Communication method, system and related equipment

Abstract

Provided in an embodiment of the present application are a communication method, system and related device, comprising: a UE acquiring a DRS, the DRS being used for synchronizing with a network element; then, the UE sends a wake-up signal, and the wake-up signal is used for waking up the network element to send at least one of the SSB and the SIB1; and then, the UE acquires at least one of the SSB and the SIB1, and accesses the network element according to the acquired at least one of the SSB and the SIB1. Before the wake-up signal is acquired, the UE can realize synchronization with the network element by acquiring the DRS sent by the network element, so that the network element does not need to send an SSB or an SIB1, and information carried in the DRS is generally less than information carried in the SSB / SIB1, so that the network element can save energy consumption generated by sending the SIB1, and energy conservation is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method, system, and related devices. Background Art

[0002] Currently, as Figure 1a shown, network elements (such as base stations, etc.) periodically send synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSB) and system information block 1 (SIB1) on multiple beams, so that user equipment (UE) located within the signal coverage range of the network element can synchronize with the network element in the time domain and access the network element according to the received SSB and SIB1.

[0003] Among them, as Figure 1b shown, SSB includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). As Figure 1b shown, SSB occupies 4 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and 240 subcarriers in the frequency domain. Among them, the UE can synchronize with the network element in the time domain using the PSS and SSS, and can decode the SIB1 broadcast by the network element using the system information carried on the PBCH, such as the master information block (MIB), etc., to obtain the basic configuration information required to access the network element. After the UE synchronizes with the network element, it uses the decoded basic configuration information to access the network element.

[0004] Generally, when the network element broadcasts SSB and SIB1 on multiple beams respectively, the network element will continuously be in a state of high-power broadcast signals, resulting in the energy consumption of the network element remaining at a high level for a long time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, system, and related devices, aiming to reduce the energy consumption of network elements and achieve network energy saving.

[0006] To achieve the above object, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method is applied to a UE and includes: The UE obtains a DRS (Discovery Reference Signal), such as receiving the DRS broadcast by a network element, etc. This DRS is used for synchronization with the network element, specifically for downlink synchronization with the network element; then, the UE sends a Wake-up Signal (WUS), such as sending a wake-up signal to the network element. This wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send at least one of an SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block) and an SIB (System Information Block) 1; then, the UE obtains at least one of the SSB and the SIB1, such as obtaining the SSB and / or the SIB1 broadcast by the network element, and accesses the network element according to at least one of the obtained SSB and the SIB1. Among them, after receiving the WUS, the network element can broadcast the SSB and the SIB1; or, the network element can only broadcast the SSB, so that the UE can access the network element according to the locally saved SIB1 and the SSB broadcast by the network element; or, the network element can only broadcast the SIB1, so that the UE can access the network element according to the locally saved SSB and the SIB1 broadcast by the network element.

[0008] Since the UE can achieve synchronization with the network element by obtaining the DRS sent by the network element before obtaining the wake-up signal, this enables the network element not to send the SSB nor the SIB1, so that the network element can save the energy consumption generated by sending the SIB1, thereby achieving energy saving. And in an actual application scenario, the information carried in the DRS sent by the network element can usually be less than the information carried in the SSB. For example, the DRS can only occupy 2 OFDM symbols in the time domain, which makes the energy consumption generated by the network element sending the DRS less than the energy consumption generated by sending the SSB before obtaining the wake-up signal, so that the network element can further achieve energy saving.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the UE can send a wake-up signal based on a first time-frequency resource. Then, the UE can also determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS broadcast by the network element. In this way, the UE can implement the network element to send a wake-up signal according to the first time-frequency resource indicated by the network element 1 through the DRS to wake up the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or the SIB1.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the DRS broadcast by the network element further includes at least one RE (Resource Element). Then, when the UE determines the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS, specifically, it can parse at least one RE in the DRS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. In this way, the network element can use the RE in the DRS to carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource, thereby configuring the time-frequency resource used by the UE when sending the wake-up signal to successfully trigger the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or the SIB1.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, when the UE determines the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS, specifically, it may parse the coding sequence of the DRS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource, and the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is used as the generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS. In this way, the network element can use the identifier of the first time-frequency resource as the generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS to configure the time-frequency resource used by the UE to send the wake-up signal, so as to successfully trigger the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or SIB1.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, when the UE obtains the DRS, specifically, it may obtain at least one DRS within the signal broadcast period. Thus, when the UE determines the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS, specifically, it may determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the time distribution of at least one DRS within the signal broadcast period. In this way, the network element can configure the time-frequency resource used by the UE to send the wake-up signal according to the broadcast situation of the DRS within one signal broadcast period, so as to successfully trigger the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or SIB1.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the UE may send the wake-up signal based on the first time-frequency resource. Then, the UE may also randomly select one time-frequency resource from multiple predefined time-frequency resources as the first time-frequency resource. In this way, the UE can send the wake-up signal by randomly selecting one time-frequency resource as the first time-frequency resource to wake up the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or SIB1.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the UE may send the wake-up signal based on the first time-frequency resource. Then, the UE may also determine at least one time-frequency resource associated with the UE and determine the first time-frequency resource from the at least one time-frequency resource. In this way, the UE can send the wake-up signal by randomly selecting one time-frequency resource as the first time-frequency resource to wake up the network element to broadcast the SSB and / or SIB1. At the same time, the network element can determine the relevant information of the UE through the first time-frequency resource used to transmit the wake-up signal, such as determining the group to which the UE belongs (the time-frequency resource that the UE in each group can use to send the wake-up signal is one or more fixed time-frequency resources).

