Handover cycle indication

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to equipment, a method and a device for switching period indication and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises: determining a first switching period during which the first device at least switches from a first frequency band to a second frequency band; determining that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated to a second device for frequency band switching; update information is transmitted to the second device based on determining that the first handover period is different from the second handover period, the update information being associated with the first handover period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for switching cycle indication. Background Art

[0002] In uplink (UL) carrier aggregation (CA) or supplementary uplink (SUL), a user equipment (UE) is configured with more than one carrier. The UE may also be configured with UL transmission (Tx) switching, and may thus dynamically switch UL transmissions from one UL carrier to another UL carrier for supporting two transport channels (2Tx) UL transmissions on that carrier. Inter-band switching occurs if the UL carriers are located in different frequency bands (which may also be referred to simply as bands). Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device is caused to: determine a first switching cycle, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; determine that the first switching cycle is different from a second switching cycle, and the second switching cycle is indicated to a second device for frequency band switching; based on determining that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, send update information to the second device, and the update information is associated with the first switching cycle.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device: receives update information associated with a first switching period from a first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching period is different from a second switching period, and the second switching period is indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; and determines a start time based at least on the update information, and the start time is used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining a first switching period at a first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; determining that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated to a second device for frequency band switching; based on determining that the first switching period is different from the second switching period, sending update information to the second device, the update information being associated with the first switching period.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a second device, update information associated with a first switching period from a first device, during which the first device switches at least from a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching period is different from a second switching period, and the second switching period is indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; and determining a start time based at least on the update information, the start time being used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes: a component for determining a first switching period, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; a component for determining that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated to the second device for frequency band switching; and a component for sending update information to the second device based on determining that the first switching period is different from the second switching period, the update information being associated with the first switching period.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes: a component for receiving update information associated with a first switching period from a first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching period is different from a second switching period, and the second switching period is indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; and a component for determining a start time based on at least the update information, the start time being used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the third aspect.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0011] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 2illustrates an example of a time mask for switching between two carriers;

[0015] Figure 3 An example of a scheduling gap covering a switching period is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a signaling diagram for switching cycle indication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a signaling diagram for updating a switching period according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are helpful for those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the ways described below.

[0024] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0025] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be combined to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0026] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. in front of nouns can be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and they do not limit the order of nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0027] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0028] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step "in response to A" does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after "A" occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0029] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise", "including", "having", "having", "including" and / or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of the features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware and (ii) a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and any portion of memory with software that works together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions) and (c) a hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may be absent when not required for operation.

[0031] The definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example (and if applicable to a particular claim element), a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0032] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there are of course communication technologies and systems of future types that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned system.

[0033] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femto, a micro, a non-terrestrial network (NTN)) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device), etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) located at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE toward a parent node, and a DU portion of an IAB node is similar to a base station toward a next-hop IAB node.

[0034] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a user station (SS), a portable user station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless regional loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, equipment operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0035] As used herein, the term "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication, for example, communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as time domain resources, frequency domain resources, spatial domain resources, code domain resources, or any other resource capable of communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in both the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources to describe some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0036] As used herein, the term "switch-from carrier" may refer to a carrier from which a device (e.g., UE) switches to another carrier, and the term "switch-to carrier" may refer to the other carrier from which the device switches to. Similarly, a frequency band including the "switch-from" carrier may be referred to as a "switch-from" frequency band, and a frequency band including the "switch-to" carrier may be referred to as a "switch-to" frequency band. Example Environment

[0037] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a first device 110 and a second device 120 may communicate with each other. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may include a terminal device (e.g., a UE), and the second device 120 may include a network device (e.g., a gNB).

[0038] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of second devices and first devices shown in FIG. 1 is given for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of second devices and first devices.

