Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus, relating to the field of communication. In this method, with the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbol of the signal remaining constant, there are multiple symbol structures with different cyclic prefix lengths. For example, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, or the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Moreover, the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Therefore, it is possible to dynamically adjust the cyclic prefix length while keeping the subcarrier spacing constant, so as to achieve flexible and adjustable sensing distance and meet various scenarios in practical applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Harmonized communication and sensing (HCS), also known as communication-sensing integration technology, is considered a key technology for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks during the evolution from 5G to 5G-advanced (5G-A) technology. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network.

[0003] Currently, 5G typically uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols with an added cyclic prefix (CP), i.e., CP-OFDM symbols. When using CP-OFDM symbols for sensing, the sensing distance is directly limited by the CP length, thus restricting practical applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to achieve flexible and adjustable sensing distance of CP-OFDM symbols, which can meet various scenarios in practical applications.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A first aspect provides a communication method, the method comprising: receiving indication information from a network device; receiving a first signal from the network device according to the indication information; or sending a first signal to the network device according to the indication information. The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, the symbol structure including a cyclic prefix length and a symbol length, and the symbol structure of the first signal is one of at least two symbol structures, wherein the at least two symbol structures include a first symbol structure and a second symbol structure, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure, and the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure.

[0007] As is known, in existing technologies, the cyclic prefix length and symbol length of a symbol structure are fixed; that is, the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbol is fixed, and the signal sensing range is also fixed. In contrast, this application defines a symbol structure with multiple cyclic prefix lengths, where the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbol remains constant. For example, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure may not be equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, or the symbol length of the first symbol structure may not be equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Furthermore, the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Therefore, it is possible to dynamically adjust the cyclic prefix length while keeping the subcarrier spacing constant, thereby achieving flexible and adjustable sensing distance and meeting the needs of various practical application scenarios.

[0008] It is understood that the symbols mentioned in the embodiments of this application refer to OFDM symbols or any other possible symbols unless otherwise specified. Since the sum of the cyclic prefix of the signal and the length of the symbol remains unchanged, it can be equal to the length of the CP-OFDM symbol defined in the prior art, so as to be compatible with the existing frame structure and not affect the existing configuration.

[0009] It is also understood that the method described in the first aspect can be executed by a first communication device, which can be a terminal, a device containing a terminal, or a chip within a terminal. Alternatively, the first communication device can also be a network device, a device containing a network device, or a chip within a network device. For ease of description, the following description will take the execution of the method described in the first aspect by a first communication device as an example.

[0010] One possible design scheme includes indication information used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, comprising: indication information indicating at least one of the following: the cyclic prefix length of the first signal, the symbol length of the first signal, the ratio of the symbol length to the first symbol length, or the ratio of the cyclic prefix length to the first cyclic prefix length. The specific selection can be flexible and is not limited according to actual conditions. The first symbol length and / or the second cyclic prefix length are predetermined and may also be referred to as the reference symbol length and / or the reference cyclic prefix length, or the symbol length and / or cyclic prefix length defined by 3GPP, or any other possible naming, without limitation.

[0011] Optionally, when the indication information indicates the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, the ratio is one of at least two values, namely at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 3 / 8, 1 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, 9 / 16, 7 / 16, 5 / 16, 3 / 16 and 1 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16 and 9 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 15 / 16 and 9 / 16.

[0012] This is understandable, because OFDM symbols are usually generated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), which typically requires the number of points in the FFT to be a power of 2. Considering that the computational complexity of 3 and 5 points in the FFT operation is also relatively low, the denominator of the above ratio can be a multiple of 2, or a multiple of a smaller odd number such as 3 or 5, in order to minimize the complexity of signal transmission and reception.

[0013] One possible design is to carry the indication information in a broadcast or unicast message. For example, the broadcast or unicast message and the first signal sent or received by the terminal can have a scheduling relationship, so that the terminal can modulate or demodulate the first signal according to the symbol result indicated by the indication information.

