Communication method and apparatus, chip, chip module, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and device, a chip, a chip module, and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: when random access fails for a continuous setting number of times on an anchor carrier, sending indication information to a first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier through the anchor carrier, the indication information being used for instructing the first network device to trigger a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal; receiving the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device; and measuring the downlink reference signal. According to the scheme, after random access fails for a continuous setting number of times on an anchor carrier, a terminal sends indication information to a first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier through the anchor carrier, which is used for instructing the first network device to trigger a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, so that the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier is triggered to send the downlink reference signal, and the network efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the fifth generation (5 th With the further evolution of 5G mobile communication technology, improving network energy efficiency has become a hot topic. Base station energy consumption accounts for a significant portion of network energy consumption, making it crucial to address how to improve base station energy efficiency. In current networks, to enhance user experience, base stations are constantly in an active or semi-dormant state, unable to be completely shut down or enter deep sleep mode. In 5G networks, due to the abundance of spectrum resources, such as 1GHz, 2GHz, 4GHz, 6GHz, and 26GHz bands, some carriers or cells corresponding to certain bands (e.g., 4GHz, 6GHz, or 26GHz) can be shut down as much as possible and activated only as needed when network load is low, achieving energy savings. In other words, some carriers or cells do not need to carry data when network load is low. Generally, energy savings can be achieved by switching certain carriers or cells on and off, but this typically requires low network load. Currently, there is no solution for waking up carriers or cells that are shut down or in a dormant state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, chip, chip module, and storage medium to wake up a carrier or cell that is in a turned-off or dormant state.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: after a predetermined number of consecutive random access failures on an anchor carrier, sending indication information to a first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier, the indication information being used to instruct the first network device to trigger a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal; receiving the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device; and measuring the downlink reference signal.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the indication information is a first random access preamble transmitted on a first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to transmit random access request information.

[0006] In another possible implementation, the indication information is any random access preamble transmitted on a second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, the second physical random access channel timing being a resource solely for transmitting the indication information.

[0007] In another possible implementation, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0008] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving configuration information on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0010] In another possible implementation, the downlink reference signal includes any of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the configuration information also includes the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on a non-anchor carrier.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the configuration information further includes at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0013] In another possible implementation, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0014] In another possible implementation, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0015] In another possible implementation, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; selecting a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and determining a first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the correlation between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier, and transmitting the first random access preamble at the first physical random access channel timing.

[0017] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; selecting a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and determining a target second physical random access channel timing corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the correlation between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier, and transmitting a random access preamble using the target second physical random access channel timing.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; selecting a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and determining a target uplink pre-configured resource corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association between the uplink pre-configured resource and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and transmitting a sequence or signal using the target uplink pre-configured resource.

[0019] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving indication information sent by a terminal on an anchor carrier, the indication information being used to instruct a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal; and sending the indication information to the second network device.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on a first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, the second physical random access channel timing being a resource solely for sending the indication information.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the terminal on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0025] In another possible implementation, the downlink reference signal includes any of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0026] In another possible implementation, the configuration information also includes the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on a non-anchor carrier.

[0027] In another possible implementation, the configuration information further includes at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0028] In another possible implementation, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0029] In another possible implementation, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0030] In another possible implementation, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the method further includes transmitting one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving trigger information sent by a first network device, the trigger information being used to trigger a second network device to send a downlink reference signal; and sending the downlink reference signal on a non-anchor carrier according to the trigger information.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the downlink reference signal includes any of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0034] In another possible implementation, the non-anchor carrier is a non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​the target synchronization signal block, and the target synchronization signal block is a synchronization signal block with signal quality greater than a threshold.

[0035] Fourthly, a communication device is provided that can implement the communication method described in the first aspect. For example, the communication device may be a chip or a terminal. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to send indication information to a first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier if the communication device fails to access the anchor carrier a set number of times consecutively. The indication information instructs the first network device to trigger a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device. The processing unit is configured to measure the downlink reference signal.

[0037] Optionally, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information.

[0038] Optionally, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, where the second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only for sending the indication information.

[0039] Optionally, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0040] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive configuration information on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0041] Optionally, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0042] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0043] Optionally, the configuration information may also include the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0044] Optionally, the configuration information may further include at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0045] Optionally, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0046] Optionally, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0047] Optionally, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0048] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit is further configured to determine a first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association relationship between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the first random access preamble at the first physical random access channel timing.

[0049] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit is further configured to determine a target second physical random access channel timing corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the correlation between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a random access preamble using the target second physical random access channel timing.

[0050] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit is further configured to determine a target uplink pre-configured resource corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association relationship between the uplink pre-configured resource and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a sequence or signal using the target uplink pre-configured resource.

[0051] Fifthly, a communication device is provided that can implement the communication method described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may be a chip or a first network device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to receive indication information sent by a terminal on an anchor carrier, the indication information being used to instruct a second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal; and the transceiver unit is further configured to send the indication information to the second network device.

[0053] Optionally, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information.