[0039] In the following, for the purpose of explanation, some example embodiments are described in the case where the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the second device 120 operates as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in relation to the terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and the operations described in relation to the network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0040] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (Tx) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0041] The communication in the communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any appropriate communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication can utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0042] Taking UE as an example, as mentioned above, in uplink CA or SUL, a UE configured with uplink Tx switching can have Tx dynamically switched from one uplink carrier to another uplink carrier to enable 2Tx UL transmission on the carrier. In Release 16 (R16), switching between two carriers on two separate frequency bands is supported, where one of the two carriers supports 1Tx transmission and the other carrier supports 2Tx transmission in the uplink, which is multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. In Release 17 (R17), the functionality is extended to support switching between two frequency bands, where one of the two frequency bands can support two consecutive uplink carriers, and switching occurs between the frequency bands.

[0043] Multi-carrier enhancements for NR have been approved in Release 18 (R18). For example, there are some limitations in the current technical specifications for multi-carrier UL operation. For example, a 2Tx UE can be configured with up to 2UL bands, which can only be changed by radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration, and UL Tx switching can only be performed between two UL bands for 2Tx UEs. Dynamically selecting a carrier with UL Tx switching, for example, based on data traffic, TDD DL / UL configuration, bandwidth of each band, and channel conditions, rather than RRC-based (multiple) cell reconfiguration, can potentially result in higher UL data rates, spectrum utilization, and UL capacity. Table 1 shows the objectives of multi-carrier enhancements. Table 1

[0044] As can be seen from Table 1, one of the goals of multi-carrier enhancement is to study UL switching schemes across 3 or 4 frequency bands and define radio resource management (RRM) requirements. In R18, UL Tx switching is further extended across 3 or 4 frequency bands, where each Tx switching still occurs between 2 frequency bands, but the frequency band on which the UE is transmitting is dynamically selected from 3 or 4 configured frequency bands, so that at any given time, at most two uplink transmitters are transmitting. That is, the UE can, for example, transmit uplink MIMO on any one of the 3 or 4 configured frequency bands, while all other frequency bands are not transmitted, and then switch to transmit UL MIMO transmission on one other frequency band outside the group of configured frequency bands. Alternatively, the UE can send 1Tx transmission on one frequency band and another 1Tx transmission on another frequency band, while the other frequency bands in the configuration are not used for uplink transmission.

[0045] For example, when performing UL Tx switching on two band pairs or in some fallback scenarios, and how to benefit the network behavior to minimize disruption, the ambiguity of the switching period has been raised. For example, when the UE supports two Tx switching band combinations of bands A+B+C+D and bands A+B+C+E, the UE may have different switching periods for the same band pair.

[0046] Figure 2 An example of a time mask for switching between two carriers is shown. The UE may switch between UL carrier 1 and UL carrier 2, wherein the switching period is in a time slot / sub-time slot during which UL carrier 1 is used. Figure 2 As shown, the UE may use UL carrier 1 for UL transmission in time slot / sub-time slot 201, and use UL carrier 2 for UL transmission in time slot / sub-time slot 202. This means that the UE switches from UL carrier 1 to UL carrier 2. Then, the UE uses UL carrier 1 again for UL transmission in time slot / sub-time slot 203. This means that the UE switches from UL carrier 2 to UL carrier 1. Figure 2 As shown, the switching period is located at the end of time slot / sub-time slot 201 and the beginning of time slot / sub-time slot 203.

[0047] In some scenarios, when the UE receives a downlink control information (DCI) indication to perform dynamic switching between two UL carriers, the UE is allowed to cause a DL interruption of X OFDM symbols in the NR downlink carrier, as indicated by uplinkTxSwitching-DL-Interruption. The number of interrupted OFDM symbols is determined taking into account the UL Tx switching period, which is indicated in the UE capability information, such as shown in Table 2, and e.g. Figure 2 Shown are the transient periods specified in the time mask. Table 2

[0048] As shown in Table 2, only three values ​​of the switching period can be used for UE reporting, namely 35 us (microseconds), 140 us and 210 us.