[0014] Optionally, if the indication information is carried in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) of a broadcast message, the first signal is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduled by the PBCH, so that the terminal can respond according to the indication information. Alternatively, if the indication information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or the Media Access Control-Control (MAC-CE) message of a unicast message, the first signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) scheduled by the RRC message or the MAC-CE message; or, if the indication information is carried in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) message of a unicast message, the first signal is the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) scheduled by the DCI message. The specific implementation can be selected according to the actual situation and is not limited thereto. In addition, other implementations are also possible and are not limited thereto.

[0015] Secondly, a communication method is provided, comprising: a network device sending indication information to a terminal, receiving a first signal sent by the terminal, or sending a first signal to the terminal. The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, the symbol structure including a cyclic prefix length and a symbol length, and the symbol structure of the first signal is one of at least two symbol structures, wherein the at least two symbol structures include a first symbol structure and a second symbol structure, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure, and the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure.

[0016] One possible design scheme is that the indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, including: the indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the cyclic prefix length of the first signal, the symbol length of the first signal, the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, or the ratio of the cyclic prefix length of the first signal to the first cyclic prefix length, wherein the first symbol length and / or the second cyclic prefix length are predetermined.

[0017] Optionally, when the indication information indicates the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, the ratio is one of at least two values, namely at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 3 / 8, 1 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, 9 / 16, 7 / 16, 5 / 16, 3 / 16 and 1 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16 and 9 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 15 / 16 and 9 / 16.

[0018] One possible design is to carry the instruction information in a broadcast message or a unicast message.

[0019] Optionally, if the indication information is carried in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) of a broadcast message, the sensing signal is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduled by the PBCH; or, if the indication information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or the Media Access Control-Control (MAC-CE) message of a unicast message, the sensing signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) scheduled by the RRC message or the MAC-CE message; or, if the indication information is carried in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) message of a unicast message, the sensing signal is the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) scheduled by the DCI message.

[0020] In one possible design, when the network device receives a first signal sent by the terminal, the method described in the second aspect further includes: the network device receiving the echo signal of the first signal to achieve sensing.

[0021] It is understood that the technical effects of the method described in the second aspect above can also be referred to the relevant introduction in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0022] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes modules for performing the methods described in any one of the first to second aspects, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. For example, the transceiver module is used to instruct the transceiver functions of the communication device, and the processing module is used to perform functions of the communication device other than the transceiver functions.

[0023] Optionally, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in the third aspect, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in the X aspect.

[0024] Optionally, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform the methods described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0025] It is understood that the communication device described in the third aspect may be a terminal or network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a terminal or network device, or a device that includes a terminal or network device. This application does not limit it in this regard.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the third aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the other aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0028] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the fourth aspect and other communication devices.

[0029] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data relating to the methods described in any of the first to second aspects.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may be a terminal or network device described in any one of the first to second aspects, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may be a device containing the terminal or network device.

[0031] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any one of the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0033] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the fifth aspect and other communication devices.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may be a terminal or network device described in any one of the first to second aspects, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may include the terminal or network device.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any one of the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0037] In one possible design, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the sixth aspect and other communication devices.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may be a terminal or network device described in any one of the first to second aspects, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may include the terminal or network device.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in any one of the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] A seventh aspect provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a first communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect, and a second communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0041] Eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0042] A ninth aspect provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a scene for sensing modes;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the CP-OFDM symbol;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the CP-OFDM symbol for the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0050] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0051] 1. Sensing:

[0052] Perception can refer to the process by which communication entities in a wireless network determine information about their surrounding environment by sending and receiving signals after they have passed through objects. This environmental information can include information about one or more objects within the environment. Object information can include the object's position, speed, size, or shape. These objects can alter the transmission characteristics of signals, such as changing the transmission direction, transmission gain, transmission delay, or frequency. Therefore, communication entities can achieve perception by detecting these changes in signal transmission characteristics. For example, channel response information obtained through channel estimation can reflect changes in a signal after passing through different transmission environments (or channels). Consequently, when a signal passes through an object, the channel response information can reflect the changes in the object's transmission characteristics.