[0015] In a possible implementation, the UE may send a wake-up signal based on the first time-frequency resource. Then, the UE may also obtain the group common DCI (downlink control information based on user group sharing) sent by the network element, so that the UE can parse the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from the group common DCI, so as to send a wake-up signal according to the first video resource indicated by the network element. In practical applications, the group common DCI may include the identifiers of the time-frequency resources that multiple UEs can use to send wake-up signals to the network element. Thus, each UE that receives the group common DCI can parse the identifier of the time-frequency resource it needs from it.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the DRS includes a PSS (primary synchronization signal) and an SSS (secondary synchronization signal). In this way, the energy consumption generated by the network element broadcasting the DRS will be less than the energy consumption generated by broadcasting the SSB, so that the network element can achieve energy saving.

[0017] In a possible implementation, when the UE obtains the DRS, specifically, it may obtain multiple DRSs. Each DRS in the multiple DRSs corresponds to a beam, and different DRSs correspond to different beams. Thus, when the UE sends a wake-up signal, it can determine the first beam and send the wake-up signal on the first beam (send the wake-up signal using the resources associated with the first beam), where the signal quality of the DRS located on the first beam in the multiple DRSs is the highest. In this way, the network element can broadcast the SSB and / or SIB1 only on the first beam and may not broadcast signals on other beams, thereby further saving energy of the network element.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence, such as a low peak-to-average ratio code, or a pseudo-random code, etc.; or, when the UE sends a wake-up signal, specifically, it may send the wake-up signal on the RACH (random access channel). In this way, when the network element detects a specific coding sequence or detects a signal on a specific channel, it can determine that there is a UE sending a wake-up signal to trigger the network element to send the SSB and / or SIB1.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the DRS occupies 2 OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols) in the time domain. The PSS in the DRS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS in the DRS occupies the second OFDM; or, the DRS occupies 4 OFDM in the time domain. The PSS in the DRS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS in the DRS occupies the third OFDM.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the DRS sent by the network element is specifically an LP-SS (Low Power Synchronization Signal). Then, after receiving the LP-SS, the UE can not only obtain downlink synchronization based on the LP-SS, but also measure the signal quality of the LP-SS. And when the signal quality of the received LP-SS is less than a threshold, the UE may send a wake-up signal to the network element. At this time, the wake-up signal sent by the UE to the network element is used to wake up the network element to send an SSB. Among them, SIB1 can be sent together with the SSB or may not be sent together with the SSB. In this way, when the signal quality of the received LP-SS is low, the UE can request the network element to broadcast the SSB to measure the signal reception quality of the UE under the signal coverage of the network element, so that when the signal reception quality (i.e., the signal quality of receiving the SSB) is low, the UE can switch the network element it accesses.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network element. The network element may be, for example, a base station, etc. Specifically, the network element sends a DRS (Discovery Reference Signal), such as periodically broadcasting the DRS, etc. The DRS is used to provide synchronization for the UE, specifically, it can provide downlink synchronization. Then, the network element obtains a wake-up signal, such as receiving a wake-up signal sent by the UE. The wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send at least one of an SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block) and an SIB (System Information Block) 1. Thus, based on the wake-up signal, the network element sends at least one of the SSB and the SIB1. The SSB and the SIB1 are used for the UE to access the network element.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the DRS further includes at least one RE (Resource Element), and the at least one RE is used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS includes the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource. Sending the discovery reference signal DRS includes: sending at least one DRS within a signal broadcast period, and the time distribution of the at least one DRS within the signal broadcast period is used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: sending downlink control information (group common DCI) shared by a user group, and the group common DCI carries the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the DRS includes a PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) and an SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal).

