competition mechanism is needed to ensure fair coexistence and resource competition among different communication devices using the same unlicensed spectrum.

[0069] Currently, the commonly used resource contention mechanism is the listen-before-talk (LBT) mechanism. This mechanism requires communication equipment to listen to the channel and perform clear channel assessment (CCA) before transmitting signals using unlicensed spectrum resources. Signal transmission can only proceed if the channel is idle. A successful LBT is defined as CCA detecting an idle channel, while a failed LBT is defined as CCA detecting a busy channel.

[0070] When performing CCA (Channel Compatibility) detection, communication equipment can employ a detection method based on signal energy and / or a detection method based on signal type. In the signal energy-based detection method, the communication equipment can determine the channel status by setting a set energy detection threshold. If the communication equipment detects that the signal energy in the channel exceeds the energy detection threshold, it determines that the channel is busy; if the communication equipment detects that the signal energy in the channel is less than the energy detection threshold, it determines that the channel is idle.

[0071] Therefore, before the IAB node sends a signal to the terminal device, the IAB node needs to perform CCA detection.

[0072] However, when a large amount of unlicensed spectrum resources are occupied on the backhaul / access links, it can impact the unlicensed spectrum resources on the access / backhaul links. Therefore, to address this issue, full-duplex technology can be introduced into the IAB network so that backhaul and access links can use the same spectrum resources.

[0073] When IAB nodes use full-duplex technology, if an IAB node sends signals to its host and simultaneously sends signals to the terminal device, the signals transmitted on the backhaul link can interfere with the signals transmitted on the access link, a phenomenon known as self-interference. This self-interference results in higher signal energy on the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device, potentially leading to situations where the channel is idle but the detection result shows as busy during CCA detection. This impacts CCA detection efficiency. Therefore, improving CCA detection efficiency has become a pressing technical problem.

[0074] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the network architecture used in these embodiments is described below. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, this network architecture can include an IAB host, IAB nodes, and terminal devices. IAB nodes and terminal devices can communicate via the Uu interface of the new radio (NR), while IAB nodes and the IAB host can communicate via a backhaul (BH) link. The Uu interface is the radio interface between the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and user equipment (UE). Typically, the backhaul link has higher priority than the access link. When transmitting signals between an IAB node and the IAB host, neither the IAB node nor the IAB host needs to perform channel detection. Before sending signals to the other end, the IAB node or terminal device needs to perform a channel idle detection; only when the channel is idle will it send a signal.

[0075] The IAB host is an access network device that supports IAB nodes. This includes, but is not limited to: evolved node base (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), long-term evolution (LTE) (eLTE) base station, next generation node B (gNB), or base stations of next-generation communication systems.

[0076] IAB nodes are used to provide access and backhaul services to terminal devices. An IAB node can act as a relay node, and can be one of the aforementioned access network devices or terminal devices with forwarding capabilities, or it can be an independent device. In this application, "IAB node" can refer to any node or device with relay functionality. For example, an IAB node can be a module or device installed on a moving object, including but not limited to devices in the Internet of Things, such as cars, trains, and airplanes. The terms "IAB node" and "relay node" in this application should be understood to have the same meaning.

[0077] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. Terminal devices can include handheld terminals, laptops, subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablet computers, wireless modems, handheld devices, laptop computers, cordless phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, and smart grids. Wireless terminals in a grid, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in a smart city, or wireless terminals in a smart home, flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes, etc.) or other devices that can access the network.

[0078] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The system architecture shown may not be limited to the network elements and devices shown in the figure, but may also include other network elements or devices not shown in the figure. These will not be listed here.

[0079] Based on the above network architecture, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps.

[0080] 201. The IAB node determines the first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation.

[0081] The IAB node can determine the first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation. The first range is the range of the energy detection threshold for CCA detection. Self-interference refers to the interference of the first channel on the second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device. Therefore, self-interference is the interference of the channel on the backhaul link on the access link.

[0082] The IAB node can first perform self-interference channel estimation to obtain the interference range; that is, the IAB node can determine the interference of the first channel on the second channel and obtain the interference range. The interference range can be understood as the range of self-interference values. The IAB node can perform self-interference channel estimation periodically, or when sending signals to the terminal device, or before using the first and second channels to transmit signals. For example, the first interference can be a range, that is, the range of self-interference values.