[0054] Optionally, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, where the second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only for sending the indication information.

[0055] Optionally, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0056] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to send configuration information to the terminal on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0057] Optionally, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0058] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0059] Optionally, the configuration information may also include the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0060] Optionally, the configuration information may further include at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0061] Optionally, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0062] Optionally, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0063] Optionally, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0064] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier.

[0065] Sixthly, a communication device is provided that can implement the communication method described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may be a chip or a second network device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to receive trigger information sent by a first network device, the trigger information being used to trigger a second network device to send a downlink reference signal; and the transceiver unit is further configured to send a downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier according to the trigger information.

[0067] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0068] Optionally, the non-anchor carrier is a non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​the target synchronization signal block, and the target synchronization signal block is a synchronization signal block with signal quality greater than a threshold.

[0069] In conjunction with any of aspects four through six, in yet another possible implementation, the communication device of aspect three or four above includes a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to support the device in performing corresponding functions in the above-described communication method. The memory is used to couple to the processor and stores necessary programs (instructions) and / or data for the device. Optionally, the communication device may further include a communication interface for supporting communication between the device and other network elements. Optionally, the memory may be located internally or externally to the communication device.

[0070] In conjunction with any of the fourth to sixth aspects, in another possible implementation, the communication device of the third or fourth aspect includes a processor and a transceiver device, the processor being coupled to the transceiver device. The processor is used to execute computer programs or instructions to control the transceiver device to receive and send information. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, it is also used to implement the above method through logic circuits or executing code instructions. The transceiver device can be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface, used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. When the communication device is a chip, the transceiver device is a transceiver circuit or an input / output interface.

[0071] When the communication device described above, in conjunction with any of the fourth to sixth aspects, is a chip or chip module, the transmitting unit can be an output unit, such as an output circuit or a communication interface; the receiving unit can be an input unit, such as an input circuit or a communication interface. When the communication device is a terminal, the transmitting unit can be a transmitter or a receiver; the receiving unit can be a receiver or a receiver.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program or instructions are stored therein, which, when executed, implement the methods described in the above aspects.

[0073] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the methods described in the above aspects.

[0074] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, which includes the communication means of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0075] The communication scheme provided in this application has the following advantages:

[0076] After a terminal fails to access the network a set number of times consecutively on the anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This message instructs the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. This process triggers the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, thereby improving network efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of a multi-carrier deployment according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of random access as an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a random access timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram illustrating another random access timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 4a This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the association with a synchronization signal block provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 11 A simplified structural diagram of a terminal device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 12 This is a simplified structural diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] First, let's describe several concepts that may be involved in this application:

[0093] Multi-carrier deployment

[0094] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a multi-carrier deployment according to an embodiment of this application. Network energy savings are a major concern for operators and equipment manufacturers. Network energy saving is beneficial for reducing operating costs and environmental protection. In 5G networks, due to the abundance of spectrum resources, such as 1GHz, 2GHz, 4GHz, 6GHz, and 26GHz bands, carriers or cells corresponding to some bands (e.g., 4GHz, 6GHz, or 26GHz) can be shut down as much as possible and turned on only as needed when network load is low, thus achieving network energy saving. In other words, when network load is low, some carriers or cells do not need to carry data. Generally, network energy saving can be achieved by switching certain carriers on and off, but this usually requires low network load. For cells / carriers in a dormant or off state, no reference signals need to be transmitted.

[0095] In this context, carriers that can be activated on demand are called non-anchor carriers, Type II carriers, or secondary carriers; cells that can be activated on demand are called non-anchor cells, Type II cells, or secondary cells (SCells). Conversely, carriers that are not deactivated are called anchor carriers, Type I carriers, or primary carriers; cells that are not deactivated are called non-anchor cells, Type I cells, or primary cells (PCells). Generally, non-anchor cells are deployed within the coverage area of ​​anchor cells. Anchor carriers provide wide-area coverage, while non-anchor carriers have a smaller coverage area but provide high-speed data transmission services. Non-anchor carriers are network-controlled and can be activated on demand.

[0096] Random access procedure

[0097] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a random access procedure provided in an embodiment of this application. The random access process includes: the UE first completing downlink synchronization by reading the main information block (MIB) and system information block 1 (SIB1). By reading SIB1, the UE determines the resources for sending a preamble (also known as message 1, Msg1) to the network to indicate its intention to access the network. If the network correctly receives Msg1, it will send a random access response message (also known as message 2, Msg2) scrambled with a random access-radionetwork temporary identifier (RA-RNTI) to the UE. After sending Msg1, the UE can use RA-RNTI to monitor Msg2 from the network to descramble the message.

[0098] Msg2 may contain a time-advance (TA), a temporary cell-radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), power adjustments, and a resource indication for the UE to send message 3 (Mgs3). The UE then sends its identity and initial access establishment (Msg3) to the network via the uplink scheduling indication in Msg2. Finally, the network can notify the UE of the completion of the initial access procedure via message 4 (Msg4); otherwise, the UE can determine that the initial access procedure has failed.