[0027] In a possible implementation, the network element transmits the DRS, including: transmitting a plurality of DRSs, each DRS in the plurality of DRSs corresponding to a beam, and different DRSs corresponding to different beams; the network element obtains a wake-up signal, including: obtaining the wake-up signal on the first beam, where the signal quality of the DRS located on the first beam among the plurality of DRSs transmitted to the UE is the highest.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the energy of the wake-up signal is greater than a threshold; or, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; or, the network element obtains the wake-up signal, specifically by detecting the wake-up signal located on the RACH (Random Access Channel) within a resource window.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the DRS occupies 2 OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing symbols) in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS occupies the second OFDM; or, the DRS occupies 4 OFDM in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS occupies the third OFDM.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the DRS includes an LP-SS (Low Power Synchronization Signal), and the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send an SSB.

[0031] The communication method provided in the second aspect corresponds to the communication method provided in the first aspect. Therefore, for the technical effects of any implementation manner in the second aspect, reference can be made to the corresponding implementation manner in the first aspect, and details are not described herein again.

[0032] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a UE (User Equipment). Specifically, the UE obtains an SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block); then, the UE sends a wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the network element to send an SIB (System Information Block) 1; then, the UE can obtain the SIB1 and access the network element according to the SIB1. In this way, before the network element obtains the WUS, the UE can achieve downlink synchronization by obtaining the SSB sent by the network element, which enables the network element not to send the SIB1, so that the network element can save the energy consumption generated by sending the SIB, thereby achieving energy saving. And when the UE needs to access the network element, the UE can wake up the network element to broadcast the SIB1 by sending a wake-up signal, so that the UE can access the network element according to the SSB and the SIB1.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; or, sending the wake-up signal includes: sending the wake-up signal on the random access channel (RACH).

[0034] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is sent based on the first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: parsing at least one resource element (RE) in the SSB to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is sent based on the first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: obtaining the downlink control information (DCI) shared by the user group; parsing the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from the DCI shared by the user group.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is sent based on the first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: randomly selecting a time-frequency resource from multiple predefined time-frequency resources as the first time-frequency resource.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is sent based on the first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: determining at least one time-frequency resource associated with the UE; determining the first time-frequency resource from the at least one time-frequency resource.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network element. Specifically, the network element sends an SSB (synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block); then, the network element obtains a wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the network element to send SIB (system information block) 1. Thus, the network element can send SIB1 based on the wake-up signal, and SIB1 is used for the UE to access the network element. In this way, before the network element obtains the WUS, the UE can achieve downlink synchronization by obtaining the SSB sent by the network element, which enables the network element not to send SIB1, thereby saving the energy consumption generated by the network element for sending SIB and achieving energy saving. And when the UE needs to access the network element, the UE can send a wake-up signal to wake up the network element to broadcast SIB1, so that the UE can access the network element according to the SSB and the SIB1.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the energy of the wake-up signal is greater than a threshold; or, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; or, obtaining the wake-up signal includes: detecting the wake-up signal located on the random access channel (RACH) within a resource window.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the wake-up signal is transmitted based on the first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: sending the downlink control information (DCI) shared by the user group, and the DCI shared by the user group carries the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the wake-up signal is sent based on the first time-frequency resource, and at least one resource element RE in the SSB is used to indicate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0042] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a UE (User Equipment). The method includes: The UE obtains an LP-SS (Low-Power Synchronization Signal), and the LP-SS is used to synchronize with a network element, specifically, to perform downlink synchronization with the network element. And when the signal quality of the LP-SS is less than a threshold, the UE sends a wake-up signal, and the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send an SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block SSB); then, the UE obtains the SSB. In this way, when the signal quality of the LP-SS received by the UE is low, the UE can request the network element to send an SSB by sending a wake-up signal to the network element. In this way, the UE can determine whether to access the network element subsequently according to the signal quality of the SSB received by the network element. For example, when the signal quality of the SSB received by the UE is low, the UE can switch the network element to be accessed subsequently, such as accessing a network element with a higher signal quality of the received SSB, etc., so as to improve the communication quality between the UE and the network element after the UE accesses the network element.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: The UE obtains SIB1; The UE accesses the network element according to the SSB and the SIB1.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner, when the UE accesses the network element, specifically: When the signal quality of the SSB is greater than the threshold, the UE accesses the network element according to the SSB and the SIB1.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: When the signal quality of the SSB is less than the threshold, the UE switches the network element to be accessed.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network element. The method includes: The network element sends an LP-SS, and the LP-SS is used to provide synchronization for a UE (User Equipment), specifically, to provide downlink synchronization; The network element obtains a wake-up signal, and the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send an SSB (Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel Block); Based on the wake-up signal, the network element sends the SSB.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: The network element sends SIB1, and the SSB and the SIB1 are used for the UE to access the network element.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a UE (User Equipment), which includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the first aspect or any implementation manner of the first aspect, or perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the third aspect or any implementation manner of the third aspect, or perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the fifth aspect. The processor is configured to perform other operations in the method described in the first aspect or any implementation manner of the first aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation, or perform other operations in the method described in the third aspect or any implementation manner of the third aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation, or perform other operations in the method described in the fifth aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a network element, which includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the second aspect or any implementation manner of the second aspect, or perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the fourth aspect or any implementation manner of the fourth aspect, or perform the receiving operation and the sending operation in the method described in the sixth aspect. The processor is configured to perform other operations in the method described in the second aspect or any implementation manner of the second aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation, or perform other operations in the method described in the fourth aspect or any implementation manner of the fourth aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation, or perform other operations in the method described in the sixth aspect except the receiving operation and the sending operation.

