Random access method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the disclosure discloses a random access method and device, which can be applied to the field of communication technology. The method executed by a terminal device comprises: receiving first indication information sent by a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group; in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers, determining a specified one of the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier; and sending a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier. The understanding of the random access resource used in the random access process by the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and the network device is provided with more flexible conditions for configuring the random access resource, thereby improving the use efficiency of the random access resource.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In a conventional handover procedure, random access resources are configured in advance to a terminal device through a radio resource control (RRC) message. For a "dynamic cell (or cell group) change" procedure, a terminal device is controlled to change in multiple "candidate cells (or cell groups)" through "L1 / L2 control signaling", which may carry random access resources of a target "cell (or cell group)". SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random access method and device, which ensures that the understanding of random access resources used in a random access procedure by a terminal device and a network device remains consistent, improves the reliability of the random access procedure, and provides conditions for the network device to configure random access resources more flexibly, thereby improving the use efficiency of random access resources.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random access method, which is performed by a terminal device, and the method comprises:

[0005] receiving first indication information sent by a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group;

[0006] in a case where the target cell or the target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determining a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier;

[0007] based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, sending a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group.

[0008] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide another random access method, which is performed by a network device, and the method comprises:

[0009] sending first indication information to a terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group;

[0010] in a case where the target cell or the target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determining a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier;

[0011] identify associated first configuration information based on the target random access resource configuration identifier, and receive the random access request sent by the terminal device.

[0012] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication apparatus having part or all of the functions of the terminal device in the method of the first aspect, for example, the communication apparatus can have part or all of the functions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or can have the functions of any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure implemented independently. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0013] In an implementation manner, the communication apparatus can include a transceiver module and a processing module, and the processing module is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the corresponding functions in the above method. The transceiver module is configured to support the communication between the communication apparatus and other devices. The communication apparatus can further include a storage module coupled with the transceiver module and the processing module, which stores the computer programs and data necessary for the communication apparatus.

[0014] In an implementation manner, the communication apparatus includes:

[0015] The transceiver module is configured to receive the first indication information sent by the first network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0016] The processing module is configured to, in a case where the target cell or the target cell group is associated with a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers, determine a specified one of the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0017] The transceiver module is further configured to, based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, send a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication apparatus having part or all of the functions of the network device in the method examples of the second aspect, for example, the communication apparatus can have part or all of the functions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or can have the functions of any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure implemented independently. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0019] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the necessary computer programs and data of the communication device.

[0020] In one implementation, the communication device includes:

[0021] The transceiver module is configured to send first indication information to the terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the target cell or target cell group;

[0022] The processing module is configured to, when the target cell or target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determine one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers as the target random access resource configuration identifier;

[0023] The transceiver module is also configured to receive random access requests sent by the terminal device based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0024] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the first aspect.

[0025] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0026] Seventhly, this disclosure provides a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0027] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0028] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0029] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a processor and an interface circuit for receiving code instructions and transmitting the code instructions to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute the code instructions to enable the apparatus to perform the method in the second aspect.

[0030] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, which comprises the communication apparatus in the third aspect to the fourth aspect, or the communication apparatus in the fifth aspect to the sixth aspect, or the communication apparatus in the seventh aspect to the eighth aspect, or the communication apparatus in the ninth aspect to the tenth aspect.

[0031] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer readable storage medium for storing instructions for the terminal device, and the instructions, when executed, enable the terminal device to perform the method in the first aspect.

[0032] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer readable storage medium for storing instructions for the network device, and the instructions, when executed, enable the network device to perform the method in the second aspect.

[0033] In a fourteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in the first aspect.

[0034] In a fifteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in the second aspect.

[0035] In a sixteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system, which comprises at least one processor and an interface for supporting the terminal device to implement the functions in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above method. In a possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0036] In a seventeenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system, which comprises at least one processor and an interface for supporting the network device to implement the functions in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above method. In a possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0037] In an eighteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0038] In a nineteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background art will be described below.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided by the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 is an interaction schematic diagram of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, some terms related to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly introduced below.

[0051] 1. L1 / L2 control signaling

[0052] L1 / L2 control signaling, indicating that the corresponding information part comes from the physical layer (layer 1, downlink control information (DCI)) and part from the media access control layer (MAC) (layer 2).

[0053] 2, candidate cell (or cell group)

[0054] In a related communication system, the network device can provide the terminal device with multiple "candidate cells (or cell groups)". The subsequent network device can control the terminal device to change between multiple "candidate cells (or cell groups)" through L1 / L2 control signaling (for example, change the working cell (or cell group) from "candidate cell (or cell group)-1" to "candidate cell (or cell group)-2").

[0055] Among them, 1 service cell (or cell group) can correspond to 1 or more "candidate cells (or cell groups)".

[0056] This process can also be called L1 / L2-triggered mobility (LTM) process.

