A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology and discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: a network device determining first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first time-division duplex frame structure of a first beam group scheduled by the network device in a first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, and the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a first timing advance (TA) variation range of the first beam group; the network device transmitting the first indication information through the first beam group; and the network device receiving uplink signals from terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group according to the first time-division duplex frame structure. This method can avoid the problem of conflict between the transmission of uplink signals and the reception of downlink signals by terminal devices when using time-division duplex communication.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) offer advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, high flexibility, high throughput, and immunity to geographical conditions, climate, and natural disasters. They have been widely applied in fields such as aviation, maritime, and military communications. Introducing NTNs into mobile communication systems, such as 5G systems, can not only provide communication services to areas difficult to cover with terrestrial networks, such as oceans and forests, but also enhance communication reliability, providing more stable and higher-quality communication services for users on trains, airplanes, and other modes of transportation, and offering more data transmission resources, such as supporting a larger number of terminal device connections.

[0003] One characteristic of NTN is its relatively large transmission latency. When NTN uses Time Division Duplex (TDD) communication, a time slot can be used to transmit either uplink or downlink signals. Generally, terminal devices can use timing advance to send uplink signals within a single time slot. However, because a significant timing advance is required in high-latency communication scenarios to synchronize uplink signals between different terminal devices, when a terminal device uses timing advance to send uplink signals, the transmission of uplink signals may occupy the time slot for transmitting downlink signals, causing a conflict with the terminal device's downlink signal reception time. Therefore, when using TDD communication, ensuring that the transmission of uplink signals and the reception of downlink signals by the terminal device are conflict-free is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved at present. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can avoid the conflict between the transmission of uplink signals and the reception of downlink signals on the terminal device when using TDD communication.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a second communication device determining first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first time-division duplex frame structure of a first beam group scheduled by the second communication device in a first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, and the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a first timing advance (TA) variation range of the first beam group; the second communication device transmitting the first indication information through the first beam group; and the second communication device receiving an uplink signal from the first communication device according to the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group.

[0006] In the above communication method, the first communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with a terminal device. The second communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with a network device.

[0007] Taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, the above method can determine the time-division duplex frame structure of the scheduled beam group based on the TA variation range of the beam group scheduled by the network device during a certain scheduling period. This enables the time-division duplex frame structure used for communication between the network device and the terminal device to adapt to the TA determined by the terminal device, thereby avoiding the conflict between uplink signal transmission and downlink signal reception on the terminal device when using TDD communication. In addition, the fact that all beams in the beam group scheduled by the network device use the same time-division duplex frame structure can also reduce inter-beam interference and improve the communication quality between the network device and the terminal device.

[0008] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the second communication device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0009] Taking the first communication device as the terminal equipment and the second communication device as the network equipment as an example, in the above design, based on the characteristic that network equipment such as satellites and high-altitude platforms operate according to specific rules and that the total TA change interval during the service time is fixed, the total TA change interval during the network equipment's service time can be divided into multiple TA change sub-intervals. The union of these multiple TA change sub-intervals equals the total TA change interval during the network equipment's service time. These multiple TA change sub-intervals may or may not overlap. The network equipment can configure multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponding to each of the multiple TA change sub-intervals, and can configure these multiple time-division duplex frame structures to the terminal equipment through broadcasting, pre-configuration, or other methods. When a network device determines the time-division duplex frame structure of a beam group scheduled for a certain scheduling period, it can use the time-division duplex frame structure corresponding to the TA change sub-interval that includes the TA change range of the beam group scheduled for that scheduling period as the applied time-division duplex frame structure. The time-division duplex frame structure can be indicated to the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the scheduled beam group through the index or other means. This can reduce signaling overhead and reduce the change of the time-division duplex frame structure during the service time of the network device.

[0010] In one possible design, the uplink / downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum and minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval. The uplink / downlink resource configuration period can refer to the duration of one uplink / downlink resource repetition in the time-division duplex frame structure. For example, if the time-division duplex frame structure cycles through 3 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink / downlink resource protection time domain unit, then 3 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink / downlink resource protection time domain unit constitute one uplink / downlink resource configuration period. The size of the uplink / downlink resource protection band can refer to the duration or number of uplink / downlink resource protection time domain units corresponding to one uplink / downlink resource configuration period, or the duration or number of uplink / downlink resource protection time domain units used to separate downlink and uplink time domain units.

[0011] Taking the first communication device as the terminal equipment and the second communication device as the network equipment as an example, in the above design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the time division duplex frame structure is determined according to the minimum TA of the TA change sub-interval, and the size of the uplink and downlink resource protection band in the time division duplex frame structure is determined according to the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the TA change sub-interval. This can ensure that the uplink signal of the terminal equipment after timing advance is sent in the uplink time domain unit or the uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit, avoiding the problem of conflict between the transmission of the uplink signal and the reception of the downlink signal of the terminal equipment.

[0012] In one possible design, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, the second communication device sends second indication information through the first beam group. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink and downlink resource protection band is determined according to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0013] Taking the first communication device as the terminal equipment and the second communication device as the network equipment as an example, in the above design, when the network equipment adds a new beam during the scheduling period, the uplink and downlink resource protection bands in the time division duplex frame structure can be added to adapt to the TA changes brought about by the new beam, thereby reducing the complexity of the time division duplex frame structure scheduling.