[0083] The IAB node can then perform self-interference cancellation based on the interference range to obtain a second range. The second range represents the remaining self-interference range after self-interference cancellation; it can be understood as the range of self-interference that was not eliminated, or as residual self-interference. The IAB node can perform self-interference cancellation in real-time after self-interference channel estimation. In one scenario, the IAB node can detect the energy on the second channel and subtract the first interference from the energy on the second channel to obtain the second range. In another scenario, the IAB can detect the first energy on the first channel and the second energy on the second channel, then subtract the first energy from the second energy to obtain the difference, and finally multiply this difference by the aforementioned first interference to obtain the second range.

[0084] Finally, the IAB node can determine the first range based on the second range. The IAB can determine the minimum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the second channel, and can determine the maximum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the second channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

[0085] For example, when using the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard, the maximum transmit power P of the IAB node is... H The relationship between the energy detection threshold and the energy detection threshold can be shown in Table 1:

[0086] <![CDATA[P H ]]> Energy detection threshold <![CDATA[P H ≤13dBm]]> <![CDATA[-75dBm / MHz+I1]]> <![CDATA[13dBm<P H <23dBm]]> <![CDATA[TL+23dBm-P H +I1]]> <![CDATA[P H ≥23dBm]]> <![CDATA[TL+I1]]>

[0087] Table 1

[0088] Where TL = -85dBm / MHz + 10*log(BW), BW is the bandwidth of the second channel, and I1 is the maximum value of the second range, i.e., the maximum value of the remaining self-interference after interference cancellation. According to Table 1, the first range can be determined as [TL + I1, TL + 23dBm - P]. H +I1].

[0089] It should be understood that the above is an illustrative example of determining the first scope based on the second scope, and does not constitute a limitation. For example, when using other standards, the above P... H The interval division can change. For example, different P... H The energy detection threshold corresponding to the interval can change.

[0090] In one scenario, the first range can be determined after self-interference channel estimation and before the first CCA detection. There is only one first range for a single self-interference channel estimation. In another scenario, a first range can be determined before each CCA detection. For multiple CCA detections following a single self-interference channel estimation, multiple first ranges can be determined; these multiple first ranges can be the same or different.

[0091] 202. The IAB node determines the first energy detection threshold.

[0092] In one scenario, the IAB node can determine a second energy detection threshold. When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the second energy detection threshold can be used as the first energy detection threshold. When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value can be used as the first energy detection threshold. K is an integer greater than 1. The first adjustment value can be configured by the IAB host or pre-configured according to the protocol. Therefore, the first adjustment value is a known value.

[0093] The second energy detection threshold can be understood as the initial energy detection threshold. It is evident that all CCA detections after one self-interference channel estimation have only one initial energy detection threshold. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the determination of a first energy detection threshold as disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the energy detection threshold TL1 for the first CCA detection after interference channel estimation, i.e., CCA1, is the optimal initial energy detection threshold TL. best When the first CCA test is completed, the energy detection threshold TL1 of the first CCA test can be compared with the first adjustment value TL.adjust The sum of (t1) is determined as the energy detection threshold TL1(t1) at the end of the first CCA detection. The energy detection threshold TL1(t1) at the end of the first CCA detection can be determined as the energy detection threshold TL2 for the second CCA detection, and so on.

[0094] The IAB node can determine the second energy detection threshold based on the first range. The IAB node can determine the energy detection threshold corresponding to the maximum throughput on the access link within the energy detection threshold of the first range as the second energy detection threshold.

[0095] In another scenario, the IAB can determine the third energy detection threshold based on the timing of the CCA detection. When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the third energy detection threshold can be used as the first energy detection threshold. When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value can be used as the first energy detection threshold. K is an integer greater than 1. The first adjustment value can be configured by the IAB host or pre-configured. It should be understood that the first adjustment value here can be the same as or different from the first adjustment value mentioned above.

[0096] The timing of CCA detection affects the determination of the third energy detection threshold; in other words, the initial energy detection threshold (i.e., the third energy detection threshold) differs depending on the timing of the CCA detection. Therefore, different CCA detections after a single self-interference channel estimation require determining a corresponding initial energy detection threshold. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another method for determining the first energy detection threshold disclosed in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the energy detection threshold TL1(t1) for the first CCA detection after interference channel estimation, i.e., CCA1, is the optimal initial energy detection threshold TL at the first time step. best (t1). The first time point is the start time of the first CCA detection. When the first CCA detection is completed, the optimal initial energy detection threshold TL for the second time point can be set. best (t2) and the first adjustment value TL adjust The sum of (t2) is determined as the energy detection threshold TL1(t2) at the end of the first CCA detection. The second time is the end time of the first CCA detection. The optimal initial energy detection threshold TL1(t2) at the third time can be determined. best (t3) and the first adjustment value TL adjust The sum of (t2) is determined as the energy detection threshold TL2(t3) for the second CCA detection, and so on. The third time point is the start time of the second CCA detection.