[0057] 3, target cell or cell group

[0058] When the network device instructs the terminal device to change the cell or cell group, the cell or cell group to be accessed.

[0059] 4, random access process (RACH)

[0060] When the terminal accesses the target cell, it will need to initiate a random access process.

[0061] According to the "steps of the random access process", it can be divided into:

[0062] 4-step random access process (4-step RACH)

[0063] 2-step random access process (2-step RACH)

[0064] In addition, according to whether the "random access resource used by the random access process is shared", the random access process can be divided into:

[0065] Contention-based random access process (CBRA, Contention-Based RACH), that is, the random access signal resource sent by the terminal device is shared by multiple terminal devices;

[0066] Contention-Free Random Access (CFRA), that is, the random access signal resource sent by the terminal is exclusive to the terminal device.

[0067] In order to better understand the random access method and device disclosed by the embodiments of the present disclosure, first, the communication system to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable is described below.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The architecture of a communication system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the figure. The communication system can include, but is not limited to, one network device and one terminal device, Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown in the figure are only for example and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. In actual applications, it can include two or more network devices, two or more terminal devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown in the figure takes one network device 11 and one terminal device 12 as an example.

[0069] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example: long term evolution (LTE) system, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, 5G new radio (NR) system, or other future new mobile communication systems, etc.

[0070] The network device 11 in the embodiments of the present disclosure is an entity for transmitting or receiving signals on the network side, and is a device for communicating with a terminal device. The network device 11 can be a base station (base transceiver station, BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) system or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, can be a base station B (node B, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, can be an evolved base station B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, can be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, can be a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a home base station (for example, a home evolved node B or a home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), or can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network side device in a 5G network or a network side device in a future evolved PLMN network, and the like, can be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP), or a transmission and reception point (TRP), and the like, can be a gNB or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or can be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), and the like. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network side device.The network-side device provided in this embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network-side device can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0071] The terminal device 12 in this embodiment can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN) and / or any other suitable devices for communicating on a wireless communication system are not limited in this disclosure.

[0072] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the terminal device may also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Its main functions include collecting data (for some terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from network-side devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to network-side devices.

[0075] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0076] The terminal device 12 provided in this embodiment can perform the following: Figures 2 to 4 The method shown in the embodiment allows network device 11 to perform, as follows: Figures 5 to 6 The method shown in the embodiment.

[0077] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0078] In addition, the following points are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0079] First, in the present disclosure, the first, second and various numbers are only for the convenience of differentiation for description, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, different information is distinguished, different terminal devices are distinguished, and the like.

[0080] Second, the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, which can include, for example, an LTE protocol, an NR protocol, and a related protocol applied in a future communication system, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0081] Third, the embodiments of the present disclosure enumerate a plurality of implementation manners to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Of course, those skilled in the art can understand that the plurality of embodiments provided by the present disclosure can be executed alone, or can be executed together in combination with the method of other embodiments of the present disclosure, or can be executed alone or in combination with some methods in other related technologies; the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0082] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a random access method and device for the case that the RRC message and the L1 / L2 control signaling of the same cell or cell group both carry the random access resource associated with the cell or cell group. For the same cell or cell group, if the terminal device and the network device determine that the random access resource configuration identifier associated with the cell or cell group is not unique, a specified random access resource configuration identifier is determined as the target random access resource configuration identifier associated with the cell or cell group, so as to ensure that the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for the random access resources used for the cell or cell group is consistent, and the reliability of the random access process is improved.

[0083] The random access method and device provided by the present disclosure will be described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 2 shown, the method is applied to a terminal device, and the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0085] Step 201, receiving first indication information sent by a network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0086] In some possible implementation forms, the first indication information can include "L1 / L2 control signaling".

[0087] In some possible implementation forms, the first indication information can include the identifier of the target cell or the target cell group.

[0088] In step 202, in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers is determined as a target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0089] The random access resource configuration identifier can be used to uniquely determine configuration information of random access resources used by the terminal device in a random access process.

[0090] In some possible implementation forms, the configuration information of the random access resources can include a location of time-frequency domain resources used in the random access process, such as a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion.

[0091] In some possible implementation forms, the random access resource configuration identifier can further include an identifier used to indicate whether a resource used in the random access process is a shared resource. For example, the random access resource configuration identifier includes a non-contention random access resource configuration identifier, such as a random access preamble, which indicates that the random access resource is a non-shared resource dedicated to the terminal device; or the random access resource configuration identifier includes a contention random access resource configuration identifier, which indicates that the random access resource is shared by multiple terminal devices, and the like, which are not limited in the present disclosure.

[0092] In some possible implementation forms, if the target cell or the cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, for example, the first indication information includes a first random access resource configuration identifier, and the network device also configures the random access resource configuration identifier associated with the target cell or the target cell group when configuring a candidate cell or a cell group for the terminal device, the terminal device can determine a specified one as the target random access resource configuration identifier associated with the target cell or the target cell group.

