Communication method, communication device and related product

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method, a communication device and a related product, the method being applicable to a non-ground network communication scenario, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information being used for determining a first time period, the first time period being a time period when a network device is in a first mode, the first mode being a mode supporting cell access; and performing cell access in the first time period. The first mode may be a mode that supports cell access by the communication device. In the application, the cell access is carried out in the first time period, and the cell access is not carried out after the first information is received and before the starting time of the first time period, that is, channel monitoring and / or downlink signal receiving are / is not needed, so that the power consumption can be saved. Since the first time period is the time period when the network equipment is in the first mode, cell access is carried out in the first time period, so that a cell managed by the network equipment can be successfully accessed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to communication methods, communication devices, and related products. Background Art

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN), represented by non-ground devices such as satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms, have the advantages of wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, high flexibility, and high throughput. Introducing non-terrestrial networks into the 5th-Generation (5G) mobile network can provide communication services for areas that are difficult to cover by terrestrial networks (TN), such as the ocean and forests. It can also enhance the reliability of 5G communication. For example, it can provide more stable and high-quality communication services for trains, airplanes, and users on these means of transportation. It can also provide more data transmission resources and support a larger number of connections.

[0003] Currently, satellite communication has been introduced in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard as a communication scenario for 5G communication. Satellite communication can support not only various types of 5G terminals but also Internet of Things (IoT) type terminals. The biggest characteristics of satellite communication are high mobility and large communication latency.

[0004] Satellites are powered by solar energy, and energy conservation on the network side is very meaningful for satellite communication. However, existing satellite communication protocols not only do not consider power consumption savings but instead increase more signaling overhead related to satellites on the basis of terrestrial communication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, which includes: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine a first time period, and the first time period is a time period during which a network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; performing cell access during the first time period. The method of the first aspect can be applied to a non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication scenario. The first mode may be a mode that supports a communication device to perform cell access. The execution subject of the first aspect may be a communication device, and the communication device may refer to the terminal device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system in the terminal device that implements this method.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present application, cell access is performed during the first time period. That is to say, cell access will not be performed after receiving the first information until the start time of the first time period, that is, there is no need to listen to the channel and / or receive the downlink signal, which can save power consumption. Since the first time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode, cell access is performed during the first time period so as to successfully access the cell managed by the network device.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the first information, the method further includes: determining the first time period based on the first information.

[0008] In this implementation manner, the first time period is determined based on the first information so as to perform cell access during the first time period.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the receiving of the first information includes: in the case of not accessing the cell managed by the network device, receiving a broadcast message including the first information. The broadcast message including the first information may be generated and sent by a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite), or may be transparently relayed by a non-terrestrial network device. Exemplarily, the network device is a base station deployed on a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite), and the broadcast message including the first information may be generated and sent by the non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). Exemplarily, the network device is a base station connected to a ground station that communicates with a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite) on the ground, and the broadcast message including the first information generated by the network device is transparently relayed by the non-terrestrial network device through the ground station.

[0010] In this implementation manner, in the case of not accessing the cell managed by the network device, receiving a broadcast message including the first information; the first time period can be determined, and then cell access can be performed in a timely manner.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is sent by the network device in the second mode, and the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends some system messages for cell access or does not send system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working modes of the network device (such as a base station) include a first mode and a second mode. The network device sends all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access in the first mode. The network device does not send all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access or sends some system messages for the communication device to perform cell access in the second mode. Compared with the first mode, fewer messages are sent in the second mode, and the power consumption is lower.

[0012] In this implementation, the first information is sent by the network device in the second mode. After receiving the first information and until the start time of the first time period (i.e., when the network device enters the first mode), cell access will not be performed, that is, there is no need to listen to the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption.

[0013] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the method includes: sending second information in a second time period, where the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0014] In this implementation, sending the second information in the second time period can request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in order to access the cell managed by the network device.

[0015] In a possible implementation, before sending the second information in the second time period, the method further includes: determining the second time period based on the time of receiving the first information, and the second time period is the time period during which the network device receives uplink signals. The duration of the second time period can be predefined. The second time period can be the time period during which the network device receives uplink signals when it is in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, it receives uplink signals only during the second time period.

[0016] In this implementation, the second time period is determined based on the time of receiving the first information so as to send the second information during this second time period.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time when the (communication device) receives the first information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the communication device receives the first information can be the time when the broadcast message containing the first information is received.

[0018] In this implementation, the start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time when the communication device receives the first information. Based on the time of receiving the first information and this offset, the start time of the second time period can be accurately determined.

[0019] In a possible implementation, before performing cell access in the first time period, the method further includes: receiving third information, where the third information is used to indicate that the network device accepts the request to enter the first mode from the second mode; and performing cell access in the first time period includes: in response to the third information, performing cell access in the first time period.

[0020] In this implementation manner, in response to the third information, cell access is performed in the first time period so as to successfully access the cell managed by the network device.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, after the second information is sent in the second time period, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)). Entering the fourth mode may be to turn off the receiver, that is, stop listening to the channel, such as the PDCCH. Exemplarily, after the communication device enters the fourth mode, the receiver is turned off and the PDCCH is no longer listened to. Exemplarily, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include a first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0022] In this implementation manner, after receiving the first information and entering the fourth mode, power consumption can be saved.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second mode may be a mode that does not support the communication device to perform cell access. For example, the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends a partial system message for cell access or does not send a system message for cell access. Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode. Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the period, remaining duration, and duration of the network device in the second mode. Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode. The period of the network device in the first mode may be equal to the period of the network device in the second mode. The period of the network device in the first mode may be equal to the sum of the duration of the network device in the first mode and the duration of the network device in the first mode.

[0024] In this implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration, duration, period of the network device in the second mode, and the duration and period of the network device in the first mode, so that the communication device determines a first time period based on at least one of the period, remaining duration, and duration of the network device in the second mode.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information. For example, the start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information. An example of using the first information to determine the first time period in this application is as follows: determining a second time period based on the first information, where the second time period is the time for sending the second information used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode; determining the start time of the first time period based on the start time / end time of sending the second information. The duration of the first time period can be predefined.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time of the first time period and the start time / end time of sending the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

[0027] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode (or named power-saving mode, sleep mode, inactive mode, etc.), where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel (such as PDCCH).

[0028] In this implementation, entering the fourth mode after receiving the first information can save power.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the cell access in the first time period includes: receiving a signal for cell access (such as including a downlink synchronization signal and a system message) within the first time period; and performing cell access when the signal for cell access is received. It should be understood that if the signal for cell access is not received within the first time period, cell access is not performed.

[0030] In this implementation, receiving the signal for cell access within the first time period is to perform cell access using the received signal for cell access.

[0031] In a possible implementation, before performing cell access during the first time period, the method further includes: switching from a fourth mode to a third mode (or named as a wake-up mode, normal mode, active mode, etc.), where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as PDCCH), and the third mode is a mode of listening to a channel. Exemplarily, the fourth mode is the dormant state of the discontinuous reception (DRX) mode of the communication device, and the third mode is the active state of the DRX mode of the communication device. Exemplarily, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include a first operation, and the operations performed by the communication device in the third mode include the first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal.

[0032] In this implementation, before performing cell access during the first time period, switch from the fourth mode to the third mode so that cell access can be performed. Additionally, before performing cell access during the first time period, being in the fourth mode can save power consumption.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode; before performing cell access during the first time period, the method further includes: based on the first information, starting a timer, where the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the network device in the current second mode; the performing cell access during the first time period includes: performing cell access after the timer ends.

[0034] In this implementation, perform cell access after the timer ends so that the cell managed by the network device can be accessed in a timely manner.

[0035] In a possible implementation, after starting the timer and before the timer ends, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode (or a power-saving mode), where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as PDCCH).

[0036] In this implementation, entering the fourth mode before the timer ends can save power consumption.

[0037] In a possible implementation, after starting the timer and before performing cell access, the method further includes: switching from the fourth mode to the third mode, where the third mode is a mode of listening to a channel.

[0038] In this implementation, switch from the fourth mode to the third mode before performing cell access so that cell access can be performed. Additionally, before performing cell access, being in the fourth mode can save power consumption.

[0039] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first information, the method further includes: receiving a first downlink signal; determining, based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information, where there is an offset of f1 time units between the start time / end time when the first downlink signal is received and the start time when the first information is sent or received, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

[0040] In this implementation, based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, determine the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information, so as to better receive the first information.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0042] In this implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal, and the network device can save power consumption.

[0043] In a possible implementation, after determining, based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information, and before reaching the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as PDCCH).

[0044] In this implementation, entering the fourth mode before reaching the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information can save power consumption.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: in the case of accessing or camping on a first cell managed by the network device, switching from a third mode to a fourth mode at a first time (a moment) determined based on the first information, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the operations performed in the third mode include a first operation, and the operations performed in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. Exemplarily, the first time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode determined based on the first information.

[0046] In this implementation mode, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the third mode to the fourth mode, which can save power consumption.

[0047] In a possible implementation mode, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, at a second time determined based on the first information, switching from the connected state to the idle state, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the second time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode determined based on the first information.

[0048] In this implementation mode, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state, which can save power consumption.

[0049] In a possible implementation mode, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, before the network device enters the second mode, switching to a second cell, where the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0050] In this implementation mode, switching to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode can ensure the continuity of services.

[0051] In a possible implementation mode, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, based on the type of the currently executed service, performing a second operation or a third operation. The second operation includes performing a cell switch before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode.

[0052] In this implementation mode, performing a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service can meet the requirements of different types of services.

[0053] In a possible implementation mode, performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement, performing the second operation; and / or, when the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement, performing the third operation.

[0054] In this implementation mode, when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement, performing the second operation and switching to the second cell can meet the service with a continuity requirement. When the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement, performing the third operation can reduce unnecessary operations and save power consumption.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the third operation further includes entering a fourth mode, and the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal.

[0056] In this implementation, the power consumption of the communication device can be saved.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, and when the network device is in a second mode, transmitting an uplink signal through a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0058] In this implementation, when the network device is in the second mode, an uplink signal is transmitted through the first resource; before the network device enters the first mode, an uplink signal can be transmitted, and the uplink signal can be transmitted earlier.

[0059] In a possible implementation, transmitting the uplink signal through the first resource includes: based on synchronization information, transmitting the uplink signal through the first resource, where the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0060] In this implementation, based on the synchronization information, an uplink signal is transmitted through the first resource, so that an uplink signal can be transmitted when the network device is in the second mode, so that the network device can receive the uplink signal earlier.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the first information further includes the synchronization information. Exemplarily, the synchronization information is included in the first information.

[0062] In this implementation, the synchronization information is obtained based on the first information, and the synchronization information does not need to be transmitted additionally, which can save signaling overhead.