[0049] In R18, when UL Tx switching is extended between two uplink carriers across 3 or 4 bands, the switching pattern ambiguity problem for parallel switching on four bands is identified. The following agreement has been reached to solve this problem through a band ordering based approach: Table 3

[0050] In Table 3, the agreement on the solution to solve the switching mode ambiguity problem is shown. Some more agreements were reached, as shown in Table 4. Table 4

[0051] In any case, the ambiguity comes from the implementation of different UEs when performing Tx switching between two band pairs. Although the new UE capabilities in the above band ordering-based approach help inform the network of the switching patterns supported by each Tx link, the network still does not know which switching cycle length to apply at each Tx switch. It is recommended to let the UE report the switching cycle to be applied to the network.

[0052] Furthermore, there will also be an ambiguity problem with the switching period if the switching period in use is different from the switching period indicated in the UE capability information. This may be because only 3 candidate values ​​are available in the UE capability information. However, some UEs may implement switching much faster than the value indicated to the network.

[0053] Meanwhile, RAN1 has been discussing how to handle network scheduling within a switching period. It has been agreed that the network can schedule gaps to absorb all or at least some of the switching periods. If a sufficiently long gap is scheduled to cover the switching period, then the UE is not expected to be scheduled during the switching period. Therefore, there is no impact on transmission / reception on the carrier. Otherwise, if the gap only partially covers the switching period, the network may start scheduling the UE on the switched carrier before the switching period ends. Therefore, the scheduling symbols may be affected. In the following, the start time of network scheduling is denoted by T0.

[0054] Figure 3 An example of a scheduling gap covering a switching period is illustrated. Carrier 1 is the "switched from" carrier, and carrier 2 is the "switched to" carrier. UL Tx switching is triggered at time 301. The network can start the actual scheduling of the UE at time T0. In the example, the switching period 302 is covered by a scheduling gap 303. The scheduling gap 303 depends on the network implementation based on the switching period indicated in the UE capability information, of which only 3 values ​​{35us, 140us, 210us} are available. However, if the UL Tx switching in practice or use is completed earlier than the network expects, the T0 determined based on the UE capability information may be too late, which unnecessarily delays the data recovery on the "switched to" carrier and may reduce system efficiency. On the other hand, if the UL Tx switching in practice is longer than the network expects, the determined T0 may not cover the switching period, which therefore affects or interrupts the data transmission on the carrier.

[0055] Generally, to allow UL Tx switching between multiple bands and / or Tx links within a UE, it has been agreed that the network should provide the UE with sufficient gaps in the scheduled transmissions to perform the required reconfiguration. The required switching period has been discussed, but there still remains a need for a solution that provides the network with the required information to ensure "sufficient" gaps.

[0056] To this end, the present disclosure proposes a solution for switching cycle indication. The solution relies on UE information about the expected switching cycle, because the required time may vary greatly depending on the frequency band and / or Tx link used for switching, which in turn depends on the specific hardware implementation of the UE. How it works and example signaling used for communication

[0057] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for switching period indication for UL switching is provided. In the solution, a first device may determine a first switching period (e.g., a switching period in use), during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band. The first device may determine that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, and the second switching period is indicated to the second device for frequency band switching. In addition, the first device may send update information to the second device, the update information being associated with the first switching period. Such transmission of the update information may be based on determining that the first switching period is different from the second switching period.

[0058] In this way, the first device (e.g., UE) notifies the second device (e.g., network) of the updated switching cycle information of the switching cycle. This allows the network to understand the switching cycle in use and determine the start time of network scheduling in an optimal manner. This improves system efficiency by implementing scheduling as early as possible without affecting data transmission.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Reference now Figure 4 , which illustrates a signaling diagram for switching cycle indication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the signaling diagram 400 involves the first device 110 and the second device 120. For the purpose of discussion, reference is made to Figure 1 400. Figure 4A single first device 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that there may be multiple first devices that perform similar operations as described below with respect to the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be a terminal device, such as a UE, and the second device 120 may be a network device, such as a gNB. In the following, some example embodiments with respect to the UE and the network device are described. However, this is for discussion purposes only and is not limiting in any way.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the first device 110 may determine (410) a first switching period. During the first switching period, the first device 110 may at least switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. For example, the first switching period may be a time period used or to be used to switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, and thus may be referred to as a switching period in use.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the handover may be triggered by an indication from the second device 120, such as by a DCI. In some example embodiments, the handover may be autonomously triggered by the first device 110, for example, based on some conditions. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the triggering of the handover.