[0050] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a UE (User Equipment) and a network element. The UE is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any implementation manner of the first aspect, or perform the method described in the third aspect or any implementation manner of the third aspect, or perform the method described in the fifth aspect. The network element is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any implementation manner of the second aspect, or perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any implementation manner of the fourth aspect, or perform the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer storage medium for storing a computer program, which when executed, is configured to implement the communication method provided in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present application.

[0052] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on at least one computing device, enables the at least one computing device to implement the communication method provided in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1a It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system;

[0054] Figure 1b It is a schematic structural diagram of an SSB;

[0055] Figure 2a It is a schematic diagram of a configuration field of time-frequency resources used by a UE to request SI from a network element;

[0056] Figure 2b It is a schematic diagram of periodically broadcasting SSB and SIB1 on multiple beams provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 2c It is a structural diagram of an exemplary communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 2d It is a schematic diagram of a network element 1 adjusting the broadcast signal to SSB and SIB1 after receiving WUS;

[0059] Figure 2e It is a schematic diagram of a network element 1 adjusting the broadcast signal to SSB after receiving WUS;

[0060] Figure 2f It is a schematic diagram of a network element 1 adjusting the broadcast signal to SIB1 after receiving WUS;

[0061] Figure 2g It is a schematic diagram of a network element 1 broadcasting SIB1 after receiving WUS;

[0062] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4a It is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary DRS provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 4b It is a schematic structural diagram of another exemplary DRS provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 4c It is a schematic structural diagram of yet another exemplary DRS provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 5a It is a schematic diagram of a network element 1 using the time distribution of sending DRS to indicate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource;

[0067] Figure 5b Schematic diagram for network element 1 to indicate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource by using the time distribution of transmitting DRS;

[0068] Figure 6 Schematic diagram for the network energy saving effect of only broadcasting DRS or only broadcasting SSB;

[0069] Figure 7 Schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 8 Schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 9 Schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of a network element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of a UE provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0074] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "this" are also intended to include, for example, the expression form of "one or more", unless there is a clear opposite indication in the context. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "one or more" means one, two or more than two; " / ", describing the association relationship of associated objects, indicates that three relationships can exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0075] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0076] The "multiple" involved in the embodiments of this application means greater than or equal to two. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0077] In the system information (SI) of a network element, except for SIB1, regarding the remaining system information, the network element can provide it to the UE on demand. For example, a configuration as shown in Figure 2a can be adopted in the standard to define the time-frequency domain resources used by the UE to request SI from the network element. For this purpose, the network element periodically broadcasts the SSB and SIB1 required for the UE to access the network element. Among them, the period for the network element to broadcast the SSB and SIB1 can be, for example, 20 milliseconds (ms), etc., or it can be a period of other sizes. As Figure 2b shown, generally, the network element periodically broadcasts the SSB and SIB1 on multiple beams ( Figure 2b taking the example of broadcasting the SSB on 4 beams for illustration). In this way, the UE can synchronize with the network element according to the received SSB, specifically it can be downlink synchronization, and this downlink synchronization includes content such as clock synchronization, radio frame synchronization, symbol synchronization, and obtaining the identity of the network element (cell). Then, the UE can decode the received SIB1 according to the MIB carried by the PBCH in the SSB to obtain the basic configuration information required to access the network element. However, the continuous transmission of the SSB and SIB1 by the network element 1 on multiple beams will cause the network element 1 to consume a large amount of power.