[0063] Second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: when a communication device accesses or camps on a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, the communication device switches from a third mode to a fourth mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Operations performed by the communication device in the third mode include a first operation, and operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. The power consumption of the communication device in the third mode is lower than that in the fourth mode. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the switching from the third mode to the fourth mode may be: the time interval between the moment when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode and the moment when the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode is less than a time threshold, such as 50 us, 100 us, 1 ms, 3 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, etc. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the switching from the third mode to the fourth mode may be replaced with: after the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode, which can save power consumption.

[0065] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received by the communication device after accessing the first cell, or may be received before receiving the first cell. Based on the fourth information, determining a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode may be replaced with: based on the fourth information, determining the time when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode.

[0066] In this implementation manner, based on the fourth information, determine a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode, so that when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0067] Thirdly, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing the first cell managed by the access network device, when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state, where the first mode is a mode supporting cell access, and the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state can be replaced with: when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, then switching from the connected state to the idle state. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state can be that: the time interval between the moment when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode and the moment when the communication device switches from the connected state to the idle state is less than a time threshold, such as 50 us, 100 us, 1 ms, 3 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, etc.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present application, when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode and the communication device switches from the connected state to the idle state, power consumption can be saved.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received by the communication device after accessing the first cell, or may be received before receiving the first cell. Based on the fourth information, determining the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode can be replaced with: based on the fourth information, determining the time when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode.

[0070] In this implementation manner, based on the fourth information, determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode, so that when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0071] Fourthly, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing the first cell managed by the access network device, before the network device enters the second mode, switching to the second cell, where the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, switching to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode can ensure the continuity of services.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received after the communication device accesses the first cell, or may be received before receiving the first cell. Based on the fourth information, determining a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode may be replaced with: based on the fourth information, determining a time when the network device enters the second mode.

[0074] In this implementation, based on the fourth information, determine a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode, so as to switch to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode.

[0075] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing a first cell managed by a network device, based on the type of the currently executed service, performing a second operation or a third operation. The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, based on the type of the currently executed service, performing a second operation or a third operation can meet the requirements of different types of services.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the performing a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: performing the second operation when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement; and / or performing the third operation when the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement.

[0078] In this implementation, when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement, performing the second operation can meet the continuity requirement of the service. When the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement, performing the third operation can save power consumption.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device is in the second mode, sending an uplink signal through a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present application, when the network device is in the second mode, an uplink signal is sent through the first resource; there is no need to allocate resources for sending the uplink signal through downlink scheduling information, which can save signaling overhead.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the sending of the uplink signal through the first resource includes: based on synchronization information, sending the uplink signal through the first resource, where the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access.

[0082] In this implementation, based on the synchronization information, sending the uplink signal through the first resource can send the uplink signal when the network device is in the second mode.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the first information further includes the synchronization information.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the first information is carried in a broadcast message.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which includes: determining first information, where the first information is used to determine a first time period, and the first time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; sending the first information. The first mode may be a mode that supports a communication device to perform cell access. The execution subject of the seventh aspect may be a network device or a processor, module, chip, or chip system in the network device that implements this method. The method of the seventh aspect can be applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. For example, the network device is a base station deployed in a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). Another example is that the network device is a base station connected to a ground station that communicates with a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite) on the ground. The first mode being a mode that supports cell access may be replaced with: the first mode is a mode in which the network device sends all system messages for cell access.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present application, the first information is sent so that the communication device can determine the first time period based on the first information, and then perform cell access during the first time period.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the sending of the first information includes: sending a broadcast message including the first information in a first beam direction. The first beam direction is one beam direction or a part of the multiple beam directions of the network device. That is, the network device does not send a broadcast message including the first information in some beam directions.

[0088] In this implementation, a broadcast message containing first information is sent in a first beam direction so that each terminal device in this beam direction can receive the broadcast message containing the first information, and the signaling overhead is relatively small.

[0089] In a possible implementation, the sending of the first information includes: in the case of being in a second mode, sending the first information, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Or rather, the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends some system messages for cell access or does not send system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working modes of a network device (such as a base station) include a first mode and a second mode. The network device sends all system messages for a communication device to perform cell access in the first mode. The network device does not send all system messages for a communication device to perform cell access or sends some system messages for a communication device to perform cell access in the second mode. Compared with the first mode, fewer messages are sent in the second mode, and the power consumption is lower.

[0090] In this implementation, when in the second mode, the first information is sent without having to send all system messages for cell access; power consumption can be saved.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second mode may be a mode that does not support a communication device to perform cell access.

[0092] In this implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration, duration, and period of the network device in the second mode, and the duration and period of the network device in the first mode, so that the communication device determines a first time period based on at least one of the period, remaining duration, and duration of the network device in the second mode.

[0093] In a possible implementation, after sending the first information, the method further includes: when reaching the start time of the first time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0094] In this implementation, switching between the first mode and the second mode can not only ensure the communication of the communication device but also save power consumption.

[0095] In a possible implementation, after sending the first information, the method includes: when receiving second information within a second time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode, the first mode is a mode supporting cell access, the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of sending the first information.

[0096] In this implementation, when receiving second information within the second time period, entering the first mode from the second mode so that the communication device (or the terminal device) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0097] In a possible implementation, the start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time of sending the first information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time of sending the first information can be the time of sending a broadcast message containing the first information.

[0098] In this implementation, the start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time of sending the first information. Based on the time of sending the first information and this offset, the start time of the second time period can be accurately determined.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the entering the first mode from the second mode includes: when reaching the start time of a third time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the third time period is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode.

[0100] In this implementation, when reaching the start time of the third time period, entering the first mode from the second mode so that the communication device (or the terminal device) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: when not receiving the second information within the second time period, performing a fourth operation within the third time period, where the fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0102] In this implementation, when not receiving the second information within the second time period, performing the fourth operation within the third time period can save power consumption.

[0103] In a possible implementation, the entering the first mode from the second mode includes: when reaching the first start time, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the first start time is related to the start time / end time of receiving the second information.

[0104] In this implementation manner, when the first start time is reached, it switches from the second mode to the first mode so that the communication device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0105] In a possible implementation manner, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

[0106] In this implementation manner, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, and the first start time can be accurately determined.

[0107] In a possible implementation manner, before sending the first information, the method further includes: sending a first downlink signal, where the first downlink signal is used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time domain position where the network device sends the first information, determining the frequency domain position where the network device sends the first information, downlink synchronization, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the start time / end time when the first downlink signal is sent has an offset of f1 time units from the start time when the first information is sent or received, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information. Exemplarily, the first downlink signal is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0108] In this implementation manner, the first downlink signal is sent so that the communication device can determine at least one of the frequency domain position, time domain position, the network device being in the second mode, or downlink synchronization of the first information.

[0109] In a possible implementation manner, when the method is applied to a network device, the method further includes: when in the second mode, receiving an uplink signal carried on a first resource, where the first resource is associated with the downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0110] In this implementation manner, when in the second mode, receiving the uplink signal carried on the first resource can achieve receiving the uplink signal when in the second mode.

[0111] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is carried in a broadcast message, and the broadcast message further carries information for the communication device to obtain synchronization information. Exemplarily, the broadcast message further carries information for the communication device to obtain uplink synchronization information.

[0112] In this implementation manner, the broadcast message further carries information for the communication device to obtain synchronization information so that the communication device can send an uplink signal based on this synchronization information.

[0113] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the first aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, where: the transceiver module is configured to receive first information, the first information is used to determine a first time period, the first time period is the time period when the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; the processing module is configured to perform cell access during the first time period. The first mode may be a mode that supports the communication device to perform cell access.

[0114] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to determine the first time period based on the first information.

[0115] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically configured to receive a broadcast message containing the first information when the communication device is not connected to the cell managed by the network device.

[0116] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further configured to send second information in a second time period, the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from a second mode, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0117] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to determine the second time period based on the time of receiving the first information, and the second time period is the time period when the network device receives an uplink signal.

[0118] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third information, the third information is used to indicate that the network device accepts the request to enter the first mode from the second mode; the processing module is specifically configured to, in response to the third information, perform cell access during the first time period.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to enter a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as PDCCH).

[0120] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the transceiver module to receive a signal for cell access (such as including a downlink synchronization signal and system information) within the first time period; and perform cell access when the transceiver module receives the signal for cell access.

[0121] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to switch from the fourth mode to the third mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel (such as PDCCH), and the third mode is a mode of listening to a channel.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to start a timer based on the first information, where the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the second mode in which the network device is currently located; and perform cell access after the timer expires.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device, at a first time (a moment) determined based on the first information, switch the communication device from the third mode to the fourth mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the operations performed in the third mode include a first operation, and the operations performed in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0124] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, at a second time determined based on the first information, switch the communication device from the connected state to the idle state, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the second time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode determined based on the first information.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, before the network device enters the second mode, control the communication device to switch to a second cell, where the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0126] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, perform a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the service currently being executed. The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to perform the second operation when the service currently being executed has continuity requirements; and / or perform the third operation when the service currently being executed does not have continuity requirements.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing the first cell managed by the network device and when the network device is in the second mode, control the transceiver module to send an uplink signal through a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0129] Possible implementations of the communication device in the eighth aspect can refer to various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0130] Regarding the technical effects brought by various possible implementations of the eighth aspect, reference can be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0131] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the second aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses or camps on a first cell managed by a network device and the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, control the communication device to switch from a third mode to a fourth mode, the first mode is a mode supporting cell access, the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access, the operations performed by the communication device in the third mode include a first operation, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal. The power consumption of the communication device in the third mode is lower than that in the fourth mode.

[0132] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the third aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device and the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, control the communication device to switch from a connected state to an idle state, the first mode is a mode supporting cell access, and the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

[0133] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the above fourth aspect. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, switch to a second cell before the network device enters a second mode, the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0134] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the above fifth aspect. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module, where: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, perform a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service, the second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters a second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0135] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is specifically configured to perform the second operation when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement; and / or perform the third operation when the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement.

[0136] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the sixth aspect. The communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module, where: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device and the network device is in a second mode, send an uplink signal through the transceiver module via a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0137] In possible implementation manners of the ninth aspect to the thirteenth aspect, the communication device further includes a processing module, and the transceiver module is configured to receive fourth information; the processing module is further configured to determine, based on the fourth information, a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode.

[0138] Regarding the technical effects brought by various possible implementation manners of the ninth aspect to the thirteenth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of various possible implementation manners of the third aspect to the seventh aspect.

[0139] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has a function of implementing the actions in the method embodiment of the seventh aspect above. The communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The function of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module, where: the processing module is configured to determine first information, and the first information is used to determine a first time period, and the first time period is the time period when the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; the transceiver module is configured to send the first information. The first mode may be a mode that supports the communication device to access a cell.

[0140] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically configured to send a broadcast message including the first information in a first beam direction.

[0141] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module is specifically configured to send the first information when the communication device is in a second mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0142] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the first time period is reached, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0143] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the transceiver module receives second information within a second time period, and the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode, the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time when the first information is sent.