[0063] The first device 110 may determine (415) whether the first switching period is different from the second switching period. The second switching period may be indicated to the second device 120 for frequency band switching. For example, the second switching period may be indicated to the second device 120 as a period for switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. Hereinafter, the second switching period may be referred to as an indicated switching period or a reported switching period.

[0064] In some example embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the first device 110 may send (405) an indication of the second switching period to the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the second switching period may be indicated to the second device 120 in the capability information of the first device 110. For example, if the first device 110 is a UE, the first device 110 may send the UE capability information including the second switching period to the second device 120. Based on the indicated switching period, the second device 120 may determine a start time, which is used to schedule data transmission between the first device 110 and the second device 120. The start time T0 determined based on the indicated switching period is also referred to as an original start time.

[0065] In addition, if the first device 110 determines that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, the first device 110 can send (420) update information associated with the first switching cycle to the second device 120. The update information can be used to indicate an update of the switching cycle of the second device 120 and can also be referred to as updated switching cycle information.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the update information may be sent within a time period after the triggering of the switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. For example, the UE should send the update information within a certain time period after the UL Tx switch is triggered. For example, a certain time period may be defined to set a maximum delay requirement for the switching period information. If the first device 110 does not send the updated switching period information within the time period, it should not send any updates later, and the second device 120 will assume that the switching period in the capability information will apply.

[0067] Based on the capabilities of the first device 110 and the start of the network schedule (i.e., T0), a time period may be defined, in particular a maximum switching period that may be applied for switching. In some example embodiments, the time period may precede an original start time that is used by the second device 120 to schedule data transmission. As mentioned above, the original start time is based on the second switching period. In other words, before the second device 120 resumes the data transmission schedule, the first device 110 should report the updated switching period information.

[0068] The update information may include any suitable indication or information to indicate an update of the switching period. In some example embodiments, the update information may include a first switching period, such as the switching period in use. Alternatively or additionally, the update information may include a difference between the first switching period and the second switching period, such as the incremental length between the switching period in use and the indicated switching period.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the update information may include an indication of the end of the first switching period. That is, when the switching is completed before the switching period as reported in the capability information, the first device 110 may indicate the end of the switching. In this case, once the switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band is completed, the first device 110 may send an indication of the end to the second device 120.

[0070] In some example embodiments, before switching to the second frequency band, the first device 110 may send the update information to the second device 120 on the first carrier in the first frequency band. For example, the transmission of the update information may occur before the UL switching is actually performed on the "switched from" carrier. Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the first device 110 may send the update information to the second device 120 on the second carrier in the second frequency band after switching to the second frequency band. For example, the transmission of the update information may occur after the UL switching is performed on the "switched to" carrier.

[0071] In some example embodiments, whether to send the update information on the "switched from" carrier or the "switched to" carrier may be configured by the second device 120. For example, the first device 110 may receive a configuration from the second device 120. The configuration may indicate whether the update information is sent before the switch or after the switch. Alternatively, the configuration may indicate that the update information is sent on a carrier of a specific band of the two frequency bands. For example, if the switch is between band A and band B, the configuration may indicate that the update information is sent on band A regardless of the switching direction. That is, the second device 120 may configure where / when the first device 110 reports the update information.

[0072] In some example embodiments, whether to send the update information on the "switched from" carrier or the "switched to" carrier may be indicated by the first device 110 to the second device 120. For example, the first device 110 may determine whether the update information is to be sent before or after the switch, and send a corresponding indication to the second device 120. That is, the first device 110 may inform the second device 120 where / when it will report the update information. For example, such an indication may be included in the capability information of the first device 110.

