A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: after a base station obtains the time-frequency domain location information of a resource element carrying a reference signal on a first carrier, it selects any subframe other than the resource element carrying the reference signal on a second carrier to transmit data. The communication method provided in this application, by not scheduling subframes of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the second carrier by the base station, enables the data transmitted by the base station on the second carrier to be received by the terminal device without interference.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) sharing technology for Long Term Evolution and 5G-New Radio (LNR) is a spectrum sharing technology that enables both Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G-New Radio (NR) communication standards to share a single spectrum resource. This technology allows for dynamic allocation of the spectrum resource according to the respective needs of LTE and NR. That is, LTE and NR cells can share resources on the same spectrum segment, which belongs to both LTE and NR cells and can be considered an overlapping area of ​​the LTE and NR standard spectrum, maximizing spectrum efficiency. However, to avoid interference, it is not allowed to transmit both NR data and LTE reference signals on the same Resource Element (RE), and conversely, it is not allowed to transmit both LTE data and NR reference signals on the same RE. Therefore, existing technologies employ LNR avoidance coordination techniques: in the overlapping areas of the LTE standard spectrum and the NR standard spectrum, when the LTE base station transmits a reference signal, such as a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), the RE carrying the LTE reference signal does not schedule NR data. The NR base station will notify the LTE CSI-RS RE to the NR system's User Equipment (UE) so that the NR system's UE does not expect NR data or demodulate data in the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) on these REs.

[0003] However, when the LTE CSI-RS pattern changes, the previously sent LTE CSI-RS RE pattern to users needs to be reconfigured. During batch reconfiguration of NR system UEs, an ambiguity period exists: some NR system UEs continue to use the unchanging LTE CSI-RS RE information, while others use the changed LTE CSI-RS RE information. Therefore, during reconfiguration, although the LTE system has implemented the new LTE CSI-RS pattern, some NR system UEs still use the unchanging LTE CSI-RS RE pattern to circumvent it, causing interference with data transmission and reception for these NR system UEs due to the LTE system's CSI-RS. Therefore, how to reduce LTE and NR spectrum conflicts during the ambiguity period in a dynamic spectrum sharing scenario between LTE and NR, when the reference signal pattern of either system changes, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed during batch user reconfiguration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that enables a base station to schedule a second carrier by avoiding the subframe in which the reference signal corresponding to the first carrier is located, thereby reducing interference problems caused when the resource units occupied by the reference signal corresponding to the first carrier change.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: after a first base station obtains time-frequency domain location information of a resource element carrying a reference signal on a first carrier, the first base station sends data to a terminal device on a first subframe of a second carrier, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe in which the resource element carrying the reference signal is located.

[0006] The communication method provided in this application reduces interference when the resource units occupied by the reference signal corresponding to the first carrier change, by having the first base station avoid the subframe where the reference signal corresponding to the first carrier is located and scheduling the second carrier.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first base station can obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier by receiving the first message sent by the second base station.

[0008] It should be understood that in this implementation, the second base station communicates with the terminal device through the first carrier. In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first base station may determine the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier itself.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first base station determines that the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier has changed, the first base station will send data to the terminal device on any subframe other than the subframe where the resource element carrying the reference signal on the second carrier is located.

[0010] The communication method provided in this application embodiment enables the first base station to reduce the interference problem between the changed reference signal and the data on the second carrier when the time-frequency domain position of the resource unit carrying the reference signal changes on the first carrier during spectrum sharing. This can be achieved by not scheduling the subframe of the resource unit carrying the reference signal.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: after the first base station sets the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit according to the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, it sends a second message including the time-frequency domain location information of the zero-power resource unit to the terminal device, and instructs the terminal device not to receive data from the first base station on the zero-power resource unit through the second message.

[0012] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can reduce the data reception interference caused by the change of the time-frequency position of the resource unit of the reference signal during the ambiguity period of batch reconfiguration of UEs by stopping the scheduling of subframes carrying reference signals.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first base station receiving a third message sent by the terminal device, the third message indicating that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero-power resource unit of the reference signal.

