Communication method and related equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a related device, which are used for enabling a communication device to communicate on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit by using a target signal processing mode in N signal processing modes based on the indication of first information, communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be achieved without manual configuration, consumption of manpower and material resources can be reduced, and flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit is improved. In the method, a first communication device receives first information, the first information being used for indicating a target signal processing mode in N signal processing modes, N being an integer greater than 1; and the first communication device communicates on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit based on the target signal processing mode.

Description

A communication method and related equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and related equipment. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication refers to the transmission of information between multiple communication nodes without the use of conductors or cables. Generally, network devices and terminal devices can act as different communication nodes and communicate via wireless communication.

[0003] In wireless communication scenarios, network equipment can be deployed in a distributed manner. For example, the functional entities used for signal processing in network equipment can be split up, with some functional entities hosted on one device and others hosted on another, to improve network equipment coverage and deployment flexibility.

[0004] However, in the above implementation process, how to configure efficient communication between different functional entities in the network device is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and related devices, which are used to enable a communication device to communicate using a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit based on an indication of first information. Communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be achieved without manual configuration, which can reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources and improve the flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first communication device and is executed by the first communication device, or the method is executed by some components in the first communication device (such as a processor, a chip or a chip system, etc.), or the method can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first communication device. In the first aspect and its possible implementation, the method is described as being executed by the first communication device. In the method, the first communication device receives first information, which is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1; the first communication device communicates on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit based on the target signal processing method.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first information received by the first communication device is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, and the first communication device communicates on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing method. Therefore, compared with the implementation process between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit that supports multiple signal processing methods and requires manual configuration to achieve mutual compatibility, in the above technical solution, the communication device can use the target signal processing method among N signal processing methods on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the indication of the first information. Communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be achieved without manual configuration, which can reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources and improve the flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0009] Optionally, the first information may include an identifier, an index number, a version number, or other implementations of a target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods, which is not limited here.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the method is applied to the radio frequency unit or the distributed unit.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, when the method is applied to a radio frequency unit, the first communication device may be a radio frequency unit, so that the radio frequency unit can, based on the first information from the distributed unit (or network management device), clearly specify the target signal processing method among N signal processing methods to be used for communication on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit. When the method is applied to a distributed unit, the first communication device may be a distributed unit, so that the distributed unit can, based on the first information from the radio frequency unit (or network management device), clearly specify the target signal processing method among N signal processing methods to be used for communication on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0012] It should be understood that in this application, a radio unit (RU) is a network device with a radio frequency signal processing function, and a distributed unit (DU) is a network device with a baseband signal processing function. The radio unit and the distributed unit may have other names.

[0013] For example, the radio frequency unit is radio equipment (RE) and the distributed unit is a radio equipment controller (REC).

[0014] For another example, the radio frequency unit is a remote radio unit (RRU) and the distributed unit is a building base band unit (BBU).

[0015] For another example, the radio frequency unit is an active antenna unit (AAU) and the distributed unit is a BBU.

[0016] For another example, the radio frequency unit is a radio unit (RU) and the distributed unit is a digital unit (DU).

[0017] Optionally, the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit may be referred to as a fronthaul link, a fronthaul network, etc.

[0018] Optionally, the communication interface between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be called a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface, an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface, a fronthaul interface in an open radio access network (ORAN or O-RAN), or other interface names, which are not limited here.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, before the first communication device receives the first information, the method further includes: the first communication device sending second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, before the first communication device receives the first information, the first communication device may also send second information indicating that the first communication device supports the N signal processing methods, so that the recipient of the second information can use the second information as one of the bases for determining the first information, in order to make the target signal processing method determined by the recipient a signal processing method supported by the first communication device, thereby avoiding incompatibility.

[0021] Optionally, the second information may include identifiers, index numbers, version numbers, or other implementations of N signal processing methods, which are not limited here.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, before the first communication device sends the second information, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, before the first communication device sends the second information indicating support for the N signal processing modes, the first communication device may also receive third information from the distributed unit (or network management device) requesting pairing. That is, the first communication device triggers the sending of the second information based on the third information. Thus, the above technical solution can be applied to scenarios where the first communication device is triggered to request pairing.

[0024] Optionally, the third information (or the first information, second information, etc. mentioned later) is used to request pairing, which can be expressed as being used to discover the first communication device, being used to request access to the first communication device, or other expressions, which are not limited here.

[0025] Optionally, before the first communication device sends the second information, the method further includes: the first communication device sending other information for requesting pairing, so as to achieve pairing through the other information.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first information is further used to request pairing, or the second information is further used to request pairing.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, the first information received by the first communication device (or the second information sent by the first communication device) can also be used to request pairing, and overhead can be saved by multiplexing the first information and the second information.

[0028] Optionally, when the first information is also used to request pairing, the first information can be carried by the same field, and the same field can be used to indicate the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods and to indicate the request for pairing; the first information can also be carried by at least two fields, and one of the at least two fields can be used to indicate the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods, and the other of the at least two fields can be used to indicate the request for pairing. Similarly, when the second information is also used to request pairing, the second information can be carried by the same field, and the same field can be used to indicate support for the N signal processing methods and to indicate the request for pairing; the first information can also be carried by at least two fields, and one of the at least two fields can be used to indicate support for the N signal processing methods, and the other of the at least two fields can be used to indicate the request for pairing.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the second information is further used to indicate priorities of the N signal processing modes.

[0030] Based on the above technical solution, the second information sent by the first communication device can also be used to indicate the priority of the N signal processing methods, so that the recipient of the second information can use the priority as one of the bases for determining the first information, so that the first information determined by the recipient can meet the priority.