[0053] For example, channel response information may include channel impulse response (CIR), channel frequency response (CFR), or channel state information (CSI), etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0054] It should be understood that the "signal after being acted upon by an object" mentioned above may include: a signal after being reflected by an object; a signal after being refracted by an object; a signal after being scattered by an object; a signal after being diffracted by an object; or a signal after being transmitted by an object, etc. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0055] It is understood that the aforementioned objects can be moving or stationary, and can be active or passive. Active objects can refer to those with data processing capabilities, such as base stations, mobile phones, routers, vehicles, drones, and radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. Passive objects can refer to those without data processing capabilities, such as human bodies, animals, plants, vehicles, and buildings.

[0056] It should be understood that "object" can also be called "scatterer", "reflector", "refractor", "blocker", or "obstacle", etc. In other words, in the embodiments of this application, "object", "scatterer", "reflector", "refractor", "blocker", and "obstacle" can be used interchangeably, which will be uniformly stated here and will not be repeated below.

[0057] It should also be understood that the aforementioned "communication entity" can also be referred to as "network entity," "communication device," "communication equipment," "communication node," or "site." In other words, in the embodiments of this application, "communication entity," "network entity," "communication device," "communication equipment," "communication node," and "site" can be used interchangeably, and will not be elaborated further below.

[0058] 2. HCS:

[0059] HCS, also known as Integrated Communication and Sensing Technology, is considered a key technology for expanding the service capabilities of mobile communication networks during the evolution from 5G to 5G enhancement technologies. The core idea of ​​this technology is to add sensing capabilities to the mobile communication network, building the ability to detect, track, and image targets, thereby integrating communication and sensing capabilities into a single network, achieving harmonious coexistence and even mutual benefit.

[0060] The technical principles of sensing differ somewhat from those of communication. In communication, the transmitting end modulates information onto radio waves and sends it to the receiving end, which then demodulates the signal to obtain the information. Sensing, however, requires the transmitting end to send radio waves in a specific direction. When these radio waves strike a target surface, they are reflected, and the receiving end receives and processes these reflected waves to obtain information such as the target's position, speed, and type.

[0061] Sensing can generally be divided into two modes: single-site sensing and dual-site sensing. In single-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are the same device. From the signal flow perspective, the sensing station both transmits and receives the signal reflected from the target surface; therefore, single-site sensing is also called the self-transmitting and self-receiving mode. In dual-site sensing, the transmitting and receiving ends of the sensing signal are two different devices. From the signal flow perspective, after sensing station A transmits the sensing signal, the signal reflected from the target surface is received by sensing station B; therefore, dual-site sensing is also called the A-transmitting and B-receiving mode.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, in the current 3GPP SA1 discussion, the sensing mode has been identified as having the following 6 modes:

[0063] 1) Base station self-transmission and self-reception: The sensing signal is sent by the base station, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the base station.

[0064] 2) Base station A transmits and base station B receives: The sensing signal is transmitted by base station A, and after being reflected by a target in the environment, the echo signal is received by base station B.

[0065] 3) Base station transmits, terminal receives: The sensing signal is sent by the base station, reflected by the target in the environment, and then received by the terminal.

[0066] 4) Terminal transmits, base station receives: The sensing signal is sent by the terminal, reflected by the target in the environment, and then the echo signal is received by the base station.

[0067] 5) Terminal self-transmission and self-reception: The sensing signal is sent by the terminal, reflected by the target in the environment, and then the echo signal is received by the terminal.

[0068] 6) Terminal A transmits, Terminal B receives: The sensing signal is sent by Terminal A, and after being reflected by the target in the environment, the echo signal is received by Terminal B.