[0144] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the start time of a third time period is reached, and the third time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to perform a fourth operation in a third time period when the transceiver module does not receive the second information in the second time period, and the fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when a first start time is reached, and the first start time is related to the start time / end time of receiving the second information.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first downlink signal, and the first downlink signal is used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time domain position where the network device sends the first information, determining the frequency domain position where the network device sends the first information, downlink synchronization, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and there is an offset of f1 time units between the start time / end time when the first downlink signal is sent and the start time when the first information is sent or received, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

[0148] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive an uplink signal carried on a first resource when the communication device is in the second mode, and the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0149] Possible implementations of the communication device in the fourteenth aspect can refer to various possible implementations in the seventh aspect.

[0150] Regarding the technical effects brought by various possible implementations of the fourteenth aspect, reference can be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the seventh aspect or various possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0151] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication device, which includes one or more processors, and the one or more processors are configured to process data and / or signaling so that the method in any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect above is implemented.

[0152] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, and the memory stores computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device is caused to execute the method in any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect above. Exemplarily, the communication device may be a chip, the processor is a processing unit in the chip, and the memory is a random access memory or cache in the chip.

[0153] In the embodiments of the present application, during the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information (or signals) in the above method can be understood as a process of outputting information based on a computer program or instruction of a processor. When outputting information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver for transmission by the transceiver. After the information is output by the processor, it may also be subject to other processing and then reach the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Further, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may be subject to other processing before being input to the processor.

[0154] For operations such as sending and / or receiving involved by the processor, if there is no special description, or if it does not conflict with its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, it can generally be understood as an output based on a computer program or instruction of the processor.

[0155] During implementation, the above-mentioned processor can be a processor specifically used to execute these methods, or a processor that executes computer programs or instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor can also be used to execute a program stored in the memory. When the program is executed, the communication device is caused to execute the method as shown in the above first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0156] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the above-mentioned communication device. In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located inside the above-mentioned communication device.

[0157] In a possible implementation manner, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0158] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a transceiver, which is used to receive signals or send signals, etc.

[0159] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to obtain data or output data; the processing circuit is used to execute the method in any one of the above first aspect to the seventh aspect.

[0160] In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program includes program instructions. When the program instructions are executed, the computer is caused to execute the method in any one of the above first aspect to the seventh aspect.

[0161] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to execute the method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects described above.

[0162] In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, including a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is used for signal transceiver of the chip. The processor is used to execute a computer program or instructions, so that a communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects described above.

[0163] In a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including the communication device according to the eighth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the eighth aspect, and the communication device according to the fourteenth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fourteenth aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0164] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a method provided by an embodiment of the present application that can be applied to a non-terrestrial network communication system;

[0165] Figure 2a It is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0166] Figure 2b It is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0167] Figure 2c It is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0168] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0169] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a network device switching between a first mode and a second mode provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0170] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0171] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0172] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0173] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0174] Figure 9 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0175] Figure 10 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0176] Figure 11 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0177] Figure 12 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0178] Figure 13 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0179] Figure 14 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0180] Figure 15 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0181] Figure 16 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0182] Figure 17 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0183] Figure 18 Schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1800 provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0184] Figure 19 Schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device is shown;

[0185] Figure 20 Schematic structural diagram of a simplified base station is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0186] In the description, claims and drawings of this application, terms such as "first", "second", and various numerical numbers (such as "#1", "#2", etc.) are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of this application are only for the convenience of description and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The magnitudes of the serial numbers of the following processes do not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device, etc. that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes steps or units not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices, etc.

[0187] As used herein, "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various places in the description and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art can explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. In this application, the naming of messages is only used to distinguish different messages and should not be construed as a limitation. That is, the name of any message in this application can be replaced by other names, and this application does not make any limitation.

[0188] The terms used in the following embodiments of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be a limitation of this application. As used in the description and appended claims of this application, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "above-mentioned", "said", and "this" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. The term "plural" used in this application means two or more. In the written description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0189] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" indicates that there is a corresponding relationship between A and B, and B can be determined according to A. However, it should also be understood that determining (or generating) B based on (or according to) A does not mean determining (or generating) B only based on (or according to) A. B can also be determined (or generated) based on (or according to) A and / or other information.

[0190] It should be understood that in the present application, indication includes direct indication (also referred to as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Among them, directly indicating information A means including this information A; implicitly indicating information A means indicating information A through the corresponding relationship between information A and information B and directly indicating information B. Among them, the corresponding relationship between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0191] It should be understood that in the present application, information C is used for the determination of information D, which includes both the case where information D is determined only based on information C and the case where information D is determined based on information C and other information. In addition, when information C is used for the determination of information D, there may also be an indirect determination case. For example, information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0192] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Exactly speaking, using words such as "exemplary" or "for example" aims to present relevant concepts in a specific way.

[0193] In addition, for "network element A sends information A to network element B" in the embodiments of the present application, it can be understood that the destination end of this information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination ends is network element B, and it can include directly or indirectly sending information to network element B. For "network element B receives information A from network element A", it can be understood that the source end of this information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source ends is network element A, and it can include directly or indirectly receiving information from network element A. Necessary processing may be performed on the information between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format change, etc. However, the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in the present application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0194] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems, such as Figure 1As shown, the communication system may include terminal devices, satellites, ground stations (which may also be referred to as gateway stations, transit stations), and base stations (not shown). In one possible implementation, the base station is deployed on the satellite, and the base station is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, and the ground station is connected to the core network in a wired or wireless manner. In one possible implementation, the base station is deployed on the ground and connected to the ground station that communicates with the satellite (see below Figure 2a ), and the base station is connected to the core network in a wired or wireless manner; wherein, the satellite only has the function of transparent forwarding. In one possible implementation, some functions of the base station are deployed on the satellite, the base station is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, and the ground station is connected to the core network in a wired or wireless manner. There may be a wireless link between satellites. Exemplarily, if the satellite only has the function of transparent transmission and forwarding (that is, the corresponding base station is deployed on the ground), then only transparent transmission and forwarding is achieved between satellites. Exemplarily, if the base station or some base station functions are deployed on the satellite, then signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites. It can be understood that Figure 1 only one satellite and one ground station are shown. In actual use, an architecture with multiple satellites and / or multiple ground stations can be adopted according to needs. Among them, each satellite can provide services to one or more terminal devices, each satellite can correspond to one or more ground stations, each ground station can correspond to one or more satellites, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. Each satellite can correspond to multiple beam directions, that is, messages are sent in multiple beam directions, and each beam direction corresponds to a ground area (or coverage area). In one possible implementation, the messages sent by the satellite in different beam directions are different. The messages sent by the satellite can be transparently transmitted and forwarded, or can be sent by the base station deployed on the satellite. Or rather, the messages sent by the satellite in different beam directions can be independently controlled in units of beam directions.

[0195] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle to Everything (V2X), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system; for example, it can be applied to the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5th-generation (5G) communication system, 6th-generation (6G) communication system or future communication system, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0196] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions. The terminal device can communicate with an access network device (or also referred to as an access device) in a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be called a user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. In a possible implementation, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as a ship, etc.). In a possible implementation, the terminal device can be a handheld device, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, sensor, terminal in the Internet of Things, terminal in the vehicle-to-everything network, drone, any form of terminal device in the 5th generation (5G) network and future networks, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. Exemplarily, communication can also be carried out between terminal devices through device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine (M2M), etc. The terminal device shown in the embodiments of this application can also be a device in the Internet of Things (IoT). This IoT network can, for example, include a vehicle-to-everything network. Among them, the communication methods in the vehicle-to-everything system are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-X (V2X, where X can represent anything). For example, this V2X can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, communication between vehicle and pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0197] The ground station can be used to connect a satellite to a base station, or a satellite (such as a base station is deployed) to the core network. The satellite can provide wireless access services for terminal devices, schedule wireless resources to the accessed terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc. As an example, the satellite can use artificial earth satellites and high-altitude aircraft, etc. as wireless communication base stations, such as an evolutional NodeB (eNB) or a next generation node B (gNB), etc. As another example, the satellite can also act as a relay for these base stations to transparently transmit the signals of these base stations to terminal devices.

[0198] Therefore, in some implementations of the present application, for example, in the transparent transmission scenario of a satellite, the base station can communicate with Figure 1 the ground station shown. Figure 2a FIG. is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2a shown, the terminal device can access the network through an air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface, etc.), the satellite is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, the base station is deployed on the ground and connected to the ground station that communicates with the satellite, the ground station is connected to the core network by wired or wireless means, and the core network is connected to the data network. There can be a wireless link between satellites. In Figure 2a the system shown, the satellite can have a transparent transmission and forwarding function. Figure 2b FIG. is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2c FIG. is another schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2b and Figure 2c shown, the terminal device can access the network through an air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface, etc.), the base station can be deployed on the satellite (such as the regeneration mode of the satellite), such as the base station or part of the base station functions are deployed on the satellite, the base station is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, the ground station is connected to the core network by wired or wireless means, and the core network is connected to the data network. Figure 2c It shows that when the base station or part of the base station functions are deployed on the satellite, the satellites can complete the signaling interaction and user data transmission between the base stations.

[0199] Exemplarily, Figures 2a to 2c each network element and their interfaces in can be as follows:

[0200] The terminal device can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate services such as calls and Internet access. The base station can be used to provide wireless access services, schedule wireless resources for the accessed terminal devices, provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc. The ground station can be used to be responsible for forwarding the signaling and service data between the satellite and the core network. The core network can be used for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, or charging, etc. The core network can be composed of multiple functional units, such as functional entities including a control plane and a data plane. Exemplarily, Figures 2a to 2cThe core network shown may include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), etc. For example, the AMF can be used to be responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management, etc. The UPF can be used to be responsible for managing the transmission of user plane data, traffic statistics, etc. Figures 2a to 2c The air interface shown can be understood as the wireless link between the terminal and the base station, or the wireless link between the satellite and the ground station; the Xn interface can be understood as the interface between base stations, mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover; the NG interface can be used as the interface between the base station and the core network, used for interacting with non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network, as well as the service data of users. In systems of different radio access technologies, the names of the devices with base station functions may be different, and the embodiments of this application will not show them one by one.

[0201] The satellite can be a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or a non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, or a high altitude platform station (HAPS), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific type of the satellite.

[0202] In some deployments of a base station, the base station may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In some other deployments of the base station, the CU may further be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). In some other deployments of the base station, the base station may also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific deployment manner of the base station. In the present application, the base station is an example of a network device, and the base station may be replaced by a network device. Exemplarily, when the base station is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in the embodiments of the present application may be an access network device in the ORAN, or a functional module, etc. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an open (O)-CU, the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, etc. The deployment manners of the network devices listed here are only examples. With the evolution of standard technologies, there may be other deployment forms for network devices.