[0031] The second aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second communication device, and the method is executed by the second communication device, or the method is executed by some components in the second communication device (such as a processor, a chip or a chip system, etc.), or the method can also be implemented by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second communication device. In the second aspect and its possible implementation, the method is described as being executed by the second communication device. In this method, the second communication device determines first information, and the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1; the second communication device sends the first information.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, the first information determined and sent by the second communication device is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, so that after the first communication device receives the first information, the first communication device can communicate on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing method. Therefore, compared with the implementation process between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit that supports multiple signal processing methods and requires manual configuration to achieve mutual compatibility, in the above technical solution, the communication device can use the target signal processing method among N signal processing methods on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the indication of the first information. Communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be achieved without manual configuration, which can reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources and improve the flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes; wherein the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, before the second communication device sends the first information, the second communication device can also receive second information indicating that the first communication device supports the N signal processing methods, so that the second communication device can use the second information as one of the bases for determining the first information, so as to make the target signal processing method determined by the second communication device a signal processing method supported by the first communication device, thereby avoiding incompatibility.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, before the second communication device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second communication device sending third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, before the second communication device receives the second information indicating support for the N signal processing modes, the second communication device may also send third information for requesting pairing. After the first communication device receives the third information, the first communication device can trigger the sending of the second information based on the third information. Thus, the above technical solution can be applied to scenarios where the second communication device actively initiates a pairing request.

[0037] Optionally, the third information (or the first information, second information, etc. mentioned later) is used to request pairing, which can be expressed as being used to discover the first communication device, being used to request access to the first communication device, or other expressions, which are not limited here.

[0038] Optionally, before the second communication device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving other information for requesting pairing, so as to achieve pairing through the other information.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the first information is further used to request pairing, or the second information is further used to request pairing.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, the first information sent by the second communication device (or the second information received by the second communication device) can also be used to request pairing, and overhead can be saved by multiplexing the first information and the second information.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the second information is further used to indicate priorities of the N signal processing modes, wherein the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priorities of the N signal processing modes.

[0042] Based on the above technical solution, the second information received by the second communication device can also be used to indicate the priority of the N signal processing methods, so that the second communication device can use the priority as one of the bases for determining the first information, so that the first information determined by the recipient can meet the priority.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method is applied to the radio frequency unit; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit.

[0044] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a radio frequency unit, that is, the second communication device can be a radio frequency unit, wherein the second information from the distributed unit can be used to indicate that the distributed unit supports the N signal processing methods, so that the radio frequency unit acts as the decision-maker of the signal processing method and realizes the process of determining the signal processing method on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0045] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0046] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to the RF unit, the target signal processing method used for communication on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit can also be determined based on the fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the M signal processing methods supported by the RF unit on the link, so that the target signal processing methods determined by the RF unit are all signal processing methods supported by the RF unit and the distributed unit, avoiding incompatibility.

[0047] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method also includes: a second communication device receives first indication information; when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the M signal processing modes; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the N signal processing modes.

[0048] Optionally, M and N are equal.

[0049] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to the radio frequency unit, the radio frequency unit can also receive first indication information, so that the radio frequency unit can clearly use the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) as one of the bases for determining the target signal processing method based on the first indication information.

[0050] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method is applied to the distributed unit; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit.

[0051] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a distributed unit, that is, the second communication device can be a distributed unit, wherein the second information from the radio frequency unit can be used to indicate that the radio frequency unit supports the N signal processing methods, so that the distributed unit acts as the decision-maker of the signal processing method and realizes the process of determining the signal processing method on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0052] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information; wherein, the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0053] Optionally, K is equal to N.

[0054] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a distributed unit, the target signal processing method used for communication on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can also be determined based on the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate the M signal processing methods supported by the distributed unit on the link, so that the target signal processing methods determined by the distributed unit are all signal processing methods supported by the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit, avoiding incompatibility.

[0055] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: a second communication device receives second indication information; when the second indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority of the N signal processing modes; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the K signal processing modes.

[0056] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a distributed unit, the distributed unit can also receive a second indication information so that the distributed unit can clearly use the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) as one of the bases for determining the target signal processing method based on the second indication information.

[0057] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method is applied to a network management device; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0058] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a network management device, that is, the second communication device can be a network management device (for example, a remote network management device, an operation and maintenance center (OMC), a base station control unit, etc.), wherein the second information from the distributed unit can be used to indicate that the distributed unit supports the K types of signal processing methods, so that the network management device, as the decision maker of the signal processing method, can realize the process of determining the signal processing method on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving the fifth information.

[0060] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to the network management equipment, the second communication device can also receive the fifth information from the distributed unit, so as to clarify the K signal processing methods supported by the distributed unit on the link through interaction with the distributed unit.

[0061] Optionally, the network management device may determine the fifth information by pre-configuration or manual configuration.

[0062] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method is applied to the network management device; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, where M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0063] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to a network management device, that is, the second communication device can be a network management device (for example, a remote network management device, an operation and maintenance center (OMC), a base station control unit, etc.), wherein the second information from the radio frequency unit can be used to indicate that the radio frequency unit supports the M signal processing methods, so that the network management device, as the decision maker of the signal processing method, realizes the process of determining the signal processing method on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving the fourth information.

[0065] Based on the above technical solution, when the above method is applied to the network management equipment, the second communication device can also receive the fourth information from the radio frequency unit, so as to clarify the M signal processing methods supported by the radio frequency unit on the link through interaction with the radio frequency unit.

[0066] Optionally, the network management device may determine the fourth information by pre-configuration or manual configuration.

[0067] In a possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the N signal processing modes include a downlink signal processing mode, wherein the downlink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the downlink signal, including: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, digital beam mapping (beamforming, BF), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), adding a cyclic prefix (CP), digital-to-analog conversion, or analog BF.

[0068] Based on the above technical solution, the N signal processing modes used for communication on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit may include a downlink signal processing mode. The downlink signal processing mode may indicate to the RF unit (or distributed unit) at least one of the above processing procedures corresponding to the downlink signal transmitted on the link, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution implementation.

[0069] It should be understood that in this application, the downlink signal can be understood as the signal sent by the network device (the network device includes a radio frequency unit and / or a distributed unit) to the terminal device, and the uplink signal mentioned later can be understood as the signal sent by the terminal device to the network device.

[0070] In a possible implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the N signal processing modes include an uplink signal processing mode, wherein the uplink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the uplink signal, including: decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, RE mapping, digital BF, fast Fourier transform (FFT), CP removal, analog-to-digital conversion, or analog BF.

[0071] Based on the above technical solution, the N signal processing modes used for communication on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit may include an uplink signal processing mode. The uplink signal processing mode may indicate to the RF unit (or distributed unit) at least one of the above processing procedures corresponding to the uplink signal transmitted on the link, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution implementation.

