Method and apparatus for determining TA validity time in NTN networks

Abstract

This application discloses a method and apparatus for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The method includes: a terminal device receiving configuration information configured by a network device; the configuration information including at least configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective timer duration of the uplink timing advance (TA); the terminal device calculating the duration of the TA effective timer based on the configuration parameters, and determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer. By implementing this application embodiment, effective uplink synchronization can be maintained in the NTN network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Technology

[0002] In the research of wireless communication technology, satellite communication is considered an important aspect of the future development of wireless communication technology. Satellite communication refers to communication conducted by ground-based radio communication equipment using satellites as relay nodes. A satellite communication system consists of a satellite component and a ground component. Satellite communication has the advantages of a large communication range and is less affected by land-based disasters. It is foreseeable that in future wireless communication systems, satellite communication systems and terrestrial cellular communication systems will gradually achieve deep integration, truly realizing the Internet of Everything. For example, NTN (Non-terrestrial Network) is an important technology introduced by 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology), which provides wireless resources through satellites (or drones) instead of ground base stations. However, there is currently a lack of effective means to determine the effective duration of uplink timing advance to ensure uplink synchronization in NTN networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and apparatus for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). It can be applied to NTN network systems and can more accurately adapt to the movement of satellites and terminal devices, reducing the complexity of terminal devices while maintaining effective uplink synchronization.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the method being executed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0005] Receive configuration information configured by the network device; the configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer;

[0006] The duration of the effective timer for the TA is calculated based on the configuration parameters.

[0007] The effective time of the TA is determined based on the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0008] In this technical solution, the duration of the TA effective timer can be calculated based on the configuration parameters used by the network device to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer. Then, the effective time of the TA value can be determined by using the duration of the TA effective timer, which can ensure that effective uplink synchronization can be maintained in the NTN network.

[0009] In one implementation, the configuration parameters include at least: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second scaling factor has one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device; the step of calculating the duration of the TA effective timer according to the configuration parameters includes: determining the current moving speed level of the terminal device; determining a target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current moving speed level based on the current moving speed level of the terminal device; and calculating the duration of the TA effective timer based on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value.

[0011] In one implementation, the moving speed of the terminal device is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0012] In this technical solution, the duration of the effective timer for the uplink timing advance (TA) can be calculated based on the configuration parameters used by the network device to calculate the effective timer duration. Since the configuration parameters include at least a first scaling factor related to satellite movement and a second scaling factor related to terminal device movement, the effective time of the determined TA value can be more accurately adapted to the movement of the satellite and the terminal device. While maintaining effective uplink synchronization, the complexity of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0013] In one possible implementation, calculating the duration of the TA effective timer based on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value includes: performing a product operation on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value, and determining the duration of the TA effective timer based on the obtained product value.

[0014] In one implementation, determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer includes: starting the TA timer when the TA is first acquired; and determining that the value of the TA is within the effective time period in response to the value of the TA timer being less than the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0015] In one implementation, determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer includes: restarting the TA timer when the TA is reacquired; and determining that the value of the TA is within the effective time period in response to the value of the TA timer being less than the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0016] In one implementation, determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer further includes: determining that the value of the TA is in an invalid state in response to the value of the TA timer being greater than or equal to the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the method being executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0018] Configure the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer.

[0019] The configuration parameters are sent to the terminal device.

[0020] In this technical solution, by configuring the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective timer duration of the uplink timing advance (TA), the terminal device can calculate the duration of the effective timer of the TA based on the configuration parameters, and then use the duration of the effective timer of the TA to determine the effective time of the TA value, thus ensuring that effective uplink synchronization can be maintained in the NTN network.

[0021] In one implementation, the configuration parameters include at least: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second scaling factor has one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device.

[0023] In one implementation, the moving speed of the terminal device is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0024] In this technical solution, since the configuration parameters configured by the network device for the terminal device include at least a first scaling factor related to satellite movement and a second scaling factor related to terminal device movement, the effective time of the TA value determined by the terminal device can be more accurately adapted to the movement of the satellite and the terminal device. While maintaining effective uplink synchronization, the complexity of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the terminal device described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this application implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0026] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, which stores necessary computer programs and data for the communication device.

[0027] As an example, the processing module can be a processor, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module can be a memory.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the network device in the method example described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this application implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0029] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the necessary computer programs and data of the communication device.

[0030] As an example, the processing module can be a processor, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module can be a memory.