[0203] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions and network architecture provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0204] As described in the background art section, satellites are powered by solar energy, and energy saving on the network side is very meaningful for satellite communication. The present application proposes a technical solution that can save the power consumption of network-side devices (base stations or satellites deployed on satellites) in non-terrestrial network communication scenarios. The concept of the technical solution provided by the present application is that network-side devices in non-terrestrial network communication scenarios switch between a first mode (normal mode) and a second mode (power-saving mode) in certain beam directions (for example, corresponding to uninhabited areas or ground areas with less access demand (for example, the access volume within a certain duration is less than a threshold)); when the network-side device is in the first mode, the network-side device sends all system messages for terminal devices to perform cell access, and the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network-side device when the network-side device is in the first mode; when the network-side device is in the second mode, the network-side device sends partial system messages for terminal devices to perform cell access or does not send system messages for terminal devices to perform cell access, and the power consumption of the second mode is lower than that of the first mode. The partial system messages for terminal devices to perform cell access may carry access restriction information and / or uplink synchronization information. The access restriction information is used for the terminal device to determine whether it can access the cell managed by the network-side device, and the uplink synchronization information is used for the terminal device to perform uplink synchronization. For example, the access restriction information includes a country code. When the terminal device does not support the communication service provided by the operator corresponding to the country code, it is determined not to access the cell managed by the network-side device. In the beam direction corresponding to uninhabited areas or ground areas with less access demand, the network-side device in the non-terrestrial network communication scenario switches between the first mode and the second mode, which can not only enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network-side device when the network-side device is in the first mode, but also save power consumption.

[0205] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the method includes:

[0206] 301. The network device determines the first information.

[0207] The network device may be a base station deployed on a satellite. Refer to Figure 2b or Figure 2c ; it may also be a base station connected to a ground station that communicates with a satellite (refer to the following Figure 2a ).

[0208] In a possible implementation, the network device determines a broadcast message containing first information. The above-mentioned first information is used to determine a first time period, where the first time period is the time period during which the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access. Or rather, the above-mentioned first information is used to determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. Since the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode, the first information is used to determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode and can also be used to determine the time period during which the network device is in the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In a possible implementation, the above-mentioned broadcast message may also carry information for the terminal device to obtain uplink synchronization information. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned network device is a base station deployed in a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite), and the broadcast message containing the above-mentioned first information may be generated and sent by the non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). Exemplarily, the above-mentioned network device is a base station connected to a ground station that communicates with a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite) on the ground, and the broadcast message containing the above-mentioned first information generated by the above-mentioned network device is transparently relayed by the non-terrestrial network device through the above-mentioned ground station.

[0209] 302. The network device sends the first information.

[0210] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the above-mentioned first information. In the embodiments of the present application, the description is given by taking one terminal device receiving the first information as an example. For example, one or more terminal devices receive a broadcast message containing the above-mentioned first information. In a possible implementation, the network device sends the first information in the first beam direction, and the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is small (for example, the access volume within a certain duration is less than a threshold). Or rather, the first beam direction corresponds to a ground area with less access demand. The standard for less access demand in the ground area can be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in the present application. For example, the network device takes the ground area where the population density corresponding to a certain beam direction is lower than a certain threshold as the ground area with less access demand, and the threshold can be set according to requirements. Another example is that if the average value of the total number of access requests sent by each terminal device in the ground area corresponding to a certain beam direction within h hours is less than a certain threshold, then the ground area corresponding to that beam direction is taken as the ground area with less access demand, where h is a real number greater than 0. In a possible implementation, multiple beam directions (including the first beam direction) of the network device correspond to ground areas with less access demand, and the message interaction between the network device and the terminal device in each beam direction is similar. The present application describes it by taking the first beam direction as an example. Exemplarily, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to ground areas with less access demand, and the ratio of the time point and / or duration of the switching between the two modes in different beam directions can be different. For example, the ratio of the duration of the network device in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration of the network device in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0211] In this application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode, which means that the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in a certain beam direction (corresponding to the ground area with less access demand). The mode switch in this application is based on the beam direction. In this application, the network device being in the first mode or the second mode means that the network device is in the first mode or the second mode in a certain beam direction (such as the first beam direction). The network device being in the first mode in a certain beam direction means that the network device sends all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in this beam direction. The network device being in the second mode in a certain beam direction means that the network device does not send the system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in this beam direction or sends some of the system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in this beam direction. In this application, the network device entering the second mode from the first mode means entering the second mode from the first mode in a certain beam direction. In this application, the network device entering the first mode from the second mode means entering the first mode from the second mode in a certain beam direction. In this application, the network device entering the first mode or the second mode means entering the first mode or the second mode in a certain beam direction.

[0212] In a possible implementation, when the network device is in the second mode, it sends the first information in the first beam direction. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned second mode is the mode in which the network device sends some of the system messages for cell access or does not send the system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working modes of the network device (such as a base station) include the first mode and the second mode. The network device sends all system messages for the communication device to access the cell in the first mode. The network device does not send all system messages for the communication device to access the cell or sends some of the system messages for the communication device to access the cell in the second mode. Compared with the first mode, the second mode sends fewer messages and has lower power consumption. In this implementation, the network device sends the first information in the second mode, and the terminal device will not perform cell access until the start time of the first time period (i.e., when the network device enters the first mode) after receiving the first information, that is, there is no need to monitor the channel and / or receive the downlink signal, which can save power consumption.

[0213] 303. The terminal device determines the first time period based on the first information.

[0214] In a possible implementation, the above-mentioned first information (which can be named non-active information) is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode, the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode, the period of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode, the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode, and the period of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The period of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode may be equal to the period of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode. The period of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode may be equal to the sum of the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode and the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode. The duration of the first time period may be a preset duration, such as 100 ms, 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 1 min, 5 min, etc. In this example, the terminal device may determine that the moment #1 after the current moment passes the remaining duration is the start time of the first time period, and determine that the moment #2 after the moment #1 passes the preset duration is the end time of the first time period.

[0215] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first information is used to indicate the period, remaining duration, and duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above-mentioned network device in the second mode, the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode, and the period of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode. For example, the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode is DeltaT, the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode is D, and the period of the network device in the first mode is T. Assuming that the current moment is T0, the time period (i.e., the first time period) during which the network device can be in the first mode based on the first information includes: [T0, T0 + DeltaT], [T0 + DeltaT + D, T0 + DeltaT + T] + K * T, (K = 0, 1, 2...). Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application for switching between a first mode and a second mode. As Figure 4 shown, T0 represents the current moment, DeltaT represents the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, D represents the duration of the above-mentioned network device in the first mode, T represents the period of the network device in the first mode, the time shown by the filled-slash rectangle is the time when the network device is in the first mode, and the time shown by the unfilled-slash rectangle is the time when the network device is in the second mode.

[0216] 304. The terminal device performs cell access during the first time period.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives signals for cell access (such as including downlink synchronization signals and system information) during the above-mentioned first time period; in the case of receiving signals for cell access, it performs cell access, that is, accesses the cell managed by the network device. It should be understood that if the signals for cell access are not received during the first time period, cell access is not performed. Exemplarily, the terminal device starts listening to the channel, such as the PDCCH channel, from the start time of the first time period, that is, receives signals for cell access. In this implementation manner, signals for cell access are received during the first time period to perform cell access by using the received signals for cell access.

[0218] In a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above-mentioned network device in the above-mentioned second mode; before the terminal device performs cell access during the above-mentioned first time period, based on the above-mentioned first information, a timer is started, and the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the above-mentioned second mode in which the network device is currently located. The terminal device performing cell access during the above-mentioned first time period can be: performing cell access after the timer ends. In this implementation manner, the terminal device performs cell access after the timer ends so as to be able to access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner. In a possible implementation, after starting the timer and before the timer ends, the terminal device enters the fourth mode (or power-saving mode), and the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel (such as the PDCCH); power consumption can be saved. Entering the fourth mode can be to turn off the receiver (corresponding to the receiving module, receiver), or to turn off the transceiver module (which can include a transmitting module and a receiving module), or to turn off the transceiver (which can include a transmitter and a receiver). In a possible implementation, after the timer ends, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode, and the third mode is a mode of listening to the channel so as to be able to perform cell access. Switching from the fourth mode to the third mode can be to start the receiver, or to start the transceiver module, or to start the transceiver.

[0219] In the embodiments of the present application, cell access is performed during the first time period. That is to say, cell access is not performed until the start time of the first time period after receiving the first information, that is, there is no need to listen to the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption. Since the first time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode, cell access is performed during the first time period so as to be able to successfully access the cell managed by the network device.

[0220] Figure 5 This is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 5 The method flow in Figure 3 is a possible implementation manner of the method described in Figure 5As shown, the method includes:

[0221] 501. The network device determines first information.

[0222] 502. The network device sends the first information.

[0223] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the above first information.

[0224] 503. The terminal device determines a first time period based on the first information.

[0225] Steps 501 to 503 can refer to Figure 3 Steps 301 to 303 therein.

[0226] 504. The terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0227] In a possible implementation, the terminal device switches from the third mode to (enters) the fourth mode. The third mode is a mode of listening to a channel, and the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to a channel. Exemplarily, the operations performed by the communication device in the above fourth mode do not include a first operation. The first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. The description of entering the fourth mode can refer to Figure 3 the relevant description in the embodiments of

[0228] 505. When the interval between the current moment and the start time of the first time period of the terminal device is less than a preset interval, the terminal device enters the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0229] The preset interval can be 50us, 100us, 1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms, etc., which is not limited in this application. Steps 504 and 506 are optional.

[0230] 506. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode at the start time of the first time period. In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode at a moment #1 before the start time of the first time period. The interval between moment 1 and the start time of the first time period is less than 50us, 100us, 1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms, etc. After the network device enters the first mode, it can send all system messages for the terminal device to perform cell access. The network device is in the first mode within the first time period. In a possible implementation, the network device periodically switches between the first mode and the second mode. Refer to Figure 4Here, it is uniformly stated that the sequence order of the steps executed by the network device and the steps executed by the terminal device is not limited.

[0232] 507. The terminal device performs cell access in the first time period.

[0233] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device, which can not only enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device, but also save power consumption.

[0234] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 The method flow in Figure 5 is a possible implementation manner of the method described in Figure 6 As shown in

[0235] 601. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends a first downlink signal.

[0236] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the first downlink signal. In the present application, it is described by taking one terminal device receiving the first downlink signal as an example. The first downlink signal may be a downlink synchronization signal. In a possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). Based on the first downlink signal, the terminal device can determine that the network device is in the second mode.

[0237] 602. The terminal device determines the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal.

[0238] In a possible implementation, there is an offset of f1 time units between the start time / end time when the above first downlink signal is received and the start time when the above first information is sent or received, where f1 is an integer greater than 0. The frequency domain position of the above first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the above first information. For example, there is an offset of p resource blocks (RBs) or subcarriers between the frequency domain position of the above first downlink signal and the frequency domain position of the above first information. Based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information is determined to better receive the first information subsequently. Exemplarily, the time domain position of the above first downlink signal is the time domain position of the PSS or the time domain position of the SSS.