[0073] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the second device 120 may receive update information from the second device 120, and may determine (425) a start time for scheduling data transmission between the first device 110 and the second device 120 based at least on the update information. The start time may indicate the start of network scheduling, for example, Figure 3 For example, the original start time may be adjusted based on the update information. It should be understood that the adjusted start time may be before or after the original start time, depending on the difference between the switching cycle in use and the indicated switching cycle.

[0074] Then, the second device 120 may schedule data transmission between the first device 110 and the second device 110 at the determined start time T0. That is, the first device 110 may receive (430) scheduling information for data transmission from the second device 120 at the start time.

[0075] As described above, the first device 110 may send updated switching cycle information after the UL switching is triggered but before the network scheduling starts. When the UE sends the switching cycle information, the interruption length is also determined based on the updated switching cycle. When the second device 120 receives the switching cycle information about the switching cycle, the second device 120 may determine or adjust the start time of the network scheduling (ie, T0) accordingly. In the best case, T0 should be determined to cover the switching cycle to avoid affecting data transmission. If the first device 110 does not send the switching cycle information within the time period, the second device 120 may assume that the switching cycle in the capability information of the first device 110 will apply.

[0076] The above describes switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may also switch from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band. In other words, switching between two frequency band pairs may occur.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the reporting of the updated switching cycle information may be performed in conjunction with the switching between the two frequency band pairs. In this case, based on the switching cycle applied to the switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, and the switching cycle applied to the switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band, the first device 110 may determine the first switching cycle.

[0078] For example, UL Tx switching may occur across 3 or 4 frequency bands. One switching cycle (e.g., a maximum switching cycle) may cover both switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band and switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band. Therefore, the first time period is determined based on both switching cycles. In this way, the second device 120 may schedule transmission based on a longer switching cycle.

[0079] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, reporting of updated switching cycle information may be performed separately for two frequency band pairs. For example, the process described above for the frequency band pair of the first frequency band and the second frequency band may be applied to the frequency band pair of the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band. Specifically, the first device 110 may determine a third switching cycle during which the first device 110 switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band. The first device 110 may determine that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, and the fourth switching cycle is indicated to the second device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band. In addition, based on such a difference determination, the first device 110 may send another update information associated with the third switching cycle to the second device 120.

[0080] For example, the handover from the first frequency band to the second frequency band and the handover from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band are processed separately. Therefore, if there is a difference, another update information is reported to the second device 120. In such an example embodiment, if the handover between the frequency band pairs is completed earlier, the network can resume the scheduling on the "handover to" carrier of the frequency band pair earlier. Example Process

[0081] Reference now Figure 5 , which illustrates a signaling diagram 500 for updating a switching period according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, signaling diagram 500 involves UE 501, primary cell (PCell) 502, and secondary cell (SCell) 503. Diagram 500 may be considered as an example of diagram 400, and UE 501 may be considered as an example of the first device.

[0082] PCell 502 and SCell 503 may be provided by the network. PCell 502 may be associated with a carrier in the "switched from" band, and SCell 503 may be associated with other carriers in the "switched to" band. It should be understood that the signaling diagram 500 is illustrated using UL Tx switching between two bands as an example, and the same behavior may apply if UL Tx switching occurs across 3 or 4 bands.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, UE 501 enters a connection mode with the network, such as an RRC connection mode. In the connection mode, UE 501 can be configured by the network to have UL carriers on different frequency bands. UE 501 can send (510) UE capability information to the network via PCell 502, and the UE capability information can include UplinkTxSwitchingPeriod information, which indicates the switching period to the network (the second switching period described above). Then, UE 501 can receive (515) corresponding configuration information from the network via PCell 502. For example, by using an RRC reconfiguration message, the network can configure UL Tx switching to UE 501. UE 501 can also receive (520) DCI triggering UL Tx switching from the network. DCI triggers UL Tx switching between two frequency bands (which can be referred to as a band pair) corresponding to PCell 502 and SCell 503.