[0031] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor, which executes the method described in the first aspect when it calls a computer program in memory.

[0032] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0033] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0034] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0035] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, the processor being used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0036] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is used to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0037] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a system for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The system includes the communication device described in the third aspect and the communication device described in the fourth aspect, or the system includes the communication device described in the fifth aspect and the communication device described in the sixth aspect, or the system includes the communication device described in the seventh aspect and the communication device described in the eighth aspect, or the system includes the communication device described in the ninth aspect and the communication device described in the tenth aspect.

[0038] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned terminal device, which, when executed, cause the terminal device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0039] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the network device described above, which, when executed, cause the network device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0040] In a fourteenth aspect, this application also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0041] In a fifteenth aspect, this application also provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0042] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0043] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document 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, and B existing alone.

[0053] The emergence of new-generation internet applications such as AR (Augmented Reality) / VR (Virtual Reality) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication has placed higher demands on wireless communication technology, driving its continuous evolution to meet application needs. Currently, cellular mobile communication technology is in the next generation of technological evolution. A key characteristic of this new generation is its ability to support flexible configuration for various service types. Different service types have different requirements for wireless communication technology. For example, eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband) services emphasize high bandwidth and high speed; URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication) services emphasize high reliability and low latency; and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communication) services emphasize massive connection numbers. Therefore, next-generation wireless communication systems require flexible and configurable designs to support the transmission needs of various service types.

[0054] In the research of wireless communication technology, satellite communication is considered an important aspect of the future development of wireless communication technology. Satellite communication refers to communication conducted by ground-based radio communication equipment using satellites as relay nodes. A satellite communication system consists of a satellite component and a ground component. The characteristics of satellite communication are: a large communication range, allowing communication between any two points within the coverage area of ​​the satellite's emitted radio waves; and low susceptibility to land-based disasters (high reliability). Satellite communication can serve as an important supplement to terrestrial cellular communication systems, and it possesses at least the following advantages (1)-3):

[0055] 1) Extended coverage: For areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial cellular communication systems or where the cost of coverage is too high, such as oceans, deserts, and remote mountainous areas, satellite communication can solve the communication problems in these areas at a lower cost.

[0056] 2) Emergency communication: In extreme situations such as disasters like earthquakes that render terrestrial cellular communication infrastructure unavailable, satellite communication can quickly establish communication connections and improve rescue efficiency;

[0057] 3) Provide industry applications: For example, for time-sensitive services that require long-distance transmission, satellite communication can be used to reduce the latency of service transmission.

[0058] It is foreseeable that in future wireless communication systems, satellite communication systems and terrestrial cellular communication systems will gradually achieve deep integration, truly realizing the Internet of Everything. This will be achieved through 4G (4G) transmission via communication satellites. th Generation 4 or 5G (5G) th The fifth generation of signals has become one of the standardization efforts of 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project).

[0059] In related technologies, the effective duration of uplink timing advance in a terrestrial network (TN) is configured by a timer set up by the network equipment. However, the configuration of this timer is based on a fixed-location base station design, neglecting satellite movement and terminal speed. This method is ill-suited for satellite communication scenarios. In other words, there is currently a lack of effective means to determine the effective duration of uplink timing advance to ensure uplink synchronization in an NTN network.

[0060] Based on the above problems, this application proposes a method and apparatus for determining the effective duration of uplink timing advance in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which can determine the effective duration of uplink timing advance to ensure effective uplink synchronization in NTN networks.

[0061] To better understand the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) disclosed in this application, the communication system used in this application embodiment is described below.

[0062] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system can be an NTN network system. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a network device and a terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, it may include two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown is exemplified by a network device 101 and a terminal device 102.

[0063] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G new radio (NR) systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems, etc.

[0064] The network device 101 in this application embodiment is a network-side entity used for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the network device 101 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. The network device provided in this application embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. Using a CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device, such as a base station, can be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0065] In this application embodiment, the terminal device 102 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0066] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0067] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details the method, apparatus, and storage medium for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in this application.

[0068] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to this embodiment can be applied to terminal devices. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0069] Step 201: Receive configuration information from the network device.

[0070] In one implementation, the configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer. Optionally, the network device can configure the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer.

[0071] The configuration parameters may include at least the influence factors related to satellite movement and the influence factors related to terminal device movement. This allows the terminal device to more accurately adapt to the movement of the satellite and the terminal when calculating the duration of the effective timer for uplink timing advance (TA).