[0069] 3. Wireless communication:

[0070] In wireless communication systems, communication can be categorized into different types based on the types of transmitting and receiving nodes. Generally, sending information from a network device to a terminal device is called downlink communication, and sending information from a terminal device to a network device is called uplink communication. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) / Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) communication systems and New Radio (NR) systems, communication can be mainly divided into Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes based on the duplex mode. For wireless communication systems operating in TDD mode, the downlink and uplink carriers share the same carrier frequency. Multiple access methods typically employ Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). The main feature of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is that it divides transmission resources into mutually orthogonal time-frequency resource elements (REs). The signals transmitted by the transmitter are carried on REs and transmitted to the receiver. Since different REs are mutually orthogonal, the receiver can receive the signals transmitted on each RE individually.

[0071] 4. OFDM:

[0072] For systems using OFDM waveforms, a CP is typically added before the OFDM symbol to counteract multipath delay in the wireless channel. For example... Figure 2As shown, an OFDM symbol without CP typically includes N sampling points in the digital domain, where N is an integer greater than 0, denoted as x1, x2, ..., xN. CP usually selects the last M sampling points of the OFDM symbol, such as xN-M+1, xN-M+2, ..., xN, and adds these N sampling points before the OFDM symbol to form a CP-OFDM symbol, denoted as xN-M+1, xN-M+2, ..., xN, x1, x2, ..., xN, for a total of N+M sampling points.

[0073] The lengths of CP and OFDM symbols are related to the sub-carrier space (SCS). NR can support various sub-carrier spaces, such as 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz, and 960kHz. The sub-carrier space configuration can be represented as μ, as shown in Table 1.

[0074] Table 1

[0075] μ <![CDATA[Δf=2 μ ·15(kHz)]]> CP type 0 15 Normal CP 1 30 Regular CP 2 60 Regular / Extended CP 3 120 Regular CP 4 240 Regular CP 5 480 Regular CP 6 960 Regular CP

[0076] Based on this, Indicates the OFDM symbol length. The length of CP is represented by the following equations (1) and (2):

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Where κ can be 64, It can represent the length of the cyclic shift code of the extended CP. It can represent the cyclic shift code length of a regular CP, which can be the CP of the first symbol in a subframe. This can represent the cyclic shift code length of a regular CP, which can be a CP that is not the first symbol in a subframe. Based on Equations 1-2 above, the lengths of some typical CPs and OFDM symbols are shown in Table 2 below:

[0080] Table 2

[0081] Subcarrier spacing (kHz) Symbol length (us) CP length (us) 15 1 / 15*103≈66.7 1 / 15*103*144 / 2048≈4.7 30 1 / 30*103≈33.3 1 / 30*103*144 / 2048≈2.4 60 1 / 60*103≈16.7 1 / 60*103*144 / 2048≈1.2 120 1 / 120*103≈8.33 1 / 120*103*144 / 2048≈0.59

[0082] It can be seen that the CP length in CP-OFDM symbols is directly related to the subcarrier spacing. Once the subcarrier spacing is determined, the CP length cannot be changed. However, when using CP-OFDM symbols for sensing, the sensing distance is directly limited by the CP length, and the detection distance remains fixed. It is impossible to adaptively change the sensing distance according to the movement of the sensed target, which limits practical applications.

[0083] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application propose the following technical solutions.

[0084] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless network (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as LTE systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5G, such as NR systems, and future communication systems, etc.

[0086] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first instruction information, second instruction information, or third instruction information below) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, the common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0087] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0088] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0089] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0090] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0092] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0093] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0094] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 3 The communication system illustrated herein is used as an example to illustrate a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication system mainly includes: terminals and network equipment.

[0096] A terminal can also be called user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user equipment. The terminals in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, vehicle-mounted terminals, and roadside units with terminal functions. The terminal in this application can also be an onboard module, onboard unit, onboard component, onboard chip, or onboard unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication.