[0239] In a possible implementation, after determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode before the current time reaches the time domain position of the network device sending the first information. The fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel (such as PDCCH); when the current time reaches the time domain position of the network device sending the first information, the terminal device enters the third mode, that is, listening to the channel. In this implementation manner, entering the fourth mode before reaching the time domain position of the network device sending the first information can save power consumption.

[0240] 603. The network device determines the first information.

[0241] 604. The terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device based on the determined time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information.

[0242] The first information sent by the network device can be received by one or more terminal devices.

[0243] 605. The terminal device determines the first time period based on the first information.

[0244] 606. The terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0245] 607. When the interval between the current time and the start time of the first time period is less than a preset interval, the terminal device enters the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0246] 608. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0247] 609. The terminal device performs cell access during the first time period.

[0248] Steps 605 to 609 can refer to Figure 5 Steps 503 to 507 in

[0249] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device based on the determined time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information; the first information can be received better. In addition, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access so as to access the cell managed by the network device; it can not only enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device, but also save power consumption.

[0250] Figure 7 This is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 The method flow in Figure 3 is a possible implementation manner of the method described in Figure 7 As shown in

[0251] 701. The network device determines the first information.

[0252] 702. The network device sends the first information.

[0253] 703. The terminal device determines the first time period based on the first information.

[0254] Steps 701 to 703 can refer to Figure 3 Steps 301 to 303 therein.

[0255] 704. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0256] Step 704 can refer to Figure 6 Step 506 therein.

[0257] 705. The terminal device performs cell access during the first time period.

[0258] In a possible implementation, Figure 7 Steps 701 to 705 therein can be replaced with Figure 5 Steps 501 to 507 therein, or can be replaced with Figure 6 Steps 601 to 609 therein.

[0259] 7061. When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode when accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device.

[0260] The above second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The operations performed by the terminal device in the third mode include the first operation, and the operations performed by the terminal device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The above first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to the control channel, receiving the downlink signal, and sending the uplink signal. Exemplarily, the fourth mode is the sleep state of the discontinuous reception (DRX) mode of the terminal device, and the third mode is the active state of the DRX mode of the terminal device. The possible implementation of the terminal device switching from the third mode to the fourth mode (i.e., entering the fourth mode) can refer to Figure 3 The relevant description in the embodiments therein.

[0261] In a possible implementation, if the terminal device itself is already configured with a DRX mode (i.e., the DRX state at the terminal device level), the state of this DRX mode is determined by the state originally configured for this DRX mode and the mode in which the network device is operating. For example, if the network device enters the second mode during the active state of the DRX mode of the terminal device, then the active state of the DRX mode during this period is overwritten by the second mode of the network device, that is, the DRX mode of the terminal device changes from the active state to the dormant state. The change of the DRX mode of the terminal device from the active state to the dormant state is an example of the terminal device switching from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0262] In a possible implementation, when the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device changes from the second mode to the first mode, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode in order to perform information interaction with the network device.

[0263] 7062. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0264] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state; this can save power consumption. After the terminal device switches to the idle state, it can subsequently re-access the cell managed by the network device.

[0265] 7063. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, before the network device enters the second mode, it switches to the second cell.

[0266] The network device associated with the second cell mentioned above is different from the above-mentioned network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In a possible implementation, the network device has different times to enter the second mode (power-saving mode) for different beam directions. Terminal devices in different beam directions can start measuring the reference signals of neighboring cells according to the time when the network device enters the second mode in that beam direction, and terminal devices in different beam directions can switch to cells managed by other network devices (such as satellites) at different times. The terminal device switches to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode, which can ensure the continuity of services.

[0267] 7064. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, it performs a second operation or a third operation based on the type of service currently being executed.

[0268] The above second operation includes performing a cell handover before the above network device enters the above second mode. The above third operation includes camping on the above first cell after the above network device enters the above second mode. In a possible implementation, the above third operation further includes the terminal device entering a fourth mode, which can further save power consumption. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can enter the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0269] In a possible implementation manner, the above performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: performing the above second operation when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement; and / or, performing the above third operation when the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement. In this implementation manner, when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement, the second operation is performed, and by switching to the second cell, the service with a continuity requirement can be satisfied. When the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement, the third operation is performed; unnecessary operations can be reduced and power consumption can be saved.

[0270] 7065. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in the second mode, it sends an uplink signal through the first resource.

[0271] Correspondingly, the network device receives the uplink signal. In a possible implementation, when the network device is in the second mode, it receives the uplink signal sent by the terminal device through the first resource. For example, during the period when the network device is in the second mode, it only receives the uplink signal at the time-frequency position corresponding to the first resource, which can save power consumption and leave an opportunity for the terminal device to send an uplink signal in the second mode.

[0272] The above first resource is associated with the downlink synchronization signal. Or rather, the first resource is a resource associated with the downlink synchronization signal. The terminal device can determine the first resource based on the downlink synchronization signal. Exemplarily, the time-domain resource of the first resource is the first uplink time unit (including one or more time units) after the first downlink time unit (such as a subframe, a time slot, etc.) corresponding to the downlink synchronization signal. There are h time units between the first uplink time unit and the first downlink time unit, where h is a predefined integer. The frequency-domain resource of the first resource is predefined or there is an offset of g resource blocks (RBs) or subcarriers between the frequency-domain resource of the first resource and the frequency-domain resource of the downlink synchronization signal, where g is a predefined integer. The above second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The first resource can be a resource reserved by the network device for the connected terminal device to send uplink signals when the network device is in the second mode. In a possible implementation, based on the synchronization information, the above uplink signal is sent through the above first resource. The above synchronization information is obtained based on the message sent by the network device in the second mode. For example, the above first information further includes the above synchronization information. Or, for example, the above synchronization information is obtained based on the broadcast message sent by the network device in the second mode. This broadcast message may or may not include the above first information. Or, the above synchronization information is obtained based on the message sent by the network device in the above first mode. For example, if the network device does not broadcast a synchronization message in the second mode, the terminal device can obtain ephemeris and other information before the network device enters the second mode, and this information remains valid when the network device is in the second mode.

[0273] Steps 7061 to 7065 describe the possible operations that the terminal device may perform after or before the network device enters the second mode when the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device. Steps 7061 to 7065 are five parallel solutions, that is, these five steps are parallel. Figure 7 The method flow in [[ ]] includes any one of steps 7061 to 7065.

[0274] The embodiments of the present application describe the possible operations that the terminal device may perform after or before the network device enters the second mode when the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service requirements of the terminal device. The network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device, which can both enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device and save power consumption.

[0275] Figure 8 This is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 The method flow of [[ ]] is the same as that of [[ ]] Figure 3Compared with the method flow, the terminal device will send a message to the network device to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. As Figure 8 shown, the method includes:

[0276] 801. The network device determines the first information.

[0277] 802. The network device sends the first information.

[0278] Steps 801 to 802 can refer to Figure 3 Steps 301 to 302 in.

[0279] 803. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0280] The above second time period is the time period when the above network device receives the uplink signal. The duration of the above second time period can be predefined. The second time period can be the time period when the network device receives the uplink signal in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, it receives the uplink signal only during the above second time period. The above second mode can be a mode that does not support cell access.

[0281] In a possible implementation, there is an offset of f2 time units between the start time of the above second time period and the time when the terminal device receives the above first information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the above first information can be the time when the broadcast message containing the above first information is received. In this application, the time unit can be a time slot, a subframe, a micro time slot, etc., which is not limited in this application. In a possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the second time period based on the time when the first information is sent. Exemplarily, there is an offset of f3 time units between the start time / end time when the network device sends the first information and the start time of the second time period, where f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual needs so that the start time of the second time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In a possible implementation, the network device preconfigures the second time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0282] 804. The terminal device sends the second information during the second time period.

[0283] Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information. The above second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The above first mode is a mode that supports cell access. Exemplarily, the above second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction. The terminal device is located in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction.

[0284] 805. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0285] If the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it continues to stay in the second mode, that is, there is no need to enter the first mode from the second mode.

[0286] In the embodiments of the present application, sending the second information within the second time period can request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode so as to access the cell managed by the network device.

[0287] Figure 9 It is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 9 The method flow in Figure 8 is a possible implementation of the method described in Figure 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0288] 901. The network device determines the first information.

[0289] In a possible implementation, Figure 9 the method flow in Figure 6 may further include steps 601 and 602 in

[0290] 902. The network device sends the first information.

[0291] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information. In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives the broadcast message containing the first information when it is not connected to the cell managed by the network device.

[0292] 903. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when it receives the first information.

[0293] Steps 901 to 903 can refer to Figure 8 steps 801 to 803 in

[0294] 904. The terminal device determines the third time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the first information.

[0295] The sequence of step 904 and step 903 is not limited. The first piece of information is used to determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. In a possible implementation, the first piece of information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In this implementation, based on the first piece of information, the third time period during which the network device is in the first mode can be determined, and then cell access can be performed during this third time period.

[0296] 905. The terminal device sends the second piece of information in the second time period.

[0297] 906. After sending the second piece of information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0298] The fourth mode is a mode in which the channel (such as PDCCH) is not monitored. Exemplarily, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring the control channel, receiving the downlink signal, and sending the uplink signal. After sending the second piece of information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode, which can save power consumption.

[0299] 907. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0300] The third mode is a mode in which the channel is monitored. Steps 906 and 907 are optional. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, switching from the fourth mode to the third mode can enable cell access. Additionally, before the start time of the third time period, being in the fourth mode can save power consumption. In this application, the current moment being the start time of a certain time period can be that the current moment is the same as the start time of the time period, or there can be a little error between the current moment and the start time of the time period, such as 100 us or 1 ms.

[0301] 908. When the network device receives the second piece of information within the second time period, when it reaches the start time of the third time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0302] The above second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The above third time period is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. In a possible implementation, the network device can determine the start time of the second time period based on the time when the first information is sent. Exemplarily, there is an offset of f3 time units between the start time / end time when the network device sends the first information and the start time of the second time period, and f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual requirements so that the start time of the second time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In a possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the second time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received. In this application, when reaching the start time of a certain time period, it can be that the current time is the same as the start time of this time period, or there can be a certain error between the current time and the start time of this time period, such as 100 us, 1 ms, etc.

[0303] 909. The terminal device performs cell access during the third time period.

[0304] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives signals for cell access (such as including downlink synchronization signals and system messages) during the above third time period; in the case of receiving signals for cell access, it performs cell access. It should be understood that if signals for cell access are not received during the third time period, cell access is not performed. In this implementation method, signals for cell access are received during the third time period so as to perform cell access by using the received signals for cell access.

