Method for activating bwp and communication device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a method for activating a BWP and a communication device. The method comprises: receiving configuration information from an access network device, the configuration information comprising an activation period and an activation duration of the BWP; and periodically activating the BWP according to the activation period and the activation duration of the BWP; wherein the activation period is used to indicate a time interval between two adjacent activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate a duration for which the BWP remains activated after being activated. Based on this scheme, a terminal device can periodically activate a BWP based on a configured activation period and activation duration of the BWP, implement autonomous switching of the BWP, reduce signaling indicating BWP switching by an access network device, and reduce processing of signaling by the terminal device. Thus, the method can reduce air interface overhead during BWP switching and reduce energy consumption of the terminal device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. PCT / CN2021 / 072295, filed on January 15, 2021, entitled "Activation Method and Communication Device for BWP", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a BWP activation method and communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Because New Radio (NR) systems have a large bandwidth, terminal devices consume excessive power when operating across the entire bandwidth. Therefore, the bandwidth part (BWP) defines that the operating bandwidth of the terminal device can be less than the system bandwidth. For example, multiple BWPs can be configured for the terminal device, which can reduce power consumption by switching between different BWPs.

[0004] Currently, access network equipment typically sends signaling to terminal equipment, which then switches between different BWPs based on the signaling. This method incurs significant air interface overhead, and the terminal equipment also consumes a lot of power because it needs to frequently process signaling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a BWP activation method and communication device to reduce air interface overhead during BWP switching and reduce power consumption of terminal devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for activating a BWP. This method can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The method includes: receiving configuration information from an access network device, the configuration information including an activation period and an activation duration of the BWP; periodically activating the BWP according to the activation period and the activation duration; wherein the activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can periodically activate the BWP according to the configured activation period and activation duration, realizing the autonomous handover of the BWP. This reduces the need for access network devices to instruct BWP handover via signaling, and also reduces the signaling processing required by the terminal device. Therefore, this method can reduce air interface overhead during BWP handover and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

[0009] Based on this scheme, the initial activation time of the BWP can be indicated by configuration information, eliminating the need for additional signaling to indicate the initial activation time of the BWP, thus reducing air interface overhead.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first indication information, which indicates enabling the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a first message is received from the access network device, the first message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the initial activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first message includes a second indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first time information, which is used to indicate the duration from the first activation of the BWP to a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP is first activated.

[0015] Based on this scheme, by using real-time information to indicate the time of first BWP activation to the terminal device, the time of first BWP activation can be flexibly configured.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first time is the time when the first message is received, or a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a second message is received from the access network device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is turned off.

[0018] Based on this scheme, when the terminal device does not need to use the BWP, the access network device can instruct the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second message includes a third indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the length of a first period and a first duration, the first duration indicating the length of a time window within a first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated; the step of periodically activating the BWP according to its activation period and activation duration includes: periodically activating the BWP within the time window of the first period according to the BWP's activation period, the activation duration, the first period, and the first duration.

[0021] Based on the above solution, by using the first cycle and the first duration, the time range for activating BWP is reduced, thereby ensuring that the normal execution of other services is not affected.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, the starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first period, where the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, the initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, the second duration being preset or pre-configured.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the number of the first cycles.

[0026] In one possible implementation, after the activation duration has elapsed, the BWP that was in an active state before the BWP was activated is reactivated.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the configuration information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC release message.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC inactive state; or, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC idle state.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for activating a BWP. This method can be executed by an access network device or by a component of the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The method includes: generating configuration information, the configuration information including an activation period and an activation duration of the BWP; sending the configuration information to a terminal device, the configuration information being used by the terminal device to periodically activate the BWP; wherein the activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can periodically activate the BWP according to the configured activation period and activation duration, realizing the autonomous handover of the BWP. This reduces the need for access network devices to instruct BWP handover via signaling, and also reduces the signaling processing required by the terminal device. Therefore, this method can reduce air interface overhead during BWP handover and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

[0032] Based on this scheme, the initial activation time of the BWP can be indicated by configuration information, eliminating the need for additional signaling to indicate the initial activation time of the BWP, thus reducing air interface overhead.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first indication information, which indicates enabling the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0034] In one possible implementation, a first message is sent to the terminal device, the first message instructing the periodic activation of the BWP, the initial activation time of the BWP being related to the first message.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first message includes a second indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first time information, which is used to indicate the duration from the first activation of the BWP to a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP is first activated.

[0038] Based on this scheme, by using real-time information to indicate the time of first BWP activation to the terminal device, the time of first BWP activation can be flexibly configured.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first time is the time when the first message is received, or a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

[0040] In one possible implementation, a second message is sent to the terminal device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is turned off.

[0041] Based on this scheme, when the terminal device does not need to use the BWP, the access network device can instruct the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the second message includes a third indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the length of a first period and a first duration, the first duration being used to indicate the length of a time window within a first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, the starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first period, where the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, the initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, the second duration being preset or pre-configured.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the number of the first cycles.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the configuration information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC release message.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC inactive state; or, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC idle state.

[0050] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip for a terminal device. The device has the functionality to implement the various possible implementation methods of the first aspect described above. This functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functionality.

[0051] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be an access network device or a chip for an access network device. The device has the functionality to implement the various possible implementation methods of the second aspect described above. This functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0052] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device implements the possible implementations of the first or second aspects described above. The memory may be located within or outside the device. Furthermore, the processor may include one or more processors.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus, including units or means for performing various steps of the various possible implementation methods of the first or second aspect described above.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a processor and an interface. The processor is used to control the interface to communicate with other devices and to execute various possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0055] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the various possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above to be performed.

[0056] Ninthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the various possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above to be executed.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system including a processor coupled to a memory. The memory stores programs or instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the chip system to implement the various possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above. The memory may be located within or outside the chip system. Furthermore, the processor may include one or more processors. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of a BWP activation method.