[0014] It should be understood that when the first base station transmits data to the terminal device, the first base station will not transmit data to the terminal device in the zero-power resource unit. In other words, the first base station actually transmits data to the terminal device on the first resource unit of its second carrier. It should be understood that the first resource unit is any resource unit other than the resource unit carrying the reference signal in the subframe where the resource unit carrying the reference signal is located.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0016] The communication method provided in this application embodiment enables the first base station to reduce the spectrum conflict between the first and second carriers when the resource unit occupied by the reference signal changes during batch user reconfiguration. This is achieved by stopping the scheduling of the subframe on the second carrier corresponding to the resource unit on the first carrier that carries the reference signal.

[0017] Secondly, a communication device is provided, comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is used to acquire time-frequency domain location information of resource elements carrying reference signals on a first carrier, and the transceiver unit is used to transmit data to a terminal on a first subframe of a second carrier, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe containing the resource elements carrying the reference signals.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first message sent by the second base station, the first message including time-frequency domain location information of resource units carrying reference signals on the first carrier of the second base station.

[0019] It should be understood that upon receiving the first message, the processing unit will obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier from the first message.

[0020] It should also be understood that in this implementation, the second base station communicates with the terminal device through the first carrier.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the processing unit may determine the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier by itself.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the processing unit determines that the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier has changed, the processing unit stops scheduling the subframe of the resource unit carrying the reference signal when scheduling the second carrier.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the processing unit of the device is further configured to set the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit based on the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message including the time-frequency domain location information of the zero-power resource unit to the terminal device, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device not to receive data from the second carrier on the zero-power resource unit.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the transceiver unit of the device is also used to receive a third message sent by the terminal device, the third message indicating that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0026] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor in its structure. The processor is configured to support the communication device in performing the functions of the first or second aspect and its various implementations described above. In one possible design, the communication device may further include a transceiver for supporting the communication device in receiving or sending information.

[0027] In one possible design, the communication device may also include a memory that is coupled to a processor to store necessary program instructions and data in the communication device.

[0028] Alternatively, the communication device includes a memory for storing a computer program and a processor for calling and running the computer program from the memory, so that the communication device performs any of the communication methods described in the first or second aspect and their various implementations.

[0029] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, which, when executed, performs the methods of any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0030] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and interface circuitry. It should be understood that the computer program of this application executes in the at least one processor to cause the communication device to perform the methods in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0032] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided that executes computer program code of any possible implementation of the methods in the first or second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 2This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The technical solutions of this application are mainly applied to LNR communication systems where 5G NR systems and 4G LTE systems share a spectrum, LNR frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, etc.

[0041] The terminal device involved in this application embodiment can also be called a terminal, which can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. Among them, the UE includes handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, or wearable device. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the terminal's functions can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing these functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0042] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application include base stations (BS), which can be devices deployed in a wireless access network capable of wirelessly communicating with terminals. Base stations may take various forms, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, and access points. For example, the base station involved in the embodiments of this application can be a 5G base station or an LTE base station, wherein a 5G base station can also be called a transmission reception point (TRP) or gNB. In the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device is a network device, and the network device is a base station, as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0043] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that in the embodiments shown below, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are merely for distinguishing different objects and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first base station can be a 5G base station, and the corresponding second base station can be a 4G base station. Alternatively, the first base station can be a 4G base station and the second base station can be a 5G base station; this application does not limit this.

[0045] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first carrier and the second carrier may belong to the same base station or to different base stations, that is, they are applicable to different communication scenarios, and this application does not limit them.

[0046] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following is a brief introduction to several terms involved in this application.

[0047] Zero-Power Resource Element (ZP-RE) or Dumb Resource Element (MRE): A resource element that does not require signal generation and mapping, and can be used for rate matching of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). In other words, for NR systems, a RE location that transmits LTE signals but not NR signals can be set as a ZP-RE. A ZP-RE can be a time-frequency resource located in the overlapping area of ​​LTE and NR carriers. On this time-frequency resource, the NR system base station does not transmit power or sets its transmit power to zero, and the NR UE does not receive signals at this location or sets its receive power to zero. However, the LTE system base station and UE can communicate through this specific time-frequency resource. A ZP-RE can also be called an empty RE for NR.