[0097] The IAB node can determine the third energy detection threshold based on the third range. The third range is the range of self-interference remaining after self-interference cancellation corresponding to the CCA detection time. When performing CCA detection, the IAB node can first perform self-interference cancellation to obtain the third range. Then, the IAB node can determine the energy detection threshold corresponding to the maximum system throughput among the energy detection thresholds within the third range as the third energy detection threshold. It can be seen that the third energy detection threshold corresponding to different CCA detection times may be different. For a detailed description of self-interference cancellation, please refer to the relevant description in step 201.

[0098] In one case, the i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, where i = 1, 2, ..., K. Therefore, the adjustment value for each CCA detection can be the same.

[0099] In another scenario, where K is greater than 2, when the interference power is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold, and no acknowledgment (ACK) response is received from the terminal device N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold. It can be seen that when the second channel is detected to be idle during the (K-1)th CCA detection, the same signal is repeatedly transmitted to the terminal device N times via the second channel, and no ACK is received from the terminal device for these N signals. Therefore, the adjustment value can be reduced during the Kth CCA detection. N is an integer greater than 1.

[0100] When the interference power is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold, and a confirmation ACK is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value. It can be seen that when the second channel is detected to be idle during the (K-1)th CCA detection, a signal is sent to the terminal device through the second channel, and an ACK is received from the terminal device for this signal. Therefore, the adjustment value can remain unchanged during the Kth CCA detection, meaning the Kth adjustment value is the same as the (K-1)th adjustment value.

[0101] When the interference power exceeds the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold. Therefore, if the second channel is detected as busy for the first M consecutive CCA detections before the Kth detection, the adjustment value can be increased during the Kth CCA detection. M is an integer greater than 1.

[0102] It should be understood that the aforementioned interference power refers to the signal energy detected on the second channel during CCA detection.

[0103] It should be understood that the above adjustment thresholds can be configured by the IAB host or pre-configured.

[0104] It should be understood that the adjustment thresholds in the two cases mentioned above can be the same or different.

[0105] It should be understood that the first energy detection threshold is within a first range. When the energy detection threshold determined by the above method is within the first range, the determined energy detection threshold can be defined as the first energy detection threshold. When the energy detection threshold determined by the above method is less than the minimum value of the first range, the minimum value of the first range can be defined as the first energy detection threshold. When the energy detection threshold determined by the above method is greater than the maximum value of the first range, the maximum value of the first range can be defined as the first energy detection threshold.

[0106] To illustrate the impact of residual self-interference and threshold adjustment on throughput on the access link, simulation results can be used. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmit power and throughput of an IAB node access link disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the access link throughput without residual self-interference is significantly greater than that with residual self-interference. The access link throughput with an adjustment threshold Δ is higher than that without. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an adjustment of the threshold and access link throughput disclosed in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, as the modulation threshold increases, the access link throughput first increases and then remains constant. Please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another IAB node access link transmit power and access link throughput disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the access link throughput without residual self-interference is much greater than that with residual self-interference. The access link throughput with an adjustment threshold Δ is higher than that without.

[0107] It should be understood that Figure 5 and Figure 6 To address the case where there is only one optimal initial energy detection threshold for a single self-interference channel estimation, Figure 7 This is for cases where different CCA detections have different optimal initial energy detection thresholds after a self-interference channel estimation.

[0108] Next, continue with Figure 2 The method is illustrated below. 203. The IAB node performs CCA detection on the second channel. The IAB node performs CCA detection based on the first CCA monitoring threshold determined in 202.

[0109] 204. If the energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold, the IAB node sends a signal to the terminal device through the second channel.