[0060] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of BWP autonomous handover;

[0061] Figure 4 Example image of MAC CE format;

[0062] Figure 5 Example image of MAC CE format;

[0063] Figure 6(a) shows an example of BWP autonomous handover;

[0064] Figure 6(b) is an example diagram of BWP autonomous handover;

[0065] Figure 7(a) shows an example of BWP autonomous handover;

[0066] Figure 7(b) is an example diagram of BWP autonomous handover;

[0067] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system includes access network equipment and one or more terminal devices.

[0070] In this wireless communication system, access network devices can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area through integrated or external antenna devices. One or more terminal devices located within the communication coverage area of ​​the access network device can access the access network device. An access network device can manage one or more cells. Each cell has an identification, also known as a cell identity (cell ID).

[0071] Terminal devices and access network devices are aware of the predefined configuration of the wireless communication system, including the radio access technologies (RATs) supported by the system and the system-specified radio resource configurations (such as the basic configuration of radio frequency bands and carriers). A carrier is a frequency range defined by the system. This frequency range can be determined by the carrier's center frequency (denoted as the carrier frequency) and the carrier's bandwidth. These predefined system configurations can be part of the standard protocol of the wireless communication system, or determined through interaction between the terminal devices and access network devices. The content of the relevant standard protocols may be pre-stored in the memory of the terminal devices and access network devices, or embodied in the hardware circuitry or software code of the terminal devices and access network devices.

[0072] In this wireless communication system, the terminal equipment and access network equipment support one or more of the same Radio Access Technology (RAT), such as NR, Long Term Evolution (LTE), or the RAT of future evolution systems. Specifically, the terminal equipment and access network equipment use the same air interface parameters, coding schemes, and modulation schemes, and communicate with each other based on the radio resources specified by the system.

[0073] The terminal device in this application embodiment is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, user equipment (UE), or a sensor with communication capabilities, etc.

[0074] Access network equipment is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: next-generation base stations (g nodeB, gNB) in 5th generation (5G), evolved node B (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), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc.

[0075] The terms and nouns used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below.

[0076] I. BWP

[0077] Because NR systems have a large bandwidth, terminal devices consume excessive power when operating across the entire bandwidth. Therefore, BWP (Browser Window) defines that the operating bandwidth of a terminal device can be less than the system bandwidth. For example, multiple BWPs can be configured for a terminal device, which can reduce power consumption by switching between different BWPs.

[0078] For example, for uplink or downlink communication, four BWPs are configured on a certain carrier of the terminal device, but only one BWP is active at any given time; that is, the terminal device actually operates on only one BWP. The terminal device can be configured with a maximum of four BWPs for both uplink and downlink communication, with only one uplink BWP and one downlink BWP active at any given time. In Time Division Duplexing (TDD), uplink and downlink BWPs are configured in pairs, sharing the same BWP index and center frequency, but their bandwidth and subcarrier spacing can differ.

[0079] When there is a need to switch bandwidth, a BWP switch is required. For example, there are three methods of BWP switch:

[0080] Method 1: Based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling

[0081] This method is used after RRC reconfiguration or secondary cell (SCell) activation to allow terminal devices to switch from the currently operating BWP to the new BWP. The handover latency is typically 10-24 milliseconds (ms).

[0082] Method 2: Based on downlink control information (DCI)

[0083] For example, uplink is triggered using DCI format 0_1, and downlink is triggered using DCI format 1_1. The handover latency is typically 1-2.5ms.

[0084] Method 3, based on timer

[0085] If the terminal device does not send or receive data for an extended period, the timer expires, triggering the terminal device to switch from the currently active BWP to a smaller BWP to save energy. For example, the timer duration can be configured using `bwp-InactivityTimer`. The switching latency is typically 1-2.5ms.

[0086] II. Carrier Aggregation (CA)

[0087] CA (Carrier Aggregator) combines two or more component carriers (CCs) to support greater transmission bandwidth. One cell corresponds to one CC.

[0088] When using CA, multiple BWPs can be configured for a terminal device on a single CC. The identification information of BWPs on different CCs can be the same or different. Therefore, when there are multiple CCs, the cell index information and the BWP identification information can be used to jointly indicate a BWP.

[0089] It should be noted that only one BWP can be active on a single CC at any given time, but BWPs on multiple CCs can be active simultaneously. For example, BWP1 on CC-1 and BWP2 on CC-2 can be activated at the same time.

[0090] Currently, the handover methods of BWP used by terminal devices are generally divided into two categories: signaling-triggered (such as the above-mentioned method one or method two) or timer-triggered (such as the above-mentioned method three). Each handover requires the access network device to send signaling to the terminal device or start a timer, resulting in large air interface resource overhead and large power consumption of the terminal device.

[0091] However, some services of terminal devices are periodic and can use a certain type of BWP. If the above-mentioned method one or method two is adopted, it is necessary to frequently send signaling to the terminal device, triggering the terminal device to switch back and forth between different BWPs, resulting in a large amount of air interface signaling.

[0092] For example, a terminal device performs data communication with a 20MHz bandwidth and transmits a location signal with a 100MHz bandwidth; 20MHz is BWP1 and 100MHz is BWP2. To minimize energy consumption, the terminal device periodically transmits the location signal on BWP2, and the terminal device aims to keep the time spent on BWP2 as short as possible. The terminal device needs to switch from BWP1 to BWP2, transmit the location signal, and then switch back from BWP2 to BWP1. If method one or method two is used, frequent transmission of RRC signaling or DCI is required to achieve switching between BWP1 and BWP2. This not only consumes air interface resources but also increases power consumption due to the terminal device's frequent signaling processing.

[0093] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a BWP activation method, which can be executed by a terminal device or a component for the terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system).

[0094] The following explanation uses a terminal device executing this method as an example. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The BWP activation method provided in this application includes the following steps:

[0095] Step 201: The terminal device receives configuration information from the access network device, which includes the BWP activation period and activation duration.