[0014] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0015] In the above design, uplink throughput can be guaranteed in scenarios with high uplink throughput requirements by sacrificing downlink time domain unit resources to adapt to the TA changes brought about by the addition of a new beam; downlink throughput can also be guaranteed in scenarios with high downlink throughput requirements by sacrificing uplink time domain unit resources to adapt to the TA changes brought about by the addition of a new beam, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0016] In one possible design, the method further includes: a second communication device sending third indication information through a second beam group scheduled during a second scheduling period, the third indication information being used to indicate a second time-division duplex frame structure of the second beam group, wherein the second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a second TA variation range of the second beam group.

[0017] Taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, in the above design, the network device can indicate the corresponding time division duplex frame structure according to the change range of the scheduled beam group, so as to avoid the problem of conflict between the transmission of uplink signals and the reception of downlink signals on the terminal device when using TDD communication mode.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a first communication device receiving first indication information from a second communication device, the first indication information being used to indicate a first time-division duplex frame structure of a first beam group scheduled by the second communication device during a first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a first TA variation range of the first beam group, and the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group; the first communication device sending an uplink signal to the second communication device according to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0019] In the above communication method, the first communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with a terminal device. The second communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a device used in conjunction with a network device.

[0020] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the second communication device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0021] In one possible design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: a first communication device receiving second indication information from a second communication device, the second indication information being used to indicate a second uplink / downlink resource protection band in a first time-division duplex frame structure, the size of the second uplink / downlink resource protection band being determined based on the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group, relative to the increase in the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0023] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes: a first communication device receiving third indication information from a second communication device, the third indication information being used to indicate the second time-division duplex frame structure of the second beam group scheduled by the second communication device during a second scheduling period, wherein the second beam group includes at least one third beam, the second time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group, and the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the second beam group.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used with the communication device of the first aspect. The communication device can be a network device, a device in a network device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include: an interface unit and a processing unit; the processing unit is configured to determine first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first time-division duplex frame structure of a first beam group scheduled by the communication device during a first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, and the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a first timing advance (TA) variation range of the first beam group; the interface unit is configured to transmit the first indication information through the first beam group; the processing unit is further configured to receive an uplink signal from a first communication device through the interface unit according to the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group.

[0028] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the communication device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0029] In one possible design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

[0030] In one possible design, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, the interface unit is further configured to send second indication information through the first beam group. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink and downlink resource protection band is determined according to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0031] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0032] In one possible design, the interface unit is also used to send third indication information through the second beam group scheduled by the second scheduling period. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time division duplex frame structure of the second beam group, wherein the second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in the communication device of the second aspect. The communication device can be a terminal device, a device in the terminal device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect one by one. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include: an interface unit and a processing unit; the interface unit is configured to receive first indication information from a second communication device, the first indication information being used to indicate a first time-division duplex frame structure of a first beam group scheduled by the second communication device during a first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to a first timing advance (TA) variation range of the first beam group, and the communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group; the processing unit is configured to send an uplink signal to the second communication device through the interface unit according to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0036] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the second communication device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0037] In one possible design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

[0038] In one possible design, the interface unit is further configured to receive second indication information from the second communication device. The second indication information is used to indicate a second uplink / downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink / downlink resource protection band is determined based on the increase in the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0039] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0040] In one possible design, the interface unit is further configured to receive third indication information from the second communication device. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time-division duplex frame structure of the second beam group scheduled by the second communication device during a second scheduling period. The second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group. The communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the second beam group.

[0041] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an interface circuit and a processor, wherein the processor and the interface circuit are coupled to each other. The processor implements the methods described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect through logic circuits or executing instructions. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. It is understood that the interface circuit can be a transceiver, a transceiver terminal, or an input / output interface.

[0042] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, or storing input data required by the processor to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor executes instructions. The memory may be a physically independent unit, or it may be coupled to the processor, or the processor may include the memory.

[0043] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an interface circuit and a processor, wherein the processor and the interface circuit are coupled to each other. The processor implements the methods described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect through logic circuits or execution instructions. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. It is understood that the interface circuit can be a transceiver, a transceiver terminal, or an input / output interface.

[0044] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, or storing input data required by the processor to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor executes instructions. The memory may be a physically independent unit, or it may be coupled to the processor, or the processor may include the memory.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, they can implement the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or implement the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0046] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, can implement the method in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or implement the method in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0047] Ninthly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip coupled to a memory for reading and executing programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the methods in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or to implement the methods in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0048] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which may include: the network device of the first aspect and the terminal device of the second aspect described above.

[0049] The technical effects achievable by aspects two through ten above are similar to those achievable by aspect one above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing advance adjustment in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 An interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the distance between the network device and the terminal device at different pitch angles, as provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pitch angle and TA curves corresponding to embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the time-division duplex frame structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the time-division duplex frame structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the application of the time-division duplex frame structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram of the application of the time-division duplex frame structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 11 This is one of the schematic diagrams of time-division duplex frame structure adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 This is the second schematic diagram of the time-division duplex frame structure adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 This is the third schematic diagram of the time-division duplex frame structure adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 14 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G communication systems, NTN communication systems, and also to communication systems evolved after 5G, such as sixth-generation (6G) communication systems. Figure 1 The diagram shown is an architectural representation of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes network devices and terminal devices, with one network device and two terminal devices (terminal device A and terminal device B) as an example. Terminal device A and terminal device B can communicate with the network device separately or simultaneously. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the scope of the communication system. Figure 1 The number of terminal devices and network devices in the communication system shown.