[0072] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device that can implement the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The communication device includes corresponding units or modules for executing the above-mentioned method. The units or modules included in the communication device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. For example, the device can be a control device, or the device can be a component in the control device (such as a processor, chip or chip system, etc.), or the device can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the control device.

[0073] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module, the transceiver module is used to receive first information, the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, N is an integer greater than 1; the processing module is used to communicate on a link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing method.

[0074] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further used to send second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes.

[0075] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0076] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the second information is further used to request pairing.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the second information is further used to indicate priorities of the N signal processing modes.

[0078] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the device is applied to the radio frequency unit or the distributed unit.

[0079] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device that can implement the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The communication device includes corresponding units or modules for executing the above-mentioned method. The units or modules included in the communication device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. For example, the device can be a control device, or the device can be a component in the control device (such as a processor, chip or chip system, etc.), or the device can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the control device.

[0080] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module is used to determine first information, where the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1; and the transceiver module is used to send the first information.

[0081] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further used to receive second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes; wherein the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0082] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to send third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0083] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second information is further used to request pairing.

[0084] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second information is further used to indicate priorities of the N signal processing methods, wherein the target signal processing method is determined based on the priorities of the N signal processing methods.

[0085] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the device is applied to the radio frequency unit; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit.

[0086] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0087] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to receive first indication information; when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the M signal processing modes; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the N signal processing modes.

[0088] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the device is applied to the distributed unit; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit.

[0089] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information; wherein, the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0090] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used to receive second indication information; when the second indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority of the N signal processing modes; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the K signal processing modes.

[0091] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the device is applied to a network management device; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0092] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the fifth information.

[0093] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the device is applied to the network management device; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0094] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is further configured to receive the fourth information.

[0095] In a possible implementation of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the N signal processing modes include a downlink signal processing mode, wherein the downlink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the downlink signal, including: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource unit RE mapping, digital beam mapping BF, inverse fast Fourier transform IFFT, adding cyclic prefix CP, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog BF.

[0096] In a possible implementation of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the N signal processing modes include an uplink signal processing mode, wherein the uplink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the uplink signal, including: decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform IDFT, channel equalization, RE mapping, digital BF, fast Fourier transform FFT, CP removal, analog-to-digital conversion, or analog BF.

[0097] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0098] For example, the memory is used to store programs or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the programs or instructions so that the device implements the method described in the aforementioned first aspect or any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0100] For example, the memory is used to store programs or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the programs or instructions so that the device implements the method described in the aforementioned second aspect or any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0101] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0102] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0103] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the processor executes the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0104] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product (or computer program). When the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method of the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the processor executes the method of the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0105] In the eleventh aspect of the present application, a chip system is provided, which includes at least one processor for supporting a communication device to implement the functions involved in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or for supporting a communication device to implement the functions involved in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0106] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components. Optionally, the chip system may further include an interface circuit for providing program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0107] The twelfth aspect of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the communication device of the third aspect and the call device of the fourth aspect, or the communication system includes the communication device of the fifth aspect and the communication device of the sixth aspect, or the communication system includes the communication device of the seventh aspect and the communication device of the eighth aspect.

[0108] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any design method from the third aspect to the twelfth aspect can refer to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and its different design methods, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] Figures 1 to 3 are some schematic diagrams of application scenarios provided by this application;

[0110] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0111] 5 to 7 are some schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] The technical solutions in this application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in this application. Based on this application, all other solutions obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0113] First, some terms in this application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0114] (1) Terminal device: This can be a wireless terminal device that can receive scheduling and instruction information from network devices. A wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

[0115] The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, or satellite communication. The terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a hot air balloon, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, or a smart home device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0116] (2) Network device: It can be a device in a wireless network. For example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network.

[0117] In some implementations, the network device may also include a satellite, an aircraft, etc.

[0118] In addition, in other possible cases, the network device may be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for the terminal device. This application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device. For the convenience of description, this application does not limit it.

[0119] Optionally, the network device may further include a core network device, which may include, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), or a session management function (SMF).

[0120] In this application, the device for implementing the function of a network device can be a network device, or a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system, etc. The device can be installed in the network device or connected to the network device for use. In the technical solution provided in this application, the technical solution provided in this application is described by taking the device for implementing the function of a network device as an example.

[0121] In this application, the device for implementing the function of a terminal device can be a terminal device, or a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a processor, circuit, chip, chip system, etc. The device can be installed in the terminal device or connected to the terminal device for use. In the technical solution provided in this application, the technical solution provided in this application is described by taking the terminal device as an example in which the device for implementing the function of the terminal device is a terminal device.

[0122] (3) The terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in this application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0123] The present application can be applied to various possible communication systems. For example, the present application can be applied to a long term evolution (LTE) system, a new radio (NR) system, an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a new wireless vehicle network (NR vehicle to everything, NR V2X) system. Alternatively, the present application can be applied to a system with a hybrid network of multiple access technologies (such as LTE and 5G). Alternatively, the present application can be applied to a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT), or a drone communication system. Alternatively, the present application can be applied to a non-ground communication system, such as a satellite communication system, or a high-altitude communication platform.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a possible, non-restrictive application scenario provided by the present application. The solution provided by the present application can be applied to the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. The RAN 100 may include at least one RAN device (such as 110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110). The RAN 100 may also include at least one terminal (such as 120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The terminals 120a-120j are connected to the RAN device 110 via wireless means. The RAN 100 may also include other RAN devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The access network device 110 is connected to the core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network devices in the core network and the access network devices in the radio access network can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the core network logical functions and the radio access network logical functions, without limitation. Terminals can be connected to each other wirelessly. Access network devices can be connected to each other by wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the communication system can also include other network devices, for example, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1).

[0125] For example, in FIG1 , the RAN 100 can be configured as a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, the RAN 100 can be configured as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). Alternatively, the RAN 100 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN) or a cloud radio access network (CRAN). The RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0126] RAN equipment 110, sometimes also referred to as a RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of a communication system and facilitates wireless access for terminals. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN nodes 110 and terminals 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 via network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN nodes 110 and terminals 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functionality, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functionality.