[0084] In some example embodiments, option 525 is performed. UE 501 may determine (530) a switching period for a frequency band pair and an increment between the two frequency bands that is required to adjust the start time of the actual network scheduling (i.e., T0). UE 501 may send (535) an update of the switching period (e.g., increment) to the network via PCell 502. For example, if the increment is non-zero, UE 501 may report the increment to the network. UE 501 may perform (540) a UL Tx switch. In other words, the UL Tx switch occurs from a "switched from" carrier to a "switched to" carrier. Correspondingly, the network may adjust (545) the start time T0 using the increment reported by UE 501. Then, scheduling of data transmission (550) between UE 501 and the network begins at the adjusted start time T0.

[0085] In some example embodiments, option 555 is performed. UE 501 may determine (560) a switching period for a frequency band pair and an increment between the two frequency bands that is required to adjust the start time T0. UE 501 may perform (565) a UL Tx switch. In other words, the UL Tx switch occurs from a "switched from" carrier to a "switched to" carrier. UE 501 may send (570) an update of the switching period to the network via SCell 503. For example, if the increment is non-zero, UE 501 may report the increment to the network. The network may use the increment reported by UE 501 to adjust (575) the start time T0. Then, scheduling of data transmission (580) between UE 501 and the network begins at the adjusted start time T0.

[0086] Finally, example embodiments of the present disclosure may allow the network to understand the switching cycles in use and determine T0 in an optimal manner. In this way, communication system efficiency is improved by implementing scheduling as early as possible without affecting data transmission. Example Method

[0087] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, Figure 1 The method 600 is described from the perspective of the first device 110 in FIG.

[0088] At block 610 , the first device 110 determines a first switching period during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band.

[0089] At block 620 , the first device 110 determines that the first switching cycle is different from a second switching cycle, the second switching cycle being indicated to the second device for frequency band switching.

[0090] At block 630 , based on determining that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, the first device 110 sends update information to the second device, the update information being associated with the first switching cycle.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the method 600 further includes receiving, from the second device at a start time, scheduling information for data transmission between the first device and the second device, the start time being determined based on the update information.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the update information is sent within a time period following a triggering of a switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the time period precedes another start time for the second apparatus to schedule data transmission between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the update information includes at least one of: a first switching period, a difference between the first switching period and a second switching period, or an indication of an end of the first switching period.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the method 600 further includes: sending update information to the second device on a first carrier in the first frequency band before switching to the second frequency band; or sending update information to the second device on a second carrier in the second frequency band after switching to the second frequency band.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the method 600 further includes: receiving a configuration from the second device, the configuration indicating that the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the method 600 further comprises sending an indication to the second apparatus whether the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the second switching period is indicated to the second apparatus in the capability information of the first apparatus.

[0099] In some example embodiments, switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band is also triggered, and method 600 further includes determining a first switching period based on a switching period applied to switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, and a switching period applied to switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band.

[0100] In some example embodiments, switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band is also triggered, and method 600 also includes: determining a third switching cycle, during which the first device switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band; determining that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, and the fourth switching cycle is indicated to the second device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; and based on determining that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, sending another update information associated with the third switching cycle to the second device.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0102] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, Figure 1 The method 700 is described from the perspective of the second device 120 in FIG.

[0103] At box 710, the second device 120 receives update information associated with a first switching cycle from the first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching cycle is different from a second switching cycle, and the second switching cycle is indicated by the first device for frequency band switching.

[0104] At block 720 , the second device 120 determines a start time based at least on the update information, the start time being used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes sending, to the first device at the start time, scheduling information for data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the update information is received within a time period following a triggering of a switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the time period precedes another start time for the second device to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the update information includes at least one of: a first switching period, a difference between the first switching period and a second switching period, or an indication of an end of the first switching period.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: receiving update information from the first device on a first carrier in the first frequency band before switching to the second frequency band; or receiving update information from the first device on a second carrier in the second frequency band after switching to the second frequency band.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: sending a configuration to the first device, the configuration indicating that the update information is sent before the switching or after the switching.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes receiving an indication from the first apparatus whether the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the second switching period is indicated to the second apparatus in the capability information of the first apparatus.