[0096] Optionally, this configuration information can be carried in an RRC message (such as an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC release message).

[0097] Step 202: The terminal device periodically activates the BWP according to the BWP activation cycle and activation duration.

[0098] The activation period indicates the time interval between two consecutive BWP activations, meaning the use of the BWP is periodic. For example, a terminal device uses this BWP to periodically send location signals (such as sounding reference signals, SRS) to the access network device, and after each location signal transmission, it needs to switch back to the previously used BWP, that is, reactivate the BWP that was active before it was activated.

[0099] Activation duration indicates how long a BWP remains active after it has been activated.

[0100] Optionally, after a BWP is activated, and after the activation duration has elapsed, the BWP that was active before the BWP was activated can be reactivated. That is, the system switches back to the BWP that was active before the BWP was activated.

[0101] For example, five BWPs are configured for the terminal device. BWP1 to BWP4 are ordinary BWPs, and each handover is triggered by RRC signaling, DCI, or a timer to switch to or from this BWP to another BWP. BWP5 is a BWP with autonomous handover capability as defined in this embodiment. The activation period of this BWP is T1, and the activation duration is L1. That is, every T1 time interval, the terminal device switches from the currently working BWP (such as any one of BWP1 to BWP4) to BWP5, deactivating the currently working BWP and then activating BWP5. After each activation, BWP5 remains active for the duration L1. Since BWP5 remains active for L1 time interval, it can be understood that the terminal device's operating bandwidth is BWP5 during L1 time interval.

[0102] refer to Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of autonomous handover using a BWP. BWP5 is a BWP with autonomous handover functionality. Each time period T1 arrives, the terminal device switches its operating bandwidth from the current BWP (such as BWP1 or BWP2) to BWP5 without requiring signaling from the access network device, thus reducing air interface resource overhead and terminal device power consumption. Furthermore, after the terminal device operates on BWP5 for L1 duration, it automatically switches to the BWP that was active before BWP5 was activated (such as BWP1 or BWP2), thus again without requiring signaling from the access network device, further reducing air interface resource overhead and terminal device power consumption.

[0103] It should be noted that ordinary BWP (such as Figure 3 The switching between BWP1 or BWP2 (as shown) can be performed based on signaling or timer triggers. For example, refer to... Figure 3 If the terminal device does not send or receive data on BWP1 for a certain period of time, the timer will time out, triggering the terminal device to switch from BWP1 to BWP2 based on a pre-configured or pre-defined policy.

[0104] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can periodically activate the BWP according to the configured activation period and activation duration, realizing the autonomous handover of the BWP. This reduces the need for access network devices to instruct BWP handover via signaling, and also reduces the signaling processing required by the terminal device. Therefore, this method can reduce air interface overhead during BWP handover and reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0105] As one implementation method, the BWP with autonomous switching function described above in the embodiments of this application (such as...) Figure 3 BWP5 in the configuration information can be a BWP in the RRC inactive state, and the configuration information in step 201 can be carried by the RRC release message. In step 202, the terminal device periodically activates the BWP in the RRC inactive state according to the activation period and activation duration of the BWP in the configuration information, realizing the autonomous switching of the BWP. This allows the terminal device to transmit uplink data or uplink signals in the RRC inactive state, ensuring the transmission of necessary information.

[0106] As another implementation method, the BWP with autonomous switching function described above in the embodiments of this application (such as...) Figure 3 BWP5 in the configuration can also be a BWP in the RRC idle state. The configuration information in step 201 can be carried by the RRC release message. In step 202, the terminal device periodically activates the BWP in the RRC idle state according to the activation period and activation duration of the BWP in the configuration information, realizing the autonomous switching of the BWP. This allows the terminal device to transmit uplink data or uplink signals in the RRC idle state, ensuring the transmission of necessary information.

[0107] In the above scheme, the initial activation time of the BWP can also be configured.

[0108] For example, several different configuration methods are given below to notify the terminal device of the first activation time of BWP.

[0109] In the first method, before step 202 above, the access network device also sends a first message to the terminal device. The first message indicates that the periodic activation of BWP should be enabled, and the first activation time of BWP is related to the first message.

[0110] In other words, the access network device uses a first message, in addition to the aforementioned configuration information, to indicate the initial activation time of the BWP to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device enables periodic activation of the BWP based on this first message. Alternatively, this first message can be understood as instructing the terminal device to enable the periodic activation function of the BWP, or as instructing the terminal device to activate the BWP for the first time.

[0111] As one implementation method, the first message itself (e.g., by its name) can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP. Alternatively, the first message can carry an instruction (also referred to as a second instruction in this embodiment) that can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP.

[0112] As one implementation method, after receiving the first message, the terminal device immediately activates the BWP for the first time based on the first message or the second indication information carried in the first message. For example, the terminal device starts activating the BWP for the first time after parsing the first message and obtaining its name. Another example is that the terminal device starts activating the BWP for the first time after parsing the first message and obtaining the second indication information. Yet another example is that the terminal device starts activating the BWP on the first time domain resource after the time domain resource where it received the first message. It can also be understood that the difference between the time domain resource where the first message was received and the time position of the initial BWP activation is at least greater than or equal to the BWP handover preparation time. The BWP handover preparation time can be preset or pre-configured.

[0113] As another implementation method, the aforementioned first message carries first time information, which indicates the time elapsed between the first activation of the BWP and a first time point. This first time point is either the time the first message is received or a preset or configured reference time point. That is, after receiving the first message, the terminal device activates the BWP for the first time at a specific moment (the time elapsed between this moment and the first time point is specified by the first time information). Alternatively, the first time information indicates the time point at which the BWP is first activated; that is, the first time information indicates an absolute time point, so after receiving the first message, the terminal device activates the BWP for the first time at a specific moment (this moment is specified by the first time information).