[0127] In one possible scenario, an access network device may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, or an access node in a base station in a future mobile communication system. The access network device may be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1 ), a micro base station or an indoor base station (such as 110b in Figure 1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, or an in-vehicle device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system may be base stations of the same type or different types. A base station may communicate with a terminal or communicate with the terminal through a relay station. A terminal may communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0128] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0129] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU and RU can implement different protocol layer functions.

[0130] The communication between the access network device and the terminal device may follow a certain protocol layer structure. The protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, or a physical (PHY) layer. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a physical layer.

[0131] As an implementation example, as shown in Figure 2, an access network device may include at least one CU and at least one DU. This design can be referred to as CU and DU separation. A CU can be connected to one or more DUs. The CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above (such as the RRC layer and SDAP layer) are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer) are located in the DU; for another example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer are located in the DU, without limitation. When the CU includes a CU-CP and a CU-UP, the CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and the CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, the CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and the CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. This application does not limit the names of the CU and DU. For example, the CU can be referred to as the first access network element, and the DU can be referred to as the second access network element.

[0132] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to the protocol layer is only an example, and they can also be divided in other ways. For example, the CU or DU can be divided into functions with more protocol layers, or the CU or DU can be divided into partial processing functions with protocol layers. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, such as by delay, and the functions whose processing time needs to meet the smaller delay requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are set in the CU.

[0133] The CU can be connected to the core network. Optionally, the CU can have some of the functions of the core network.

[0134] Furthermore, some functions of the DU can be set separately. As shown in Figure 2, these functions can be implemented by a radio unit (RU). The RU can have a radio frequency function. This application does not limit the name of the RU. For example, the RU can be called a third access network element, etc. The DU and the RU can be split or separated at the PHY layer. For example, the DU can implement high-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU can implement low-level functions in the PHY layer, or implement the low-level functions and radio frequency functions. The high-level functions in the PHY layer include functions that are closer to the MAC layer, and the low-level functions in the PHY layer include functions that are closer to the radio frequency. For example, the high-level functions of the PHY layer include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The low-level functions of the PHY layer include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT) transform / inverse fast Fourier transform (iFFT) transform, beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. The RU can communicate radio frequency signals with the terminal device over the air interface. The precoding function of the PHY layer can be located in the DU or the RU. The split between the DU and RU can be various possible methods and is not limited.

[0135] There is an interface between the DU and the RU. For example, depending on the splitting method, the interface between the DU and the RU can be a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface or an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface.

[0136] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of an access network device. The access network device includes one or more functional modules for implementing signal processing. As shown in FIG3 , taking the physical layer function as an example, the access network device includes one or more of the following functions: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, digital beamforming (BF), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / adding a cyclic prefix (CP), decoding, rate matching removal, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization (or channel estimation), RE mapping removal, digital BF, fast Fourier transform (FFT) / CP removal, digital to analog (DA) conversion, analog BF, analog to digital (AD) conversion, or analog BF.

[0137] The above-mentioned one or more functional modules can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. They can be physically discrete or integrated. It is understood that the above-mentioned functional modules are merely examples. The access network device may include more other modules (for example, a scheduling module, a power control module, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) module, a flow control module, a mobility management module, or an artificial intelligence (AI) module) according to the design, or may not include a functional module shown in Figure 3 (for example, not including a digital BF module). The access network device also includes a fronthaul (FH) interface between the DU and the RU for implementing communication between the DU and the RU. The fronthaul interface includes but is not limited to: CPRI or eCPRI. In one possible implementation, the DU is located in the BBU and the RU is located in the RRU / AAU / RRH. The interface between the BBU and the RRU / AAU / RRH may also be called a fronthaul interface. To implement the fronthaul interface, the BBU and the RRU / AAU / RRH may be connected via a fronthaul network, or the DU and the RU may be connected via a fronthaul network. For example, fronthaul networks include but are not limited to: fiber direct connection and wavelength division network.

[0138] Access network equipment can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, and different fronthaul interfaces correspond to DUs and RUs with different functions. As shown in Figure 3, if the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is CPRI, the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more RF functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is eCPRI, relative to CPRI, part of the downlink and / or uplink baseband functions are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation. The division method between the DU and the RU is different, corresponding to different types (category, abbreviated as Cat) of eCPRI. Figure 3 gives six examples of eCPRI, represented by Cat A, B, C, D, E, and F (can also be represented as Option A to F, or Option 1 to 6, or other methods). It can be understood that there may be other division methods between the DU and the RU, that is, there may be other types of eCPRI.

[0139] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, based on layer mapping, the DU is configured to implement layer mapping and one or more functions preceding it (i.e., one or more of coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping). Other functions after layer mapping (e.g., RE mapping, digital BF, or one or more of IFFT / CP addition) are moved to the RU for implementation. For uplink transmission, based on RE demapping, the DU is configured to implement demapping and one or more functions preceding it (i.e., one or more of decoding, rate dematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel equalization, and RE demapping). Other functions after demapping (e.g., one or more of digital BF or FFT / CP removal) are moved to the RU for implementation.

[0140] Similarly, eCPRI Cat B, Cat C, Cat D, Cat E, and Cat F correspond to different DU and RU segmentation methods. The segmentation point and the functions before the segmentation point are implemented by the DU, while the functions after the segmentation point are implemented by the RU. The segmentation points of each type of eCPRI are shown in Figure 3 and will not be described in detail. For example, for eCPRI Cat B, RE mapping is used as the segmentation for downlink transmission, and de-RE mapping is used as the segmentation for uplink transmission. For uplink transmission, RE mapping and the functions before RE mapping are implemented by the DU, while the functions after RE mapping and the RF functions are implemented by the RU. For downlink transmission, de-RE mapping and the functions before RE mapping are implemented by the DU, while the functions after RE mapping and the RF functions are implemented by the RU.

[0141] The eCPRI segmentation scheme can be symmetrical for uplink and downlink, as shown in Figure 3 for eCPRI Category B and Category C. Alternatively, the eCPRI segmentation scheme can be asymmetrical for uplink and downlink, as shown in Figure 3 for eCPRI Category A, Category D, Category E, and Category F. This is not a limitation. Optionally, different segmentation schemes can be configured for different channels or different channel groups for uplink and / or downlink, i.e., different types of eCPRI can be configured. A channel group can include one or more channels.