[0072] Step 202: Calculate the duration of the TA effective timer based on the configuration parameters.

[0073] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed. It is understood that since both the satellite and the terminal device are moving, the satellite's movement speed and the terminal device's movement speed can be considered when determining the effective time of the uplink timing advance (TA). For example, a first scaling factor related to satellite movement can be set, and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed can be set. The duration of the effective timer for the uplink timing advance (TA) can be calculated using the first scaling factor, the second scaling factor, and the base value for the timer duration. This allows the calculated duration of the effective timer for the uplink timing advance (TA) to more accurately adapt to the movement of the satellite and the terminal.

[0074] Step 203: Determine the effective time of TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0075] Optionally, when calculating the duration of the TA effective timer, the effective time of the TA value can be determined based on the duration of the TA effective timer, that is, the effective duration of the TA value obtained by the terminal device can be determined.

[0076] In one implementation, upon initially acquiring the value of TA, the terminal device can start a timer for TA. If the value of the TA timer is less than the effective timer duration, the acquired TA value is determined to be valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration for TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, when the terminal device initially acquires the TA value and starts the timer, if the timer value is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be valid for those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the timer value is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be invalid.

[0077] In another implementation, when reacquiring a TA value, the terminal device needs to restart the TA's timer. If the value of the restarted TA timer is less than the effective timer duration of the TA, the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration of the TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, the terminal device acquires a TA value and starts its timer. When the timer reaches 3 seconds, the terminal device acquires a new TA value and can restart the timer. If the value of the restarted timer is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the value of the restarted timer is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered invalid.

[0078] It should be noted that the actual order of operation of the method steps provided in the embodiments of this application does not necessarily follow the order described.

[0079] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the duration of the TA effective timer can be calculated based on the configuration parameters used by the network device to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer. Then, the effective time of the TA value can be determined by using the duration of the TA effective timer, which can ensure that effective uplink synchronization can be maintained in the NTN network.

[0080] Optionally, the second scaling factor in the configuration parameters configured by the network device for the terminal device can have one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to match a suitable factor value from the second scaling factor based on its own movement speed. The terminal device can then use this matching factor value to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer, resulting in a more accurate calculation of the video satellite's movement and the terminal's movement. This reduces the terminal's complexity while maintaining effective uplink synchronization. Please see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to this embodiment can be applied to terminal devices. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0081] Step 301: Receive configuration information from the network device.

[0082] In one implementation, the configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer. Optionally, the network device can configure the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer.

[0083] The configuration parameters may include at least the influence factors related to satellite movement and the influence factors related to terminal device movement. This allows the terminal device to more accurately adapt to the movement of the satellite and the terminal when calculating the duration of the effective timer for uplink timing advance (TA).

[0084] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may include, but are not limited to: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed. It is understood that since both the satellite and the terminal device are moving, the satellite's movement speed and the terminal device's movement speed can be considered when determining the effective time of the uplink timing advance (TA). For example, a first scaling factor related to satellite movement can be set, and one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed can be set. The duration of the effective timer for the uplink timing advance (TA) can be calculated using the first scaling factor, the second scaling factor, and the base value for the timer duration. This allows the calculated duration of the effective timer for the uplink timing advance (TA) to more accurately adapt to the movement of the satellite and the terminal.

[0085] In this embodiment, the second scaling factor has one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device. For example, the second scaling factor can have three values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device; for instance, value A corresponds to a low-speed level, value B to a medium-speed level, and value C to a high-speed level, etc. As an example, the moving speed of the terminal device can be classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0086] Step 302: Determine the current speed level of the terminal device.

[0087] Optionally, the terminal device may use its own GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning system to determine its current moving speed and determine the corresponding level based on that current moving speed. Alternatively, the terminal device may also use its own gyroscope to determine its current moving speed and determine the corresponding level based on that current moving speed. It is understood that other methods may be used to determine the current moving speed of the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not specifically limit these methods.

[0088] It is understood that the moving speed of terminal devices can be classified into different levels; the speed range corresponding to each speed level of a terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to each speed level of a terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling. Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, after determining the current moving speed of the terminal device, the level of the current moving speed of the terminal device can be determined based on the relationship between the speed level and the speed range.

[0089] Step 303: Determine the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current mobile speed level based on the current mobile speed level of the terminal device.