[0099] The UE can obtain the relevant configuration of random access occasion (RO) through SIB messages, including the RO period size, the number of ROs in the time domain within a physical random access channel (PRACH) period, the number of ROs multiplexed in frequency (msg1-FDM), and the number of SSBs associated with each RO (ssb-perRACH-Occasion).

[0100] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b Two schematic diagrams of RO configurations are provided.

[0101] exist Figure 3a In this PRACH cycle, there are 12 ROs in the time domain, 2 ROs multiplexed in the frequency domain, and 2 SSBs associated with each RO.

[0102] exist Figure 3b In this PRACH cycle, there are 6 ROs in the time domain, 2 ROs are multiplexed in the frequency domain, and 1 / 2 of the SSBs are associated with each RO.

[0103] As can be seen, one SSB can correspond to one or more RO resources, and one RO resource can correspond to one or more SSBs. The mapping rule between SSBs and RO resources is: the SSB is first mapped to the frequency-domain multiplexed RO resource, and then mapped to the time-domain multiplexed RO resource. For network devices, the network device needs to continuously detect the Msg1 sent by the UE on the configured RO resources to ensure that it can receive the Msg1 sent by the UE in a timely manner.

[0104] Regarding the issue of how to wake up carriers or cells that are turned off or in a dormant state, as raised in the background technology, there is currently no corresponding solution. This application provides a communication scheme in which, if the terminal fails to access the anchor carrier a set number of times consecutively, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This instruction is used to instruct the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, thereby triggering the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal and improving network efficiency.

[0105] Figure 4a A schematic diagram of a communication system according to this application is provided. This communication system may include one or more networks (only one is shown in the figure) and one or more terminals connected to the network devices. A network device can transmit data or control signaling to one or more terminals. Figure 4b Another communication system shown allows multiple network devices to simultaneously transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal.

[0106] Network devices can be any type of device with wireless transceiver capabilities, including but not limited to: base stations (NodeBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), base stations in 5G communication systems, base stations or network devices in future communication systems, access nodes in WiFi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. Network devices can also be wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Network devices can also be small cells, transmission reference points (TRPs), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices.

[0107] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land (including indoors or outdoors), and can be handheld, worn, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water, such as on ships; and it can be deployed in the air, such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, complete vehicles, functional modules within vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities (e.g., streetlights), wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on. The embodiments in this application do not limit the application scenarios. A terminal may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0108] Network devices and terminals can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminals.

[0109] Communication between network devices and terminals, between network devices, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0110] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes network device functions. This control subsystem, including network device functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0111] Optionally, in this embodiment, the terminal or network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment. Communication can be performed by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal or network device, or a functional module in the terminal or network device capable of calling and executing a program.

[0112] In other words, the relevant functions of the terminal or network device in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these aspects. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements within hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0113] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The communication between network devices and terminals in the communication system shown can also be represented in another form, such as... Figure 5As shown, terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a transceiver 103. Transceiver 103 includes a transmitter 1031, a receiver 1032, and an antenna 1033. Network device 20 also includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a transceiver 203. Transceiver 203 includes a transmitter 2031, a receiver 2032, and an antenna 2033. Receiver 1032 can be used to receive transmission control information through antenna 1033, and transmitter 1031 can be used to send transmission feedback information to network device 20 through antenna 1033. Transmitter 2031 can be used to send transmission control information to terminal 10 through antenna 2033, and receiver 2032 can be used to receive transmission feedback information sent by terminal 10 through antenna 2033.

[0114] The processor 101 / processor 201 may be a CPU, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0115] Memory 102 / Memory 202 can be a device with storage function. For example, it can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited to these. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication lines. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0116] The memory 102 / 202 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and the processor 101 / 201 controls the execution. The processor 101 / 201 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 102 / 202, thereby implementing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0117] Alternatively, in the embodiments of this application, the processor 101 / processor 201 may execute the processing-related functions in the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0118] The computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0119] It should be noted that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more; therefore, in the embodiments of this application, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0120] Based on the above communication system, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0121] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method may include the following steps:

[0122] S601. After the terminal fails to access the network a set number of times consecutively on the anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier through the anchor carrier.

[0123] Accordingly, the first network device receives the indication information on the anchor carrier.

[0124] In the embodiments of this application, the first network device and the second network device can be the same network device or different network devices. That is, the anchor carrier and the non-anchor carrier can be controlled by the same network device or by different network devices. This description also applies to any of the following embodiments.

[0125] In the embodiments of this application, the carrier can be replaced by a cell, frequency band, etc. This description also applies to any of the following embodiments.

[0126] If the anchor carrier has a high load, the terminal may fail to access the network randomly a set number of times consecutively. The terminal can switch to a non-anchor carrier for communication. Non-anchor carriers have a smaller coverage area but can provide high-speed data transmission services.