[0066] The aforementioned terminal equipment, also known as terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal, etc., is a device or equipment with wireless communication capabilities. Terminal equipment can be widely used in various scenarios, such as machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal equipment can include subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, modems, handsets, laptop computers, customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machines, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, MTC devices, ground stations, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0067] The aforementioned network equipment can also be called access network (AN) equipment or radio access network (RAN) equipment. It is a device or equipment that can be deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network equipment can be base stations used for wireless communication, such as medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), evolved NodeBs (eNBs), and 5G base stations (gNBs). Optionally, the network equipment in this application embodiment may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, equipment that implements base station functions in communication systems evolved after 5G, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and equipment that undertakes base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, etc. It may also include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (C-RAN) systems. This application embodiment does not specifically limit these aspects.

[0068] Taking a satellite as an example, the specific communication scenarios applied in the embodiments of this application can be as follows: Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown.

[0069] exist Figure 2A In the scenario shown, the base station is deployed on the ground, and the satellite connects to the ground station via an air interface. The ground station can connect to the base station via a wireless or wired link. Ground-based terminal devices access the mobile communication network via the air interface (which can be of various types, such as a 5G air interface), and the satellite acts as a transmission node, forwarding information from the terminal devices.

[0070] exist Figure 2BIn the scenario shown, the base station is deployed on a satellite, which connects to the ground station via an air interface. The ground station can connect to the core network via a wireless or wired link. Ground terminal devices communicate with the satellite base station via the air interface to access the mobile communication network. The satellite, acting as a base station, connects to the ground station via the air interface NG interface. The ground station connects to the core network via the NG interface, which can be either wireless or wired.

[0071] Figure 2C The scene shown is Figure 2B Compared to the scenario shown, the scenario of communication between satellite base stations has been added. Specifically, satellite base stations can communicate with each other through the Xn interface.

[0072] exist Figures 2A-2C In this context, terminal devices can include various types of terminal devices that support the new air interface, such as the types of terminals listed above. Terminal devices can access the satellite network via the air interface and initiate services such as making calls and accessing the internet.

[0073] Base stations are mainly used to provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to accessing terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0074] The core network is primarily used to provide functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and accounting. The core network consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities.

[0075] Ground stations are primarily responsible for relaying signaling and service data between satellites and base stations, or between satellites and the core network.

[0076] Air interface: refers to the wireless link between the terminal device and the base station.

[0077] Xn interface: This refers to the interface between satellite base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0078] NG interface: This refers to the interface between the base station and the core network, or the interface between the ground station and the core network, or the interface between the satellite base station and the ground station (in this case, the interface is a wireless link). It mainly exchanges non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0079] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms used in this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0080] 1) Staring beam: A staring beam means that the satellite's beam always serves a specific area during the satellite's movement. The network side continuously adjusts the beam's direction according to the satellite's movement needs to ensure that the specific area is covered by the satellite's beam for a period of time when the satellite is visible.

[0081] 2) Non-staring beam: A non-staring beam means that the direction of the satellite beam hardly changes during the satellite's motion, and the area served by the beam moves with the satellite's motion.

[0082] 3) Uplink and downlink resource allocation cycle: The uplink and downlink resource allocation cycle can refer to the duration of one repetition of uplink and downlink resources in a time-division duplex frame structure. For example, in a time-division duplex frame structure, if the cycle is performed by 3 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit, then 3 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit constitute one uplink and downlink resource allocation cycle.

[0083] The temporal unit can be a resource with different temporal granularities, such as a subframe, slot, mini-slot, or symbol.

[0084] 4) Uplink and downlink resource protection bands. Uplink and downlink resource protection bands are generally protection intervals for switching from downlink time domain units to uplink time domain units. They are used to separate downlink time domain units and uplink time domain units. The size of the uplink and downlink resource protection band can refer to the duration or number of uplink and downlink resource protection time domain units used to separate downlink and uplink time domain units, that is, the duration or number of uplink and downlink resource protection time domain units in one uplink and downlink resource configuration cycle.

[0085] 5) Schedule TA in advance, such as Figure 3AAs shown, due to the signal propagation delay between the network device and the terminal device, the interval from the start time of the network device sending the downlink signal to the start time of the terminal device 1 receiving the downlink signal is ΔT1 = d1 / c, where d1 is the distance between the network device and the terminal device 1, and c is the signal propagation speed. For wireless communication, c is the speed of light. Similarly, ΔT2 = d2 / c, where d2 is the distance between the network device and the terminal device 2. If the terminal device 1 does not perform uplink timing adjustment and sends an uplink signal to the network device with the start time of receiving the downlink signal as a reference, the interval from the start time of the terminal device 1 sending the uplink signal to the start time of the network device receiving the uplink signal is also ΔT1. Therefore, for the terminal device 1, there is a time difference of 2ΔT1 from the start time of the network device sending the downlink signal to the start time of the network device receiving the uplink signal. Similarly, for the terminal device 2, there is a time difference of 2ΔT2 from the start time of the network device sending the downlink signal to the start time of the network device receiving the uplink signal. Because the distances between terminal devices and network devices vary, the arrival times of uplink signals at network devices differ, potentially causing timing deviations between terminal devices. When these timing deviations exceed the cyclic prefix (CP) of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the terminal devices will interfere with each other.