[0090] In one implementation, after determining the current speed level of the terminal device, a target factor value for the second scaling factor corresponding to the current speed level can be determined from one or more values ​​of the second scaling factor in the configuration parameters, based on the correspondence between the value of the second scaling factor and the speed level of the terminal device. For example, the second scaling factor can have three values, each corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device; for instance, value A corresponds to a low speed level, value B to a medium speed level, and value C to a high speed level, etc. The terminal device can determine the target factor value of the corresponding second scaling factor from these three values ​​based on its current speed level. For example, if the current speed level of the terminal device is high speed, then the high speed level corresponds to value C, and value C is used as the target factor value of the second scaling factor.

[0091] Step 304: Calculate the duration of the effective timer for TA based on the baseline value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value in the configuration parameters.

[0092] Optionally, after obtaining the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current moving speed level, the duration of the effective TA timer can be calculated based on the target factor value, the baseline value of the timer duration in the configuration parameters, and the first scaling factor in the configuration parameters.

[0093] It should be noted that there are many ways to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer in the embodiments of this application. For example, the duration of the TA effective timer can be calculated using a product algorithm, or it can be calculated using addition, or other calculation methods can be used. This application does not specifically limit the calculation method. To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, two possible implementation examples are given below to describe the calculation process of the TA effective timer duration.

[0094] As an example of a possible implementation, the duration of the TA effective timer is determined by multiplying the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value. For example, the duration of the TA effective timer can be calculated using the following formula (1) based on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value.

[0095] The duration of the effective timer for TA = based_Value * alpha_1 * alpha_2 (1)

[0096] Where, based_Value represents the base value of the timer duration, alpha_1 represents the first scaling factor related to satellite movement, alpha_2 represents the target factor value of the second scaling factor related to the current movement speed of the terminal device, and * represents the product.

[0097] As an example of another possible implementation, the base value of the timer duration, the target factor values ​​of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor are added together, and the duration of the TA effective timer is determined based on the sum. For example, the base value of the timer duration, the target factor values ​​of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor can be added together, and the sum is used as the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0098] Step 305: Determine the effective time of TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0099] Optionally, when calculating the duration of the TA effective timer, the effective time of the TA value can be determined based on the duration of the TA effective timer, that is, the effective duration of the TA value obtained by the terminal device can be determined.

[0100] In one implementation, upon initially acquiring the value of TA, the terminal device can start a timer for TA. If the value of the TA timer is less than the effective timer duration, the acquired TA value is determined to be valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration for TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, when the terminal device initially acquires the TA value and starts the timer, if the timer value is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be valid for those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the timer value is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be invalid.

[0101] In another implementation, when reacquiring a TA value, the terminal device needs to restart the TA's timer. If the value of the restarted TA timer is less than the effective timer duration of the TA, the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration of the TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, the terminal device acquires a TA value and starts its timer. When the timer reaches 3 seconds, the terminal device acquires a new TA value and can restart the timer. If the value of the restarted timer is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the value of the restarted timer is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered invalid.

[0102] It should be noted that the actual order of operation of the method steps provided in the embodiments of this application does not necessarily follow the order described.

[0103] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the duration of the effective timer for uplink timing advance (TA) can be calculated based on the configuration parameters used by the network device to calculate the effective timer duration. Since the configuration parameters include at least a first scaling factor related to satellite movement and a second scaling factor related to terminal device movement, the effective time of the determined TA value can be more accurately adapted to the movement of the satellite and the terminal device. While maintaining effective uplink synchronization, the complexity of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0104] It should be noted that the timing advance T applied by the NR (New Radio) NTN UE in RRC_IDLE (Radio Resource Control RRC idle state) / INACTIVE (RRC inactive state) and RRC_CONNECTED (RRC connected state) states... TA The following formula (2) is given:

[0105] T TA =N TA +N TA,UE-specific +N TA,common + TA,offset )×T c (2)

[0106] Where, N TA This indicates that PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) is defined as 0, and updated according to the TA command field in Msg2 (message 2 in the four-step random access process) / MsgB (message B in the two-step random access process) and the MAC (Media Access Control) CE (Control Unit) TA command;

[0107] N TA,UE-specific This represents the TA estimated by the UE based on its own location and the satellite's location, corresponding to the round-trip time from the UE to the satellite (service link);

[0108] N TA,common The public TA (Transmission Address) for network control is used to compensate for the round-trip delay between the satellite and the ground station (feeder link).

[0109] N TA,offset It is a fixed offset value;

[0110] T c It is an absolute unit of time.