[0142] In one possible design, the DU is located in the BBU and the RU is located in the RRU / AAU / RRH. The processing module in the BBU used to implement the baseband function is called the baseband high layer (BBH) unit, and the processing module in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement the baseband function is called the baseband low layer (BBL) unit.

[0143] In wireless communication scenarios, network equipment can be deployed in a distributed manner. For example, the functional entities used for signal processing in network equipment can be split up, with some functional entities hosted on one device and others hosted on another, to improve network equipment coverage and deployment flexibility.

[0144] For example, let's take a network device as a base station, and the base station includes a BBU and an RRU. Under current industry applications, before the base station service is started, the base station function split point is usually selected by manual configuration (or factory pre-configuration) (for example, the split point can be eCPRI Cat B, Cat C, Cat D, Cat E, Cat F, etc. introduced in Figure 3 above). Moreover, after the service is started, the base station uses the same and fixed split point for all terminal devices connected to it, that is, the base station no longer modifies the split point. For the data of any terminal device connected to the base station, the BBU performs the data processing process of part of the base station function, and the RRU performs the data processing process of other base station functions. In the above implementation process, the data transmission management between the BBU and the RRU on the control plane is simplified. However, the manual configuration method leads to a large consumption of manpower and material resources, and when the number of BBUs and RRUs is large, the manual configuration method is less efficient. In particular, when the BBU and RRU come from different manufacturers, since each manufacturer is relatively independent in implementing the splitting method, and the uplink and downlink splitting points also remain independent, there may be incompatible configurations of products provided by different manufacturers. It is possible to achieve docking of products from different manufacturers only by relying on professional technicians to perform configuration / debugging on site.

[0145] In summary, how to configure efficient communication between different functional entities in a network device is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0146] To address the above-mentioned issues, the present application provides a communication method and related apparatus for enabling a communication device to communicate using a target signal processing method from among N signal processing methods on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit based on an indication of first information. This method enables communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit without manual configuration, thereby reducing the consumption of manpower and material resources and improving the flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit. This method will be described in detail below with reference to more figures.

[0147] Please refer to FIG4 , which is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0148] S401. The second communication device determines first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0149] Optionally, the first information may include an identifier, an index number, a version number, or other implementations of a target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods, which is not limited here.

[0150] S402. The second communication device sends the first information, and the first communication device receives the first information. After step S402, the first communication device uses the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the instruction of the first information to communicate.

[0151] It should be understood that in this application, a radio unit (RU) is a network device with a radio frequency signal processing function, and a distributed unit (DU) is a network device with a baseband signal processing function. The radio unit and the distributed unit may have other names.

[0152] For example, the radio frequency unit is radio equipment (RE) and the distributed unit is a radio equipment controller (REC).

[0153] For another example, the radio frequency unit is a remote radio unit (RRU) and the distributed unit is a building base band unit (BBU).

[0154] For another example, the radio frequency unit is an active antenna unit (AAU) and the distributed unit is a BBU.

[0155] For another example, the radio frequency unit is a radio unit (RU) and the distributed unit is a digital unit (DU).

[0156] Optionally, the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit may be referred to as a fronthaul link, a fronthaul network, etc.

[0157] Optionally, the communication interface between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can be called a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface, an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface, a fronthaul interface in an open radio access network (ORAN or O-RAN), or other interface names, which are not limited here.

[0158] In one possible implementation, in the method shown in FIG. 4 , before step S401, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes; wherein the first information is determined based on the second information. Specifically, in step S401, before the second communication device sends the first information, the second communication device may also receive second information indicating that the first communication device supports the N signal processing modes, so that the second communication device can use the second information as one of the bases for determining the first information in step S401, in order to ensure that the target signal processing mode determined by the second communication device is a signal processing mode supported by the first communication device, thereby avoiding incompatibility.

[0159] Optionally, the second information may include identifiers, index numbers, version numbers, or other implementations of N signal processing methods, which are not limited here.

[0160] Optionally, the second communication device may also determine the second information by pre-configuration, manual configuration, or other methods, which are not limited here.

[0161] Optionally, before the second communication device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second communication device sending third information, where the third information is used to request pairing. Specifically, before the second communication device receives the second information indicating support for the N signal processing modes, the second communication device may also send the third information requesting pairing, so that after the first communication device receives the third information, the first communication device can trigger the sending of the second information based on the third information. Thus, the above technical solution can be applied to scenarios where the second communication device actively initiates a pairing request.

[0162] Optionally, the third information (or the first information, second information, etc. mentioned later) is used to request pairing, which can be expressed as being used to discover the first communication device, being used to request access to the first communication device, or other expressions, which are not limited here.

[0163] Optionally, before the second communication device receives the second information, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving other information for requesting pairing, so as to achieve pairing through the other information.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the first information sent by the second communication device in step S402 is also used to request pairing, or the second information is also used to request pairing. Specifically, the first information sent by the second communication device (or the second information received by the second communication device) can also be used to request pairing, thereby reducing overhead by multiplexing the first information and the second information.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the second information received by the second communication device is further used to indicate the priorities of the N signal processing methods, wherein the target signal processing method is determined based on the priorities of the N signal processing methods. Specifically, the second information received by the second communication device may also be used to indicate the priorities of the N signal processing methods, so that the second communication device can use the priority as one of the bases for determining the first information, so that the first information determined by the recipient satisfies the priority.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the first communication device may be a radio frequency unit (RFU), such that after step S402, the RFU can, based on the first information from the distributed unit (or network management device), specify the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods to be used for communication on the link between the RFU and the distributed unit. Alternatively, the first communication device may be a distributed unit, such that after step S402, the distributed unit can, based on the first information from the RFU (or network management device), specify the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods to be used for communication on the link between the RFU and the distributed unit. Accordingly, the second communication device may also be implemented in various ways, which will be described in detail below through the following implementation examples.

[0167] In implementation example 1, the second communication device is a radio frequency unit (RFU). The second information involved in the above implementation process comes from a distributed unit. Specifically, the second information from the distributed unit can be used to indicate that the distributed unit supports the N signal processing modes, so that the RFU, as the decision-maker for the signal processing mode, can determine the signal processing mode on the link between the RFU and the distributed unit.