[0086] To resolve interference issues between terminal devices, the terminal devices need to undergo timing adjustments, also known as timing advance, or TA. For example... Figure 3B As shown, terminal device 1 advances its uplink signal transmission start time by 2ΔT1, and terminal device 2 advances its uplink signal transmission start time by 2ΔT2. Therefore, the network device will receive the uplink signals from both terminal devices at the same time, thus resolving the problem of mutual interference between terminal devices. Timing advance can sometimes also be referred to as round trip time (RTT).

[0087] As described above regarding TA, for terminal devices, TA is essentially a negative offset between the start time of receiving downlink signals and the start time of transmitting uplink signals. For terminal devices located far from the network equipment, due to the significant transmission delay, they need to send uplink signals earlier than terminal devices closer to the network equipment. A characteristic of NTN is its large transmission delay. When NTN uses TDD communication, a significant timing advance is required to synchronize uplink signals between terminal devices. The TA may exceed the range of CP (Content Response). Therefore, when a terminal device uses TA to send uplink signals, the transmission of uplink signals may occupy the time slot for transmitting downlink signals, conflicting with the time when the terminal device receives downlink signals. Therefore, ensuring conflict-free transmission of uplink signals and reception of downlink signals when using TDD communication is a pressing technical problem. Based on this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that adapts to the large delay characteristics of NTN by adjusting the frame structure, avoiding conflicts between uplink signal transmission and downlink signal reception when NTN uses TDD communication. The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Additionally, it should be understood that the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first time-division duplex frame structure and the second time-division duplex frame structure do not indicate a difference in priority or importance between the two time-division duplex frame structures.

[0089] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "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 means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0090] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4This application illustrates the method using network devices and terminal devices as the executing entities, but it does not limit the executing entities of the method. For example, Figure 4 The network device in the middle can also be a second communication device, which can be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a device that is matched with the network device; Figure 4 The terminal device in the method can also be a first communication device, which can be a terminal device, a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or a device used in conjunction with a terminal device. The method includes:

[0091] S401: The network device determines the first indication information, which is used to indicate the first time-division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by the network device in the first scheduling period.

[0092] For network equipment such as satellites and high-altitude platforms, the vertical height of the network equipment above the ground is usually relatively fixed. The elevation angle range of the beam emitted by the network equipment (the angle range between the emitted beam and the horizontal plane) determines the distance range between terminal devices and network equipment within the beam's coverage area. For example... Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the distance between network devices and terminal devices at different elevation angles. If the vertical height of the network device above the ground is *a*, and the elevation angle of the beam emitted by the network device is 30 degrees, the distance between the terminal device using this beam and the network device is 2*a*. When the elevation angle of the beam emitted by the network device is 45 degrees, the distance between the terminal device using this beam and the network device is approximately 1.414*a*. The touchdown (TA) of the terminal device is determined based on the distance between the terminal device and the network device. Therefore, for a single beam of the network device, the elevation angle range of the beam determines the range of TA variation for the terminal devices within the beam's coverage area. Figure 6 As shown in the schematic diagram of the pitch angle and TA curve, different pitch angle ranges correspond to different TA variation ranges. Figure 6 In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents the elevation angle (in degrees, deg), and the vertical axis represents the time-division duplex (TD) and milliseconds (ms). Therefore, in this embodiment, the time-division duplex frame structure of the beam group scheduled during the scheduling period can be determined based on the TD variation range of the beam group scheduled by the network device during the scheduling period, thus avoiding conflicts between the transmission of uplink signals and the reception of downlink signals by the terminal device.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the first time-division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled in the first scheduling period based on the first TA variation range of the first beam group scheduled in the first scheduling period. Specifically, the uplink / downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure can be determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA variation sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure can be determined based on the difference between the maximum and minimum TA of the first TA variation sub-interval.

[0094] As an example: A network device schedules a first beam group including beams A, B, and C during the first scheduling period. Beam A has a TA variation range of 3ms-3.5ms, beam B has a TA variation range of 3ms-3.4ms, and beam C has a TA variation range of 3.2ms-3.5ms. Therefore, the network device can determine that the first TA variation range of the first beam group scheduled during the first scheduling period is 3ms-3.5ms, the minimum TA is 3ms, and the difference between the maximum and minimum TA is 0.5ms. Thus, the network device can determine that the first time-division duplex frame structure satisfies an uplink / downlink resource configuration period of 3ms and a first uplink / downlink resource protection band size of 0.5ms. For example... Figure 7 As shown, U represents the uplink time domain unit, D represents the downlink time domain unit, and G represents the uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit. The duration of each time domain unit is 0.5ms. The first time-division duplex frame structure can be a time-division duplex frame structure that cycles through 2 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit, satisfying that the uplink and downlink resource configuration period is 3ms (corresponding to the duration of 2 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units, and 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit), and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band is 0.5ms (corresponding to the duration of 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit).