[0093] In some possible implementation forms, the terminal device can determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers based on a protocol agreement; or the terminal device can also determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers according to an indication of the network device.

[0094] In some possible implementation forms, the terminal device can determine the first random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0095] For example, the first indication information includes random access resource configuration #1, and the terminal device receives a candidate cell or cell group configuration, in which a random access resource configuration identifier associated with the target cell or target cell group is random access resource configuration #2. Then, the terminal device can determine random access resource configuration #1 as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0096] In some possible implementation forms, the terminal device can also determine, as the target random access resource configuration identifier, a random access resource configuration identifier with a minimum time interval between a receiving time and a current time.

[0097] For example, there are two random access resource configuration identifiers associated with the target cell or target cell group, which are random access resource configuration #1 and random access resource configuration #2, and the time interval between the receiving time and the current time of random access resource configuration #1 is Δt1, the time interval between the receiving time and the current time of random access resource configuration #1 is Δt2, and Δt1 < Δt2. Then, the terminal device can determine random access resource configuration #1 as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0098] In some possible implementation forms, in response to the target cell or target cell group being associated with only one random access resource configuration identifier, that is, the first indication information does not include the random access resource configuration identifier, the terminal device can determine the one random access resource configuration identifier as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0099] In step 203, the terminal device sends a random access request to the target cell or target cell group based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0100] After determining the target random access resource configuration identifier, the terminal device can determine random access resources used in a random access procedure based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, such as time-frequency domain positions of the random access resources and whether the random access resources are shared resources. Then, the terminal device can send a random access request to the target cell or target cell group based on the determined random access resources.

[0101] In some possible implementation forms, the target cell or target cell group is still within the coverage of the network device, and the terminal device can send the random access request to the network device.

[0102] In some possible implementation forms, the target cell or target cell group is no longer within the coverage of the network device, and the terminal device can send the random access request to a new network device to which the target cell or target cell group belongs.

[0103] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the terminal device receives the first indication information indicating that it accesses the target cell or the target cell group, if there are multiple random access resource configuration identifiers associated with the target cell or the target cell group, one specified identifier can be determined as the target random access resource configuration identifier, and then the terminal device sends a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier. In this way, the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for the random access resources used by the cell or the cell group is consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and the network device is provided with more flexible configuration of the random access resources, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3 , the method is applied to a terminal device, and the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0105] Step 301, receiving second indication information sent by a network device, wherein the second indication information includes second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group.

[0106] In some possible implementation forms, the second indication information can be an RRC message.

[0107] In some possible implementation forms, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0108] The number of steps included in the random access process, and whether the random access resource is shared.

[0109] In some possible implementation forms, the number of steps included in the random access process can be 2 or 4.

[0110] The terminal device can divide the random access process into a 4-step random access process (4-step RACH) and a 2-step random access process (2-step RACH) based on the number of steps included in the random access process.

[0111] In some possible implementation forms, based on whether the random access resource is shared, the random access process can also be divided into:

[0112] A contention-based random access process (CBRA) and a contention-free random access process (CFRA).

[0113] In some possible implementation forms, the random access resource is identified by whether the random access resource is configured as a shared non-contention random access resource, and the non-contention random access resource configuration comprises at least one of the following in the associated third configuration information:

[0114] a time-frequency location of the random access resource, and a random access resource code.

[0115] In some possible implementation forms, the random access resource code is a random access preamble.

[0116] In some possible implementation forms, the second indication information further comprises third indication information for indicating whether the random access resource configuration identifier is carried in the first indication information.

[0117] That is, the indication field for indicating whether the random access resource configuration identifier is carried in the L1 / L2 control signaling is carried in the RRC message, so that the terminal device can determine the format of the first indication information based on the third indication information after receiving the RRC message, and then can parse the first indication information based on the determined format of the first indication information after receiving the first indication information.

[0118] In step 302, first indication information transmitted by a network device is received, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0119] In step 303, in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers, a first random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information is determined as a target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0120] In some possible implementation forms, the terminal device can also determine, as the target random access resource configuration identifier, a random access resource configuration identifier with a minimum time interval between a receiving time and a current time.

[0121] In step 304, a random access request is transmitted to the target cell or the target cell group based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0122] The specific implementation forms of steps 302 to 304 can refer to the detailed description of other embodiments of the present disclosure, and will not be described here again.

[0123] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device first receives the second configuration information associated with the candidate cell or the candidate cell group sent by the network device, and then after receiving the first indication information indicating that it accesses the target cell or the target cell group, if the target cell or the target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, one specified identifier can be determined as the target random access resource configuration identifier, and then based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, the terminal device sends a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group. Therefore, it is ensured that the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for using which random access resources for the cell or the cell group remains consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and conditions are provided for the network device to more flexibly configure random access resources, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4 , the method is applied to a terminal device, and the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0125] Step 401, receiving second indication information sent by a network device, wherein the second indication information includes second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group.