[0114] Optionally, in the CA scenario, the first message may also carry the BWP's identifier information and the cell's index information, where the cell's index information indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP. That is, a BWP is jointly indicated by the cell's index information and the BWP's identifier information. Alternatively, it can be understood that the BWP indicated by the BWP's identifier information is the BWP on the component carrier (CC) corresponding to the cell indicated by the cell's index information. Here, one cell corresponds to one component carrier.

[0115] One implementation method involves using a first message to instruct the periodic activation of the BWP. Correspondingly, the access network device can send a second message to the terminal device to instruct the periodic activation of the BWP to be deactivated. That is, when the terminal device receives the second message from the access network device, it deactivates the periodic activation function of the BWP. For example, if the terminal device is currently operating on a BWP with autonomous handover capability, upon receiving the second message, it can immediately switch to the BWP that was active before activating this one (e.g., ...). Figure 3 On the BWP1 or BWP2 shown, or after the activation duration of the BWP has expired, it switches to the BWP that was active before activating the BWP, and after the subsequent activation cycle of the BWP expires, it will not be activated again for the BWP with autonomous switching function until a message indicating periodic activation of the BWP is received again. For example, if the terminal device is not currently working on the BWP with autonomous switching function, after receiving the second message, the terminal device will remain working on the current BWP (such as...). Figure 3 On the BWP1 or BWP2 shown, and after the activation cycle of the BWP with autonomous switching function is reached, the BWP will no longer be activated until a message indicating the periodic activation of the BWP is received again.

[0116] As one implementation method, the second message itself (e.g., by its name) can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP to be turned off. Alternatively, the second message can carry an indication message (also referred to as a third indication message in this embodiment) that can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP to be turned off.

[0117] Optionally, the first message may be a medium access control element (MAC CE).

[0118] The following example uses MAC CE as the first message to illustrate the specific implementation of MAC CE.

[0119] The implementation of MACCE is as follows:

[0120] Example 1: The MAC CE contains 1 bit of indication information, which is used to indicate whether the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled or disabled.

[0121] For example, an indication of "0" indicates enabling periodic activation of BWP; an indication of "1" indicates disabling periodic activation of BWP. Similarly, an indication of "1" indicates enabling periodic activation of BWP; an indication of "0" indicates disabling periodic activation of BWP.

[0122] Example 1 is applicable to an application scenario where only one BWP with autonomous handover capability is configured for the terminal device, and the BWP with autonomous handover capability is pre-configured or pre-defined, so the identification information of the BWP does not need to be carried in the MAC CE.

[0123] Example 2, the MAC CE contains 8 bits of information, specifically:

[0124] - Indication information, occupying 1 bit, used to indicate whether the periodic activation of BWP is enabled or disabled;

[0125] - The identification information of the BWP (such as BWP ID) occupies 2 bits and is used to indicate the BWP; among them, 2 bits can be used to indicate one of the 4 different BWPs with autonomous switching capabilities;

[0126] - Cell index information (such as SCell Index), occupying 5 bits, is used to indicate the cell. The cell index information, together with the BWP identification information, indicates the BWP on the corresponding CC of a cell. When the cell index information is not configured (e.g., the 5 bits are empty), it indicates that there is only one CC or a default CC.

[0127] For example, refer to Figure 4 This is a sample diagram of the MAC CE format corresponding to Example 2. The MAC CE contains indication information, BWP identification information, and cell index information.

[0128] Based on the method in Example 2, a single MAC CE can instruct the periodic activation of a BWP to be turned on or off. If it is necessary to instruct the periodic activation of multiple BWPs to be turned on or off, multiple MAC CEs can be sent to the terminal device, each instructing the periodic activation of a different BWP to be turned on or off.

[0129] It should be noted that only one BWP can be active on the same CC, but multiple BWPs can be active on different CCs.

[0130] Example 3: The MAC CE contains 8*N bits of information, where N is an integer greater than 1, used to indicate the periodic activation / deactivation of multiple BWPs. Each 8 bits is used to indicate the periodic activation / deactivation of one BWP, and the format of the information contained in each 8 bits can be referred to the description in Example 2 above.

[0131] For example, refer to Figure 5 This is a sample diagram of the MAC CE format corresponding to Example 3. The MAC CE contains 24 bits, with each 8-bit segment containing an indication, a BWP identifier, and a cell index. The first 8 bits indicate whether the periodic activation of BWP A is enabled / disabled, the second 8 bits indicate whether the periodic activation of BWP B is enabled / disabled, and the third 8 bits indicate whether the periodic activation of BWP C is enabled / disabled.

[0132] It should be noted that if multiple BWPs indicated by the MAC CE belong to the same CC, the activation times of these multiple BWPs cannot overlap; that is, only one BWP can be active at any given time on a CC. The activation periods of these multiple BWPs can be the same or different. The duration of their activation can also be the same or different.

[0133] If the multiple BWPs indicated by the MAC CE belong to different CCs, their activation times can overlap. That is, two or more BWPs can be active at the same time on different CCs. The activation periods of these multiple BWPs can be the same or different. The duration of their activation can also be the same or different.

[0134] Example 4: Two MACCEs, one MACCE is used to indicate that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the other MACCE is used to indicate that the periodic activation of the BWP is disabled.

[0135] Example 4 is a variant implementation of Example 1 above. In Example 4, instead of indicating the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP through indication information, the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP is indicated by the name of the MAC CE. The name of the MAC CE can be indicated by the MAC subheader in the MAC sub-protocol data unit (PDU).

[0136] Example 5: Two MAC CEs, each containing 8 bits of information. One MAC CE indicates enabling the periodic activation of the BWP, and the other MAC CE indicates disabling the periodic activation of the BWP. The format of both MAC CEs is:

[0137] - The identification information of the BWP (such as BWP ID) occupies 2 bits and is used to indicate the BWP; among them, 2 bits can be used to indicate one of the 4 different BWPs with autonomous switching capabilities;

[0138] - Cell index information (e.g., SCell Index), occupying 5 bits, is used to indicate the cell. The cell index information, together with the BWP identification information, indicates the BWP on the corresponding CC of a cell. When the cell index information is not configured (e.g., the 5 bits are empty), it indicates that there is only one CC or a default CC;

[0139] - Reserve 1 bit.