[0168] In one possible implementation of Example 1, the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the RF unit on the link, where M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes. Specifically, when the second communication device is a RF unit, the target signal processing mode for communication on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit can also be determined based on the fourth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate the M signal processing modes supported by the RF unit on the link, so that the target signal processing modes determined by the RF unit are all signal processing modes supported by the RF unit and the distributed unit, thereby avoiding incompatibility.

[0169] Optionally, in implementation example 1, the radio frequency unit may determine the fourth information by pre-configuration, manual configuration, or other methods, which are not limited here.

[0170] In a possible implementation of Example 1, the method further includes: a second communication device receives first indication information; when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the M signal processing methods; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the N signal processing methods.

[0171] Optionally, M and N are equal.

[0172] Specifically, when the second communication device is a radio frequency unit, the radio frequency unit can also receive first indication information so that the radio frequency unit can clearly use the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) as one of the bases for determining the target signal processing method based on the first indication information.

[0173] Optionally, in implementation example 1, the first indication information may come from a network management device, a distributed unit or other devices, which is not limited here.

[0174] In implementation example 2, the second communication device is a distributed unit. The second information involved in the above implementation process comes from the radio frequency unit. Specifically, when the second communication device is a distributed unit, the second information from the radio frequency unit can be used to indicate that the radio frequency unit supports the N signal processing modes, so that the distributed unit, as the decision-maker for the signal processing mode, can implement the process of determining the signal processing mode on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0175] In a possible implementation method of implementation example 2, the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information; wherein, the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0176] Optionally, K is equal to N.

[0177] Specifically, when the second communication device is a distributed unit, the target signal processing method used for communication on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit can also be determined based on the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate the M signal processing methods supported by the distributed unit on the link, so that the target signal processing methods determined by the distributed unit are all signal processing methods supported by the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit, avoiding incompatibility.

[0178] Optionally, in implementation example 2, the distributed unit may determine the fifth information by pre-configuration, manual configuration, or other methods, which are not limited here.

[0179] In a possible implementation of Example 2, the method further includes: a second communication device receives second indication information; when the second indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority of the N signal processing methods; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the K signal processing methods. Specifically, when the second communication device is a distributed unit, the distributed unit can also receive the second indication information so that the distributed unit can clearly use the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) as one of the basis for determining the target signal processing method based on the second indication information.

[0180] Optionally, in implementation example 2, the second indication information may come from a network management device, a distributed unit or other devices, which is not limited here.

[0181] Implementation example three, the second communication device is a network management device. The second information involved in the above implementation process comes from the distributed unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate the K types of signal processing methods supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing method is included in the K types of signal processing methods. Specifically, in the case where the second communication device is a network management device (for example, a remote network management device, an operation and maintenance center (OMC), a base station control unit, etc.), the second information from the distributed unit can be used to indicate that the distributed unit supports the K types of signal processing methods, so that the network management device, as the decision-maker of the signal processing method, implements the process of determining the signal processing method on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0182] In one possible implementation of Example 3, the method further includes: a second communication device receiving the fifth information. Specifically, when the second communication device is a network management device, the second communication device may further receive the fifth information from the distributed unit, so as to clarify, through interaction with the distributed unit, the K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link.

[0183] Optionally, the network management device may determine the fifth information by pre-configuration or manual configuration.

[0184] Implementation example four, the second communication device is a network management device. The second information involved in the above implementation process comes from the radio frequency unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and the fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the M types of signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, where M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M types of signal processing modes. Specifically, when the second communication device is a network management device (for example, a remote network management device, an operation and maintenance center (OMC), a base station control unit, etc.), the second information from the radio frequency unit can be used to indicate that the radio frequency unit supports the M types of signal processing modes, so that the network management device, as the decision-maker of the signal processing mode, implements the process of determining the signal processing mode on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0185] In one possible implementation of Example 4, the method further includes: a second communication device receiving the fourth information. Specifically, when the above method is applied to a network management device, the second communication device may further receive the fourth information from the radio frequency unit, so as to clarify, through interaction with the radio frequency unit, the M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link.

[0186] Optionally, the network management device may determine the fourth information by pre-configuration or manual configuration.

[0187] In one possible implementation, in step S401, the N signal processing modes involved in the first information include a downlink signal processing mode, wherein the downlink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the downlink signal, including: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, digital beamforming (BF), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), adding a cyclic prefix (CP), digital-to-analog conversion, or analog BF. Specifically, the N signal processing modes used for communication on a link between a radio frequency unit and a distributed unit may include a downlink signal processing mode. The downlink signal processing mode may indicate that the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) performs at least one of the above-mentioned processing processes corresponding to the downlink signal transmitted on the link, in order to improve the flexibility of the implementation of the solution.

[0188] It should be understood that in this application, the downlink signal can be understood as the signal sent by the network device (the network device includes a radio frequency unit and / or a distributed unit) to the terminal device, and the uplink signal mentioned later can be understood as the signal sent by the terminal device to the network device.

[0189] In one possible implementation, in the above step S401, the N signal processing modes involved in the first information include an uplink signal processing mode, wherein the uplink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the uplink signal, including: decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transformation (IDFT), channel equalization, deRE mapping, digital BF, fast Fourier transform (FFT), CP removal, analog-to-digital conversion, or analog BF. Specifically, the N signal processing modes used for communication on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit may include an uplink signal processing mode. The uplink signal processing mode may indicate that the radio frequency unit (or distributed unit) performs at least one of the above processing processes corresponding to the uplink signal transmitted on the link, in order to improve the flexibility of the solution implementation.

[0190] Optionally, the downlink signal processing mode and the uplink signal processing mode may be some implementation modes specified in current standards / protocols, such as any one of CPRI, eCPRI Cat A to eCPRI Cat F involved in FIG. 3 above.

[0191] Optionally, the above-mentioned downlink signal processing method and uplink signal processing method can be other implementation methods not covered by the current standard / protocol. For example, the downlink signal sent by the distributed unit to the radio frequency unit may have been coded, so that the radio frequency unit can subsequently perform other physical layer processing; for another example, the downlink signal sent by the distributed unit to the radio frequency unit may have been coded and rate-matched, so that the radio frequency unit can subsequently perform other physical layer processing; for another example, the uplink signal sent by the radio frequency unit to the distributed unit may have been FFT / CP removal processed, so that the distributed unit can subsequently perform other physical layer processing; for another example, the uplink signal sent by the radio frequency unit to the distributed unit may have been FFT / CP removal, digital BF, de-RE mapping, channel equalization, IDFT, and demodulation processed, so that the distributed unit can subsequently perform other physical layer processing.