[0126] Step 402, receiving first indication information sent by the network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0127] Step 403, in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determining one random access resource configuration identifier with the minimum time interval between the receiving time and the current time as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0128] In some possible implementation forms, the terminal device can also determine the first random access resource configuration identifier contained in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0129] Step 404, based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, sending a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group.

[0130] The specific implementation forms of the above steps 401 to 404 can refer to the detailed description of other embodiments of the present disclosure, and will not be described here again.

[0131] Step 405, after accessing the target cell or the target cell group, discarding the first random access resource configuration identifier contained in the first indication information.

[0132] That is, the first random access resource configuration identification indicated in the first indication information is only valid when the terminal device accesses the target cell or the target cell group. In the subsequent random access process, if the terminal device needs to access the target cell or the target cell group again, the terminal device needs to determine a new target random access resource configuration identification based on the new indication information sent by the network device and / or the random access resource configuration identification indicated in the second indication information. Thus, conditions are provided for the network device to more flexibly configure random access resources, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0133] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device first receives the second configuration information associated with the candidate cell or the candidate cell group sent by the network device, and then after receiving the first indication information for indicating the terminal device to access the target cell or the target cell group, if there are multiple random access resource configuration identifications associated with the target cell or the target cell group, the terminal device can determine one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifications as the target random access resource configuration identification, and then based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identification, the terminal device sends a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group, and after accessing the target cell or the target cell group, the terminal device discards the first random access resource configuration identification included in the first indication information. Thus, it is further ensured that the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for using which random access resources for the cell or the cell group is consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and conditions are provided for the network device to more flexibly configure random access resources, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0134] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 is a flowchart of another random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5 , the method is applied to a network device, and the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0135] Step 501, sending first indication information to a terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the terminal device to switch to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0136] In some possible implementation forms, the first indication information can include “L1 / L2 control signaling”.

[0137] In some possible implementation forms, the first indication information can include an identification of the target cell or the target cell group.

[0138] In some possible implementation forms, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal device to indicate the terminal device to switch to the target cell or the target cell group when it is determined that the terminal device needs to change to the target cell or the target cell group.

[0139] In some possible implementation forms, the network device can also receive a cell switching indication sent by another network device, wherein the switching indication comprises the identity of the terminal device and the identity of the target cell or the target cell group.

[0140] In step 502, in a case where the target cell or the target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identities, a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identities is determined as a target random access resource configuration identity.

[0141] The random access resource configuration identity can be used to uniquely determine the configuration information of the random access resource used by the terminal device in the random access process.

[0142] In some possible implementation forms, the configuration information of the random access resource can comprise the location of the time-frequency domain resource used in the random access process, such as a physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion.

[0143] In some possible implementation forms, the random access resource configuration identity can further comprise an identity used to indicate whether the resource used in the random access process is a shared resource. For example, the random access resource configuration identity comprises a non-contention random access resource configuration identity, such as a random access preamble, which indicates that the random access resource is a non-shared resource dedicated to the terminal device; or the random access resource configuration identity comprises a contention random access resource configuration identity, which indicates that the random access resource is shared by multiple terminal devices, and the like, which are not limited in the present disclosure.

[0144] In some possible implementation forms, if the target cell or the cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identities, for example, the first indication information comprises a first random access resource configuration identity, and the network device also configures the random access resource configuration identity associated with the target cell or the target cell group when configuring the candidate cell or the cell group for the terminal device, the network device can determine a specified one as the target random access resource configuration identity associated with the target cell or the target cell group.

[0145] In some possible implementation forms, the network device can determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identities based on a protocol agreement.

[0146] Alternatively, the network device can also determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identities based on a configured rule, and indicate the configured rule to the terminal device.

[0147] In some possible implementation forms, the network device can determine the first random access resource configuration included in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration.

[0148] For example, the first indication information includes random access resource configuration #1, and the network device configures the terminal device with a candidate cell or a cell group, and the target cell or the target cell group is associated with a random access resource configuration #2, and then the network device can determine the random access resource configuration #1 as the target random access resource configuration.

[0149] In some possible implementation forms, the network device can also determine the random access resource configuration with the smallest time interval between the sending time and the current time as the target random access resource configuration.

[0150] For example, the random access resource configuration associated with the target cell or the target cell group has two random access resource configurations #1 and #2, and the time interval between the sending time of the random access resource configuration #1 and the current time is Δt1, and the time interval between the sending time of the random access resource configuration #2 and the current time is Δt2, and Δt1<Δt2, and then the network device can determine the random access resource configuration #1 as the target random access resource configuration.

[0151] In some possible implementation forms, in the case that the target cell or the target cell group is associated with only one random access resource configuration, that is, in the case that the first indication information does not include the random access resource configuration, the network device can determine the one random access resource configuration as the target random access resource configuration.

[0152] In step 503, the network device receives the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration.