[0111] It can be seen that NTA,UE-specific This is the round-trip time of the service link transmission, which the terminal device can calculate based on its own GNSS positioning and satellite position (wherein the satellite position can be calculated from ephemeris information). Wherein, N... TA,UE-specific This can be named the open-loop TA. As an example of a possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be used to determine the open-loop TA (i.e., N) in a non-terrestrial network NTN. TA,UE-specific The validity period of TA (i.e., N). For example, network devices configure terminal devices for this open-loop TA (i.e., N). TA,UE-specific The configuration parameters for the effective timer may include one or more values ​​of a base value for the timer, a first scaling factor related to satellite movement, and a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device, so that the terminal device can calculate the open-loop TA (i.e., N) based on the configuration parameters configured on the network device. TA,UE-specific The effective timer duration is then determined based on the open-loop TA (i.e., N). TA,UE-specific The duration of the effective timer is used to determine the open-loop TA (i.e., N). TA,UE-specific The validity period of the value.

[0112] It is worth noting that N in the above formula (2) TA This can be understood as a pre-timed closed-loop TA. As an example of a possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be used to determine the closed-loop TA (i.e., N) in a non-terrestrial network NTN. TA The validity period of TA (i.e., N) for the terminal device. For example, the network device configures the terminal device for this closed-loop TA (i.e., N). TA The configuration parameters for the effective timer may include one or more values ​​of a base value for the timer, a first scaling factor related to satellite movement, and a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device, so that the terminal device can calculate the closed-loop TA (i.e., N) according to the configuration parameters configured on the network device. TA The effective timer duration is then determined based on the closed-loop TA (i.e., N). TA The duration of the effective timer is used to determine the closed-loop TA (i.e., N). TA The effective time of the value of ). It should also be noted that the above formula (2) can be applied to any embodiment of this application. That is to say, the implementation method of determining the effective time of the uplink timing advance mentioned in any embodiment of this application can be used to determine the open-loop TA (i.e., N) in the above formula (2). TA,UE-specific The effective time of the value of ) can also be used to determine the closed-loop TA (i.e., N) in the above formula (2). TA The validity period of the value of ) is not specifically limited in this application.

[0113] It is understood that the above embodiments describe the implementation of the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the terminal device side. This application also proposes another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), which will be described below from the network device side. Please refer to... Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in this application embodiment. It should be noted that the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to this application embodiment can be applied to network devices. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0114] Step 401: Configure the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer.

[0115] In some embodiments, the configuration parameter may include, but is not limited to, at least: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the movement speed of the terminal device.

[0116] As an example of a possible implementation, the configuration parameters may include a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device. For example, the network device may configure a base value for the timer, `based_Value`, and configure a first scaling factor, `alpha_1`, based on satellite ephemeris information, where it can be seen that this first scaling factor is related to satellite movement. The network device may also configure one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0117] Step 402: Send configuration parameters to the terminal device.

[0118] Optionally, the network device may send configuration parameters configured for the terminal device to the terminal device. The terminal device receives these configuration parameters from the network device, which may include a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed. The terminal device can calculate the duration of the effective TA timer based on these configuration parameters.

[0119] By implementing the embodiments of this application, configuration parameters used for calculating the effective timer duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) can be configured for the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to calculate the duration of the effective timer of the TA based on the configuration parameters, and then determine the effective time of the TA value using the duration of the effective timer of the TA. This ensures that effective uplink synchronization can be maintained in the NTN network.

[0120] Optionally, the second scaling factor in the configuration parameters configured by the network device for the terminal device can have one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to match a suitable factor value from the second scaling factor based on its own movement speed. The terminal device can then use this matching factor value to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer, resulting in a more accurate calculation of the video satellite's movement and the terminal's movement. This reduces the terminal's complexity while maintaining effective uplink synchronization. Please see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) provided in this application embodiment. It should be noted that the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to this application embodiment can be applied to network devices. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0121] Step 501: Configure the terminal device with configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer. The configuration parameters include a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device. The second scaling factor may have one or more values, and each value corresponds to a speed level of the terminal device.

[0122] For example, a network device can configure a timer's base value (based_Value) and, based on satellite ephemeris information, configure a first scaling factor (alpha_1). This first scaling factor is related to satellite movement. The network device can also configure one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed. For instance, different factor values ​​can be configured for different UE movement levels. Therefore, the second scaling factor can have one or more values, each corresponding to a terminal device's speed level. For example, speed levels can be divided into three levels (e.g., low speed, medium speed, high speed), with a corresponding factor value configured for each level.