[0192] Based on the technical solution shown in FIG4 , the first information received by the first communication device in step S402 is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, and the first communication device communicates on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing method. Thus, compared to the implementation process in which the RF unit and the distributed unit supporting multiple signal processing methods need to be manually configured to achieve mutual compatibility, in the above technical solution, the communication device can communicate using the target signal processing method among N signal processing methods on the link between the RF unit and the distributed unit based on the indication of the first information, and can achieve communication between the RF unit and the distributed unit without manual configuration, which can reduce the consumption of manpower and material resources and improve the flexibility of communication between the RF unit and the distributed unit.

[0193] Furthermore, based on the above implementation process, if the distributed unit and the radio frequency unit come from different manufacturers, the distributed unit or the radio frequency unit can act as the first communication device (or second communication device) to perform the above process. It is clear that the target signal processing method among the N signal processing methods is used on the link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit for communication. This eliminates the need for professional technicians to perform on-site configuration and debugging, thus enabling the integration of products from different manufacturers. This reduces the consumption of manpower and material resources and improves the flexibility of communication between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit.

[0194] To implement the functions of the methods provided herein, the device executing the methods may include hardware structures and / or software modules, with the functions implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0195] Please refer to FIG. 5 . The present application provides a communication device 500 . The device 500 includes a processing module 501 and a transceiver module 502 .

[0196] As an implementation example, the communication device 500 can implement the functions of the first communication device in the above method, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method. In this application, the communication device 500 can be the first communication device, or it can be a software module, integrated circuit, or component, such as a chip, within the first communication device, without limitation. The following description uses the communication device 500 as the first communication device as an example.

[0197] Specifically, the transceiver module 502 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1; the processing module 501 is used to communicate on a link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing method.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to send second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to receive third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the second information is also used to request pairing.

[0201] In a possible implementation manner, the second information is further used to indicate the priorities of the N signal processing manners.

[0202] In a possible implementation manner, the device is applied to the radio frequency unit or the distributed unit.

[0203] As another implementation example, communication device 500 can implement the functions of the second communication device in the above method, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method. In this application, the communication device 500 can be the second communication device, or it can be a software module, integrated circuit, or component within the second communication device, such as a chip, without limitation. The following description uses the communication device 500 as the second communication device as an example.

[0204] Specifically, the processing module 501 is used to determine first information, where the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing method among N signal processing methods, where N is an integer greater than 1; and the transceiver module 502 is used to send the first information.

[0205] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to receive second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes; wherein the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0206] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to send third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

[0207] In a possible implementation, the second information is also used to request pairing.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the second information is further used to indicate priorities of the N signal processing modes, wherein the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priorities of the N signal processing modes.

[0209] In a possible implementation manner, the device is applied to the radio frequency unit; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is also used to receive first indication information; when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the M signal processing methods; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the N signal processing methods.

[0212] In a possible implementation manner, the device is applied to the distributed unit; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information; wherein the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is also used to receive second indication information; when the second indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority of the N signal processing methods; and / or, when the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing method is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the second communication device determines the target signal processing method based on the priority of the K signal processing methods.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the device is applied to a network management device; wherein the second information comes from the distributed unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to receive the fifth information.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the device is applied to the network management equipment; wherein the second information comes from the radio frequency unit; the first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

[0218] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 502 is further configured to receive the fourth information.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the N signal processing modes include a downlink signal processing mode, wherein the downlink signal processing mode indicates performing at least one of the following processing on the downlink signal, including: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource unit RE mapping, digital beam mapping BF, inverse fast Fourier transform IFFT, adding cyclic prefix CP, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog BF.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the N signal processing modes include an uplink signal processing mode, wherein the uplink signal processing mode indicates that at least one of the following processing is performed on the uplink signal, including: decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform IDFT, channel equalization, RE mapping, digital BF, fast Fourier transform FFT, CP removal, analog-to-digital conversion, or analog BF.

[0221] It should be noted that the information execution process and other contents of the units of the above-mentioned communication device 500 can be specifically referred to the description of the method shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0222] Please refer to Fig. 6, which is another schematic structural diagram of a communication device 600 provided in this application. The communication device 600 at least includes a logic circuit 601. The communication device 600 may be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0223] Optionally, the communication device further includes an input and output interface 602 .

[0224] The transceiver module 502 shown in FIG5 may be a communication interface, which may be the input / output interface 602 in FIG6 , which may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0225] Optionally, the logic circuit 601 can be configured to perform a first process on the downlink data of the first terminal device to obtain first data, and to perform a second process on the downlink data of the second terminal device to obtain second data; the input / output interface 602 is configured to transmit the first data and the second data on the link between the first communication device and the second communication device; wherein the first process and the second process are different. It should be understood that the logic circuit 601 and the input / output interface 602 can also perform other steps performed by the first communication device in any of the aforementioned examples and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be further described here.

[0226] Optionally, logic circuit 601 is configured to control input / output interface 602 to receive first data and second data on a link between a first communication device and a second communication device; the first data is obtained by performing a first process on downlink data from the first terminal device, and the second data is obtained by performing a second process on downlink data from the second terminal device; wherein the first process and the second process are different. It should be understood that logic circuit 601 and input / output interface 602 may also perform other steps performed by the second communication device in any of the aforementioned examples and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be further described here.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the processing module 501 shown in FIG. 5 may be the logic circuit 601 in FIG. 6 .

[0228] Optionally, the logic circuit 601 may be a processing device, and the functions of the processing device may be partially or entirely implemented by software. The functions of the processing device may be partially or entirely implemented by software.

[0229] Optionally, the processing device may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform corresponding processing and / or steps in any one of the methods.

[0230] Alternatively, the processing device may include only a processor. A memory for storing the computer program is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuits / wires to read and execute the computer program stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated or physically separate.