[0097] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0098] Network equipment can be radio access network (RAN) equipment, also known as access network device. Specifically, the access network device can be a next-generation mobile communication system, such as a 6G access network device, like a 6G base station. Alternatively, in next-generation mobile communication systems, the access network device can have other naming conventions, all of which are covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application, and this application does not impose any limitations on them. Alternatively, the access network device can also include 5G, such as a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a 5G base station. It can also be a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission and reception point (TRP) or transmission point (TP), or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), an RSU with base station functionality, a wired access gateway, or a 5G core network element, etc. Alternatively, access network devices may also include: access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0099] In this network, CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network equipment can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or a combination of CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network equipment in the access network (RAN) or in the core network (CN); there are no restrictions on this classification.

[0100] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0101] In this communication system, under the condition that the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbols of the signal remains unchanged, there are multiple symbol structures with different cyclic prefix lengths. For example, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, or the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Moreover, the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Therefore, the terminal or network device can dynamically adjust the cyclic prefix length while keeping the subcarrier spacing unchanged, so as to achieve flexible and adjustable sensing distance and meet various scenarios in practical applications.

[0102] The following will combine Figures 4-5 This paper details the interaction process between various network elements / devices in the aforementioned communication system through specific method embodiments. The communication method provided in this application can be applied to the aforementioned communication system and specifically to various scenarios mentioned in the aforementioned communication system, which will be described in detail below.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between a terminal and a network device. Figure 4 As shown, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0104] S401, the network device sends an instruction to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the instruction from the network device.

[0105] The indication information can be used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, such as one of at least two symbol structures.

[0106] The first signal can be a signal used only for sensing, or a signal used for both sensing and communication. Specifically, when the first signal is used for both sensing and communication, it can be one of a broadcast channel, control channel, data channel, or reference signal. For example, the first signal can be a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Alternatively, the first signal can be a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), or a reference signal for other communication functions.

[0107] The symbol structure can include the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length. The cyclic prefix can be a CP, and the cyclic prefix length, also known as the CP length, can be represented by time or by the normalized number of sampling points; there is no limitation in either. The symbol can be an OFDM symbol or any other possible symbol; there is no limitation in either. The symbol length, also known as the OFDM symbol length, can be represented by time or by the normalized number of sampling points; there is no limitation in either.

[0108] It is understood that the symbol structure can also include other parameters used to describe the symbol, such as SCS. Furthermore, the symbol structure can be replaced with any other possible representation, such as symbol configuration, or any other possible representation, without limitation.

[0109] At least two symbol structures maintain a constant sum of cyclic prefix and symbol lengths, while the cyclic prefix and symbol lengths dynamically change; that is, the cyclic prefix length is flexibly adjustable. For ease of understanding, consider two symbol structures, such as a first symbol structure and a second symbol structure. The cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. However, the sum of the cyclic prefix and symbol lengths of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix and symbol lengths of the second symbol structure. In other words, because the sum of the cyclic prefix and symbol lengths remains constant, it can be equal to the length of CP-OFDM symbols defined in existing technologies, ensuring compatibility with existing frame structures and not affecting existing configurations.

[0110] In this embodiment, the indication information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the cyclic prefix length of the first signal, the symbol length of the first signal, the ratio of the symbol length to the first symbol length, or the ratio of the cyclic prefix length to the first cyclic prefix length. The specific selection can be flexible according to actual circumstances and is not limited thereto. The first symbol length and / or the second cyclic prefix length are predetermined and can also be referred to as the reference symbol length and / or the reference cyclic prefix length, or the symbol length and / or cyclic prefix length defined by 3GPP, such as the 3GPP-defined symbol length and / or cyclic prefix length under the SCS corresponding to the first signal, or any other possible naming, which is not limited thereto.