[0048] Reference signal pattern: The two-dimensional distribution of the RE containing the reference signal in the time-frequency domain.

[0049] Reconfiguration ambiguity period: During the batch reconfiguration of users, the period in which the UE and the base station, as well as the LTE side and the NR side, have inconsistent understandings of the REs that need to be avoided.

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0051] As shown in the figure, the communication system 100 may include two network devices, for example... Figure 1 The network devices 101 and 102 are shown. The communication system 100 may also include two terminal devices, such as... Figure 1 The terminal devices 103 and 104 shown can establish a wireless link with 5G network device 101 through dual connectivity (DC) technology or multi-connectivity technology, and terminal device 104 can establish a wireless link with 4G network device 102 through dual connectivity (DC) technology or multi-connectivity technology.

[0052] It should be understood that in this embodiment, wireless connections can be established between the terminal device and the network device, and between the terminal devices themselves, for wireless communication. The transmitting device can instruct data scheduling information through control information so that the receiving device can correctly receive data according to the control information. Network device 101 can be a primary base station, and network device 102 can be a secondary base station. In this case, network device 101 is the network device used when the terminal device 103 initially accesses the network, responsible for radio resource control (RRC) communication with the terminal device 103. Network device 102 can be added during RRC reconfiguration to provide additional radio resources. Alternatively, network device 101 can be a 4G network device, and network device 102 can be a 5G network device; this application does not impose limitations. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the 4G and 5G network devices can be the same. In this case, the network device can transmit or receive LTE carriers, and can also transmit or receive NR carriers; this application does not impose limitations.

[0053] It should be understood that, Figure 1 In this embodiment, terminal device 103 is connected to network device 101, meaning that the terminal device and the network device operate via the NR standard spectrum. Terminal device 104 is connected to network device 102, meaning that the terminal device and the network device operate via the LTE standard spectrum. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be the same terminal device, meaning that the terminal device can support both LTE and NR standards; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0054] Furthermore, in this application, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device. The NR side and the NR cell / carrier may belong to the same base station. Meanwhile, the LTE side and the LTE cell / carrier, and the NR side and the NR cell / carrier, can be understood as a single concept. The LTE side and the LTE cell / carrier may also belong to different base stations. When this application is used in a single-base-station scenario, the base station can transmit the carrier under either the NR standard spectrum or the LTE standard spectrum. Therefore, the first carrier and the second carrier in this application are not limited to being transmitted by two base stations or by one base station; that is, this application does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0055] For ease of explanation, we will take the frame structure in LTE and NR systems as an example to first introduce the physical frame in air interface communication.

[0056] A physical frame generally refers to a protocol data unit at the data link layer. A physical frame consists of several parts performing different functions. The frame structure refers to the ability to assemble frames with different repetition periods according to the different information being transmitted. To meet the uplink / downlink time conversion requirements in time-division multiplexing, TD-LTE has designed a dedicated radio frame structure. In the TD-LTE time domain, there are two frame structures that transmit simultaneously in a periodic manner and have a standard configuration of uplink / downlink subframes: radio frames and half-frames. A radio frame has a duration of 10ms, and a half-frame has a duration of 5ms. One radio frame consists of two half-frames. Each half-frame consists of five subframes with a duration of 1ms. Each subframe consists of two time slots with a duration of 0.5ms. Each time slot can consist of either six or seven CP+OFDM symbols, depending on the different durations of the cyclic prefix (CP).

[0057] Compared to the fixed frame structure of 4G, the most significant characteristic of the 5G frame structure is its flexibility. 5G frames employ a layered structure, consisting of a fixed architecture and a flexible architecture. The fixed architecture, similar to 4G, comprises a 10ms radio frame and 1ms subframes. Each frame is divided into two half-frames: the first half-frame contains subframes 0-4, and the second half-frame contains subframes 5-9. Each subframe consists of several time slots.

[0058] In LTE or NR systems, the system frame number (SFN) can range from 0 to 1023, meaning the basic data transmission period is 1024 frames. The subframe number ranges from 0 to 9, meaning the transmission period for some control information is 10 subframes.