[0123] Step 502: Send configuration parameters to the terminal device.

[0124] Optionally, the network device may send configuration parameters configured for the terminal device to the terminal device. The terminal device receives these configuration parameters from the network device. These parameters may include a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed. Each value of the second scaling factor corresponds to a speed level of the terminal device. The terminal device can calculate the duration of the effective TA timer based on these configuration parameters.

[0125] Optionally, the second scaling factor in the configuration parameters configured by the network device for the terminal device can have one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can match a suitable factor value from the second scaling factor according to its own movement speed, so as to use the factor value matching its own movement speed to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer. This makes the calculation results more accurate in reflecting the movement of the video satellite and the terminal, thereby reducing the complexity of the terminal while maintaining effective uplink synchronization.

[0126] In this embodiment, the second scaling factor has one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device. For example, the second scaling factor can have three values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device; for instance, value A corresponds to a low-speed level, value B to a medium-speed level, and value C to a high-speed level, etc. As an example, the moving speed of the terminal device can be classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0127] As an example of a possible implementation, the terminal device can determine its current speed level, and based on the correspondence between the value of the second scaling factor and the speed level of the terminal device, determine the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current speed level from one or more values ​​of the second scaling factor in the configuration parameters. Then, based on the base value of the timer duration in the configuration parameters, the target factor values ​​of the first scaling factor and the second scaling factor, the duration of the TA effective timer can be calculated. After that, the effective time of the TA can be determined based on the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0128] Optionally, after obtaining the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current mobile speed level, the terminal device can perform calculation processing based on the target factor value, the base value of the timer duration in the configuration parameters, and the first scaling factor in the configuration parameters to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0129] It should be noted that there are many ways to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer in the embodiments of this application. For example, the terminal device can use a product algorithm to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer, or it can use addition to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer, or it can use other calculation methods to calculate the duration of the TA effective timer. This application does not specifically limit this method. To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, two possible implementation examples are given below to describe the calculation process of the TA effective timer duration.

[0130] As an example of a possible implementation, the terminal device performs a product operation on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value, and determines the duration of the TA effective timer based on the resulting product value. For example, the terminal device can calculate the duration of the TA effective timer based on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value using the following formula (1).

[0131] The duration of the effective timer for TA = based_Value * alpha_1 * alpha_2 (1)

[0132] Where, based_Value represents the base value of the timer duration, alpha_1 represents the first scaling factor related to satellite movement, alpha_2 represents the target factor value of the second scaling factor related to the current movement speed of the terminal device, and * represents the product.

[0133] As an example of another possible implementation, the terminal device performs an addition operation on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value, and determines the duration of the TA effective timer based on the sum. For example, the terminal device can add the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value, and use the sum as the duration of the TA effective timer.

[0134] Optionally, when calculating the duration of the valid TA timer, the terminal device can determine the validity period of the TA value based on the duration of the valid TA timer, that is, determine the validity period of the TA value obtained by the terminal device.

[0135] In one implementation, upon initially acquiring the value of TA, the terminal device can start a timer for TA. If the value of the TA timer is less than the effective timer duration, the acquired TA value is determined to be valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration for TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, when the terminal device initially acquires the TA value and starts the timer, if the timer value is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be valid for those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the timer value is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the acquired TA value is determined to be invalid.

[0136] In another implementation, when reacquiring a TA value, the terminal device needs to restart the TA's timer. If the value of the restarted TA timer is less than the effective timer duration of the TA, the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within that time. For example, assuming the effective timer duration of the TA is calculated to be 5 seconds, the terminal device acquires a TA value and starts its timer. When the timer reaches 3 seconds, the terminal device acquires a new TA value and can restart the timer. If the value of the restarted timer is less than the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered valid within those 5 seconds. Conversely, if the value of the restarted timer is greater than or equal to the effective timer duration (e.g., 5 seconds), the reacquisitioned TA value is considered invalid.

[0137] By implementing the embodiments of this application, by configuring the terminal device with configuration parameters used to calculate the effective timer duration of the uplink timing advance (TA), the terminal device can calculate the duration of the effective TA timer based on the configuration parameters. Since the configuration parameters include at least a first scaling factor related to satellite movement and a second scaling factor related to terminal device movement, the effective time of the determined TA value can be more accurately adapted to the movement of the satellite and the terminal device. While maintaining effective uplink synchronization, the complexity of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0138] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of terminal devices and network devices, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device and the network device may include hardware structures and software modules, and may implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0139] Please see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 60 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The communication device 60 shown may include a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. The transceiver module 601 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module 601 can implement both sending and / or receiving functions.