[0113] In some example embodiments, switching of the first device from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band is also triggered, and method 700 also includes: receiving another update information associated with a third switching cycle from the first device, during which the first device switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band, wherein the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, and the fourth switching cycle is indicated by the first device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; and determining a start time based on the update information and the another update information.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device. Example devices, equipment, and media

[0115] In some example embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The first device 110 in the method 600 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 600. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: a component for determining a first switching cycle, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; a component for determining that the first switching cycle is different from a second switching cycle, and the second switching cycle is indicated to the second device for frequency band switching; and a component for sending update information to the second device based on determining that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, the update information being associated with the first switching cycle.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes means for receiving, from the second device at a start time, scheduling information for data transmission between the first device and the second device, the start time being determined based on the update information.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the update information is sent within a time period following a triggering of a switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the time period precedes another start time for the second apparatus to schedule data transmission between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the update information includes at least one of: a first switching period, a difference between the first switching period and a second switching period, or an indication of an end of the first switching period.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: means for sending update information to the second device on a first carrier in the first frequency band before switching to the second frequency band, or means for sending update information to the second device on a second carrier in the second frequency band after switching to the second frequency band.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the first device further comprises: means for receiving a configuration from the second device, the configuration indicating to send the update information before or after the handover.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication to the second apparatus whether the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the second switching period is indicated to the second apparatus in the capability information of the first apparatus.

[0125] In some example embodiments, switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band is also triggered, and the first device also includes: a component for determining a first switching period based on a switching period applied to switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, and a switching period applied to switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band.

[0126] In some example embodiments, switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band is also triggered, and the first device further includes: a component for determining a third switching cycle, during which the first device switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band; a component for determining that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, and the fourth switching cycle is indicated to the second device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; and a component for sending another update information associated with the third switching cycle to the second device based on determining that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first device further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 600 or the first device 110. In some example embodiments, these means comprise at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause performance of the first device.

[0129] In some example embodiments, a second device (eg, Figure 1 The second device 120 in the method 700 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of the method 700. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the second device 120.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: a component for receiving update information associated with a first switching cycle from the first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching cycle is different from a second switching cycle, and the second switching cycle is indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; and a component for determining a start time based at least on the update information, the start time being used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes means for sending scheduling information for data transmission between the first apparatus and the second apparatus to the first apparatus at a start time.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the update information is received within a time period following a triggering of a switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the time period precedes another start time for the second device to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the update information includes at least one of: a first switching period, a difference between the first switching period and a second switching period, or an indication of an end of the first switching period.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises means for receiving update information from the first device on a first carrier in the first frequency band before switching to the second frequency band, or means for receiving update information from the first device on a second carrier in the second frequency band after switching to the second frequency band.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises: means for sending a configuration to the first device, the configuration indicating sending the update information before or after the switching.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication from the first apparatus whether the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the second switching period is indicated to the second apparatus in the capability information of the first apparatus.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: a component for receiving another update information associated with a third switching cycle from the first device, during which the first device switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band, wherein the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, and the fourth switching cycle is indicated by the first device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; and a component for determining a start time based on the update information and the another update information.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the second device further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 700 or the second device 120. In some example embodiments, these means comprise at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause performance of the second device.

[0142] Figure 8 800 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1The first device 110 or the second device 120 is shown. As shown, the apparatus 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0143] The communication module 840 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to support communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communicating with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0144] As non-limiting examples, processor 810 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slaved to a clock of a synchronized master processor.

[0145] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that do not persist during the duration of a power outage.

[0146] The computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 810. The instructions of the program 830 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 830 may be stored in a memory, such as ROM 824. The processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 830 into the RAM 822.

[0147] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of a program 830, so that the device 800 may execute the Figures 2 to 7 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 800 (such as in the memory 820) or other storage device accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than a signal), not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0149] Fig. 9 An example of a computer readable medium 900 is shown which may be in the form of a CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 900 has a program 830 stored thereon.