[0111] For example, taking the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length as an example, other implementations can be understood by referring to this example. Specifically, the length of the CP-OFDM symbol can be expressed as T0 = T1 + T2, where T1 is the OFDM symbol length defined by 3GPP, and T2 is the CP length defined by 3GPP. For example, if SCS = 60kHz, the OFDM symbol length is T1 = 1 / 60ms, and the CP length is T2 = 3 / 2560ms. Taking the OFDM symbol length defined by 3GPP as the first symbol length, the symbol length S1 of the first signal can be expressed as S1 = T1 * Xms, where X represents the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length. The ratio indicated by the indication information can be one of at least two values ​​of X. X can be a real number greater than 0 and less than 1, and X can have at least two values ​​selected from 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 3 / 8, 1 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, 9 / 16, 7 / 16, 5 / 16, 3 / 16, and 1 / 16. Alternatively, X can be a real number greater than 1 / 2 and less than 1, and X can have at least two values ​​selected from 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, and 9 / 16, or at least two values ​​selected from 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, and 9 / 16, or 1 / 2 and 3 / 4, in order to minimize the number of possible symbol structures, reduce configuration complexity, and reduce configuration overhead.

[0112] Thus, as Figure 5As shown, the cyclic prefix length S2 of the first signal is S2 = T2 + T1 - S1, which means increasing the CP length to improve the sensing distance. For example, if the SCS is 15kHz and the CP length is 4.6 * 10⁻⁶ seconds (s), the sensing distance is L = (3 * 10⁸) * (4.6 * 10⁻⁶) = 1490 meters. If the CP length is increased to 29.6 * 10⁻⁶ seconds, the sensing distance is L = (3 * 10⁸) x (29.6 * 10⁻⁶) = 9690 meters, significantly improving the sensing distance. For example, if the SCS is 30kHz and the CP length is 2.3*10-6s, the sensing distance L = (3*108)*(2.3*10-6) = 745 meters. If the CP length is increased to 10.6*10-6s, the sensing distance L = (3*108)*(10.6*10-6) = 3434 meters, which can also significantly improve the sensing distance.

[0113] This is understandable, because OFDM symbols are usually generated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), which typically requires the number of points in the FFT to be a power of 2. Considering that the computational complexity of 3 and 5 points in the FFT operation is also relatively low, the denominator of the above ratio can be a multiple of 2, or a multiple of a smaller odd number such as 3 or 5, in order to minimize the complexity of signal transmission and reception.

[0114] Network devices can pre-configure various ratios of the symbol length of the first signal to the symbol length of the first symbol, so that the network device can select an appropriate ratio according to actual sensing needs and generate indication information accordingly.

[0115] Specifically, the indication information is carried in a broadcast message or a unicast message. This broadcast message or unicast message can have a scheduling relationship with the first signal sent or received by the terminal, so that the terminal can modulate or demodulate the first signal according to the symbol result indicated by the indication information. Therefore, the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal indicated by the indication information to the length of the first symbol can be determined from the corresponding entry in the message by which the network device selects which message to send the indication information.

[0116] For example, if the indication information is carried in a unicast radio resource control (RRC) message or a media access control-control element (MAC-CE) message, then the first signal is the CSI-RS scheduled by the RRC message or the MAC-CE message. Since the RRC and MAC layers are not sensitive to the number of bits in the indication information, more bits can be used to indicate the value of X; that is, X can have more possible values. An example can be shown in Table 3 below.

[0117] Table 3

[0118]

[0119]

[0120] That is, the 16 possible values ​​of X are indicated by a 4-bit bitmap.

[0121] For example, if the indication information is carried in a unicast message (downlink control information, DCI), then the first signal is the DMRS scheduled by the DCI message. Considering that DCI is sensitive to the number of bits in the indication information, that is, it needs to use as few bits as possible to indicate while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility, the value of X can be one of the four values ​​mentioned above, such as {1, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8} or {1, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 9 / 16}. An example can be shown in Tables 4 and 5 below.