[0127] However, before a terminal accesses a cell (also known as accessing a carrier) or camps on a cell (also known as camping on a carrier), it needs to obtain time-frequency synchronization by measuring the downlink reference signal transmitted by that cell. Non-anchor carriers in a dormant or off state do not transmit downlink reference signals. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal sends indication information to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This indication information is used to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals. The UE obtains time-frequency synchronization by measuring the downlink reference signal transmitted by the non-anchor carrier.

[0128] S602, The first network device sends a trigger message to the second network device.

[0129] Accordingly, the second network device receives the trigger information.

[0130] After receiving the indication information sent by the terminal on the anchor carrier, the first network device determines that it will trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals. Then, it sends trigger information to the second network device to trigger the second network device to send downlink reference signals.

[0131] S603. The second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier sends a downlink reference signal according to the trigger information.

[0132] Accordingly, the terminal receives the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0133] After receiving the trigger information, the second network device sends a downlink reference signal to the terminal on a non-anchor carrier.

[0134] The downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block (SSB), a primary synchronization signal (PSS), or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The downlink reference signal can also be other types of reference signals.

[0135] S604. The terminal measures the downlink reference signal.

[0136] After receiving the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device on the non-anchor carrier, the terminal measures the downlink reference signal and obtains the measurement results, such as the reference signal receiving power (RSRP) or the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0137] The terminal can also send the obtained measurement results to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier. Further, the first network device can select target non-anchor carriers based on the measurement results of the non-anchor carriers, i.e., determine which non-anchor carriers need to be enabled. The first network device enables the target non-anchor carriers. Enabling the target non-anchor carriers means that the first network device instructs the second network device corresponding to the target non-anchor carriers to enter a normal communication service state. In the normal communication service state, the second network device corresponding to the target non-anchor carriers needs to send system information, synchronization signal blocks, and receive random access request messages sent by the terminal, etc. The terminal can establish a connection with the target non-anchor carriers through a random access procedure.

[0138] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, if a terminal fails to access the network a certain number of times consecutively on an anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This message instructs the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, thereby triggering the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal and improving network efficiency.

[0139] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method may include the following steps:

[0140] S701, The first network device sends configuration information on the anchor carrier.

[0141] Accordingly, the terminal receives the configuration information on the anchor carrier.

[0142] The configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel (PRACH) timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0143] For example, the first network device can carry the above configuration information through system information, radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or media access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling. That is, it can configure at least one of the following configuration information through system information, RRC signaling, or MAC-CE signaling: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0144] The random access preamble subset includes one or more first random access preambles. These one or more first random access preambles can be transmitted on a first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. This first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to transmit random access request information. These one or more first random access preambles are used to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the transmission of downlink reference signals by the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier.

[0145] The random access preamble subset can be selected from either a contention-based random access preamble set or a non-contention-based random access preamble set. In one example, the preamble index of the contention-based random access preamble set is 0-48. The network device can configure preambles with an index range of 0-3 as the random access preamble subset. That is, the network device can indicate the first and last preamble indices of the random access preamble subset, or in other words, the configuration information of the random access preamble subset includes the first and last preamble indices of the random access preamble subset.

[0146] The terminal receives system information and determines a subset of random access preambles on the anchor carrier used to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals.

[0147] The second physical random access channel timing configuration information includes information on one or more specific second physical random access channel timings. The terminal instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit a downlink reference signal by transmitting any random access preamble on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. This second physical random access channel timing is a resource used solely for transmitting indication information (i.e., any random access preamble).

[0148] The uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes information on specific pre-configured uplink resources. For example, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources. The terminal instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals by transmitting a sequence or signal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0149] Furthermore, the configuration information may also include the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of uplink and downlink reference signals on non-anchor carriers. The downlink reference signal may include any of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal. The downlink reference signal may also be other types of reference signals.

[0150] Furthermore, the configuration information may also include the set number of times the aforementioned random access failures will occur.

[0151] S702. After the terminal fails to access the network a set number of times consecutively on the anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier through the anchor carrier.

[0152] Accordingly, the first network device receives the indication information on the anchor carrier.

[0153] If the anchor carrier has a high load, the terminal may fail to access the network randomly a set number of times consecutively. The terminal can switch to a non-anchor carrier for communication. Non-anchor carriers have a smaller coverage area but can provide high-speed data transmission services.

[0154] However, before a terminal accesses a cell (also known as accessing a carrier) or camps on a cell (also known as camping on a carrier), it needs to obtain time-frequency synchronization by measuring the downlink reference signal transmitted by that cell. Non-anchor carriers in a dormant or off state do not transmit downlink reference signals. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal sends indication information to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This indication information is used to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals.

[0155] In one possible implementation a, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The first random access preamble is a random access preamble from the aforementioned configured subset of random access preambles. The first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information. The first random access preamble can be any random access preamble from the subset of random access preambles. The terminal instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals by sending the first random access preamble to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier.

[0156] In another possible implementation b, the indication information is any random access preamble transmitted by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. This second physical random access channel timing is a resource reserved solely for transmitting the indication information. The terminal instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit a downlink reference signal by transmitting any random access preamble on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier.