[0140] Example 5 is a variant implementation of Example 2 above. In Example 5, instead of indicating the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP through instruction information, the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP is indicated by the name of the MAC CE.

[0141] Example 6: Two MAC CEs, each containing 8*N bits of information. One MAC CE indicates the periodic activation of multiple BWPs, and the other MAC CE indicates the periodic activation of multiple BWPs. Both MAC CEs contain 8*N bits of information, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each 8 bits is used to indicate the periodic activation / deactivation of one BWP. The format of the information contained in each 8 bits can be referred to the description in Example 2 above.

[0142] Example 6 is a variant implementation of Example 3 above. In Example 6, instead of indicating the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP through instruction information, the periodic activation / deactivation of BWP is indicated by the name of the MAC CE.

[0143] After receiving any of the MAC CEs in Examples 1 to 6 above, the terminal device can immediately enable or disable the periodic activation of the corresponding BWP, or enable or disable the periodic activation of the corresponding BWP based on pre-configured or predefined time information (such as an absolute time or a relative duration of distance from receiving the MAC CE), or enable or disable the periodic activation of the corresponding BWP based on the time information received from the MAC CE (such as an absolute time or a relative duration of distance from receiving the MAC CE), or enable or disable the periodic activation of the corresponding BWP based on the time information received in step 201 above (such as an absolute time or a relative duration of distance from receiving the MAC CE).

[0144] In Examples 1 to 6 above, one MAC CE is used to indicate enabling the periodic activation of the BWP, and another MAC CE is used to indicate disabling the periodic activation of the BWP. As another implementation, a single MAC CE can also indicate the periodic activation of the BWP, and simultaneously indicate the time information for disabling the periodic activation of the BWP. For example, the MAC CE used to indicate enabling the periodic activation of the BWP can also carry time information for indicating the time for disabling the periodic activation. This could include carrying the number of periods, so that the periodic activation of the BWP is disabled after the number of periods is reached; or carrying the duration for which the periodic activation function is enabled, so that the periodic activation of the BWP is disabled after the duration is reached.

[0145] It should be noted that the time information used to indicate the shutdown of periodic activation (such as the number of periods, the duration of periodic activation) can be carried in the MAC CE or in the configuration information in step 201 above.

[0146] In the second method, the initial activation time of BWP is related to the configuration information in step 201 above.

[0147] Based on this configuration information, the terminal device enables periodic activation of the BWP. Alternatively, this configuration information can be understood as instructing the terminal device to enable the periodic activation function of the BWP, or as instructing the terminal device to activate the aforementioned BWP for the first time.

[0148] As one implementation method, the configuration information itself (e.g., by the name of the configuration information) can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP. As another implementation method, the configuration information can also carry an indication information (in this embodiment, the indication information is also referred to as the first indication information), which can be used to indicate the periodic activation of BWP.

[0149] As a first implementation method, after receiving the configuration information, the terminal device immediately activates the BWP for the first time based on the configuration information or the aforementioned instruction information carried in the configuration information.

[0150] As a second implementation method, the configuration information also carries second time information, which indicates the duration of time between the first activation of the BWP and a second time. This second time is either the time the configuration information is received or a preset or pre-configured reference time. That is, after receiving the configuration information, the terminal device activates the BWP for the first time at a specific moment (the duration of this moment between the first activation and the second time is specified by the second time information). Alternatively, the second time information indicates the time of the first activation of the BWP; that is, the second time information indicates an absolute time point, so the terminal device activates the BWP for the first time at a specific moment (specified by the second time information) after receiving the configuration information.

[0151] As a third implementation method, the configuration information also carries the length of the first cycle and the first duration. The first duration indicates the length of a time window within a first cycle that allows the BWP to be periodically activated. The length of the first duration can be less than the length of the first cycle. Optionally, the configuration information also carries the number of first cycles. After receiving the configuration information, the terminal device can determine the first activation time of the BWP based on the first cycle. For example, the starting position of the first start of the first cycle can be used as the first activation time of the BWP (for example, refer to the BWP autonomous switching example diagram shown in Figure 6(a)). Another example is using the time position that is a set distance away from the starting position of the first start of the first cycle as the first activation time of the BWP (for example, refer to the BWP autonomous switching example diagram shown in Figure 6(b)). The starting position of the first start of the first cycle can be predefined, preconfigured, carried by the configuration information in step 201 above, or notified by another message. Furthermore, based on this implementation method, since a first period and a first duration are configured in addition to the activation period and activation duration of the BWP, the terminal device can perform periodic activation of the BWP within the time window indicated by the first duration of each first period, and not perform periodic activation of the BWP outside the time window indicated by the first duration of each first period. Alternatively, by configuring the first period and the first duration, the time range for periodic activation of the BWP with autonomous switching function is narrowed, thereby enabling periodic activation of the BWP with autonomous switching function to be performed within a specific time window, while other normal services are performed outside other time windows. For example, referring to Figure 6(a) or Figure 6(b), after configuring the first period and the first duration, if the activation period of BWP5 is reached within the time window indicated by the first duration, then BWP5 is activated; outside the time window indicated by the first duration, if the activation period of BWP5 is reached, then BWP5 is not activated. It should be noted that the starting position of the time window indicated by the first duration within the first cycle can be the same as the starting position of the first cycle (e.g., refer to Figure 6(a)), or the starting position of the time window can be a first distance away from the starting position of the first cycle (e.g., refer to Figure 6(b)), where the first distance is preset or pre-configured. It can be understood that, based on this implementation method, step 202 specifically involves: periodically activating the BWP within the time window of the first cycle, according to the BWP's activation cycle, activation duration, the first cycle, and the first duration.