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, the first carrier can be an LTE carrier and the second carrier can be an NR carrier. Alternatively, the first carrier can be an NR carrier and the second carrier can be an LTE carrier.

[0060] In this embodiment of the application, base station scheduling of a subframe may mean that the base station will schedule uplink or downlink data within that subframe. Base station not scheduling or stopping scheduling of a subframe may mean that the base station will not schedule uplink or downlink data within that subframe, but may still transmit reference signals, etc.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] S210, the base station obtains the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

[0063] Specifically, when an LTE cell and an NR cell share a base station, the base station can communicate with the terminal via either an LTE carrier or an NR carrier. The reference signal carried on the first carrier can be generated by the base station and serve one or more terminal devices. In this case, the base station can independently determine the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

[0064] S220, the base station sends data to the terminal on the first subframe of the second carrier, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe in which the resource element carrying the reference signal is located.

[0065] Specifically, when the base station sends a second carrier to the terminal device, the base station stops scheduling the subframe containing the resource unit carrying the reference signal by obtaining the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, and sends data on other subframes.

[0066] For example, the base station determines that the subframe containing the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier is subframe n. When the base station transmits data on the second carrier, it will avoid subframe n and transmit the data carried on the second carrier on other subframes.

[0067] It should be understood that the base station can also obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier through the first message sent by other base stations, for example... Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of the communication method 300.

[0068] S310, the second base station sends a reference signal carried on the first carrier to the terminal equipment.

[0069] S320, the second base station sends a first message to the first base station, the first message including the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier sent by the second base station to the terminal device.

[0070] Specifically, when the LTE cell and the NR cell are not co-located, that is, there is a scenario where the LTE base station and the NR base station are jointly deployed, the first base station can be either an LTE base station or an NR base station, or vice versa. This application does not limit this.

[0071] It should be noted that steps S310 and S320 do not have a strict order and the order of actions cannot be represented by the size of the numbers. In other words, the second base station can first send the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier to the first base station and then send the reference signal carried on the first carrier to the terminal device.

[0072] After the first base station receives the first message sent by the second base station, the first base station performs, for example... Figure 2 Step 220 of method 200 shown is that the first base station sends data carried on a first subframe of the second carrier to the terminal device, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe in which the resource element carrying the reference signal is located.

[0073] In other words, when the first base station transmits data to the terminal device, it will stop scheduling the subframe containing the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier. The first base station can transmit data on any other subframe.

[0074] For example, a base station determines that the subframe containing the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier is subframe n. When the base station transmits data on the second carrier, it will avoid subframe n. The first base station can transmit data carried on the second carrier on any other subframe.

[0075] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the first message may be a cross-system communication message or other message used for communication between the first base station and the second base station, and this application does not impose any limitations on it.

[0076] Therefore, through the communication method provided in this application embodiment, since the base station stops scheduling the resource unit subframes carrying the reference signal on the second carrier, the base station can avoid interference with the RE where the reference signal is located when transmitting the second carrier, thereby reducing the LTE and NR spectrum conflict problem in spectrum sharing.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 400 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] In this embodiment, the method is described using a non-co-station example.

[0079] S410, the second base station sends the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier to the first base station through the first message.

[0080] The first message includes the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

[0081] S420, the first base station sends data carried on the first subframe of the second carrier to the terminal equipment.

[0082] Specifically, the first base station obtains the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier through the first message, and sends the data carried on the second carrier to the terminal device in the first subframe, which is a subframe other than the subframe carrying the resource unit carrying the reference signal.

[0083] S430, the first base station sets the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit based on the time-frequency location information of the resource unit in the received reference signal.

[0084] S440, the first base station sends the zero-power resource unit location information to the terminal device through the second message.

[0085] S450, the terminal device sends a third message to the first base station, which indicates that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit.

[0086] S460, the first base station transmits data to the terminal device on the first resource element of the second carrier. The first resource element is any resource element in the subframe containing the resource element carrying the reference signal, excluding the resource element carrying the reference signal.

[0087] Specifically, once the first base station determines that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero-power resource unit, when the first base station sends data to the terminal device, it can stop scheduling the subframes of the resource units carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, and instead use the zero-power resource unit to reduce the interference between the reference signal and the data.