[0157] In another possible implementation c, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier. The uplink pre-configured resources refer to uplink resources pre-configured by the network device with at least one of the following information: uplink resource period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and symbol number. The terminal instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit a downlink reference signal by transmitting the sequence or signal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier. This sequence or signal can be any random access preamble or other type of sequence.

[0158] S703, The first network device sends a trigger message to the second network device.

[0159] Accordingly, the second network device receives the trigger information.

[0160] After receiving the indication information sent by the terminal on the anchor carrier, the first network device determines that it will trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals. Then, it sends trigger information to the second network device to trigger the second network device to send downlink reference signals.

[0161] Specifically, in implementation a above, the indication information is the first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel of the anchor carrier. The first random access preamble is a random access preamble from a subset of random access preambles. After receiving the first random access preamble, the first network device determines to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. Therefore, assuming that the first network device and the second network device are not the same network device, the first network device sends trigger information to all the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers within its coverage area through network device interaction (e.g., through the Xn interface) to trigger the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers to send downlink reference signals. Assuming that the first network device and the second network device are different, the first network device triggers itself to send a downlink reference signal.

[0162] In implementation b above, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only for sending indication information. After receiving the random access preamble on the second physical random access channel timing, the first network device determines to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals. Therefore, assuming that the first network device and the second network device are not the same network device, the first network device sends trigger information to all the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers within its coverage area through network device interaction (e.g., through the Xn interface) to trigger the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers to send downlink reference signals. Assuming that the first network device and the second network device are different, the first network device triggers itself to send downlink reference signals.

[0163] In implementation c above, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier. After receiving the sequence or signal on the uplink pre-configured resources, the first network device determines to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit the downlink reference signal. Therefore, assuming that the first network device and the second network device are not the same network device, the first network device sends trigger information to all the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers within its coverage area through network device interaction (e.g., through the Xn interface) to trigger the second network devices corresponding to the non-anchor carriers to transmit the downlink reference signal. Assuming the first network device and the second network device are different, the first network device triggers itself to transmit the downlink reference signal.

[0164] S704. The second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier sends a downlink reference signal according to the trigger information.

[0165] Accordingly, the terminal receives the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0166] After receiving the trigger information, the second network device sends a downlink reference signal to the terminal on a non-anchor carrier.

[0167] The downlink reference signal can be any of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal. It can also be other types of reference signals.

[0168] S705, the terminal measures the downlink reference signal.

[0169] After receiving the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device on a non-anchor carrier, the terminal measures the downlink reference signal and obtains the measurement result, such as RSRP or SINR.

[0170] The terminal can also send the obtained measurement results to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier. Further, the first network device can select target non-anchor carriers based on the measurement results of the non-anchor carriers, i.e., determine which non-anchor carriers need to be enabled. The first network device enables the target non-anchor carriers. Enabling the target non-anchor carriers means that the first network device instructs the second network device corresponding to the target non-anchor carriers to enter a normal communication service state. In the normal communication service state, the second network device corresponding to the target non-anchor carriers needs to send system information, synchronization signal blocks, and receive random access request messages sent by the terminal, etc. The terminal can establish a connection with the target non-anchor carriers through a random access procedure.

[0171] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, if a terminal fails to access the network randomly a set number of times consecutively on an anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This message instructs the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, thereby triggering the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal and improving network efficiency.

[0172] The indication information may be a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel of the anchor carrier, or any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel of the anchor carrier, or a sequence or signal sent by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0173] There is currently no solution for the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network devices corresponding to non-anchor carriers that are in a dormant or off state to send downlink reference signals.

[0174] like Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method may include the following steps:

[0175] S801, The first network device sends configuration information on the anchor carrier.

[0176] Accordingly, the terminal receives the configuration information on the anchor carrier.

[0177] The specific implementation of this step can be found in step S701 of the above embodiment. Figure 7 The difference between the illustrated embodiment and the configuration information is that the configuration information also includes at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier; the association between the timing of the second physical random access channel on the anchor carrier and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier; and the association between the uplink pre-configured resources on the anchor carrier and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0178] Specifically, in implementation a, considering the multi-beam operation of the carrier, the anchor carrier is configured with a random access preamble subset through system information to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals. The association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the SSBs transmitted on the anchor carrier can also be configured. One random access preamble can be associated with one or more SSBs transmitted on the anchor carrier. Based on this configuration information, the terminal can determine the first random access preamble on the anchor carrier used to instruct the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals, and the association between the first random access preamble and the SSBs.

[0179] In one implementation b, considering the multi-beam operation of the carrier, the anchor carrier is configured to send any random access preamble at the second physical random access channel timing via system information. This preamble is used to instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals. The association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block on the anchor carrier can also be configured. For example... Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, a second physical random access channel (PMI) opportunity can be associated with one or more SSBs transmitted on an anchor carrier, and an SSB can also be associated with one or more second physical random access channel opportunities. Based on this configuration information, the terminal can determine the second physical random access channel opportunity on the anchor carrier used to instruct the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals, as well as the association between the second physical random access channel opportunity and the SSB.