[0078] For this reason, the present application provides a communication system, which can be a fifth-generation (5G) communication system, or an LTE and 5G hybrid architecture, or a 5G New Radio (5G NR) system, as well as new communication systems emerging in the future development of communication, etc.

[0079] An example of the communication system is asFigure 2c As shown, it includes network element 1 and UE2.

[0080] In the embodiments provided in this application, network element 1 can be any device located on the network side and having wireless transceiver functions, including but not limited to: base stations (gNodeB or gNB) or transmission receiving points (TRP) in new radio (NR), etc. Network element 1 can be: macro base station, micro base station, pico base station, small station, relay station, or balloon station, etc. Network element 1 can include one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission reception points (TRP). Network element 1 can also be a radio controller, a centralized unit (CU), and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Network element 1 can communicate with terminal devices, or can communicate with terminal devices through a relay station.

[0081] UE2 can communicate with multiple base stations of different technologies. For example, UE2 can communicate with a base station supporting the LTE network, can also communicate with a base station supporting the 5G network, or can communicate with a base station of the 3G or 2G network, or communicate with a base station of a higher standard such as 6G, and can also perform dual connection with a base station supporting the LTE network and a 5G network base station.

[0082] In the embodiments provided in this application, UE2 can be in various forms. For example, it can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a wearable terminal device, and so on. UE can sometimes also be referred to as a terminal device, an access terminal device, a vehicle-mounted terminal, an industrial control terminal, a UE unit, a UE station, a mobile station, a mobile unit, a remote station, a remote terminal device, a mobile device, a UE terminal device, a terminal device, a wireless communication device, a UE agent, or a UE device, etc. The terminal can also be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal.

[0083] The above is described by taking a communication system including network element 1 and UE2 as an example. In other possible embodiments, the communication system may include multiple UEs or multiple network elements. Or, in other possible embodiments, network element 1 in the communication system can also be replaced with other forms of network elements, which is not limited herein. For ease of understanding, the following still takes the interaction between UE2 and network element 1 as an example for description.

[0084] In Figure 2c the shown communication system, network element 1 can periodically broadcast a discovery reference signal (DRS) for downlink synchronization with relatively low power consumption. The broadcast DRS is used for the UE to synchronize with the network element, thereby reducing the power consumption of network element 1 and achieving network energy saving (NES). Moreover, when UE2 needs to access network element 1, UE2 can send a wake up signal (WUS) to network element 1. Thus, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can start broadcasting the SSB and SIB1 so that UE2 can normally access network element 1 according to the SSB and SIB1 broadcast by network element 1. Here, the SSB and SIB1 broadcast by network element 1 can be sent to UE2 device directionally, thereby saving energy consumption, as Figure 2c shown. As Figure 2dAs shown, it depicts a timing diagram in which Network Element 1 broadcasts DRS during the signal broadcast period, and after UE2 sends WUS, Network Element 1 broadcasts SSB and SIB1.

[0085] In practical applications, in Figure 2c the communication system shown, in addition to the implementation corresponding to the 2D timing diagram, there can be other implementations. Some exemplary descriptions will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Implementation 1: Network Element 1 can broadcast DRS periodically (without broadcasting SSB and SIB1), and after receiving WUS sent by UE2, only broadcast SSB. As Figure 2e shown, it depicts a timing diagram in which Network Element 1 broadcasts DRS during the signal broadcast period, and after UE2 sends WUS, Network Element 1 only broadcasts SSB.

[0087] Implementation 2: Network Element 1 can broadcast DRS periodically (without broadcasting SSB and SIB1), and after receiving WUS sent by UE2, only broadcast SIB1. As Figure 2f shown, it depicts a timing diagram in which Network Element 1 broadcasts DRS during the signal broadcast period, and after UE2 sends WUS, Network Element 1 broadcasts SIB1.

[0088] Implementation 3: Network Element 1 can broadcast SSB periodically (without broadcasting SIB1), and after receiving WUS sent by UE2, broadcast SIB1. As Figure 2g shown, it depicts a timing diagram in which the network element first broadcasts SSB, and after UE2 sends WUS, Network Element 1 then broadcasts SIB1.

[0089] Refer to Figure 3 , which shows a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The communication method shown can be applied to Figure 2c the communication system shown, or it can be applied to other possible communication systems. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following takes the communication system shown in Figure 2c as an example for illustration. As Figure 3 shown, the process of this communication method includes the following steps:

[0090] S301: Network Element 1 broadcasts DRS, and this DRS is used for UE2 to synchronize with Network Element 1.