[0088] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be used in the initial establishment process of the first base station. When the first base station is in the initial establishment process, the first base station receives the time-frequency location information of the resource unit of the reference signal sent by the second base station for the first time. In other words, the embodiments of this application can be used when the first base station receives the first message from the second base station for the first time, and the first base station stops scheduling the subframe of the resource unit carrying the reference signal to reduce signal interference.

[0089] Optionally, this embodiment can also be used in the batch reconfiguration process of terminal devices. The batch reconfiguration process occurs after the time-frequency position of the resource element of the reference signal of the second base station changes. To reduce interference, the first base station needs to first determine that the time-frequency position of the resource element of the reference signal of the second base station has changed, and then reset the zero-power resource element according to the changed time-frequency position of the resource element of the reference signal. Therefore, the first message may include the changed time-frequency position information of the resource element of the reference signal of the second base station.

[0090] In other words, the method of this application embodiment can be applied to the initial configuration of the zero power resource unit of the base station, or to the reconfiguration of the zero power resource unit, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0091] It should be noted that when the first carrier and the second carrier in the embodiments of this application have an overlapping region, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in the overlapping region. In this case, in the overlapping region of the first carrier and the second carrier, the time-frequency domain position of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier and the resource unit setting corresponding to the second carrier are actually the same time-frequency position.

[0092] It should be understood that in this embodiment, if the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit, it may not need to send a third message to the first base station.

[0093] Optionally, in this embodiment, the reference signal may be a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). Alternatively, the reference signal may be other reference signals existing in the LTE system or NR system, such as other reference signals coexisting in both the LTE system and the NR system. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the second message sent by the first base station to the terminal device is not limited in any way and may be higher-layer signaling, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or other signaling.

[0095] The communication method provided in this application embodiment enables the first base station to reduce the spectrum conflict between the first base station and the second base station when the resource unit occupied by the reference signal changes during batch user reconfiguration. This is achieved by stopping the scheduling of subframes of resource units carrying reference signals on the first carrier.

[0096] The above, combined with Figures 2 to 4 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the device 500 may include a processing unit 510 and a transceiver unit 520.

[0098] The processing unit 510 is used to obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

[0099] The transceiver unit 520 is used to transmit data to the terminal on a first subframe of the second carrier, wherein the first subframe is a subframe other than the subframe containing the resource element carrying the reference signal. Optionally, the transceiver unit 520 can also be used to receive a first message sent by the second base station, the first message including the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier of the second base station. In this case, the processing unit 510 of the device is specifically used to obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier according to the first message.

[0100] Optionally, when the processing unit 510 determines that the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier has changed, the processing unit stops scheduling the subframe where the resource unit carrying the reference signal is located.

[0101] Optionally, the processing unit 510 of the apparatus described in this embodiment is further configured to set the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit based on the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier. In this case, the transceiver unit 520 is further configured to send a second message to the terminal device, the second message including the time-frequency domain location information of the zero-power resource unit and instructing the terminal device not to receive data from the second carrier on the zero-power resource unit.

[0102] Similarly, the second message sent by the transceiver unit to the terminal device is not limited in this application and can be higher-layer signaling, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or other signaling.

[0103] In addition, the transceiver unit 520 of the device is also used to receive a third message sent by the terminal device, which indicates that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit.

[0104] Optionally, the third message may be a response message sent by the terminal device.

[0105] Optionally, the reference signal received in the transceiver unit 520 or the reference signal processed by the processing unit may include the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0106] According to the aforementioned method, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 60 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] The device 60 may include a processor 61 (i.e., an example of a processing unit) and a memory 62. The memory 62 is used to store instructions, and the processor 61 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 62 to cause the device 60 to perform, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4The steps performed by the network device in the corresponding method.

[0108] Furthermore, the device 60 may also include an input port 66 (i.e., an example of a transceiver unit) and an output port 64 (i.e., another example of a transceiver unit). Furthermore, the processor 61, memory 62, input port 66, and output port 64 can communicate with each other through internal connection paths to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 62 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 61 can be used to call and run the computer program from the memory 62 to control the input port 66 to receive signals and control the output port 64 to send signals, thus completing the steps of the network device in the above method. The memory 62 may be integrated into the processor 61 or may be disposed separately from the processor 61.