[0180] In one implementation c, considering multi-beam operation of the carrier, the anchor carrier is configured to transmit sequences or signals on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier through system information. These signals instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals. The association between the uplink pre-configured resources and synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier can also be configured. One uplink pre-configured resource can be associated with one or more SSBs transmitted on the anchor carrier. Based on this configuration information, the terminal can determine the uplink pre-configured resources on the anchor carrier used to instruct the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to transmit downlink reference signals, and the association between the uplink pre-configured resources and the SSBs.

[0181] Furthermore, this configuration information may also include the association between the SSB and non-anchor carriers. For example, an SSB may be associated with one or more non-anchor carriers.

[0182] S802, The first network device transmits one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier.

[0183] Accordingly, the terminal receives one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier.

[0184] The first network device periodically or intermittently broadcasts one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier. Terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first network device can receive these one or more synchronization signal blocks.

[0185] S803: The terminal acquires the signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks.

[0186] After receiving one or more synchronization signal blocks, the terminal can measure these synchronization signal blocks to obtain signal quality measurement results. These results can be RSRP or reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), etc.

[0187] S804. The terminal selects a synchronization signal block whose signal quality is greater than a threshold as the target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks.

[0188] The terminal selects a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as the target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier. For example, the target synchronization signal block is the synchronization signal block with the largest RSRP / RSRQ value among one or more synchronization signal blocks.

[0189] S805. The terminal determines the first random access preamble code corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association between the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0190] In implementation a above, the terminal determines the first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block from the random access preamble subset based on the association between the random access preamble codes in the configuration information and the SSBs transmitted on the anchor carrier. The first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block can be one of the aforementioned random access preamble subsets.

[0191] In one example, assume there are four SSBs on the anchor carrier: SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, and SSB4. The first network device configures a random access preamble subset {preamble1, preamble2} using system information. The random access preamble codes in this subset instruct the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. Assume that based on the association between the random access preamble codes in the network-configured random access preamble subset and the SSBs transmitted on the anchor carrier, preamble1 corresponds to SSB1 and SSB2, and preamble2 corresponds to SSB3 and SSB4. When the terminal fails to access the anchor carrier N times consecutively, and determines that the signal quality of SSB1 or SSB2 is better based on the SSB signal quality measurement results on the anchor carrier, the terminal sends preamble1 to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier. This preamble instructs the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​SSB1 and SSB2 to send a downlink reference signal. The terminal can arbitrarily select a physical random access signal timing on the anchor carrier to send the random access request message and send preamble1.

[0192] After receiving a specific first random access preamble sent by the terminal, the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier determines the target SSB corresponding to the first random access preamble based on the association between the random access preamble and the SSB in the random access preamble subset. The first network device then triggers all second network devices corresponding to non-anchor carriers within the coverage area of ​​the target SSB to send downlink reference signals through inter-network device interaction (e.g., via the Xn interface).

[0193] As an alternative step to S805, in the above implementation b, the terminal determines the second physical random access channel timing corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the correlation between the second physical random access channel timing on the anchor carrier and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier included in the configuration information.

[0194] In one example, assuming there are four SSBs on the anchor carrier: SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, and SSB4, the UE determines that RO1 is associated with SSB1 and SSB2, and RO2 is associated with SSB3 and SSB4, based on the correlation between the timing of the second physical random access channel on the anchor carrier configured by the network and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier. When the terminal fails to access the anchor carrier N times consecutively, and determines that the channel quality of SSB1 or SSB2 is better based on the SSB signal quality measurement results on the anchor carrier, the terminal uses RO1 to send indication information to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier. This indication information instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​SSB1 and SSB2 to send downlink reference signals. The content of this indication information is any random access preamble.

[0195] As an alternative step to S805, in the above implementation c, the terminal can determine the uplink pre-configured resource corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association between the uplink pre-configured resources included in the configuration information and the synchronization signal block transmitted by the anchor carrier.

[0196] In one example, such as Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an association between a synchronization signal block and an embodiment of this application. Assume there are four SSBs on the anchor carrier: SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, and SSB4. The configuration information includes the association between uplink pre-configured resources on the anchor carrier and the SSBs on the anchor carrier. Periodic uplink resource 1 is associated with SSB1 and SSB2, and periodic uplink resource 2 is associated with SSB3 and SSB4. When the terminal experiences N consecutive random access failures on the anchor carrier, based on the signal quality measurement results of the SSBs on the anchor carrier, if it is determined that the signal quality of SSB1 or SSB2 is better, the terminal uses periodic resource 1 to send indication information to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier. This indication information instructs the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier to trigger the second network device corresponding to a non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​SSB1 and SSB2 to send a downlink reference signal. The content of this indication information can be a sequence or a physical signal.

[0197] Therefore, the terminal only needs to measure the non-anchor carriers within the target SSB coverage area. This reduces the terminal's measurement activities and lowers its power consumption.