[0091] In this embodiment, Network Element 1 can send DRS with lower power consumption, specifically by broadcasting DRS. In this way, UE2 that is in the idle or inactive state within the signal coverage area of Network Element 1 can use this DRS to synchronize with Network Element 1, specifically it can be downlink synchronization.

[0092] Among them, the DRS sent by network element 1 can have the following three non-limiting implementation manners.

[0093] In the first implementation example, as Figure 4a shown, the DRS may only include the PSS and the SSS. Moreover, the DRS may occupy 2 OFDMs in the time domain, where the PSS occupies the first OFDM and the SSS occupies the second OFDM. At the same time, the DRS may occupy 127 subcarriers in the frequency domain, and the PSS and the SSS respectively occupy 127 subcarriers in different time domains. In this embodiment, after receiving the DRS, UE2 specifically completes downlink synchronization according to the PSS and the SSS in the DRS.

[0094] It should be noted that Figure 4a in the DRS shown, the subcarriers occupied by the PSS and the SSS are only taken as one implementation example and are not used for limitation. For example, in other implementation examples, the number of subcarriers occupied by the PSS and the SSS may be other numbers, and the subcarriers occupied by the PSS and the SSS in the frequency domain may also be other subcarriers, etc.

[0095] In the second implementation example, as Figure 4b shown, the DRS may include the PSS, the SSS, and one or more reserved resource elements (REs). Figure 4b In , taking the reservation of multiple REs as an example for illustration. At this time, the DRS may still occupy 2 OFDMs in the time domain, where the PSS occupies the first OFDM and the SSS occupies the second OFDM. At the same time, the DRS may occupy 127 subcarriers in the frequency domain, and the PSS and the SSS respectively occupy 127 subcarriers in different time domains.

[0096] It should be noted that Figure 4b the subcarriers occupied by the PSS, the SSS, and the RE shown are only taken as one implementation example and are not used for limitation. For example, in other implementation examples, the number of subcarriers occupied by the PSS and the SSS may be other numbers, and the subcarriers occupied by the PSS and the SSS in the frequency domain may also be other subcarriers, etc. In addition, the number of subcarriers occupied by the RE may be other numbers, and the subcarriers occupied in the frequency domain may be other subcarriers.

[0097] In the third implementation example, as Figure 4cAs shown in the figure, DRS can reuse the structure of SSB, which can include not only PSS and SSS, but also PBCH. At this time, DRS can occupy 4 OFDMs in the time domain. Among them, PSS occupies the first OFDM, and SSS occupies the third OFDM. At the same time, DRS can occupy 240 subcarriers in the frequency domain, and PSS and SSS respectively occupy 127 subcarriers in different time domains. Among them, when network element 1 sends DRS, it can carry the MIB information in PBCH in the same way as sending SSB. Or, in the DRS sent by network element 1, PBCH may not carry any information. For example, the RE where PBCH is located has zero power, so as to save the energy consumption generated by network element 1 when sending the data carried on PBCH. And when network element 1 sends DRS, it does not send SIB1.

[0098] It should be noted that Figure 4c In the DRS shown in the figure, the subcarriers occupied by PSS, SSS, and PBCH are only taken as an implementation example and are not used for limitation.

[0099] In the fourth implementation example, DRS can also be a low power synchronization signal (LP-SS), and UE2 located within the signal coverage range can achieve downlink synchronization with network element 1 according to the received LP-SS.

[0100] It can be understood that the above four implementation methods are only for some exemplary descriptions. In other embodiments, the DRS sent by network element 1 can also be implemented in other ways. For example, DRS can occupy 3 or 5 symbols in the time domain, etc., and no limitation is imposed on this.

[0101] In practical applications, network element 1 can broadcast DRS periodically. This period can be, for example, 20 milliseconds (ms), or it can be 40 ms, etc., and no limitation is imposed on this. For the convenience of description, the period of network element 1 sending signals is hereinafter referred to as the signal broadcast period.

[0102] In a possible implementation manner, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 can send DRS on multiple beams respectively. For example, network element 1 can send DRS on 8 or 64 beams respectively. And on each beam, network element 1 can send one DRS, or it can send multiple DRSs. Among them, when network element 1 sends DRS on different beams, it can adopt different time domains.

[0103] Or, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 can send DRS without distinguishing beams. At this time, network element 1 can send one DRS; or, the network element can send multiple DRSs so that UE2 can improve the success rate of decoding DRS based on the multiple DRSs.