[0095] It should be understood that the time domain unit can be a resource with different time granularities such as a subframe, time slot, mini time slot, or symbol. This application embodiment does not limit this. The duration of 0.5ms corresponding to the above time domain unit is only used for illustrative purposes.

[0096] Furthermore, since network equipment such as satellites and high-altitude platforms typically orbit the Earth periodically, the total range of time-of-use (TA) changes during the network equipment's service time is known. In some implementations, this total TA change range can be divided into multiple TA change sub-ranges. The union of these sub-ranges equals the total TA change range during the network equipment's service time. These sub-ranges may or may not overlap. A corresponding time-division duplex frame structure can be configured for each of these sub-ranges. When determining the first time-division duplex frame structure for the first beam group scheduled by the network equipment during the first scheduling period, the time-division duplex frame structure corresponding to the TA change sub-range including the first TA change range of the first beam group can be used as the first time-division duplex frame structure for the first beam group scheduled by the network equipment during the first scheduling period.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, U represents the uplink time domain unit, D represents the downlink time domain unit, G represents the uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit, and multiple TA change sub-intervals include TA change sub-interval 1 "TA1-TA2", TA change sub-interval 2 "TA2-TA3" and TA change sub-interval 3 "TA3-TA4". Among them, TA change sub-interval 1 "TA1-TA2" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 1, where the uplink and downlink resource configuration period of time-division duplex frame structure 1 is TA1, and the size of the uplink and downlink resource protection band is the difference between TA2 and TA1 (i.e., TA2-TA1); TA change sub-interval 2 "TA2-TA3" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 2, where the uplink and downlink resource configuration period of time-division duplex frame structure 2 is TA2, and the size of the uplink and downlink resource protection band is the difference between TA3 and TA2 (i.e., TA3-TA2); TA change sub-interval 3 "TA3-TA4" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 3, where the uplink and downlink resource configuration period of time-division duplex frame structure 3 is TA3, and the size of the uplink and downlink resource protection band is the difference between TA4 and TA3 (i.e., TA4-TA3). If the first TA change range of the first beam group belongs to TA change sub-interval 1 "TA1-TA2", then the network device can determine that the first time-division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by the network device in the first scheduling period is time-division duplex frame structure 1.

[0098] In one possible implementation, when dividing the total TA change interval during the network device's service time into multiple TA change sub-intervals, factors such as the coverage area of ​​the network device scheduling beam and the gaze duration can be considered to determine the granularity of the TA change sub-interval division. The larger the granularity of the TA change sub-interval division, the lower the complexity of network device scheduling; conversely, the smaller the granularity of the TA change sub-interval division, the higher the complexity of network device scheduling.

[0099] As an example: When dividing the TA change sub-intervals according to the possible range of TA changes (i.e., the total range of TA changes during the network device's service time) based on the area and service time of the network device, if the total range of TA changes is from 4ms to 12ms, dividing it according to a 1ms granularity (also known as an interval) results in 8 different TA change sub-intervals. If it is divided according to a 2ms granularity, there are 4 different TA change sub-intervals. Dividing according to a 2ms granularity reduces the total number of time-division duplex frame structures for network device scheduling by half compared to dividing according to a 1ms granularity, which can significantly reduce the complexity of network device scheduling.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, when the coverage area of ​​the beam scheduled by the network device is larger (that is, the corresponding range of TA change is larger) and the gaze duration is shorter (that is, the beam coverage area changes more frequently and the corresponding TA changes more frequently), a relatively large granularity can be used to perform TA change sub-intervals to reduce the complexity of network device scheduling.

[0101] S402: The network device sends first indication information through the first beam group. Accordingly, the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group receives the first indication information.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first indication information can be carried in a system information block (SIB), master information block (MIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, downlink control information (DCI), or media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The network device can send it to the terminal device located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group via broadcast, multicast, unicast, or other means.

[0103] Specifically, the first indication information can indicate the specific frame structure of the first time-division duplex frame. Taking the structure of the first time-division duplex frame as an example... Figure 7 As shown in the example, the first indication information can indicate that the first time division duplex frame structure is a cycle of uplink and downlink resource configuration with 2 uplink time domain units, 3 downlink time domain units and 1 uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit.

[0104] In some embodiments, to reduce signaling overhead, the first indication information may also be information such as the index corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame. Continuing with the above-mentioned division of the total TA change interval within the network device's service time into multiple TA change sub-intervals, and configuring a corresponding time-division duplex frame structure for each of these sub-intervals, when determining the first time-division duplex frame structure for the first beam group scheduled by the network device in the first scheduling period, the time-division duplex frame structure corresponding to the TA change sub-intervals including the first TA change range of the first beam group can be used as an example of the first time-division duplex frame structure for the first beam group scheduled by the network device in the first scheduling period. The time-division duplex frame structures and their associated indexes corresponding to the multiple TA change sub-intervals of the network device can be configured to the terminal device through network device broadcasting, pre-configuration, or other methods. When indicating the first time-division duplex frame structure to the terminal device, the network device can indicate the index associated with the first time-division duplex frame structure to the terminal device through the first indication information, enabling the terminal device to determine the first time-division duplex frame structure used for communication with the network device based on the index associated with the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0105] S403: The terminal device sends an uplink signal to the network device according to the first time-division duplex frame structure. Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink signal according to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0106] Taking the first time-division duplex frame structure as an example Figure 8 Taking the time-division duplex frame structure 1 shown as an example, if the TA of the terminal device is within the range of TA1-TA2, and the network device schedules the terminal device to send uplink signals on some or all of the resources of the uplink time domain unit (U0) and uplink time domain unit (U1) located at A, after processing by the TA corresponding to the terminal device, since the TA corresponding to the terminal device is within the range of TA1-TA2, the terminal device actually sends uplink signals on some of the resources of the uplink and downlink resource protection time domain unit (G5), uplink time domain unit (U0), and uplink time domain unit (U1) located at B. The uplink signals are received by the network device in the uplink time domain unit (U0) and uplink time domain unit (U1) located at A, and the transmission of uplink and downlink signals between the network device and the terminal device will not conflict.