[0152] It should be noted that the length and duration of the first cycle in the third implementation method described above can also be carried in the first message of the first implementation method described above. That is, the length and duration of the first cycle are not carried in the configuration information of step 201, but are carried in the first message. Optionally, the first message can also carry the number of first cycles. For the meaning and usage of the length, duration, and number of first cycles, please refer to the specific description in the third implementation method described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] As a fourth implementation method, the configuration information also carries the length of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle. Optionally, the configuration information also carries the number of first cycles. After receiving the configuration information, the terminal device can determine the first activation time of the BWP based on the first cycle. For example, the starting position of the first start of the first cycle can be used as the first activation time of the BWP (for example, refer to the BWP autonomous switching example diagram shown in Figure 7(a)). Alternatively, the time position that is a predetermined distance (also referred to as the second duration in this embodiment) from the starting position of the first start of the first cycle can be used as the first activation time of the BWP (for example, refer to the BWP autonomous switching example diagram shown in Figure 7(b)). The starting position of the first start of the first cycle can be predefined, preconfigured, carried by the configuration information in step 201 above, or notified by another message. Furthermore, based on this implementation method, since a first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle are configured in addition to the BWP's activation cycle and activation duration, the terminal device can perform periodic activation of the BWP according to the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within each first cycle. Alternatively, it can be understood that by configuring the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle, the number of times the BWP with autonomous switching function is periodically activated is reduced. For example, referring to Figure 7(a) or Figure 7(b), after configuring the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle (taking a configured number of times as 1 as an example), only one BWP5 is activated within each first cycle, whereas without configuring the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle, the number of times BWP5 is activated is doubled. It can be understood that, based on this implementation method, step 202 above specifically refers to: periodically activating the BWP within the first cycle according to the BWP's activation cycle, activation duration, first cycle, and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

[0154] It should be noted that the length of the first cycle and the number of times BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle in the fourth implementation method described above can also be carried in the first message of the first implementation method described above. That is, the length of the first cycle and the number of times BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle are not carried in the configuration information of step 201 above, but are carried in the first message above. Optionally, the first message can also carry the number of first cycles. For the meaning and usage of the length of the first cycle, the number of times BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle, and the number of first cycles, please refer to the specific description in the fourth implementation method described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] The following specific example illustrates the implementation method of the configuration information in step 201 above. It is understood that the configuration information in step 201 can also be implemented in other ways, and this invention does not impose any limitations.

[0156] For example, if the current definition allows a maximum of 4 uplink BWPs to be configured on a terminal device, then if it is necessary to add an uplink BWP with autonomous handover function as provided in the embodiments of this application, the uplink BWP can be added through the following definition:

[0157]

[0158] The initial BWP, configured by `initialUplinkBWP`, is used by the UE to receive Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI) and Other System Information (OSI) to initiate random access. The dedicated BWP, configured by `uplinkBWP-ToAddModList`, is used for data service transmission. `firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id` is used to configure the first active BWP. `uplinkBWP-ToReleaseList` represents additional uplink BWPs to be released. `pusch-ServingCellConfig` represents parameters related to the non-BWP-specific Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). `carrierSwitching` contains parameters related to SRS carrier switching configuration. The meanings of the parameters in the above configuration items, except for `Autonomous-BWP-r17`, can also be found in the relevant descriptions in standard 3GPP TS38.331.

[0159] Autonomous-BWP-r17 is a newly added BWP with autonomous switching capabilities. The BWP-Uplink contains the configuration information of this BWP. SetupRelease{} represents parameter references, similar to function calls in programming languages.

[0160] One implementation method is to expand the number of possible BWP ID values ​​from four to five. Under this method, the definition of BWP-Uplink is as follows:

[0161]

[0162] The maximum number of BWPs is increased from 4 to 5.

[0163] As an alternative implementation, a new BWP ID can be defined to specifically describe the BWP with switching functionality. Under this implementation, the BWP-Uplink definition would be as follows:

[0164]

[0165] Here, BWP-Autonomous–Id is the ID of the BWP with switching functionality.

[0166] The value of maxNrof AutonomousBWPs is greater than or equal to 1.

[0167] By using the methods described above for extending the BWP ID or redefining the BWP ID, a BWP with switching functionality can be defined.

[0168] Furthermore, taking the configuration information in step 201 above, which includes the BWP activation period, the BWP activation duration, and the time information indicating the first activation of the BWP, as an example, the configuration parameters of the BWP can be configured as follows:

[0169] BWP-UplinkCommon::= SEQUENCE{

[0170] genericParameters BWP,

[0171] }

[0172] The genericParameters section contains the parameters that each BWP needs to be configured with, including: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix (CP), and the frequency domain location and bandwidth of the BWP.

[0173]

[0174] Among them, BWP-SwitchTimer is used to indicate the initial activation of the BWP within a certain period after receiving the configuration information. In an optional embodiment, the value of this period is one of 1 to 60. BWP-TransmissionDuration is used to indicate the activation duration of the BWP. In an optional embodiment, its value is one of 1 to 24. BWP-TransmissionPeriod is used to indicate the length of the BWP activation period. In an optional embodiment, its value is one of 5, 8, 10, 12, ... The unit of the above three parameters can be any time unit such as time domain symbol, time slot, microsecond, millisecond, second, minute, hour, etc. The units of the above three parameters can be different or the same, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0175] refer to Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device is used to implement the various steps of the corresponding terminal device or access network device in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 810 and a processing unit 820.

[0176] In the first embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the various steps of the corresponding terminal devices in the above embodiments:

[0177] The transceiver unit 810 is used to receive configuration information from the access network device, the configuration information including the activation period and activation duration of the BWP; the processing unit 820 is used to periodically activate the BWP according to the activation period and activation duration of the BWP; wherein, the activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first indication information, which indicates enabling the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive a first message from the access network device, the first message indicating the activation of the periodic activation of the BWP, the first activation time of the BWP being related to the first message.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the first message includes a second indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first time information, which is used to indicate the duration from the first activation of the BWP to a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP is first activated.