[0305] In a possible implementation, before the terminal device performs cell access during the third time period, it receives third information, and the above third information is used to indicate that the above network device accepts the request to enter the above first mode from the above second mode. The terminal device performing cell access during the third time period can be: in response to the above third information, the terminal device performs cell access during the above third time period. In this implementation method, in response to the third information, cell access is performed during the third time period so as to successfully access the cell managed by the network device.

[0306] In a possible implementation, the above first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above network device in the above second mode; before the terminal device performs cell access in the third time period, the following operations are performed: based on the above first information, a timer is started, and the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the above network device in the current second mode; the terminal device performing cell access in the third time period may be: after the timer ends, performing cell access. Exemplarily, after the terminal device sends the second information in the second time period, based on the above first information, a timer is started, and the terminal device enters the fourth mode; after the timer ends, it switches from the fourth mode to the third mode and performs cell access; power consumption can be saved. In this implementation manner, after the timer ends, cell access is performed so as to access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0307] In the embodiments of the present application, when the network device receives the second information in the second time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode so that the communication device (or the terminal device) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0308] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 10 The method flow in Figure 8 is a possible implementation manner of the method described. As Figure 10 shown, the method includes:

[0309] 1001. The network device determines the first information.

[0310] 1002. The network device sends the first information.

[0311] 1003. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0312] 1004. The terminal device determines the third time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the first information.

[0313] 1005. The terminal device sends the second information in the second time period.

[0314] 1006. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0315] 1007. When the current time of the terminal device is the start time of the third time period, it switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0316] Steps 1001 to 1007 can refer to Figure 9 Steps 901 to 907 in

[0317] 1008. When the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode during the third time period and sends the fifth information.

[0318] The fifth information is similar to the first information. In one possible implementation, the fifth information is included in a broadcast message. The fifth information is used for the terminal device to determine the time period when the network device is in the first mode and the time period for sending information to the network device to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Step 1008 can be replaced with: When the above-mentioned second information is not received within the above-mentioned second time period, perform the fourth operation within the above-mentioned third time period. The fourth operation includes sending the fifth information and does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0319] 1009. When the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives the fifth information, it determines a fifth time period based on the time of receiving the fifth information.

[0320] The fifth time period is the time period for the terminal device to send information to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. In one possible implementation, the start time of the above-mentioned fifth time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time when the terminal device receives the above-mentioned fifth information, and f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the above-mentioned fifth information can be the time when a broadcast message containing the above-mentioned fifth information is received.

[0321] 1010. When the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives the fifth information, it determines a sixth time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the fifth information.

[0322] The order of steps 1009 and 1010 is not limited. Steps 1009 and 1010 can be combined into one step, that is, when the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives the fifth information, it determines the fifth time period based on the time of receiving the fifth information and determines the sixth time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the fifth information. The implementation manner for the terminal device to determine the sixth time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the fifth information is similar to the implementation manner for determining the third time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the first information.

[0323] 1011. The terminal device sends the second information during the fifth time period.

[0324] 1012. When the network device receives the second information within the fifth time period, when the start time of the sixth time period arrives, it enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0325] The fifth time period is the time period during which the network device receives the uplink signal from the terminal device. In a possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the fifth time period based on the time when the fifth information is sent. Exemplarily, there is an offset of f3 time units between the start time / end time when the network device sends the fifth information and the start time of the fifth time period, where f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual requirements so that the start times of the fifth time periods determined by the network device and the terminal device are the same. In a possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the fifth time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the fifth time period based on the time when the fifth information is received.

[0326] 1013. The terminal device performs cell access in the sixth time period.

[0327] In the embodiments of this application, when the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode and sends the fifth information in the third time period, which can save power consumption. When the network device receives the second information within the fifth time period, when the start time of the sixth time period arrives, it enters the first mode from the second mode so that the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0328] Figure 11 It is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 11 The method flow in Figure 9 or Figure 10 is a possible implementation manner of the method described. As Figure 11 shown, the method includes:

[0329] 1101. The network device determines the first information.

[0330] 1102. The network device sends the first information.

[0331] 1103. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0332] 1104. The terminal device determines the third time period when the network device is in the first mode based on the first information.

[0333] 1105. The terminal device sends the second information in the second time period.

[0334] 1106. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0335] 1107. When the current time is the start time of the third time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0336] 1108. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period and reaches the start time of the third time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0337] 1109. The terminal device performs cell access during the third time period.

[0338] Steps 1101 to 1109 can refer to Figure 9 Steps 901 to 909 in. Steps 1101 to 1109 can be replaced by Figure 10 Steps 1001 to 1013 in.

[0339] 11101. When the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device and the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0340] 11102. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device and the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0341] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state; power consumption can be saved.

[0342] 11103. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device and before the network device enters the second mode, it switches to the second cell.

[0343] 11104. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, it performs a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service.

[0344] 11105. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device and the network device is in the second mode, it sends an uplink signal through the first resource.

[0345] Steps 11101 to 11105 can refer to Figure 7 Steps 7061 to 7065 in, which will not be elaborated here. Steps 11101 to 11105 are five parallel solutions, that is, these five steps are parallel. Figure 11 The method flow in includes any one of Steps 11101 to 11105.

[0346] Embodiments of the present application describe operations that a terminal device may perform after or before a network device enters a second mode when the terminal device is accessing or camping on a first cell managed by the network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service requirements of the terminal device. The network device switches between a first mode and a second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device, which can enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device and save power consumption at the same time.

[0347] Figure 12 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 The method flow in Figure 8 is a possible implementation of the method described in Figure 12 As shown in

[0348] 1201. The network device determines first information.

[0349] In a possible implementation, Figure 12 the method flow in Figure 6 may further include steps 601 and 602 in

[0350] For example, both step 601 and step 602 are before step 1201.

[0351] 1202. The network device sends the first information.

[0352] 1203. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0353] The second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode.

[0354] Steps 1201 to 1204 can refer to Figure 8 steps 801 to 804 in

[0355] 1205. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0356] Step 1205 can refer to Figure 9 step 906 in

[0357] 1206. When the current time is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0358] The start time of the fourth time period is related to the start time / end time when the terminal device sends the second information. The fourth time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode. Step 1205 and step 1206 are optional.

[0359] In a possible implementation, after sending the second information, the terminal device can determine the fourth time period based on the start time / end time of sending the second information, and the duration of the fourth time period can be predefined. In this implementation, based on the start time / end time of sending the second information, the fourth time period can be determined quickly and accurately. In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time of the fourth time period and the start time / end time of sending the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 can be set according to actual requirements and is not limited here.

[0360] 1207. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period and reaches the first start time, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0361] The first start time is related to the start time / end time when the network device receives the second information. The network device can determine the first start time based on the start time / end time of receiving the second information. In a possible implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time when the network device receives the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. In this implementation, with an offset of y1 time units between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information, the first start time can be accurately determined.

[0362] 1208. The terminal device performs cell access during the fourth time period.

[0363] Exemplarily, the start time of the fourth time period is the same as the first start time.

[0364] In a possible implementation, the terminal device starts a timer at the start time / end time of sending the second information, and the timing duration of the timer is equal to y1 time units; the terminal device performing cell access during the fourth time period can be: after the timer expires, perform cell access. Optionally, after the terminal device starts the timer, it enters the fourth mode from the third mode; after the timer expires, it switches from the fourth mode to the third mode. In this implementation, after the timer expires, perform cell access so as to be able to access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0365] In the embodiments of the present application, when the second information is received within the second time period and when the first start time arrives, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, which can enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0366] Figure 13 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 13 The method flow in Figure 8 is a possible implementation of the method described. As Figure 13 shown, the method includes:

[0367] 1301. The network device determines the first information.

[0368] 1302. The network device sends the first information.

[0369] 1303. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0370] 1304. The terminal device sends the second information within the second time period.

[0371] 1305. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0372] 1306. When the current time of the terminal device is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0373] Steps 1301 to 1306 can refer to Figure 12 Steps 1201 to 1206 in

[0374] 1307. When the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, the network device is in the second mode during the fourth time period and sends the sixth information.

[0375] The sixth information is similar to the first information. In a possible implementation, the sixth information is included in the broadcast message. The sixth information is used for the terminal device to determine the time period for sending the information (such as the second information) to the network device for requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Step 1307 can be replaced with: when the above-mentioned second information is not received within the above-mentioned second time period, perform the fourth operation within the above-mentioned fourth time period, and the fourth operation includes sending the sixth information and does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0376] 1308. When the terminal device does not receive the signal for cell access and receives the sixth information within the fourth time period, the terminal device determines the seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is received.

[0377] The seventh time period is the time period when the terminal device sends information for requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Or rather, the seventh time period can be the time period when the network device receives the uplink signal in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, it receives the uplink signal only during the above-mentioned seventh time period. The duration of the above-mentioned seventh time period can be predefined.

[0378] In a possible implementation, there is an offset of f2 time units between the start time of the above-mentioned seventh time period and the time when the terminal device receives the above-mentioned sixth information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the above-mentioned sixth information can be the time when the broadcast message containing the above-mentioned sixth information is received. In a possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is sent. Exemplarily, there is an offset of f3 time units between the start time / end time when the network device sends the sixth information and the start time of the seventh time period, where f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual requirements so that the start times of the seventh time period determined by the network device and the terminal device are the same. In a possible implementation, the network device preconfigures the seventh time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is received.

[0379] 1309. The terminal device sends the second information during the seventh time period.

[0380] 1310. When the network device receives the second information during the seventh time period and when the start time of the eighth time period arrives, it enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0381] The start time of the eighth time period is related to the start time / end time when the terminal device sends the above-mentioned second information during the seventh time period. The above-mentioned eighth time period is the time period when the above-mentioned network device is in the above-mentioned first mode. The duration of the above-mentioned eighth time period can be predefined. The network device can determine the start time of the eighth time period based on the start time / end time when it receives the above-mentioned second information sent by the terminal device during the seventh time period. The terminal device can determine the start time of the eighth time period based on the start time / end time when it sends the above-mentioned second information during the seventh time period. It should be noted that the eighth time period determined by the terminal device and the network device is the same.

[0382] 1311. The terminal device performs cell access during the eighth time period.

[0383] In the embodiment of the present application, when the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode in the fourth time period and sends the sixth information, which can save power consumption. When the network device receives the second information within the seventh time period, when the start time of the eighth time period arrives, it enters the first mode from the second mode so that the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0384] Figure 14 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 The method flow in Figure 12 or Figure 13 is a possible implementation manner of the method described. As Figure 14 shown, the method includes:

[0385] 1401. The network device determines the first information.

[0386] 1402. The network device sends the first information.

[0387] 1403. The terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0388] 1404. The terminal device sends the second information within the second time period.

[0389] 1405. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0390] 1406. When the current time is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0391] 1407. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period and when the first start time arrives, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0392] 1408. The terminal device performs cell access in the fourth time period.