[0140] The communication device 60 can be a terminal device, a device within a terminal device, or a device compatible with a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device 60 can be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device compatible with a network device.

[0141] The communication device 60 is a terminal device: In this embodiment, the transceiver module 601 is used to receive configuration information configured by the network device; the configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective timer duration of the uplink timing advance (TA); the processing module 602 is used to calculate the duration of the effective timer of the TA according to the configuration parameters, and determine the effective time of the TA according to the duration of the effective timer of the TA.

[0142] In one implementation, the configuration parameters include at least: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the second scaling factor includes at least one speed level and a factor value corresponding to each speed level; the processing module 602 is configured to: determine the level of the current moving speed of the terminal device; determine the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current moving speed level based on the level of the current moving speed of the terminal device; and calculate the duration of the TA effective timer based on the reference value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the moving speed of the terminal device can be classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the processing module 602 is used to: perform a product operation on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value, and determine the duration of the TA effective timer based on the obtained product value.

[0146] In one implementation, the processing module 602 is used to: start the timer of TA when TA is first acquired; and determine that the value of TA is within the valid time period in response to the value of the timer of TA being less than the duration of the valid timer of TA.

[0147] In one implementation, the processing module 602 is used to: restart the timer of TA when TA is reacquired; and determine that the value of TA is within the valid time period in response to the value of TA's timer being less than the duration of TA's valid timer.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the processing module 602 is further configured to: determine that the value of TA is in an invalid state in response to the value of TA's timer being greater than or equal to the duration of TA's valid timer.

[0149] The communication device 60 is a network device: In this embodiment, the processing module 602 is used to configure the terminal device with configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance TA timer; the transceiver module 601 is used to send the configuration parameters to the terminal device.

[0150] In one implementation, the configuration parameters include at least: a base value for the timer duration; a first scaling factor related to satellite movement; and one or more values ​​for a second scaling factor related to the terminal device's movement speed.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the second scaling factor has one or more values, each corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the moving speed of the terminal device can be classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

[0153] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0154] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 70 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 70 can be a network device, a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0155] The communication device 70 may include one or more processors 701. The processor 701 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0156] Optionally, the communication device 70 may further include one or more memories 702, on which a computer program 704 may be stored. The processor 701 executes the computer program 704 to cause the communication device 70 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 702 may also store data. The communication device 70 and the memory 702 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0157] Optionally, the communication device 70 may also include a transceiver 705 and an antenna 706. The transceiver 705 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 705 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0158] Optionally, the communication device 70 may further include one or more interface circuits 707. The interface circuits 707 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 701. The processor 701 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 70 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0159] Communication device 70 is a terminal device: processor 701 is used for Figure 2 Steps 202 and 203 in the process; execute Figure 3 Steps 302, 303, 304, 305, and 306 are described in the text. Transceiver 705 is used to execute these steps. Figure 2 Step 201; Execute Figure 3 Step 301 in the process.

[0160] Communication device 70 is a network device: processor 701 is used for Figure 4 Step 401 and Figure 5 Step 501 in the process. Transceiver 705 is used to perform... Figure 4 Step 402 and Figure 5 Step 502 in the process.

[0161] In one implementation, the processor 701 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0162] In one implementation, processor 701 may store computer program 703, which runs on processor 701 and causes communication device 70 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 703 may be embedded in processor 701; in this case, processor 701 may be implemented in hardware.

[0163] In one implementation, the communication device 70 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0164] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device (such as the first terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 7 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0165] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0166] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0167] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0168] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0169] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0170] (6) Others, etc.

[0171] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0172] This application also provides a system for determining sidelink duration, the system comprising the aforementioned... Figure 6 In the embodiments, the communication device serves as a terminal device and the communication device serves as a network device; alternatively, the system includes the aforementioned components. Figure 7 The embodiments include a communication device as a terminal device and a communication device as a network device.