[0184] In one possible implementation, the first time is the time when the first message is received, or a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to receive a second message from the access network device, the second message indicating the disabling of the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the second message includes a third indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the length of a first period and a first duration, the first duration indicating the length of a time window within a first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated; the processing unit 820 is specifically configured to periodically activate the BWP within the time window of the first period, based on the activation period of the BWP, the activation duration, the first period, and the first duration.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, the starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first period, where the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, the initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, the second duration being preset or pre-configured.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the number of the first cycles.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 820 is further configured to reactivate the BWP that was in an active state before the BWP was activated after the activation duration has elapsed.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the configuration information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC release message.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC inactive state; or, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC idle state.

[0195] In the second embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the various steps of the corresponding access network devices in the above embodiments:

[0196] Processing unit 820 is used to generate configuration information, the configuration information including the activation period and activation duration of BWP; transceiver unit 810 is used to send the configuration information to terminal device, the configuration information being used by terminal device to periodically activate BWP; wherein, the activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent activations of BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which BWP remains active after being activated.

[0197] Optionally, the processing unit 820 may also periodically communicate with the terminal device on the BWP according to the BWP's activation cycle and activation duration. It is understood that the method by which the processing unit 820 determines the activation time of the BWP is the same as or similar to the method by which the terminal device determines the activation time of the BWP, and will not be described in detail here.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first indication information, which indicates enabling the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device, the first message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the first activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the first message includes a second indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the first message includes the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

[0203] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes first time information, which is used to indicate the duration from the first activation of the BWP to a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP is first activated.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the first time is the time when the first message is received, or a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 810 is further configured to send a second message to the terminal device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is turned off.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the second message includes a third indication message that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the length of a first period and a first duration, the first duration being used to indicate the length of a time window within a first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, the starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first period, where the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, the initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, the second duration being preset or pre-configured.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the configuration information further includes the number of the first cycles.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the configuration information is carried in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message or an RRC release message.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC inactive state; or, the BWP is a BWP in the RRC idle state.

[0214] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit for storing data or instructions (also referred to as code or program). Each of the aforementioned units can interact with or be coupled to the storage unit to implement the corresponding method or function. For example, the processing unit 820 can read data or instructions from the storage unit, enabling the communication device to implement the method described in the above embodiments.

[0215] It should be understood that the division of units in the above communication device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the communication device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the communication device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element of the communication device. Moreover, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or implemented independently. The processing element mentioned here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0216] In one example, a unit in any of the above communication devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. As another example, when a unit in the communication device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together and implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0217] refer to Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, used to implement the operation of the terminal device or access network device in the above embodiments. Figure 9As shown, the communication device includes a processor 910 and an interface 930, with the processor 910 coupled to the interface 930. The interface 930 is used to enable communication with other devices. The interface 930 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The interface 930 can be, for example, an interface circuit. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory 920 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0218] The methods executed by the terminal device or access network device in the above embodiments can be implemented by the processor 910 calling a program stored in a memory (which can be the memory 920 in the terminal device or access network device, or an external memory). That is, the terminal device or access network device may include a processor 910, which executes the methods executed by the terminal device or access network device in the above method embodiments by calling a program in the memory. The processor here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities, such as a CPU. The terminal device or access network device can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods. For example: one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. Alternatively, the above implementation methods can be combined.

[0219] Specifically, Figure 8 The functions / implementation of the transceiver unit 810 and the processing unit 820 can be understood through... Figure 9 The processor 910 in the communication device 900 shown calls computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 920 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 8 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 820 in the middle can be achieved through Figure 9 The processor 910 in the communication device 900 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 920 to implement the communication. Figure 8 The function / implementation process of the transceiver unit 810 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 9 The interface 930 in the communication device 900 shown is used to implement this functionality. For example, the function / implementation process of the transceiver unit 810 can be implemented by the processor calling program instructions in memory to drive the interface 930.

[0220] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip has the functions of the terminal device implemented in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and this information comes from other terminal devices or access network devices; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and this information is sent by the terminal device to other terminal devices or network devices.

[0221] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an access network device, the access network device chip has the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, and this information comes from a terminal device or other access network devices; or, the access network device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, and this information is sent by the access network device to a terminal device or other access network devices.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate a sequential order. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one" refers to one or more. "At least two" refers to two or more. "At least one," "any one," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "Multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0223] It should be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this invention.

[0224] 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.

[0225] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are 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 instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center 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 that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0226] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or operate the described functions using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; alternatively, it can also be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented using a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration.

[0227] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software units can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be housed in an ASIC.

[0228] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0229] In one or more exemplary designs, the functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of these three. If implemented in software, these functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted on a computer-readable medium in the form of one or more instructions or code. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media and communication media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. Storage media can be any available media accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, such computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and other formats readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or processor. Furthermore, any connection can be suitably defined as a computer-readable medium, for example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote resource via a coaxial cable, fiber optic computer, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wirelessly, such as infrared, wireless, and microwave, it is also included in the definition of a computer-readable medium. The disks and discs mentioned include compressed disks, laser discs, optical discs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically copy data magnetically, while discs typically copy data optically using lasers. Combinations of these can also be contained in computer-readable media.

[0230] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0231] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made based on the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. The above description in this application specification allows for the utilization or implementation of the content of this application by anyone skilled in the art. Any modifications based on the disclosed content should be considered obvious in the art. The basic principles described in this application can be applied to other variations without departing from the inventive nature and scope of this application. Therefore, the content disclosed in this application is not limited to the described embodiments and designs but can be extended to the maximum extent consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed in this application.