[0110] After determining the first energy detection threshold, the IAB node can perform CCA detection on the second channel, that is, detect the energy of the signal on the second channel. When the detected energy on the second channel is less than or equal to (or less than) the first energy detection threshold, it indicates that the second channel is idle, and the IAB node can send signals to the terminal device through the second channel. The spectrum resources used by the IAB node when sending signals are unlicensed spectrum resources. When the detected energy on the second channel is greater than (or greater than or equal to) the first energy detection threshold, it indicates that the second channel is busy, and the IAB node can wait for the next CCA detection to arrive before performing CCA detection.

[0111] Accordingly, the terminal device can receive signals sent from the IAB node through the second channel.

[0112] It should be understood that the signals sent by IAB nodes can be data, information, or instructions.

[0113] It should be understood that the functions performed by the IAB node in the above communication method can also be performed by modules (e.g., chips) in the IAB node, and the functions performed by the terminal device can also be performed by modules (e.g., chips) in the terminal device.

[0114] Based on the above network architecture, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device may include:

[0115] The first determining unit 801 is used to determine a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation. The first range is the range of the energy detection threshold of CCA detection. Self-interference is the interference of the first channel to the second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device.

[0116] The second determining unit 802 is used to determine a first energy detection threshold, wherein the first energy detection threshold is within a first range;

[0117] Detection unit 803 is used to perform CCA detection on the second channel;

[0118] The transmitting unit 804 is used to transmit a signal to the terminal device through the second channel when the energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first determining unit 801 is specifically used for:

[0120] The first interference is obtained by performing self-interference channel estimation;

[0121] The second range is obtained by performing self-interference cancellation based on the first interference. The second range is the range of self-interference remaining after self-interference cancellation.

[0122] The first range is determined based on the second range.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first determining unit 801 determines the first range based on the second range by:

[0124] The minimum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the first channel;

[0125] The maximum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the first channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

[0126] In one embodiment, the second determining unit 802 is specifically used for:

[0127] Determine the second energy detection threshold;

[0128] When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the second energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold;

[0129] When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0130] In one embodiment, the second determining unit 802 determines the second energy detection threshold by:

[0131] Based on the first range, determine the second energy detection threshold.

[0132] In one embodiment, the second determining unit 802 is specifically used for:

[0133] The third energy detection threshold is determined based on the CCA detection time.

[0134] When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the third energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold;

[0135] When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second determining unit 802 determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time, including:

[0137] The third energy detection threshold is determined based on the CCA detection time and the first range.

[0138] In one embodiment, the i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, i = 1, 2, ..., K.

[0139] In one embodiment, when K is greater than 2, when the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and no ACK response is received from the terminal device for N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0140] When the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and an ACK response is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value;

[0141] When the interference power exceeds the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0142] For a more detailed description of the first determining unit 801, the second determining unit 802, the detection unit 803, and the transmitting unit 804 mentioned above, please refer directly to the above description. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions of the IAB nodes in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be elaborated here.

[0143] Based on the above network architecture, please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the communication device may include a processor 901, a memory 902, an input interface 903, an output interface 904, and a bus 905. The memory 902 may be independent and connected to the processor 901 via the bus 905. Alternatively, the memory 902 may be integrated with the processor 901. The bus 905 is used to connect these components.

[0144] The communication device can be an IAB node or a module (e.g., a chip) within an IAB node. When the computer program instructions stored in memory 902 are executed, processor 901 controls the sending unit 804 to perform the operations performed in the above embodiments. Processor 901 is also used to execute the operations performed by the first determining unit 801, the second determining unit 802, and the detection unit 803 in the above embodiments. Input interface 903 is used to receive information from other communication devices besides this communication device, and output interface 904 is used to execute the operations performed by the sending unit 804 in the above embodiments. The aforementioned IAB node or module within an IAB node can also be used to perform the above... Figure 2 The various methods executed by the IAB node in the method embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0145] Based on the above network architecture, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device disclosed in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the communication device may include an input interface 1001, a logic circuit 1002, and an output interface 1003. The input interface 1001 and the output interface 1003 are connected via the logic circuit 1002. The input interface 1001 is used to receive information from other communication devices, and the output interface 1003 is used to output, schedule, or send information to other communication devices. The logic circuit 1002 is used to perform operations other than those of the input interface 1001 and the output interface 1003, such as implementing the functions implemented by the processor 901 in the above embodiment. This communication device can be an IAB node or a module of an IAB node. A more detailed description of the input interface 1001, the logic circuit 1002, and the output interface 1003 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description of the IAB node in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] This application also discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon, which, when executed, perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0147] This application also discloses a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0148] This application also discloses a communication system, which includes an IAB host, an IAB node, and a terminal device, as detailed above.