[0104] S302: UE2 sends a wake-up signal to network element 1, and this wake-up signal is used to wake up network element 1 to send SSB and SIB1.

[0105] In an actual application scenario, when UE2 needs to access network element 1, UE2 can send a wake-up signal to network element 1 to request network element 1 to send the access configuration information required for UE2 to access network element 1, that is, the information carried in SSB and SIB1.

[0106] Specifically, UE2 can obtain downlink synchronization by using the received DRS, and can further determine the time-frequency resources for sending WUS to network element 1. For the sake of distinction, the following will refer to this time-frequency resource as the first time-frequency resource. The first time-frequency resource includes a time domain resource and a frequency domain resource. Among them, the time domain resource can be, for example, the time slots and OFDM symbols that UE2 can occupy in the time domain, and the frequency domain resource can be, for example, one or more REs that UE2 can occupy in the frequency domain.

[0107] In this embodiment, the following several exemplary implementation manners for determining the first time-frequency resource are provided.

[0108] In the first possible implementation manner, UE2 can determine the first time-frequency resource used when sending WUS according to one or more received DRSs, specifically, it can be to determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0109] In specific implementation, one or more time-frequency resources that UE can use to send WUS can be defined in a standard (such as release 19, etc.). For example, a table can be defined in the standard, and this table can record the indexes of multiple time-frequency resources, and each index is used to identify one or more time-frequency resources. Correspondingly, when network element 1 broadcasts DRS, it can incorporate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource into the DRS.

[0110] Example 1, when network element 1 broadcasts DRS, it can send one or more DRSs within a signal broadcast period according to the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. Correspondingly, UE2 can determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the time distribution of the received DRS within a single signal broadcast period. At this time, the DRS broadcast by network element 1 can be, for example, Figure 4a the DRS shown (which can only include PSS and SSS).

[0111] For example, assume that a table including indices of 15 time-frequency resources can be defined in the standard, and the indices of the 15 time-frequency resources are 0001, ……, 1111 respectively. Then, within one signal broadcast period, there can be 4 opportunities for sending DRS, and Network Element 1 can, at these 4 opportunities, indicate 4-bit information by sending or not sending DRS, that is, indicate the index of the first time-frequency resource.

[0112] As Figure 5a shown, assume that the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is "0101". Then, Network Element 1 can not send DRS at the 1st opportunity and the 3rd opportunity within one signal broadcast period. Correspondingly, the values of the 1st bit and the 3rd bit are 0; send DRS at the 2nd opportunity and the 4th opportunity. Correspondingly, the values of the 2nd bit and the 4th bit are 1. In this way, UE2 can determine that the index of the first time-frequency resource is "0101" according to the temporal distribution of the received DRS.

[0113] As Figure 5b shown, assume that the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is "1111". Then, Network Element 1 can send DRS at each opportunity within one signal broadcast period. Thus, UE2 can determine that the values of all 4 bits are 1 according to the temporal distribution of the received DRS, that is, determine that the index of the first time-frequency resource is "1111". In this way, UE2 can send WUS to Network Element 1 on the first time-frequency resource indicated by "0101" or "1111".

[0114] Example 2: When generating DRS, Network Element 1 can add the identifier of the first time-frequency resource to the DRS. Specifically, one or more reserved REs in the DRS can be used to carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. For example, the DRS generated by Network Element 1 can be as Figure 4b shown. Then, Network Element 1 can use the RE on the 1st OFDM symbol or the 2nd OFDM symbol to carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource; or, the DRS generated by Network Element 1 can be as Figure 4c shown. Then, Network Element 1 can use at least one RE on the PBCH to carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. In this way, after receiving the DRS, UE2 can parse the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from at least one RE included in the DRS.

[0115] Example 3: When generating DRS, network element 1 can use the identifier of the first time-frequency resource as a generation parameter for the coding sequence of DRS. For example, when the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is identified by 4 bits, network element 1 can use the value of these 4 bits as the value of the Cinit parameter for the initial value of the scrambling sequence used to generate PSS and / or SSS. Correspondingly, after receiving the DRS, UE2 decodes the DRS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. For example, assuming that the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is indicated by the value of 4 bits, UE2 can traverse all value combinations of these 4 bits and determine the coding sequence of the DRS corresponding to each value combination of these 4 bits. Then, UE2 can match the coding sequence of the DRS corresponding to each value combination with the coding sequence of the DRS received by UE2. When the coding sequence of the DRS corresponding to one of the value combinations matches the coding sequence of the DRS received by UE2, UE2 can determine the value combination of these 4 bits as the identifier used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

[0116] In actual application, UE2 can also determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the received DRS in other ways, and this is not limited.