[0153] After determining the target random access resource configuration, the network device can determine the random access resource used by the terminal device in the random access process based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration, such as the time-frequency domain position of the random access resource, and whether the random access resource is a shared resource, and then the network device can receive the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the determined random access resource, so as to ensure that the network device can reliably receive the random access request sent by the terminal device.

[0154] In some possible implementation forms, the target cell or the target cell group can be located within the coverage of the network device, and at this time, the network device can listen to the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the determined first configuration information.

[0155] In some possible implementation forms, the target cell or the target cell group can not be located within the coverage of the network device, and the network device can send the determined first configuration information to another network device covering the target cell or the target cell group, so that the another network device can reliably monitor the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the first configuration information.

[0156] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device first sends the first indication information indicating that the terminal device accesses the target cell or the target cell group to the terminal device, and then determines one target random access resource configuration identifier from multiple random access resource configuration identifiers associated with the target cell or the target cell group, and then monitors the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier. In this way, the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for the random access resources used by the cell or the cell group is consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and the network device is provided with more flexible configuration of the random access resources, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0157] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a flowchart of a random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6 , the method is applied to a network device, and the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0158] Step 601: sending second indication information to a terminal device, wherein the second indication information includes second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group.

[0159] In some possible implementation forms, the second indication information can be an RRC message.

[0160] In some possible implementation forms, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0161] The number of steps included in the random access process, and whether the random access resource is shared.

[0162] In some possible implementation forms, the number of steps included in the random access process can be 2 or 4.

[0163] The terminal device can divide the random access process into a 4-step random access process (4-step RACH) and a 2-step random access process (2-step RACH) based on the number of steps included in the random access process.

[0164] In some possible implementation forms, the random access procedure can also be classified into the following, based on whether the random access resource is shared or not:

[0165] a contention-based random access procedure (CBRA) and a contention-free random access procedure (CFRA).

[0166] In some possible implementation forms, whether the random access resource is shared or not is configured as a contention-free random access resource identifier, and the contention-free random access resource configuration identifier includes at least one of the following in the associated third configuration information:

[0167] a time-frequency location of the random access resource, and a random access resource code.

[0168] In some possible implementation forms, the random access resource code is a random access preamble.

[0169] In some possible implementation forms, the second indication information further includes third indication information for indicating whether the random access resource configuration identifier is carried in the first indication information.

[0170] That is, an indication field for indicating whether the random access resource configuration identifier is carried in the L1 / L2 control signaling is carried in the RRC message, so that the network device and the terminal device can determine the format of the first indication information based on the third indication information. Then, the network device can generate and send the first indication information according to the determined format when sending the first indication information, and correspondingly, the terminal device can also parse the first indication information based on the determined format.

[0171] Step 602: sending first indication information to a terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0172] Step 603: in a case where a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers are associated with the target cell or the target cell group, determining a specified one of the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0173] Step 604: receiving a random access request sent by the terminal device based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0174] The specific implementation forms of the above steps 602 to 604 can refer to the detailed descriptions of other embodiments of the present disclosure, and will not be described here again.

[0175] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device first sends the second configuration information associated with the candidate cell or candidate cell group to the terminal device, and then after sending the first indication information indicating the access target cell or target cell group to the terminal device, if the target cell or target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, a specified one can be determined as the target random access resource configuration identifier, and then based on the first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, the random access request sent by the terminal device is received. Therefore, it is ensured that the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for using which random access resources for the cell or cell group remains consistent, the reliability of the random access process is improved, and conditions for the network device to more flexibly configure random access resources are provided, and the use efficiency of the random access resources is improved.

[0176] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a signaling interaction diagram of a random access method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7 , the method can include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0177] Step 701, the network device provides one or more candidate cell or candidate cell group configuration information to the terminal device.

[0178] Optionally, the network device can provide the candidate cell or candidate cell group configuration information to the terminal device through, for example, an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0179] The candidate cell or candidate cell group configuration information includes configuration information associated with the random access process.

[0180] The configuration information associated with the random access process includes at least one of the following:

[0181] The number of steps included in the random access process, whether the random access resource is shared.

[0182] When the random access resource is configured as a non-competitive random access resource configuration identifier, the configuration information associated with the non-competitive random access resource configuration identifier includes at least one of the following:

[0183] Random access resource time-frequency location (such as PRACH occasion), random access resource code (such as preamble).

[0184] Optionally, the network device can also indicate whether it will carry the random access resource configuration identification in the subsequent L1 / L2 control signaling. For example, the L1 / L2 control signaling indicates the random access resource configuration identification when the terminal changes among multiple candidate cells (or cell groups).

[0185] At step 702, the network device sends L1 / L2 control signaling to the terminal device, which controls the terminal to change among multiple candidate cells or cell groups.

[0186] The L1 / L2 control signaling can include the random access resource configuration identification.

[0187] The random access resource configuration identification indicated in the L1 / L2 control signaling corresponds to the target cell (or cell group) indicated by the L1 / L2 control signaling.