[0107] Specifically, the network device can dynamically adjust the time-division duplex frame structure used for communication with the terminal device based on the TA variation range of the beam group scheduled in each scheduling period. For example, the network device schedules the second beam group in the second scheduling period after the first scheduling period. The network device can send third indication information through the second beam group scheduled in the second scheduling period. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time-division duplex frame structure of the second beam group, and the second time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group. The second beam group includes at least one third beam. The beams included in the second beam group can be exactly the same as the beams included in the first beam group, or they can be completely different, or they can be partially the same and partially different. This application does not limit the comparison.

[0108] Still with Figure 8 As shown, multiple TA change sub-intervals include TA change sub-interval 1 "TA1-TA2", TA change sub-interval 2 "TA2-TA3" and TA change sub-interval 3 "TA3-TA4". Among them, TA change sub-interval 1 "TA1-TA2" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 1, TA change sub-interval 2 "TA2-TA3" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 2, and TA change sub-interval 3 "TA3-TA4" corresponds to time-division duplex frame structure 3.

[0109] Taking network equipment as a satellite, and assuming the satellite can simultaneously serve four beams, for example... Figure 9 As shown, for satellite beam non-staring, not fixed to serve one or several areas, the service beam of the satellite at time T0-T1 is beam B1-B4, and its corresponding TA variation range is TA1 to TA2, and the corresponding time-division duplex frame structure is time-division duplex frame structure 1; the service beam of the satellite at time T1-T2 is beam B5-B8, and its corresponding TA variation range is TA2 to TA3, and the corresponding time-division duplex frame structure is time-division duplex frame structure 2.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown, for a satellite whose beam is a staring beam, meaning the area covered by the satellite beam is fixed, serving one or a few areas, as the satellite moves, the TA range of the satellite's four service beams changes from TA1 to TA2 at time T0-T1, corresponding to time division duplex frame structure 1; the TA range changes from TA2 to TA3 at time T1-T2, corresponding to time division duplex frame structure 2; and the TA range changes from TA3 to TA4 at time T3-T4, corresponding to time division duplex frame structure 3.

[0111] In this embodiment, the satellite can integrate the TA changes of all beams within a scheduling period and select a time-division duplex frame structure to ensure that the TA changes of the scheduled beams are within the TA change sub-interval corresponding to a certain time-division duplex frame structure during the satellite's movement. Furthermore, since the scheduled beams all adopt the same time-division duplex frame structure, it can also reduce interference between beams and improve the quality of communication with terminal equipment.

[0112] Furthermore, since satellites typically orbit the Earth periodically, beam scheduling is performed in an approximately round-robin manner throughout the entire service time. The beam hopping pattern and the TA change pattern can be the same throughout the entire service time. Therefore, satellites can also schedule time-division duplex frame structures corresponding to different TA change sub-intervals according to certain rules to match the scheduled beams, thereby reducing the complexity of scheduling.

[0113] In some implementations, since different beams may have different service times, there may be beam shutdowns and new beam activations during certain scheduling periods. When a network device adds a new beam during a scheduling period, and the minimum TA corresponding to the new beam does not decrease relative to the original TA of the first time-division duplex frame structure, while the maximum TA increases relative to the original TA of the time-division duplex frame structure, the uplink and / or downlink resource protection bands in the time-division duplex frame structure can be increased by sacrificing uplink and / or downlink resources to adapt to the TA changes brought about by the new beam and reduce the scheduling complexity of the time-division duplex frame structure.

[0114] Specifically, when the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, the network device can send second indication information through the first beam group. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band determined according to the increase in the maximum TA in the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0115] Optionally, the terminal can obtain a configuration of frame structures with different guard band sizes and corresponding indexes. This configuration can be issued by the network device or predefined by the protocol. The network device can notify the terminal of changes in the frame structure via the index. That is, the second indication information includes an index that corresponds to a frame structure with a second uplink / downlink resource guard band.

[0116] Optionally, the second indication information can indicate the second uplink / downlink resource protection band determined by the increase in the maximum TA in the first time-division duplex frame structure through direct configuration, or it can indicate the second uplink / downlink resource protection band determined by the increase in the maximum TA in the first time-division duplex frame structure through offset indication. For example, the second indication information includes two bits: 01 indicates that the DL of one slot or one symbol is converted into a protection interval, and 11 indicates that the UL of one slot or one symbol is converted into a protection interval.