[0393] Steps 1401 to 1408 can refer to Figure 12 Steps 1201 to 1208 in. Steps 1401 to 1408 can be replaced with Figure 13 Steps 1301 to 1311 in.

[0394] 14091. When the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device and the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0395] 14092. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device and the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0396] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state, which can save power consumption.

[0397] 14093. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, it switches to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode.

[0398] 14094. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device, it performs a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service.

[0399] 14095. When the terminal device is accessing the first cell managed by the network device and the network device is in the second mode, it sends an uplink signal through a first resource.

[0400] Steps 14091 to 14095 can refer to Figure 7 Steps 7061 to 7065 in it, which will not be elaborated here. Steps 14091 to 14095 are five parallel solutions, that is, these five steps are parallel. Figure 14 The method flow in it includes any one of Steps 14091 to 14095.

[0401] The embodiments of the present application describe the possible operations of the terminal device after or before the network device enters the second mode when the terminal device is accessing or camping on the first cell managed by the network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service requirements of the terminal device. The network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device, which can not only enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device but also save power consumption.

[0402] In the previous embodiments, the technical solutions provided by the present application were introduced by taking one terminal device as an example. Below, the technical solutions provided by the present application are introduced by taking the terminal device 1 in the first beam direction, the terminal device 2 in the second beam direction, and the terminal device 3 in the third beam direction as examples. Figure 15 It is another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 15 shown, the method includes:

[0403] 1501. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends a broadcast message #1 containing information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0404] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 containing information #1. In this embodiment of the present application, the case where terminal device 1 receives broadcast message #1 containing information #1 is taken as an example for description. Terminal device 1 is located in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is a ground area with less access demand. In the first beam direction, the network device switches between a first mode and a second mode. The second mode is a power-saving mode. In step 1501, the network device being in the second mode means that the network device is in the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0405] 1502. Terminal device 1 determines time period #1 based on information #1.

[0406] Information #1 is an example of the above-mentioned first information. Exemplarily, information #1 is used to indicate the period, remaining duration, and duration of the above-mentioned network device being in the second mode in the first beam direction. Exemplarily, information #1 is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above-mentioned network device being in the second mode in the first beam direction, the duration of the above-mentioned network device being in the first mode in the first beam direction, and the period of the above-mentioned network device being in the first mode in the first beam direction. Time period #1 is the time period when the network device is in the first mode.

[0407] 1503. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0408] In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode in the first beam direction at the start time of time period #1.

[0409] 1504. Terminal device 1 performs cell access during time period #1.

[0410] 1505. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0411] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #2 containing information #2. In this embodiment of the present application, the case where terminal device 2 receives broadcast message #2 containing information #2 is taken as an example for description. Terminal device 2 is located in the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the second beam direction is a ground area with less access demand. In the second beam direction, the network device switches between a first mode and a second mode. In step 1505, the network device being in the second mode means that the network device is in the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0412] 1506. Terminal device 2 determines time period #2 based on information #2.

[0413] Information #2 is an example of the above first information. Exemplarily, Information #2 is used to indicate the period, remaining duration, and duration of the above network device being in the second mode in the second beam direction. Exemplarily, Information #2 is used to indicate the remaining duration of the above network device being in the second mode in the second beam direction, the duration of the above network device being in the first mode in the second beam direction, and the period of the above network device being in the first mode in the second beam direction. Time period #1 is the time period when the network device is in the first mode.

[0414] 1507. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0415] In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode in the second beam direction at the start time of time period #2.

[0416] 1508. The terminal device 2 performs cell access during time period #2.

[0417] In a possible implementation, Information #1 and Information #2 are different, and / or, time period #1 and time period #2 are different. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions of the ground area with less access demand, and the ratio of the switching time point and / or duration of the two modes in different beam directions is different. For example, the ratio of the duration of the network device being in the first mode to the duration of being in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration of the network device being in the first mode to the duration of being in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0418] In a possible implementation, Information #1 and Information #2 are the same, and time period #1 and time period #2 are the same. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions of the ground area with less access demand, and the ratio of the switching time point and duration of the two modes in different beam directions is the same. That is to say, the information sent by the network device in multiple beam directions of the ground area with less access demand is the same, and the switching between the first mode and the second mode is synchronized.

[0419] 1509. The network device sends broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0420] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #3. In the embodiments of the present application, the case where terminal device 3 receives broadcast message #3 is taken as an example for description. Broadcast message #3 may include all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell. The network device is always in the first mode in the third beam direction. Or rather, the network device periodically sends all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in the third beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the third beam direction is the ground area with relatively high access demand.

[0421] 1510. Terminal device 3 accesses the cell based on broadcast message #3.

[0422] Steps 1501 to 1504, steps 1505 to 1508, and steps 1501 to 1510 may be independent of each other. The sequence of steps 1501 to 1504, steps 1505 to 1508, and steps 1501 to 1510 is not limited.

[0423] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction; it can not only meet the access requirements of terminal devices in the ground area with relatively low access demand, but also save power consumption. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access requirements of terminal devices in the ground area with relatively high demand.

[0424] Figure 16 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 16 shown, the method includes:

[0425] 1601. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends broadcast message #1 including information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0426] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 including information #1. In the embodiments of the present application, the case where terminal device 1 receives broadcast message #1 including information #1 is taken as an example for description. Step 1601 may refer to Figure 15 step 1501 in

[0427] 1602. Terminal device 1 determines time period #3 based on the time when it receives broadcast message #1.

[0428] Time period #3 is an example of the above-mentioned second time period. Step 1602 may refer to Figure 8 step 803 in

[0429] 1603. Terminal device 1 determines time period #4 when the network device is in the first mode based on information #1.

[0430] Information #1 is an example of the first information above, and time period #4 is an example of the third time period or the first time period above. Step 1603 can refer to Figure 9 step 904 in. The time period #4 can be the time period when the network device is in the first mode in the first beam direction.

[0431] 1604. The terminal device 1 sends information #3 in the time period #3.

[0432] Information #3 is an example of the second information above. Information #3 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0433] 1605. When the network device receives information #3 within the time period #3 and reaches the start time of the time period #4, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0434] Step 1605 can refer to Figure 9 step 908 in. If the network device does not receive information #3 within the time period #3, it is in the second mode during the time period #4.

[0435] 1606. The terminal device 1 performs cell access during the time period #4.

[0436] 1607. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends a broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0437] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the broadcast message #2 containing information #12. In this embodiment of the present application, it is described by taking the terminal device 2 receiving the broadcast message #2 containing information #2 as an example. Step 1607 can refer to Figure 15 step 1505 in.

[0438] 1608. The terminal device 2 determines the time period #5 based on the time when the broadcast message #2 is received.

[0439] The time period #5 is an example of the second time period above. Step 1608 can refer to Figure 8 step 803 in, which will not be elaborated here.

[0440] 1609. The terminal device 2 determines the time period #6 when the network device is in the first mode based on information #2.

[0441] Information #2 is an example of the first information above, and the time period #6 is an example of the third time period above. Step 1609 can refer to Figure 9Step 904 in []. Time period #6 can be the time period during which the network device is in the first mode in the second beam direction.

[0442] 1610. The terminal device 2 sends Information #4 during time period #5.

[0443] Information #4 is an example of the above-mentioned second information. Information #4 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0444] 1611. When the network device receives Information #4 during time period #5 and reaches the start time of time period #6, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0445] Step 1611 can refer to Figure 9 Step 908 in []. If the network device does not receive Information #4 during time period #5, it is in the second mode during time period #6.

[0446] 1612. The terminal device 2 performs cell access during time period #6.

[0447] In a possible implementation, Information #3 and Information #4 are different, and / or time period #4 is different from time period #6. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions in the ground area with relatively less access demand, and the ratio of the time points and / or durations of the switching between the two modes in different beam directions is different. For example, the ratio of the duration of the network device in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration of the network device in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0448] 1613. The network device sends Broadcast Message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0449] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive Broadcast Message #3. In this embodiment of the present application, it is described by taking the terminal device 3 receiving Broadcast Message #3 as an example.

[0450] 1614. The terminal device performs cell access based on Broadcast Message #3.

[0451] Steps 1613 to 1614 can refer to Figure 15 Steps 1509 to 1510 in [].

[0452] Steps 1601 to 1606, steps 1607 to 1612, and steps 1613 to 1614 can be independent of each other. The sequence of steps 1601 to 1606, steps 1607 to 1612, and steps 1613 to 1614 is not limited.

[0453] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction; it can not only meet the access requirements of terminal devices in ground areas with less access requirements, but also save power consumption. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access requirements of terminal devices in ground areas with more access requirements.

[0454] Figure 17 It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 17 shown, the method includes:

[0455] 1701. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends broadcast message #1 containing information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0456] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 containing information #1. In the embodiments of the present application, it is described by taking terminal device 1 receiving broadcast message #1 containing information #1 as an example. Step 1701 can refer to Figure 15 step 1501 in

[0457] 1702. Terminal device 1 determines time period #3 based on the time when it receives broadcast message #1.

[0458] Time period #3 is an example of the above-mentioned second time period. Step 1702 can refer to Figure 8 step 803 in

[0459] 1703. Terminal device 1 sends information #3 during time period #3.

[0460] Information #3 is an example of the above-mentioned second information. Information #3 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0461] 1704. When the network device receives information #3 during time period #3 and reaches start time #1, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0462] Information #3 is an example of the second information, and start time #1 is an example of the above-mentioned first start time. Step 1704 can refer to Figure 12Step 1207 in. Exemplarily, the start time #1 is related to the start time / end time when the network device receives information #3. Based on the start time / end time of receiving information #3, the network device can determine the start time #1.

[0463] In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time #1 and the start time / end time of the network device receiving information #3 is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. In this implementation manner, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, and the first start time can be accurately determined.

[0464] 1705. The terminal device 1 performs cell access during time period #7.

[0465] The time period #7 is Figure 12 An example of the fourth time period in the illustrated embodiment. In a possible implementation, after the terminal device 1 sends information #3, it can determine the time period #7 based on the start time / end time of sending the above information #3, and the duration of the time period #7 can be predefined. In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time of the time period #7 and the start time / end time of sending the above information #3 is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 can be set according to actual requirements and is not limited here.

[0466] 1706. When the network device is in the second mode, it sends a broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0467] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the broadcast message #2 containing information #12. In this embodiment of the application, it is described by taking the terminal device 2 receiving the broadcast message #2 containing information #2 as an example. Step 1706 can refer to Figure 15 Step 1505 in.

[0468] 1707. The terminal device 2 determines the time period #5 based on the time of receiving the broadcast message #2.

[0469] The time period #5 is an example of the above second time period. Step 1707 can refer to Figure 8 Step 803 in, which will not be elaborated here.

[0470] 1708. The terminal device 2 sends information #4 during the time period #5.

[0471] The information #4 is an example of the above second information. The information #4 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0472] When the network device receives information #4 within time period #5 and reaches the start time #2, it enters the first mode from the second beam direction.