[0150] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0151] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium such as a non-transient computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods above. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0152] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0153] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0154] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0155] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or to perform all of the operations shown, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0156] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device for wireless communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: determining a first switching period during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; determining that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated to the second device for frequency band switching; as well as Based on determining that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, update information is sent to the second device, the update information being associated with the first switching cycle.

2. The first device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: Receiving scheduling information for data transmission between the first device and the second device from the second device at a start time, the start time being determined based on the update information. 3 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the update information is sent within a time period after triggering of the switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

4. The first device of claim 3, wherein the time period precedes another start time, the other start time being used by the second device to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the update information comprises at least one of the following: The first switching cycle, The difference between the first switching period and the second switching period, or An indication of the end of the first switching period.

6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: before switching to the second frequency band, sending the update information to the second device on a first carrier in the first frequency band; or After switching to the second frequency band, the update information is sent to the second device on a second carrier in the second frequency band.

7. The first device of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: A configuration is received from the second device, the configuration indicating whether the update information is to be sent before the switching or after the switching.

8. The first device of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: An indication is sent to the second device as to whether the update information is sent before the switching or after the switching. 9 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the second switching period is indicated to the second device in capability information of the first device.

10. The first device of claim 1, wherein a switch from a third frequency band to a fourth frequency band is also triggered, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: The first switching period is determined based on a switching period applied to the switching from the first frequency band to the second frequency band and a switching period applied to the switching from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band.

11. The first device of claim 1 , wherein a switch from a third frequency band to a fourth frequency band is also triggered, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: determining a third switching period during which the first device switches from the third frequency band to the fourth frequency band; determining that the third switching period is different from a fourth switching period, the fourth switching period being indicated to the second device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; as well as Based on determining that the third switching cycle is different from the fourth switching cycle, another update information associated with the third switching cycle is sent to the second device.

12. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

13. A second device for wireless communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: receiving update information associated with a first switching period from a first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; as well as Based at least on the update information, a start time is determined, where the start time is used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

14. The second device of claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: Scheduling information for the data transmission between the first device and the second device is sent to the first device at the start time. 15 . The second device of claim 13 , wherein the update information is received within a time period after triggering of the switch from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.

16. The second device of claim 15, wherein the time period precedes another start time, the other start time is used by the second device to schedule the data transmission between the first device and the second device, and the other start time is based on the second switching period.

17. The second device according to claim 13, wherein the update information comprises at least one of the following: The first switching cycle, The difference between the first switching period and the second switching period, or An indication of the end of the first switching period.

18. The second device of claim 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: receiving the update information from the first device on a first carrier in the first frequency band before switching to the second frequency band; or After switching to the second frequency band, the update information is received from the first device on a second carrier in the second frequency band.

19. The second device of claim 18, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: A configuration is sent to the first device, where the configuration indicates whether to send the update information before the switching or after the switching.

20. The second device of claim 18, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: An indication is received from the first device as to whether the update information is sent before the handover or after the handover.

21. The second device of claim 13, wherein the second switching period is indicated to the second device in capability information of the first device.

22. The second device of claim 13, wherein a switch from a third frequency band to a fourth frequency band for the first device is also triggered, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: receiving, from the first device, another update information associated with a third switching period during which the first device switches from a third frequency band to a fourth frequency band, wherein the third switching period is different from a fourth switching period indicated by the first device for the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band; and The start time is determined based on the update information and the further update information.

23. The second apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

24. A method for wireless communication, comprising: determining, at a first device, a first switching period during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band; determining that the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated to the second device for frequency band switching; as well as Based on determining that the first switching cycle is different from the second switching cycle, update information is sent to the second device, the update information being associated with the first switching cycle.

25. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, at a second device, update information associated with a first switching period from a first device, during which the first device switches from at least a first frequency band to a second frequency band, wherein the first switching period is different from a second switching period, the second switching period being indicated by the first device for frequency band switching; as well as Based at least on the update information, a start time is determined, where the start time is used to schedule data transmission between the first device and the second device.

26. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause an apparatus to at least perform the method of claim 24 or the method of claim 25.

Images