[0117] In one possible implementation, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, in scenarios with high downlink throughput requirements, in order to ensure downlink throughput, uplink resources can be sacrificed, that is, uplink time domain units can be sacrificed. The second uplink and downlink resource protection band indicated by the second indication information issued by the network device may include one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in each uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0118] like Figure 11 As shown, when the maximum TA increase corresponds to the duration of one time-domain unit, one uplink time-domain unit adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure can be converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit as the second uplink / downlink resource protection band to adapt to the new TA change range. Specifically, a direct configuration method can be used, such as by carrying U0 in the second indication information to indicate that one uplink time-domain unit (U0) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure is converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit; or, a deviation indication method can be used, such as by carrying 01 in the second indication information to indicate that one uplink time-domain unit (U0) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure is converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit.

[0119] In one possible implementation, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, in scenarios with high uplink throughput requirements, downlink resources can be sacrificed to ensure uplink throughput, i.e., downlink time domain units can be sacrificed. The second uplink and downlink resource protection band indicated by the second indication information issued by the network device may include one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in each uplink and downlink resource configuration cycle in the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0120] like Figure 12 As shown, when the maximum TA increase corresponds to the duration of one time-domain unit, a downlink time-domain unit adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure can be converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit as the second uplink / downlink resource protection band to adapt to the new TA change range. Specifically, a direct configuration method can be used, such as by carrying D4 in the second indication information to indicate that a downlink time-domain unit (D4) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure is converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit; or, a deviation indication method can be used, such as by carrying 11 in the second indication information to indicate that a downlink time-domain unit (D4) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure is converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit.

[0121] In one possible implementation, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, in a scenario where uplink and downlink throughput are relatively balanced, in order to maintain the uplink and downlink throughput balance, uplink time domain units and downlink time domain units can be sacrificed simultaneously. The second uplink and downlink resource protection band indicated by the second indication information issued by the network device may include one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in each uplink and downlink resource configuration cycle in the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0122] like Figure 13As shown, when the maximum TA increase corresponds to the duration of two time-domain units, one uplink time-domain unit and one downlink time-domain unit adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure can be converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit as the second uplink / downlink resource protection band to adapt to the new TA change range. Specifically, a direct configuration method can be used, such as by carrying U0 and D4 in the second indication information to indicate that one uplink time-domain unit (U0) and one downlink time-domain unit (D4) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure are converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit; or, a deviation indication method can be used, such as by carrying 01 and 11 in the second indication information to indicate that one uplink time-domain unit (U0) and one downlink time-domain unit (D4) adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure are converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time-domain unit.

[0123] Additionally, it should be understood that the above description uses the second uplink / downlink resource protection band as an example of the newly added uplink / downlink resource protection band (or uplink / downlink resource protection time domain unit) in the first time-division duplex frame structure. In some implementations, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band indicated by the second indication information can also refer to the new uplink / downlink resource protection band after the maximum TA of the first time-division duplex frame structure is increased. That is, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band can also refer to the sum of the aforementioned first uplink / downlink resource protection band and the newly added uplink / downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0124] Furthermore, the time-division duplex frame structures corresponding to different TA change sub-intervals can be pre-configured to accommodate different uplink and downlink resource protection band sizes. The time-division duplex frame structures corresponding to different uplink and downlink resource protection band sizes, along with their corresponding indexes (or numbers), can be configured to the terminal devices through pre-configuration or network device broadcasting. For example, time-division duplex frame structure 1 corresponding to the TA change sub-interval can be applied to the above... Figures 11-13 The three different uplink and downlink resource protection zone sizes involved can be used to address the above. Figures 11-13 The three time-division duplex frame structures with different uplink and downlink resource protection band sizes involved (corresponding to) Figure 11-13 The time division duplex frame structure (indicated by the thick arrow) and its corresponding index (or number) are configured for the terminal device. The network device can also inform the terminal device of changes by indicating the index (or number).

[0125] As an example, the above Figures 11-13The three different uplink / downlink resource protection band sizes involved in the time-division duplex frame structure are numbered 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The network device can send a second indication message containing the number 11 to the terminal device to instruct that one uplink time domain unit adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time-division duplex frame structure be converted into an uplink / downlink resource protection time domain unit as the second uplink / downlink resource protection band to adapt to the new TA change range; or instruct the terminal device to apply... Figure 11 The time-division duplex frame structure involved (corresponding to) Figure 11 The thick arrow indicates the time-division duplex frame structure, to adapt to the new range of TA changes.

[0126] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and terminal device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0127] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of network devices or terminal devices in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In one possible implementation, the communication device can be a network device or a terminal device, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to a network device or a terminal device.

[0128] like Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processing unit 1410 and an interface unit 1420, wherein the interface unit 1420 may also be a transceiver unit or an input / output interface. The communication device 1400 can be used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of network devices or terminal devices.

[0129] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 4 The function of the network device in the method embodiment shown is as follows:

[0130] Processing unit 1410 is configured to determine first indication information, which indicates the first time-division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by the communication device during the first scheduling period. The first beam group includes at least one first beam, and the first time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to the first timing advance (TA) change range of the first beam group. Interface unit 1420 is configured to send the first indication information through the first beam group. Processing unit 1410 is also configured to receive uplink signals from terminal devices through interface unit 1420 according to the first time-division duplex frame structure. The terminal devices are located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group.

[0131] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the communication device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0132] In one possible design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

[0133] In one possible design, if the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure, the interface unit 1420 is further configured to send second indication information through the first beam group. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink and downlink resource protection band is determined according to the increase in the maximum TA.