[0473] Information #4 is an example of the second information, and start time #2 is an example of the above-mentioned first start time. Step 1709 can refer to Figure 12 Step 1207 in. Exemplarily, start time #2 is related to the start time / end time when the network device receives information #4. Based on the start time / end time of receiving information #4, the network device can determine start time #2.

[0474] 1710. The terminal device 2 performs cell access during time period #8.

[0475] Time period #8 is Figure 12 An example of the fourth time period in the illustrated embodiment. In a possible implementation, after the terminal device 2 sends information #4, it can determine the above-mentioned time period #8 based on the start time / end time of sending the above-mentioned information #4, and the duration of the above-mentioned time period #8 can be predefined. In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time of the above-mentioned time period #8 and the start time / end time of sending the above-mentioned information #4 is y1 time units, and y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0476] In a possible implementation, information #3 and information #4 are different, and / or time period #7 and time period #9 are different. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions in the ground area with relatively few access requirements, and the ratio of the time points and / or durations of the switching between the two modes in different beam directions is different.

[0477] 1711. The network device sends broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0478] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #3. In this embodiment of the application, it is described by taking the terminal device 3 receiving broadcast message #3 as an example.

[0479] 1712. The terminal device 3 performs cell access based on the broadcast message #3.

[0480] Steps 1711 to 1712 can refer to Figure 15 Steps 1509 to 1510 in.

[0481] Steps 1701 to 1705, steps 1706 to 1710, and steps 1711 to 1712 can be independent of each other. The sequence of steps 1701 to 1705, steps 1706 to 1710, and steps 1711 to 1712 is not limited.

[0482] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction; it can not only meet the access requirements of terminal devices in ground areas with less access demand, but also save power consumption. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access requirements of terminal devices in ground areas with more demand.

[0483] The following describes the structure of a communication device that can implement the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Only a brief description of the communication device is given below. For the implementation details of the solution, reference can be made to the description of the method embodiments above, and details will not be repeated below.

[0484] Figure 18 FIG. 1800 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the network device in the above method embodiments, or can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing module 1810 and a transceiver module 1820. In a possible implementation manner, a storage unit may further be included, and the storage unit may be used to store instructions (codes or programs) and / or data. The processing module 1810 and the transceiver module 1820 may be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing module 1810 may read instructions (codes or programs) and / or data in the storage unit to implement corresponding methods. The above units may be independently provided, or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver module 1820 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module may be a transmitter, and the receiving module may be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver module 1820 may be a transceiver circuit, such as a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0485] In some possible implementation manners, the communication device 1800 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1800 may be a network device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) applied to a network device. The transceiver module 1820 may be used to perform, for example, Figure 3 、 Figures 5 to 17 all the receiving or sending operations performed by the network device in the embodiments of Figure 3 、 Figures 5 to 17All operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the network device in the embodiments.

[0486] In some possible implementation manners, the communication device 1800 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1800 can be a terminal device, or can be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) applied to the terminal device. The transceiver module 1820 can be used, for example, to perform Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 All the receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments. The processing module 1810 can be used, for example, to perform Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 All operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments.

[0487] This application further provides a device 1900. The device 1900 can be a terminal device, a processor in the terminal device, or a chip. The device 1900 can be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0488] When the device 1900 is a terminal device, Figure 19 shows a schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device. As Figure 19 shown, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code. The transceiver includes a transmitter 1931, a receiver 1932, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1933, and an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0489] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control the terminal device, execute software programs, and process data of software programs, etc.

[0490] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0491] The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals.

[0492] The antenna is mainly used to receive and send radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0493] The input / output device can include a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard, etc. The input / output device is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have an input / output device.

[0494] When data needs to be sent, after the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, it outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. Then, the radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and sends the radio frequency signal outwards in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna. The radio frequency circuit converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 only one memory, processor, and transceiver are shown. In an actual terminal device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory can also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory can be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0495] In the embodiments of the present application, the antenna and the radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0496] As Figure 19 shown, the terminal device includes a processor 1910, a memory 1920, and a transceiver 1930. The processor 1910 can also be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, or a processing device, etc. The transceiver 1930 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver device, etc.

[0497] Optionally, the devices in the transceiver 1930 for implementing the receiving function are regarded as the receiving module, and the devices in the transceiver 1930 for implementing the sending function are regarded as the sending module, that is, the transceiver 1930 includes a receiver and a transmitter. The transceiver can sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver module, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiver can sometimes also be referred to as a receiver, a receiving module, or a receiving circuit, etc. The transmitter can sometimes also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitting module, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0498] In a possible implementation, the processor 1910 is used to perform the processing actions of the terminal device in the embodiments shown above Figure 3 、 Figures 5 to 17 The transceiver 1930 is used to perform the transceiver actions of the terminal device in the embodiments shown above Figure 3 、 Figures 5 to 17 shown.

[0499] It should be understood that Figure 19 only for example and not limitation, the above terminal device including a transceiver module and a processing module may not depend on the Figure 19 shown structure.

[0500] When the device 1900 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. Among them, the transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The sending operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0501] This application also provides a device 2000. The device 2000 can be a network device or a chip. The device 2000 can be used to perform the operations performed by the network device in the above Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 illustrated embodiments.

[0502] When the device 2000 is a network device, for example, it is a base station. Figure 20 A simplified schematic diagram of the base station structure is shown. The base station includes a part 2010, a part 2020, and a part 2030.

[0503] The part 2010 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station, etc.; the part 2010 is usually the control center of the base station and can usually be called a processor, which is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations of the base station in the above method embodiments.

[0504] The part 2020 is mainly used for storing computer program codes and data.

[0505] The part 2030 is mainly used for the transceiver of radio frequency signals and the conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals; the part 2030 can usually be called a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc. The transceiver module of the part 2030 can also be called a transceiver or a transceiver, etc., which includes an antenna 2033 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure). Among them, the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the devices used to implement the receiving function in the part 2030 can be regarded as a receiver, and the devices used to implement the sending function can be regarded as a transmitter, that is, the part 2030 includes a receiver 2032 and a transmitter 2031. The receiver can also be called a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitter can be called a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0506] The part 2010 and the part 2020 can include one or more single boards. Each single board can include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute the programs in the memory to implement the baseband processing function and the control of the base station. If there are multiple single boards, the single boards can be interconnected to enhance the processing ability. As an optional implementation manner, it can also be that multiple single boards share one or more processors, or multiple single boards share one or more memories, or multiple single boards share one or more processors at the same time.

[0507] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module of the 2030 part is used to execute Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown. The processor of the 2010 part is used to execute Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown.

[0508] It should be understood that Figure 20 this is only an example and not a limitation. The above network device including a processor, a memory, and a transceiver may not depend on Figure 20 the structure shown.

[0509] When the device 2000 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. Among them, the transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor is the processor integrated on the chip, or a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The sending operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0510] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the methods of the above embodiments. For example, when the computer program is executed by the computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the network device or the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0511] This application also provides a computer program product including a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the methods in the above embodiments are caused to be executed.

[0512] This application also provides a communication system including the above network device and the above terminal device.

[0513] This application also provides a chip including a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for signal transceiver of the above chip; the processor is used to execute a computer program or instructions to cause a communication device including the above chip to execute the method as in the above embodiments.

[0514] The embodiments of this application also provide a chip device including a processor for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the processor to execute the Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 method provided in any of the embodiments shown.

[0515] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 , and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 .

[0516] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0517] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, and a computer program or computer instructions are stored in the memory.

[0518] Wherein, the processor mentioned anywhere above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the program execution of the method provided in any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 17 . The memory mentioned anywhere above can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0519] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the above-mentioned devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0520] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be through some interfaces, and the indirect couplings or communication connections of devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0521] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0522] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, may exist separately as individual physical units, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0523] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application, or all or part of the technical solution, may be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several computer programs or instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0524] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of various embodiments of the present application.

[0525] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The above computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the above computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described above in the embodiments of the present application are executed in whole or in part. The above computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable devices. The above computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the above computer program or instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired or wireless manner. The above computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The above available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0526] In various embodiments of the present application, if there is no special indication and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be cross-referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving first information for determining a first time period, where the first time period is a time period during which the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode supporting cell access; Performing cell access during the first time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After receiving the first information, the method includes: Sending second information during a second time period, where the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from a second mode, the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of receiving the first information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein The start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The offset between the start time of the first time period and the start time / end time of sending the second information is y1 time units, and y1 is an integer greater than 0.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Before receiving the first information, the method further includes: Receiving a first downlink signal; Based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device for sending the first information. There is an offset of f1 time units between the start time / end time of receiving the first downlink signal and the start time of sending or receiving the first information, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing or camping on a first cell managed by the network device, switching from a third mode to a fourth mode at a first time determined based on the first information. The second mode is a mode not supporting cell access. The operations performed in the third mode include a first operation, and the operations performed in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing a first cell managed by the network device, switching from a connected state to an idle state at a second time determined based on the first information. The second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing a first cell managed by the network device, switching to a second cell before the network device enters the second mode. The first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device. The second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing the first cell managed by the network device, perform a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service. The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: When the currently executed service has a continuity requirement, perform the second operation; and / or, When the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement, perform the third operation.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in the second mode, send an uplink signal through a first resource. The first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sending the uplink signal through the first resource includes: Based on synchronization information, send the uplink signal through the first resource. The synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The first information further includes the synchronization information.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine first information for determining a first time period, which is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access; Send the first information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that After sending the first information, the method further includes: When reaching the start time of the first time period, enter the first mode from the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein After sending the first information, the method includes: When receiving second information within a second time period, enter the first mode from the second mode. The second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second time period is determined based on the time of sending the first information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The entering the first mode from the second mode includes: When reaching the start time of a third time period, enter the first mode from the second mode. The third time period is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further includes: When the second information is not received within the second time period, perform a fourth operation within the third time period. The fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein The transition from the second mode to the first mode includes: When reaching a first start time, transitioning from the second mode to the first mode. The first start time is related to the start time / end time of receiving the second information.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that, Before sending the first information, the method further includes: Sending a first downlink signal, which is used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time-domain position where the network device sends the first information, determining the frequency-domain position where the network device sends the first information, downlink synchronization. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The start time / end time when the first downlink signal is sent has an offset of f1 time units from the start time when the first information is sent or received, where f1 is an integer greater than 0. The frequency-domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency-domain position of the first information.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: When in the second mode, receiving an uplink signal carried on a first resource, where the first resource is associated with the downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that, The first information is carried in a broadcast message, and the broadcast message also carries information for synchronization.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 15 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which includes program instructions. When the program instructions are executed, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, which is coupled to a memory. The memory stores computer program instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer program instructions so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A chip, characterized in that, It includes: A communication interface for signal transceiver of the chip; And A processor for executing computer program instructions so that the communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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