[0173] This application also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0174] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0175] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0176] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0177] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0178] The correspondences shown in the tables of this application can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited to these values. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this application may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headings of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0179] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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 method for determining uplink timing advance validity time in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device, and the method includes: Receive configuration information configured by the network device; the configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer, and the configuration parameters include at least one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device, the second scaling factor having one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device; Determine the level of the current moving speed of the terminal device; Based on the current moving speed level of the terminal device, determine the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current moving speed level; The duration of the effective TA timer is calculated based on the baseline value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor related to satellite movement, and the target factor value. The effective time of the TA is determined based on the duration of the TA effective timer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration parameters also include: The base value for the timer duration; The first scaling factor related to satellite movement.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile speed of terminal devices is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of calculating the duration of the effective TA timer based on the base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value includes: The base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value are multiplied, and the duration of the effective TA timer is determined based on the resulting product value.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer includes: When the TA is first acquired, a timer for the TA is started; In response to the fact that the value of the timer of the TA is less than the duration of the effective timer of the TA, it is determined that the value of the TA is within the effective time period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer includes: When the TA is reacquired, the timer for the TA is restarted; In response to the fact that the value of the timer of the TA is less than the duration of the effective timer of the TA, it is determined that the value of the TA is within the effective time period.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer further includes: In response to the timer value of the TA being greater than or equal to the duration of the TA's valid timer, it is determined that the value of the TA is in an invalid state.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the effective time of the TA based on the duration of the TA effective timer further includes: In response to the timer value of the TA being greater than or equal to the duration of the TA's valid timer, it is determined that the value of the TA is in an invalid state.

9. A method for determining the effective time of uplink timing advance in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: Configure the terminal device with the configuration parameters used to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer. The configuration parameters are sent to the terminal device; the configuration parameters include at least one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device, the second scaling factor having one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device; the effective timer duration is calculated based on the baseline value of the timer duration, the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the satellite movement and the current moving speed level of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The configuration parameters include at least: The base value for the timer duration; The first scaling factor related to satellite movement.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mobile speed of terminal devices is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A transceiver module, which is used to receive configuration information configured by the network device; The configuration information includes at least the configuration parameters used by the terminal device to calculate the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer, and the configuration parameters include at least one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device. The processing module is used to calculate the duration of the valid timer of the TA according to the configuration parameters, and to determine the effective time of the TA according to the duration of the valid timer of the TA; The second scaling factor has one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of a terminal device; the processing module is used for: Determine the level of the current moving speed of the terminal device; Based on the current moving speed level of the terminal device, determine the target factor value of the second scaling factor corresponding to the current moving speed level; The duration of the effective TA timer is calculated based on the baseline value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor related to satellite movement, and the target factor value.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The configuration parameters include at least: The base value for the timer duration; The first scaling factor related to satellite movement.

14. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The mobile speed of terminal devices is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

15. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The processing module is used for: The base value of the timer duration, the first scaling factor, and the target factor value are multiplied, and the duration of the effective TA timer is determined based on the resulting product value.

16. The communication device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The processing module is used for: When the TA is first acquired, a timer for the TA is started; In response to the fact that the value of the timer of the TA is less than the duration of the effective timer of the TA, it is determined that the value of the TA is within the effective time period.

17. The communication device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The processing module is used for: When the TA is reacquired, the timer for the TA is restarted; In response to the fact that the value of the timer of the TA is less than the duration of the effective timer of the TA, it is determined that the value of the TA is within the effective time period.

18. The communication device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The processing module is also used for: In response to the timer value of the TA being greater than or equal to the duration of the TA's valid timer, it is determined that the value of the TA is in an invalid state.

19. The communication device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The processing module is also used for: In response to the timer value of the TA being greater than or equal to the duration of the TA's valid timer, it is determined that the value of the TA is in an invalid state.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to configure the terminal device with configuration parameters for calculating the effective duration of the uplink timing advance (TA) timer. A transceiver module is configured to send the configuration parameters to the terminal device; the configuration parameters include at least one or more values ​​of a second scaling factor related to the moving speed of the terminal device, the second scaling factor having one or more values, each value corresponding to a speed level of the terminal device; The effective timer duration is calculated based on a baseline value of the timer duration, a first scaling factor related to satellite movement, and a target factor value of a second scaling factor corresponding to the current movement speed level of the terminal device.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The configuration parameters include at least: The base value for the timer duration; The first scaling factor related to satellite movement.

22. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The mobile speed of terminal devices is classified into levels; the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is specified by a protocol, or the speed range corresponding to the speed level of the terminal device is indicated by the network device through signaling.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

25. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to be implemented.

26. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 9 to 11 to be implemented.

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