[0188] At step 703, the terminal device and the network device determine the specified random access resource configuration identification as the target random access resource configuration identification.

[0189] Optionally, for the same target cell or cell group, if both the RRC message and the L1 / L2 control signaling carry the random access resource configuration identification associated with the target cell or cell group, the terminal device and the network device determine that the terminal device can initiate the random access procedure according to the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling.

[0190] For example, the random access resource configuration identification of the candidate cell (or cell group) in the RRC message indicates a contention-based random access resource, and the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling indicates a non-contention-based random access resource. In this case, the terminal device can initiate the random access procedure in the target cell (or cell group) through the non-contention-based random access resource according to the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling. That is, the use of the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling is prioritized over the random access resource configuration identification in the RRC.

[0191] Alternatively, the random access resource configuration identification of the candidate cell (or cell group) in the RRC message indicates a non-contention-based random access resource, and the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling also indicates a non-contention-based random access resource. In this case, the terminal device can initiate the random access procedure in the target cell (or cell group) through the non-contention-based random access resource according to the random access resource configuration identification in the L1 / L2 control signaling.

[0192] Optionally, for the same target cell (or cell group), if the RRC message and the "L1 / L2 control signaling" both carry the "random access resource configuration" thereof, the terminal device can initiate a random access procedure according to the latest received random access resource configuration identifier, and correspondingly, the network device can receive the random access request sent by the terminal device based on the latest sent random access resource configuration identifier.

[0193] For example, at t1, the random access resource configuration identifier associated with the "candidate cell (or cell group)" in the RRC message received by the terminal device indicates a contention-based random access resource. At t2 (where t2 is after t1), the random access resource configuration identifier in the "L1 / L2 control signaling" received by the terminal device indicates a non-contention-based random access resource. Then, the terminal device can initiate a random access procedure in the target cell (or cell group) through the non-contention-based random access resource according to the random access resource configuration identifier in the "L1 / L2 control signaling" at t2. That is, the terminal uses the latest indicated random access resource.

[0194] Alternatively, at t1, the random access resource configuration identifier of the "candidate cell (or cell group)" in the RRC message received by the terminal device indicates a contention-based random access resource. At t2 (where t2 is after t1), the random access resource configuration identifier in the L1 / L2 control signaling received by the terminal device indicates a non-contention-based random access resource. At t3, the terminal does not receive the random access resource configuration identifier in the L1 / L2 control signaling. Then, at t3, the terminal device can initiate a random access procedure in the target cell (or cell group) through the non-contention-based random access resource according to the random access resource configuration identifier in the L1 / L2 control signaling at t2.

[0195] At step 704, the terminal device sends a random access request to the target cell (or target cell group) based on the configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0196] Further, for the random access resource configuration identifier indicated in the L1 / L2 control signaling, when the terminal device completes the random access procedure in the target cell (or cell group) indicated by the L1 / L2 control signaling, the terminal device discards the random access resource configuration identifier indicated in the L1 / L2 control signaling.

[0197] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is ensured that the understanding of the terminal device and the network device for the random access resources used by the cell or cell group remains consistent, the reliability of the random access procedure is improved, and conditions are provided for the network device to configure the random access resources more flexibly, thereby improving the use efficiency of the random access resources.

[0198] Please refer to Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 800 provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 The communication apparatus 800 shown can include a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802. The transceiver module can include a sending module and / or a receiving module, the sending module is configured to implement a sending function, and the receiving module is configured to implement a receiving function. The transceiver module can implement the sending function and / or the receiving function.

[0199] The communication apparatus 800 can be a terminal device, can be an apparatus in a terminal device, and can also be an apparatus that can be used in matching with a terminal device.

[0200] The communication apparatus 800 is on the terminal device side, and wherein:

[0201] The transceiver module 801 is configured to receive first indication information sent by a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group;

[0202] The processing module 802 is configured to determine a specified one of a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers.

[0203] The transceiver module 801 is configured to send a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0204] In some possible implementation forms, the processing module 802 is further configured to:

[0205] determine a first random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration identifier; or

[0206] determine a random access resource configuration identifier with a smallest time interval between a receiving time and a current time as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

[0207] In some possible implementation forms, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to:

[0208] receive second indication information sent by the first network device, wherein the second indication information includes second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group;

[0209] The second configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0210] a number of steps included in a random access process, and whether a random access resource is shared.

[0211] In a possible implementation form of the method, whether the random access resource is configured as the shared contention-free random access resource is identified by a contention-free random access resource configuration identifier, and the contention-free random access resource configuration identifier includes at least one of the following in associated third configuration information:

[0212] A time-frequency location of the random access resource, and a random access resource code.

[0213] In a possible implementation form of the method, the second indication information further includes third indication information for indicating whether the first indication information carries the contention-free random access resource configuration identifier.

[0214] In a possible implementation form of the method, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine a format of the first indication information based on the third indication information.