[0134] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0135] In one possible design, the interface unit 1420 is further configured to send third indication information through the second beam group scheduled by the second scheduling period. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time division duplex frame structure of the second beam group, wherein the second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group.

[0136] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 4 The terminal device functions as shown in the method embodiment:

[0137] Interface unit 1420 is used to receive first indication information from network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the first time division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by network device in the first scheduling period. The first beam group includes at least one first beam. The first time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the first timing advance (TA) change range of the first beam group. The communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group. Processing unit 1410 is used to send uplink signals to network device through interface unit 1420 according to the first time division duplex frame structure.

[0138] In one possible design, the first time-division duplex frame structure is one of multiple time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the multiple time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the network device, and the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range. Optionally, the first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0139] In one possible design, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

[0140] In one possible design, the interface unit 1420 is further configured to receive second indication information from the network device. The second indication information is used to indicate a second uplink / downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink / downlink resource protection band is determined based on the increase in the maximum TA of at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group relative to the maximum TA of the TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

[0141] In one possible design, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA; or, the second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

[0142] In one possible design, the interface unit 1420 is further configured to receive third indication information from the network device. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time-division duplex frame structure of the second beam group scheduled by the network device during the second scheduling period. The second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time-division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group. The communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the second beam group.

[0143] like Figure 15 As shown, this application also provides a communication device 1500, including a processor 1510 and an interface circuit 1520. The processor 1510 and the interface circuit 1520 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1520 can be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, etc. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a memory 1530 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1510, or storing input data required by the processor 1510 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1510 executes instructions. Optionally, the memory 1530 may also be integrated with the processor 1510.

[0144] When the communication device 1500 is used to achieve Figure 4 In the method shown, processor 1510 can be used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1410, and interface circuit 1520 can be used to implement the functions of the interface unit 1420.

[0145] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0146] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal device.

[0147] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center to another network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0148] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0149] Additionally, it should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the term "exemplary" is used to indicate that it is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0150] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first communication device receives first indication information from the second communication device. The first indication information is used to indicate the first time division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by the second communication device in the first scheduling period. The first beam group includes at least one first beam. The first time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the first timing advance (TA) change range of the first beam group. The first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group. The first communication device sends an uplink signal to the second communication device according to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first time-division duplex frame structure is one of a plurality of time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the plurality of time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the second communication device. The first TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the first time-division duplex frame structure, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device receives second indication information from the second communication device. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink and downlink resource protection band is determined based on the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group, relative to the increase in the maximum TA of the first TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time division duplex frame structure.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA; or, The second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA; or, The second uplink and downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in each uplink and downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device receives third indication information from the second communication device. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time division duplex frame structure of the second beam group scheduled by the second communication device during the second scheduling period. The second beam group includes at least one third beam. The second time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group. The first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the second beam group.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second communication device determines first indication information, which is used to indicate the first time division duplex frame structure of the first beam group scheduled by the second communication device in the first scheduling period, wherein the first beam group includes at least one first beam, and the first time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the first timing advance TA change range of the first beam group. The second communication device transmits the first indication information through the first beam group; The second communication device receives uplink signals from the first communication device according to the first time-division duplex frame structure, wherein the first communication device is located within the coverage area of ​​the first beam group.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first time-division duplex frame structure is one of a plurality of time-division duplex frame structures. Each of the plurality of time-division duplex frame structures corresponds to a TA change sub-interval of the second communication device. The first TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time-division duplex frame structure includes the first TA change range.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, In the first time-division duplex frame structure, the uplink and downlink resource configuration period is determined based on the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval, and the size of the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time-division duplex frame structure is determined based on the difference between the maximum TA and the minimum TA of the first TA change sub-interval.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, When the maximum TA corresponding to at least one newly added second beam in the first beam group increases relative to the maximum TA of the first TA change sub-interval corresponding to the first time division duplex frame structure, the second communication device sends second indication information through the first beam group. The second indication information is used to indicate the second uplink and downlink resource protection band in the first time division duplex frame structure. The size of the second uplink and downlink resource protection band is determined according to the increase in the maximum TA.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more uplink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA; or, The second uplink / downlink resource protection band includes one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink / downlink resource protection band in each uplink / downlink resource configuration period of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the duration of the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase in the maximum TA; or, The second uplink and downlink resource protection band includes one or more uplink time domain units and one or more downlink time domain units adjacent to the first uplink and downlink resource protection band in each uplink and downlink resource configuration cycle of the first time division duplex frame structure, wherein the total duration of the one or more uplink time domain units and the one or more downlink time domain units is greater than or equal to the increase of the maximum TA.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8-12, characterized in that, The first indication information is an index, and the index corresponds to the first time-division duplex frame structure.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second communication device sends third indication information through the second beam group scheduled in the second scheduling period. The third indication information is used to indicate the second time division duplex frame structure of the second beam group, wherein the second beam group includes at least one third beam, and the second time division duplex frame structure corresponds to the second TA variation range of the second beam group.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes interface units and processing units; The interface unit is used to receive and send data; A processing unit is configured to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14, through the interface unit.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is 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. The processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8-14, through logic circuits or execution instructions.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 to be implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14 to be implemented.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 to be implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14 to be implemented.

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