[0231] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processor units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0232] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a structural diagram of the communication device 700 involved in the above examples provided in this application. The communication device 700 can specifically be a communication device serving as the first communication device or the second communication device in the above examples, wherein the structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 7.

[0233] The communication device 700 includes at least one processor 711 and at least one network interface 714 .

[0234] Further optionally, the communication device also includes at least one memory 712, at least one transceiver 713 and one or more antennas 715. The processor 711, the memory 712, the transceiver 713 and the network interface 714 are connected, for example, via a bus. In the present application, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines or buses, etc., which are not limited in the present application. The antenna 715 is connected to the transceiver 713. The network interface 714 is used to enable the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 714 may include a network interface between the communication device and the core network device, such as an S1 interface, and the network interface may include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (such as other network devices or core network devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0235] Processor 711 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. For example, this supports the communication device in performing the actions described in the implementation process above. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Processor 711 in Figure 7 may integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the baseband processor and the central processing unit may also be independent processors interconnected via a bus or other technology. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that network devices may include multiple baseband processors to accommodate different network standards, multiple central processing units to enhance their processing capabilities, and various components of network devices may be connected via various buses. The baseband processor may also be referred to as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit may also be referred to as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The functionality for processing communication protocols and communication data may be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing functionality.

[0236] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. Memory 712 can exist independently and be connected to processor 711. Alternatively, memory 712 and processor 711 can be integrated together, for example, within a single chip. Memory 712 can store program code for implementing the technical solutions of this application, and its execution is controlled by processor 711. The various computer program codes executed can also be considered drivers for processor 711.

[0237] Figure 7 shows only one memory and one processor. In an actual network device, multiple processors and multiple memories may exist. Memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or storage device. The memory may be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or an independent storage element, which is not limited in this application.

[0238] The transceiver 713 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between the communication device and the terminal, and the transceiver 713 can be connected to the antenna 715. The transceiver 713 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 715 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of the transceiver 713 is used to receive the radio frequency signal from the antenna, convert the radio frequency signal into a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency signal, and provide the digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal to the processor 711 so that the processor 711 can further process the digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in the transceiver 713 is also used to receive a modulated digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal from the processor 711, convert the modulated digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal into a radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal through one or more antennas 715. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of down-mixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the RF signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency signal. The order of the down-mixing and analog-to-digital conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of up-mixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal to obtain a RF signal. The order of the up-mixing and digital-to-analog conversion processes is adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital intermediate frequency signal may be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0239] The transceiver 713 may also be referred to as a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver module used to implement the receiving function may be referred to as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver module used to implement the transmitting function may be referred to as a transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver module includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiver, an input port, a receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit may be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0240] It should be noted that the communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 can be specifically used to implement the steps implemented by the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the first communication device or the second communication device. The specific implementation method of the communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 can refer to the description in the aforementioned method and will not be repeated here.

[0241] The module division in this application is illustrative and represents only a logical functional division. Different division methods may be used in actual implementation. Furthermore, the functional modules in this application may be integrated into a single processor, exist physically as separate modules, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. These integrated modules may be implemented in either hardware or software functional modules.

[0242] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they 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. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in this application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a terminal device, 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., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium.

[0243] In this application, under the premise of no logical contradiction, the examples can reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method examples can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device examples can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples can reference each other.

[0244] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving first information, where the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing mode among N signal processing modes, where N is an integer greater than 1; Communicate on a link between the radio frequency unit and the distributed unit based on the target signal processing manner.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before receiving the first information, the method further includes: Send second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Before sending the second information, the method further includes: A third message is received, where the third message is used to request pairing.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The second information is further used to indicate the priorities of the N signal processing modes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method is applied to the radio frequency unit or the distributed unit.

6. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Determining first information, where the first information is used to indicate a target signal processing mode among N signal processing modes, where N is an integer greater than 1; The first information is sent.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive second information, where the second information is used to indicate support for the N signal processing modes; wherein the first information is determined based on the second information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Before receiving the second information, the method further includes: Sending third information, where the third information is used to request pairing.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The second information is further used to indicate the priorities of the N signal processing modes, wherein the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priorities of the N signal processing modes.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method is applied to the radio frequency unit; The second information comes from the distributed unit.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information is determined based on the second information and fourth information; The fourth information is used to indicate M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, where M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first instruction information; When the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, determining the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the M signal processing modes; and / or, When the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority of the N signal processing modes.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method is applied to the distributed unit; The second information comes from the radio frequency unit.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The target signal processing method is determined based on the second information and the fifth information; The fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing modes supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the K signal processing modes.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving second instruction information; When the second indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the radio frequency unit, determining the target signal processing mode based on the priority of the N signal processing modes; and / or, When the first indication information indicates that the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority corresponding to the distributed unit, the target signal processing mode is determined based on the priority of the K signal processing modes.

16. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method is applied to network management equipment; The second information comes from the distributed unit; the target signal processing method is determined based on the second information and the fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate K signal processing methods supported by the distributed unit on the link, K is a positive integer, and the target signal processing method is included in the K signal processing methods.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fifth information is received.

18. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method is applied to network management equipment; The second information comes from the radio frequency unit; the target signal processing mode is determined based on the second information and the fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate the M signal processing modes supported by the radio frequency unit on the link, where M is a positive integer, and the target signal processing mode is included in the M signal processing modes.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth information is received.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The N signal processing modes include a downlink signal processing mode, wherein the downlink signal processing mode indicates performing at least one of the following processing on the downlink signal, including: Coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource unit RE mapping, digital beam mapping BF, inverse fast Fourier transform IFFT, adding cyclic prefix CP, digital-to-analog conversion, or, analog BF.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The N signal processing modes include an uplink signal processing mode, wherein the uplink signal processing mode indicates performing at least one of the following processing on the uplink signal, including: Decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, RE mapping, digital BF, fast Fourier transform (FFT), CP removal, analog-to-digital conversion, or analog BF.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 20 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to the memory; the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 20 to 21.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method according to any one of claims 6 to 21.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to the memory; the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 6 to 21.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: Includes the communication device according to claims 22 and 24, or includes the communication device according to claims 23 and 25.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is implemented.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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