[0215] In a possible implementation form of the method, the processing module 802 is further configured to discard the contention-free random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information after accessing the target cell or the target cell group.

[0216] The communication apparatus 800 provided in the above embodiments of the present disclosure has the same or similar beneficial effects as the random access method provided in some of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] The communication apparatus 800 can also be a network device, or an apparatus in a network device, or an apparatus capable of being used in matching with a network device.

[0218] The communication apparatus 800 is at the network device side, and the network device includes:

[0219] The transceiver module 801 is configured to send first indication information to a terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a target cell or a target cell group.

[0220] The processing module 802 is configured to determine a specified one of a plurality of contention-free random access resource configuration identifiers associated with the target cell or the target cell group as a target contention-free random access resource configuration identifier.

[0221] The transceiver module 801 is further configured to receive a random access request sent by the terminal device based on first configuration information associated with the target contention-free random access resource configuration identifier.

[0222] In a possible implementation form of the network device, the processing module 802 is further configured to:

[0223] determine the first random access resource configuration identification included in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration identification; or

[0224] determine the random access resource configuration identification with the smallest time interval between the sending time and the current time as the target random access resource configuration identification.

[0225] In some possible implementation forms, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to:

[0226] send second indication information to the terminal device, wherein the second indication information includes second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group;

[0227] The second configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0228] The number of steps included in the random access procedure, and whether the random access resource is shared.

[0229] In some possible implementation forms, whether the random access resource is shared is configured as a non-contention random access resource configuration identification, and the third configuration information associated with the non-contention random access resource configuration identification includes at least one of the following:

[0230] The time-frequency location of the random access resource, and the random access resource code.

[0231] In some possible implementation forms, the second indication information further includes third indication information used to indicate whether the first indication information carries random access resource configuration information.

[0232] In some possible implementation forms, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine the format of the first indication information based on the third indication information.

[0233] The communication apparatus 800 provided in the above embodiments of the present disclosure achieves the same or similar beneficial effects as the random access method provided in some embodiments above, and details are not described herein.

[0234] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 900 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication apparatus 900 can be a source terminal device, can also be a relay terminal device, can also be a target terminal device, can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the source terminal device to implement the method, can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the relay terminal device to implement the method, and can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the target terminal device to implement the method. The communication apparatus 900 can be used to implement the method described in the method embodiments, and details can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

[0235] The communication apparatus 900 can include one or more processors 901. The processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication apparatus (such as a network side device, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute a computer program, and process data of the computer program.

[0236] In some possible implementation forms, the communication apparatus 900 can further include one or more memories 902, and the memories 902 can have computer programs 904 stored thereon. The memories 902 execute the computer programs 904 to enable the communication apparatus 900 to perform the method described in the method embodiments. In some possible implementation forms, the memories 902 can also store data. The communication apparatus 900 and the memories 902 can be separately arranged or integrated together.

[0237] In some possible implementation forms, the communication apparatus 1900 can further include a transceiver 905, an antenna 906. The transceiver 905 can be referred to as a transceiving unit, a transceiver, or a transceiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement a transceiving function. The transceiver 905 can include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver can be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement a receiving function. The transmitter can be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement a transmitting function.

[0238] In some possible implementation forms, the communication apparatus 900 can further include one or more interface circuits 907. The interface circuit 907 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 901. The processor 901 runs the code instructions to enable the communication apparatus 900 to perform the method described in the method embodiments.

[0239] The communication apparatus 900 is a terminal device: the transceiver 905 is configured to perform steps 201 and 203, etc. Figure 2 in the method.

[0240] The communication apparatus 900 is a network device: the transceiver 905 is configured to perform steps 201 and 203, etc.Figure 5 Steps 501 and 503 in FIG. 5, and the like.

[0241] In an implementation, the processor 901 can include a transceiver for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit, or an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions can be separate or integrated together. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit described above can be used for reading and writing of code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit described above can be used for transmission or transfer of signals.

[0242] In an implementation, the processor 901 can store a computer program 903, which, when running on the processor 901, can cause the communication apparatus 900 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program 903 can be fixed in the processor 901, in which case the processor 901 can be implemented by hardware.

[0243] In an implementation, the communication apparatus 900 can include a circuit that can implement the functions of transmitting or receiving or communicating in the above method embodiments. The processor and the transceiver described in the present disclosure can be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, or the like. The processor and the transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or the like.

[0244] The communication apparatus described in the above embodiments can be a terminal device, but the scope of the communication apparatus described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication apparatus can not be limited by Figure 9 The communication apparatus can be a standalone device or can be a part of a larger device. For example, the communication apparatus can be:

[0245] (1) an independent integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0246] (2) a set of one or more ICs that may, in some possible implementations, also include storage for storing data, computer programs, etc.