[0109] Optionally, if the communication device 60 is a communication equipment, the input port 66 is a receiver, and the output port 64 is a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter can be the same or different physical entities. When they are the same physical entity, they can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0110] Optionally, if the communication device 60 is a chip or circuit, the input port 66 is an input interface and the output port 64 is an output interface.

[0111] As one implementation approach, the functions of input port 66 and output port 64 can be implemented using transceiver circuits or dedicated transceiver chips. Processor 61 can be implemented using dedicated processing chips, processing circuits, processors, or general-purpose chips.

[0112] As another implementation method, the communication device provided in this application embodiment can be implemented using a general-purpose computer. The program code that implements the functions of processor 61, input port 66, and output port 64 is stored in memory 62, and the general-purpose processor implements the functions of processor 61, input port 66, and output port 64 by executing the code in memory 62.

[0113] Each unit or unit in the communication device 60 can be used to perform the actions or processes performed by the network device in the above method. Here, to avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted.

[0114] For the concepts, explanations, detailed descriptions, and other steps related to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application involved in the device 60, please refer to the descriptions of these contents in the foregoing methods or other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned actions. Figures 2 to 4 The methods shown illustrate the various steps performed by the network device.

[0116] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform actions such as... Figures 2 to 4 The methods shown illustrate the various steps performed by the network device.

[0117] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0118] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0119] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0120] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly 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. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0122] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. If the function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage media include: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media that can store program code.

[0123] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first base station obtains the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier; The first base station determines that the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier has changed; The first base station transmits data to the terminal device on the first subframe of the second carrier, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe in which the resource element carrying the reference signal was located before the change.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second base station communicates with the terminal device via the first carrier, characterized in that, The first base station acquires the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, including: The first base station receives a first message sent by the second base station, the first message including the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier; The first base station obtains the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier based on the first message.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first base station communicates with the terminal device via the first carrier and the second carrier, characterized in that, The first base station acquires the time-frequency domain location information of the resource element carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, including: The first base station independently determines the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first base station sets the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit based on the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier; The first base station sends a second message to the terminal device. The second message includes the time-frequency domain location information of the zero-power resource unit. The second message is used to instruct the terminal device not to receive data from the second carrier on the zero-power resource unit.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first base station receives a third message sent by the terminal device, the third message indicating that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit; The first base station transmits data to the terminal device on the first resource unit of the second carrier, wherein the first resource unit is any resource unit other than the resource unit carrying the reference signal in the subframe where the resource unit carrying the reference signal is located.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The reference signal includes the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

7. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing unit is used to obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier. The processing unit is further configured to determine that the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier has changed; A transceiver unit is configured to transmit data to a terminal device on a first subframe of a second carrier, wherein the first subframe is any subframe other than the subframe in which the resource element carrying the reference signal was located before the change.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second base station communicates with the terminal device via the first carrier, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first message sent by the second base station, the first message including time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier; The processing unit is specifically used to obtain the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier according to the first message.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus communicates with the terminal device via the first carrier and the second carrier, characterized in that, The processing unit acquires the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier, including: The processing unit independently determines the time-frequency domain location information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to set the corresponding resource unit on the second carrier as a zero-power resource unit based on the time-frequency domain position information of the resource unit carrying the reference signal on the first carrier. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message to the terminal device, the second message including the time-frequency domain location information of the zero-power resource unit, the second message being used to instruct the terminal device not to receive data from the second carrier on the zero-power resource unit.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is also configured to receive a third message sent by the terminal device, the third message indicating that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the zero power resource unit; The device transmits data to the terminal device on a first resource unit of the second carrier, wherein the first resource unit is any resource unit other than the resource unit carrying the reference signal in the subframe where the resource unit carrying the reference signal is located.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The reference signal includes the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

13. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The memory is used to store computer programs; A processor for executing a computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and interface circuitry, wherein the computer program involved executes in the at least one processor to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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