[0198] S806. After the terminal fails to access the network a set number of times consecutively on the anchor carrier, it sends the first random access preamble to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier on the first physical random access channel.

[0199] Accordingly, the first network device receives the first random access preamble on the anchor carrier.

[0200] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S601 or S702 in the above embodiments.

[0201] S807, The first network device sends a trigger message to the second network device.

[0202] Accordingly, the second network device receives the trigger information.

[0203] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S602 or S703 in the above embodiments.

[0204] S808, the second network device, transmits a downlink reference signal on a non-anchor carrier based on the trigger information.

[0205] Accordingly, the terminal receives the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0206] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S603 or S704 in the above embodiments.

[0207] S809, The terminal measures the downlink reference signal.

[0208] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to step S604 or S705 in the above embodiments.

[0209] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, after a terminal fails to access the network a certain number of times consecutively on an anchor carrier, it sends an indication message to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. This message instructs the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal, thereby triggering the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal and improving network efficiency.

[0210] By including at least one of the following correlation information in the configuration information: the correlation between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier; the correlation between the timing of the second physical random access channel and the synchronization signal block; and the correlation between uplink pre-configured resources and the synchronization signal block, the terminal only needs to measure the non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​the target synchronization signal block. This reduces the terminal's measurement activities and lowers its power consumption.

[0211] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the terminal; and the methods and / or steps implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the network device.

[0212] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a terminal as described in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in a terminal; or, this communication device can be a network device as described in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in a network device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0213] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0214] Based on the same concept as the above communication method, this application also provides the following communication device:

[0215] like Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002. Wherein:

[0216] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the terminal function in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to send indication information to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier through the anchor carrier when the communication device fails to access the anchor carrier for a set number of consecutive random access attempts. The indication information is used to instruct the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. The transceiver unit 1001 is also used to receive the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device. The processing unit 1002 is used to measure the downlink reference signal.

[0217] Optionally, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information.

[0218] Optionally, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, where the second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only for sending the indication information.

[0219] Optionally, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0220] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to receive configuration information on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0221] Optionally, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0222] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0223] Optionally, the configuration information may also include the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0224] Optionally, the configuration information may further include at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0225] Optionally, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0226] Optionally, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0227] Optionally, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0228] Optionally, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit 1002 is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit 1002 is further configured to determine a first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association relationship between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to transmit the first random access preamble at the first physical random access channel timing.

[0229] Optionally, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit 1002 is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit 1002 is further configured to determine a target second physical random access channel timing corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the correlation between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal blocks transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to transmit a random access preamble using the target second physical random access channel timing.

[0230] Optionally, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to acquire signal quality measurement results of one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; the processing unit 1002 is further configured to select a synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than a threshold as a target synchronization signal block based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks; and the processing unit 1002 is further configured to determine a target uplink pre-configured resource corresponding to the target synchronization signal block based on the association relationship between the uplink pre-configured resource and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier; the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to transmit a sequence or signal using the target uplink pre-configured resource.

[0231] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the first network device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to receive indication information sent by the terminal on the anchor carrier, the indication information being used to instruct the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal; and the transceiver unit 1001 is also used to send the indication information to the second network device.

[0232] Optionally, the indication information is a first random access preamble sent by the terminal on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, wherein the first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles, and the first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information.

[0233] Optionally, the indication information is any random access preamble sent by the terminal on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier, where the second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only for sending the indication information.

[0234] Optionally, the indication information is a sequence or signal transmitted by the terminal on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier.

[0235] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to send configuration information to the terminal on the anchor carrier, the configuration information including at least one of the following configuration information: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

[0236] Optionally, the uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

[0237] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0238] Optionally, the configuration information may also include the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

[0239] Optionally, the configuration information may further include at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0240] Optionally, a random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0241] Optionally, a second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0242] Optionally, one of the uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

[0243] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to transmit one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier.

[0244] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the function of the second network device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to receive trigger information sent by the first network device, the trigger information being used to trigger the second network device to send a downlink reference signal; and the transceiver unit 1001 is also used to send a downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier according to the trigger information.

[0245] Optionally, the downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a primary synchronization signal, or a secondary synchronization signal.

[0246] Optionally, the non-anchor carrier is a non-anchor carrier within the coverage area of ​​the target synchronization signal block, and the target synchronization signal block is a synchronization signal block with signal quality greater than a threshold.

[0247] Figure 11 A simplified schematic diagram of a terminal is shown. This is for ease of understanding and illustration. Figure 11 In this context, the terminal is taken as a mobile phone as an example. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the terminal includes a processor, memory, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the terminal, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminals may not have input / output devices.

[0248] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor then converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 11 Only one memory and processor are shown in the illustration. In actual end products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory may be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application does not limit this.