[0247] (3) an ASIC, such as a modem;

[0248] (4) a module that can be embedded within other devices;

[0249] (5) a receiver, terminal device, intelligent terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handset, mobile unit, vehicular device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.

[0250] (6) and / or the like.

[0251] For the case where the communication apparatus can be a chip or chip system, refer to Figure 10 , a structural diagram of a chip provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0252] The chip 100 includes a processor 1001 and an interface 1003. Wherein the number of the processor 1001 can be one or more, and the number of the interface 1003 can be multiple.

[0253] For the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0254] The interface 1003 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit to the processor.

[0255] The processor 1001 is configured to run the code instructions to perform the random access method as described in some embodiments above.

[0256] For the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0257] The interface 1003 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit to the processor.

[0258] The processor 1001 is configured to run the code instructions to perform the random access method as described in some embodiments above.

[0259] In some possible implementation forms, the chip 1000 further includes a memory 1002, and the memory 1002 is configured to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0260] Those skilled in the art can understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether the functions are implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design requirements of the whole system. Those skilled in the art can implement the functions described in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation should not be understood as beyond the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0261] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication system, which includes the communication apparatus as the terminal device and the communication apparatus as the network device in the foregoing Figure 8 The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication system, which includes the communication apparatus as the terminal device and the communication apparatus as the network device in the foregoing Figure 9 The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication system, which includes the communication apparatus as the terminal device and the communication apparatus as the network device in the foregoing

[0262] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a readable storage medium, which stores instructions, and the instructions are executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the method embodiments.

[0263] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program product, which is executed by a computer to implement the functions of any of the method embodiments.

[0264] In the foregoing embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer programs are loaded on a computer and executed, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer programs can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer programs can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. The available media can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0265] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the various numbers such as first, second, etc. involved in the present disclosure are only for the convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor represent the order.

[0266] At least one in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more. "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, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple. This disclosure does not impose any limitations. In this embodiment of the disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in the technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order of precedence or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0267] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0268] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0269] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0270] 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.

[0271] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A random access method, characterized by, The method is executed by a terminal device, and the method comprises: receiving first indication information sent by a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group; in response to the target cell or the target cell group being associated with a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers, determining a specified one of the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier; based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, sending a random access request to the target cell or the target cell group.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second indication information sent by the first network device, wherein the second indication information comprises second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group; the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following:

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, a number of steps included in a random access process, and whether a random access resource is shared. whether the random access resource is shared is configured as a non-competitive random access resource configuration identifier, and the non-competitive random access resource configuration identifier is associated with third configuration information comprising at least one of the following: a time-frequency location of a random access resource, and a random access resource code. The second indication information further comprises third indication information used to indicate whether a random access resource configuration identifier is carried in the first indication information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises: based on the third indication information, determining a format of the first indication information.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises:

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, after accessing the target cell or the target cell group, discarding a first random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information. The method is executed by a network device, and the method comprises:

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, sending first indication information to a terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device switches to a target cell or a target cell group; in a case where the target cell or the target cell group is associated with a plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers, determining a specified one of the plurality of random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier; 8. A random access method, comprising: based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier, receiving a random access request sent by the terminal device. The method further comprises: determining a first random access resource configuration identifier included in the first indication information as the target random access resource configuration identifier; or determining a random access resource configuration identifier with a smallest time interval between a sending time and a current time as the target random access resource configuration identifier.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: ​ ​ 10. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ sending second indication information to the terminal device, wherein the second indication information comprises second configuration information associated with at least one candidate cell or candidate cell group; the second configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a number of steps included in a random access procedure, and whether a random access resource is shared.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, whether the random access resource is shared is configured as a non-contention random access resource configuration identifier, and the third configuration information associated with the non-contention random access resource configuration identifier comprises at least one of the following: a time-frequency location of the random access resource, and a random access resource code.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, the second indication information further comprises third indication information for indicating whether the first indication information carries random access resource configuration information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, further comprising: determining a format of the first indication information based on the third indication information.

14. A communications device, characterized by the apparatus comprises: a transceiver module configured to receive first indication information sent by a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct a terminal device to switch to a target cell or target cell group; a processing module configured to, in response to the target cell or target cell group being associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send a random access request to the target cell or target cell group based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

15. A communications device, characterized by the apparatus comprises: a transceiver module configured to send first indication information to a terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a target cell or target cell group; a processing module configured to, in a case where the target cell or target cell group is associated with multiple random access resource configuration identifiers, determine a specified one of the multiple random access resource configuration identifiers as a target random access resource configuration identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to receive a random access request sent by the terminal device based on first configuration information associated with the target random access resource configuration identifier.

16. A communications device, characterized by the apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to enable the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 8 to 13.

17. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is used to run the code instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or to run the code instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 8 to 13.

18. A communication system, characterized by comprising a terminal device and a network device; the terminal device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, and the network device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 8 to 13.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be implemented, or that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 8 to 13 to be implemented.

Images