[0149] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an integrated access and backhaul IAB node, wherein the IAB node is connected to the terminal device via a wireless access link, and the IAB node is connected to the IAB host via a wireless backhaul link, including: The IAB node determines a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation. The first range is the range of the energy detection threshold for idle channel assessment CCA detection. The self-interference is the interference of the first channel on the second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device. The IAB node determines a first energy detection threshold, which is within the first range; The IAB node performs CCA detection on the second channel; When the signal energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold, the IAB node sends a signal to the terminal device through the second channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation, including: The IAB node performs self-interference channel estimation to obtain the first interference; The IAB node performs self-interference cancellation based on the first interference to obtain a second range, which is the range of remaining self-interference after self-interference cancellation. The IAB node determines the first range based on the second range.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the first range based on the second range, including: The IAB node determines the minimum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the second channel; The IAB node determines the maximum value of the first range based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the second channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the first energy detection threshold by including: The IAB node determines the second energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the IAB node determines the second energy detection threshold as the first energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the IAB node determines the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the second energy detection threshold by including: The IAB node determines the second energy detection threshold based on the first range.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the first energy detection threshold by including: The IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold based on the time of the CCA detection. When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold as the first energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the IAB node determines the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time, including: The IAB node determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time and the first range.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, i=1,2,…,K.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, When K is greater than 2, if the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and no ACK response is received from the terminal device for N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where N is an integer greater than 1. When the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and an ACK response is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value; When the interference power exceeds the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where M is an integer greater than 1.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is an integrated access and backhaul IAB node. The IAB node is connected to the terminal device via a wireless access link, and the IAB node is connected to the IAB host via a wireless backhaul link. The device includes: The first determining unit is configured to determine a first range through self-interference channel estimation and self-interference cancellation. The first range is the range of the energy detection threshold for idle channel assessment CCA detection. The self-interference is the interference of the first channel on the second channel. The first channel is the channel between the IAB node and the IAB host, and the second channel is the channel between the IAB node and the terminal device. The second determining unit is used to determine a first energy detection threshold, wherein the first energy detection threshold is within the first range; The detection unit is used to perform CCA detection on the second channel; The transmitting unit is configured to transmit a signal to the terminal device through the second channel when the energy on the second channel is less than or equal to the first energy detection threshold.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first determining unit is specifically used for: The first interference is obtained by performing self-interference channel estimation; The second range is obtained by performing self-interference cancellation based on the first interference, and the second range is the range of self-interference remaining after self-interference cancellation; The first range is determined based on the second range.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first determining unit determines the first range based on the second range by including: The minimum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range and the bandwidth of the second channel; The maximum value of the first range is determined based on the maximum value of the second range, the bandwidth of the second channel, and the maximum transmit power of the IAB node.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The second determining unit is specifically used for: Determine the second energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the second energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the energy detection threshold of the (K-1)th CCA detection and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second determining unit determines the second energy detection threshold by including: Based on the first range, a second energy detection threshold is determined.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The second determining unit is specifically used for: The third energy detection threshold is determined based on the time of the CCA detection. When the CCA detection is the first CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the third energy detection threshold is determined as the first energy detection threshold; When the CCA detection is the Kth CCA detection after the self-interference channel estimation, the sum of the third energy detection threshold and the (K-1)th adjustment value is determined as the first energy detection threshold, where K is an integer greater than 1.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second determining unit determines the third energy detection threshold based on the CCA detection time, including: A third energy detection threshold is determined based on the CCA detection time and the first range.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The i-th adjustment value is the same for all values, i=1,2,…,K.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, When K is greater than 2, if the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and no ACK response is received from the terminal device for N consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the difference between the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where N is an integer greater than 1. When the interference power is less than the first energy detection threshold and an ACK response is received from the terminal device, the Kth adjustment value is the (K-1)th adjustment value; When the interference power exceeds the first energy detection threshold for M consecutive times, the Kth adjustment value is the sum of the (K-1)th adjustment value and the adjustment threshold, where M is an integer greater than 1.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a memory, an input interface, and an output interface. The input interface is used to receive information from other communication devices besides the communication device. The output interface is used to output information to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor calls a computer program stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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

21. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing a program stored in a memory, which, when executed, causes the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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