[0249] In the embodiments of this application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the receiving unit and transmitting unit of the terminal (or collectively referred to as the transceiver unit), and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal. Figure 11 As shown, the terminal includes a transceiver unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102. The transceiver unit 1101 can also be referred to as a receiver / transmitter, receiver / transmitter, or receiver / transmitter circuit. The processing unit 1102 can also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. The transceiver unit 1101 is used to implement... Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1001 in the illustrated embodiment functions as follows: the processing unit 1102 is used to implement... Figure 10 The function of the processing unit 1002 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0250] Figure 12 A simplified schematic diagram of a network device is shown. The network device includes an RF signal transceiver and conversion section and a 1202 section, which further includes a transceiver unit 1201. The RF signal transceiver and conversion section is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals and converting RF signals to baseband signals; the 1202 section is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the network device. The transceiver unit 1201 can also be called a receiver / transmitter, receiver / transmitter, or receiver / transmitter circuit. The 1202 section is typically the control center of the network device, often referred to as the processing unit, used to control the network device to perform the aforementioned tasks. Figures 6-8 The steps performed by the network device are described in detail above. Please refer to the relevant sections for further description. The transceiver unit 1201 can be used to implement... Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1001 in the illustrated embodiment has its functions implemented in part 1202. Figure 10 The function of the processing unit 1002 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0251] Section 1202 may include one or more single boards, each single board may include one or more processors and one or more memories, the processors are used to read and execute programs in the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control network devices. If multiple single boards exist, the single boards can be interconnected to increase processing power. As an optional implementation, multiple single boards may share one or more processors, or multiple single boards may share one or more memories, or multiple single boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0252] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0253] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0254] This application also provides a communication system, including the communication device described above.

[0255] It should be noted that one or more of the above units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above units is implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-chip (SoC) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0256] When the above units or components are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0257] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the chip system performs the method in any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0258] It should be understood that in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "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, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply difference. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0259] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0260] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: If random access fails a set number of times consecutively on the anchor carrier, an indication message is sent to the first network device corresponding to the anchor carrier via the anchor carrier. The indication message is used to instruct the first network device to trigger the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send a downlink reference signal. The indication message is a first random access preamble sent on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles. The first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information. Alternatively, the indication message is any random access preamble sent on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only to send the indication message. Or, the indication message is a sequence or signal sent on the uplink pre-configured resource of the anchor carrier. Receive the downlink reference signal sent by the second network device; The downlink reference signal is measured.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configuration information is received on the anchor carrier, and the configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: synchronization signal block, primary synchronization signal, and secondary synchronization signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, One random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the aforementioned uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire signal quality measurement results for one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; Based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks, select the synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than the threshold as the target synchronization signal block; Based on the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, a first random access preamble corresponding to the target synchronization signal block is determined, and the first random access preamble is transmitted at the first physical random access channel timing.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire signal quality measurement results for one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; Based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks, select the synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than the threshold as the target synchronization signal block; Based on the correlation between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the target second physical random access channel timing corresponding to the target synchronization signal block is determined, and the random access preamble is transmitted using the target second physical random access channel timing.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire signal quality measurement results for one or more synchronization signal blocks on the anchor carrier; Based on the signal quality measurement results of the one or more synchronization signal blocks, select the synchronization signal block with a signal quality greater than the threshold as the target synchronization signal block; Based on the association between the uplink pre-configured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the target uplink pre-configured resources corresponding to the target synchronization signal block are determined, and the sequence or signal is transmitted using the target uplink pre-configured resources.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal receives indication information on the anchor carrier. The indication information is used to instruct the second network device corresponding to the non-anchor carrier to send downlink reference signals. The indication information is a first random access preamble sent on the first physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The first random access preamble is a random access preamble in a subset of random access preambles. The first physical random access channel timing is a resource used to send random access request information. Alternatively, the indication information is any random access preamble sent on the second physical random access channel timing of the anchor carrier. The second physical random access channel timing is a resource used only to send the indication information. Alternatively, the indication information is a sequence or signal sent on the uplink pre-configured resources of the anchor carrier. The instruction information is sent to the second network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configuration information is sent to the terminal on the anchor carrier. The configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access preamble subset configuration information, second physical random access channel timing configuration information, and uplink pre-configured resource configuration information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The uplink pre-configured resource configuration information includes at least one of the following: the period, start time position, frequency domain resource position and size, time domain symbol position, and number of symbols of the uplink pre-configured resources.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal includes any one of the following: synchronization signal block, primary synchronization signal, and secondary synchronization signal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes the time-domain and / or frequency-domain resource locations of the downlink reference signal on the non-anchor carrier.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes at least one of the following association information: the association between the random access preamble in the random access preamble subset and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, the association between the second physical random access channel timing and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier, and the association between the uplink preconfigured resources and the synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, One random access preamble in the random access preamble subset is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, A second physical random access channel timing is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, One of the aforementioned uplink pre-configured resources is associated with at least one synchronization signal block transmitted on the anchor carrier.

22. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: One or more synchronization signal blocks are transmitted on the anchor carrier.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device, the processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22 via logic circuits or executing code instructions.

25. A chip module, characterized in that, It includes a transceiver component and a chip, said chip being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

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