[0122] Table 4

[0123] Indication information (bit map) The value of X 00 1 01 1 / 2 10 3 / 4 11 5 / 8

[0124] Table 5

[0125] Indication information (bit map) The value of X 00 1 01 1 / 2 10 3 / 4 11 9 / 16

[0126] That is, the four possible values ​​of X are indicated by a 2-bit bitmap.

[0127] For example, if the indication information is carried in the PBCH of a broadcast message, then the first signal is the PDCCH scheduled by the PBCH. Considering that the PBCH has a limited number of bits available to carry indication information, the PBCH typically uses 1 bit of indication information to indicate the value of X in the PDCCH, such as two of the various values ​​mentioned above, such as {1, 1 / 2}. An example can be shown in Table 6 below.

[0128] Table 6

[0129] Instruction information The value of X 0 1 1 1 / 2

[0130] In other words, network devices can determine the indication information corresponding to the required value of X from the corresponding entries in Tables 3-6 above, based on the type of signal used for sensing, such as CSI-RS, DMRS, or PDCCH, encapsulate the indication information into the corresponding unicast or broadcast message, and send it to the terminal.

[0131] It is understood that the above-mentioned indication information regarding symbol structure indication methods are merely examples and not intended to be limiting. For instance, the indication information may also indirectly or implicitly indicate relevant information about symbol configuration, such as indicating the subcarrier spacing or the value index of X. Furthermore, network devices may also indicate the SCS of the first signal to the terminal, such as indicating the SCS first and then the symbol structure, so that the terminal can determine the frame structure configuration or reference.

[0132] S402, the network device receives a first signal sent by the terminal, or sends a first signal to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives a first signal from the network device according to the instruction information, or sends a first signal to the network device according to the instruction information.

[0133] In other words, the terminal can send a first signal with a symbolic structure indicated by the instruction information. Alternatively, the network device can also send a first signal with a symbolic structure indicated by the instruction information; there is no limitation on this. If the network device sends the first signal, it can also receive the echo signal of the first signal to achieve sensing.

[0134] In summary, in existing technologies, the cyclic prefix length and symbol length of a symbol structure are fixed; that is, the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbol is fixed, and the signal sensing range is also fixed. In contrast, this application defines a symbol structure with multiple cyclic prefix lengths while keeping the sum of the lengths of the cyclic prefix and the symbol constant. For example, the cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure may not be equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, or the symbol length of the first symbol structure may not be equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Furthermore, the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. Therefore, it is possible to dynamically adjust the cyclic prefix length while keeping the subcarrier spacing constant, thereby achieving flexible and adjustable sensing distance and meeting the needs of various practical application scenarios.

[0135] The above combination Figures 4-5 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 6-7 This document describes in detail the communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0136] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. For ease of explanation, Figure 6 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0137] The transceiver module 601 is used to perform the above. Figure 6The sending and receiving functions of the method shown are executed by the processing module 602. Figure 4 The method shown includes functions other than sending and receiving.

[0138] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may include a transmitting module ( Figure 6 (not shown in the image) and receiving module ( Figure 6 (Not shown in the diagram). The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device 600, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device 600.

[0139] Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include a storage module. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image), the storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 602 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 600 can perform the methods described above. Figure 4 The method shown describes the functions of the terminal or network device.

[0140] It is understood that the communication device 600 may be a terminal or network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal or network device, or a device that includes the terminal or network device. This application does not limit it in this respect.

[0141] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 600 can be referenced. Figure 4 The technical effects of the communication method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0142] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 For example, the communication device can be a terminal, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 may include a processor 701. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 702 and / or a transceiver 703. The processor 701 is coupled to the memory 702 and the transceiver 703, for example, they can be connected via a communication bus.

[0143] The following is combined Figure 7 A detailed description of each component of the communication device 700 is provided below:

[0144] The processor 701 is the control center of the communication device 700. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 701 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0145] Optionally, the processor 701 can perform various functions of the communication device 700 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 702 and calling data stored in the memory 702, such as performing the aforementioned functions. Figure 4 The communication method shown.