[0232] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A method for activating a bandwidth portion (BWP), characterized in that, include: Receive configuration information from the access network device. The configuration information includes the activation period and activation duration of the BWP. The configuration information also includes the length of the first period and the first duration. The first duration is used to indicate the length of a time window within the first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated. According to the configuration information, the BWP is periodically activated within the time window of the first cycle; The activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two consecutive activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first indication information, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first message is received from the access network device, the first message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the first activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first message contains a second instruction, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

6. The method as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first message contains the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time elapsed between the first activation of the BWP and a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP was first activated.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first time is the time when the first message is received, or it is a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A second message is received from the access network device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is turned off.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The second message contains a third instruction that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

11. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, The starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first cycle, and the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

12. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, The initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, which is preset or pre-configured.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the number of the first cycle.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: After the activation duration is reached, the BWP that was in an active state before the BWP was activated is reactivated.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message or the RRC release message.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The BWP is the BWP in the RRC inactive state; or... The BWP mentioned is the BWP in the RRC idle state.

18. A method for activating a bandwidth portion (BWP), characterized in that, include: Generate configuration information, which includes the activation period and activation duration of the BWP. The configuration information also includes the length of the first period and the first duration, whereby the first duration is used to indicate the length of a time window within a first period that allows the BWP to be activated periodically. The configuration information is sent to the terminal device, and the configuration information is used by the terminal device to periodically activate the BWP; The activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two consecutive activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

20. The method as described in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first indication information, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

21. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, Also includes: A first message is sent to the terminal device, the first message instructing the periodic activation of the BWP, and the first activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The first message contains a second instruction, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

23. The method as described in claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first message contains the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time elapsed between the first activation of the BWP and a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP was first activated.

25. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The first time is the time when the first message is received, or it is a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that, Also includes: A second message is sent to the terminal device, the second message instructing the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

27. The method as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The second message contains a third instruction that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

28. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, The starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first cycle, and the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

29. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

30. The method as described in claim 29, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, The initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, which is preset or pre-configured.

31. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 30, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the number of the first cycle.

32. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 31, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message or the RRC release message.

33. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that, The BWP is the BWP in the RRC inactive state; or... The BWP mentioned is the BWP in the RRC idle state.

34. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive configuration information from the access network device. The configuration information includes the activation period and activation duration of the BWP. The configuration information also includes the length of the first period and the first duration. The first duration is used to indicate the length of a time window within the first period that allows the BWP to be periodically activated. The processing unit is configured to periodically activate the BWP within the time window of the first cycle, based on the configuration information. The activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two consecutive activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34 or 35, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first indication information, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first message from the access network device, the first message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the first activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that, The first message contains a second instruction, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37 or 38, characterized in that, The first message contains the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time elapsed between the first activation of the BWP and a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP was first activated.

41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 40, characterized in that, The first time is the time when the first message is received, or it is a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

42. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 41, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second message from the access network device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP should be turned off.

43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 42, characterized in that, The second message contains a third instruction that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that, The starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, The starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first cycle, and the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

46. ​​The apparatus as claimed in claim 45, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, The initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, which is preset or pre-configured.

47. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 46, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the number of the first cycle.

48. The apparatus of any one of claims 34 to 47, wherein the processing unit is further configured to reactivate the BWP that was in an active state before the BWP was activated after the activation duration has elapsed.

49. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 48, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message or the RRC release message.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 to 49, characterized in that, The BWP is the BWP in the RRC inactive state; or... The BWP mentioned is the BWP in the RRC idle state.

51. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing unit is used to generate configuration information, which includes the activation period and activation duration of the BWP. The configuration information also includes the length of the first period and the first duration, whereby the first duration is used to indicate the length of a time window during which the BWP is allowed to be activated periodically within the first period. A transceiver unit is used to send the configuration information to a terminal device, the configuration information being used by the terminal device to periodically activate the BWP; The activation period is used to indicate the time interval between two consecutive activations of the BWP, and the activation duration is used to indicate the duration for which the BWP remains in an active state after being activated.

52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is related to the configuration information.

53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51 or 52, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first indication information, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

54. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device, the first message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP is enabled, and the first activation time of the BWP is related to the first message.

55. The apparatus as claimed in claim 54, characterized in that, The first message contains a second instruction, which indicates that the periodic activation of the BWP should be enabled.

56. The apparatus as claimed in claim 54 or 55, characterized in that, The first message contains the identification information of the BWP and the index information of the cell, wherein the index information of the cell indicates the cell corresponding to the BWP.

57. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first time information, which is used to indicate the time elapsed between the first activation of the BWP and a first time, or to indicate the time point at which the BWP was first activated.

58. The apparatus as claimed in claim 57, characterized in that, The first time is the time when the first message is received, or it is a preset or pre-configured reference time point.

59. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 58, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message to the terminal device, the second message indicating that the periodic activation of the BWP should be turned off.

60. The apparatus as claimed in claim 59, characterized in that, The second message contains a third instruction that indicates the periodic activation of the BWP to be turned off.

61. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that, The starting position of the time window is the same as the starting position of the first period; or, The starting position of the time window is a first distance away from the starting position of the first cycle, and the first distance is preset or pre-configured.

62. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the size of the first cycle and the number of times the BWP is periodically activated within a first cycle.

63. The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, characterized in that, The initial activation time of the BWP is the start time of the first cycle; or, The initial activation time of the BWP is separated from the start time of the first cycle by a second duration, which is preset or pre-configured.

64. The apparatus according to any one of claims 51 to 63, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the number of the first cycle.

65. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 64, characterized in that, The configuration information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message or the RRC release message.

66. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 65, characterized in that, The BWP is the BWP in the RRC inactive state; or... The BWP mentioned is the BWP in the RRC idle state.

67. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 33.

68. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processors and interfaces; The processor is used to control the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 33; The processor is also used to control the interface to communicate with other devices.

69. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33 is performed.

70. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 33 to be performed.

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