[0146] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 7 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0147] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 700 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 7 The processors 701 and 704 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. A processor here can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0148] The memory 702 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 701 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] Optionally, the memory 702 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 702 may be integrated with the processor 701 or exist independently, and may be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 700. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to the processor 701, but this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0150] Transceiver 703 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 700 is a terminal, transceiver 703 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 700 is a network device, transceiver 703 can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another network device.

[0151] Optionally, transceiver 703 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 7 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0152] Optionally, the transceiver 703 can be integrated with the processor 701, or it can exist independently and be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 700. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to the processor 701, but this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0153] Understandable, Figure 7 The structure of the communication device 700 shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0154] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 700 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0156] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0157] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0158] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0159] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0160] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0162] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0164] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0165] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0166] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0167] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: The system receives indication information from a network device. The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of a first signal. The symbol structure includes a cyclic prefix length and a symbol length. The symbol structure of the first signal is one of at least two symbol structures, wherein the at least two symbol structures include a first symbol structure and a second symbol structure. The cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure, the symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure, and the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. The first signal is received from the network device according to the instruction information, or the first signal is sent to the network device according to the instruction information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, including: The indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the cyclic prefix length of the first signal, the symbol length of the first signal, the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, or the ratio of the cyclic prefix length of the first signal to the first cyclic prefix length, wherein the first symbol length and / or the second cyclic prefix length are predetermined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the indication information indicates the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, the ratio is one of at least two values, which are at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 3 / 8, 1 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, 9 / 16, 7 / 16, 5 / 16, 3 / 16 and 1 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16 and 9 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 15 / 16 and 9 / 16.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The instruction information is carried in a broadcast message or a unicast message.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the indication information is carried in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) of the broadcast message, then the first signal is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduled by the PBCH; or, if the indication information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or the Media Access Control-Control (MAC-CE) message of the unicast message, then the first signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) scheduled by the RRC message or the MAC-CE message; or, if the indication information is carried in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) message of the unicast message, then the first signal is the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) scheduled by the DCI message.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The network device sends indication information to the terminal. The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of a first signal. The symbol structure includes a cyclic prefix length and a symbol length. The symbol structure of the first signal is one of at least two symbol structures. The at least two symbol structures include a first symbol structure and a second symbol structure. The cyclic prefix length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the cyclic prefix length of the second symbol structure. The symbol length of the first symbol structure is not equal to the symbol length of the second symbol structure. The sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the first symbol structure is equal to the sum of the cyclic prefix length and the symbol length of the second symbol structure. The network device receives the first signal sent by the terminal, or sends the first signal to the terminal.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The indication information is used to indicate the symbol structure of the first signal, including: The indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the cyclic prefix length of the first signal, the symbol length of the first signal, the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, or the ratio of the cyclic prefix length of the first signal to the first cyclic prefix length, wherein the first symbol length and / or the second cyclic prefix length are predetermined.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the indication information indicates the ratio of the symbol length of the first signal to the first symbol length, the ratio is one of at least two values, which are at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 3 / 8, 1 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16, 9 / 16, 7 / 16, 5 / 16, 3 / 16 and 1 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 7 / 8, 5 / 8, 15 / 16, 13 / 16, 11 / 16 and 9 / 16, or at least two of 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 15 / 16 and 9 / 16.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The instruction information is carried in a broadcast message or a unicast message.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, If the indication information is carried in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) of the broadcast message, the sensing signal is the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scheduled by the PBCH; or, if the indication information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or the Media Access Control-Control (MAC-CE) message of the unicast message, the sensing signal is the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) scheduled by the RRC message or the MAC-CE message; or, if the indication information is carried in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) message of the unicast message, the sensing signal is the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) scheduled by the DCI message.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the network device receives the first signal sent by the terminal, the method further includes: The network device receives the echo signal of the first signal.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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