[0117] Among them, the first time-frequency resource indicated by network 1 can be, for example, a resource on the random access channel (RACH). Specifically, the first time-frequency resource includes one or more random access channel occasions (ROs), so that UE2 can use the RACH to send a WUS signal to network element 1 based on the RO. In actual application, the first time-frequency resource can be other applicable resources in addition to the RACH resource, and this is not limited.

[0118] Furthermore, when the first time-frequency resource is a RACH resource, the identifier used to indicate the first time-frequency resource can also be used to indicate the candidate preamble for UE2 to send WUS using this RACH resource.

[0119] In the second possible implementation manner, UE2 can also independently determine the first time-frequency resource used to send WUS without the intervention of network element 1.

[0120] Example 1: One or more time-frequency resources that a UE can use to send WUS can be defined in a standard (such as Release 19, etc.). In this way, UE2 can select one time-frequency resource from the predefined multiple time-frequency resources to send WUS. For example, UE2 can randomly select the first time-frequency resource for sending WUS from multiple time-frequency resources. Or, UE2 can perform calculations based on the identifier of UE2, such as hashing or taking the modulus of the identifier of UE2, and then select the first time-frequency resource from multiple time-frequency resources according to the calculation result. There is no limitation in this regard.

[0121] Example 2: Multiple time-frequency resources that a UE can use to send WUS can be defined in a standard (such as Release 19, etc.). When UE2 determines the first time-frequency resource, it can first determine at least one time-frequency resource associated with UE2. For example, the multiple time-frequency resources defined in the standard can be divided into multiple groups according to the identifier of the UE, and each group includes at least one time-frequency resource. Thus, UE2 can determine the group where UE2 is located according to its own identifier, and the time-frequency resources in this group are also a time-frequency resource associated with UE2. Then, UE2 can determine the first time-frequency resource for sending WUS from at least one time-frequency resource associated with UE2, such as by randomly selecting to determine the first time-frequency resource.

[0122] Among them, the first time-frequency resource determined by UE2 can be, for example, a resource on the RACH, or it can be other applicable resources. There is no limitation in this regard.

[0123] In the third possible implementation, Network Element 1 can also send group-common downlink control information (DCI). Multiple time-frequency resources that multiple UEs can use to send WUS to Network Element 1 can be defined in this group common DCI. Among them, the group common DCI can include multiple bits. The consecutive partial bits among the multiple bits are used to indicate the time-frequency resources that one UE can use, and the different partial bits among the multiple bits are used to indicate the time-frequency resources that different UEs can use. In this way, after receiving the group common DCI, UE2 can parse out the identifier of the first time-frequency resource that UE2 can use from it, and thus determine the first time-frequency resource used for sending WUS.

[0124] In actual applications, UE2 can also use other methods to determine the first time-frequency resource. There is no limitation in this regard.

[0125] Among them, when the UE2 sends the WUS through the 2-step RACH (2-step-RACH) or the 4-step RACH (4-step-RACH), the first time-frequency resource can be one or more ROs defined in the standard. Accordingly, the network element 1 can detect the RACH within a preset resource window to determine whether there is a signal on the RACH. Among them, the length of the resource window in the time domain can be determined according to the signal coverage range of the network element 1. For example, the larger the signal coverage range, the larger the length of the resource window in the time domain, etc. After the network element 1 determines that a signal is received by detecting the RACH within the resource window, it can identify the signal as the WUS according to the preamble on the RO.

[0126] Alternatively, the WUS sent by the UE2 on the first time-frequency resource can be a specific coding sequence. For example, it can be a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) code, or it can be a pseudo random code, etc. Accordingly, after decoding the received signal, the network element 1 can determine whether it is a specific coding sequence according to the decoded sequence. If so, the network element 1 can determine that the signal is the WUS; if not, the network element 1 can determine that the signal is not the WUS.

[0127] Or, the WUS sent by the UE2 on the first time-frequency resource can be any codeword. At this time, the network element 1 can detect the energy magnitude of the signal sent through the first time-frequency resource. When the energy of the signal is greater than the threshold, the network element 1 can determine that the signal is the WUS. Otherwise, the network element 1 can determine that the signal is not the WUS. In this way, the network element 1 can avoid decoding the received signal, thereby simplifying the implementation logic for the network element 1 to determine that the WUS is received and saving the energy consumption generated by decoding the signal.

[0128] In practical applications, the process of the UE2 sending the WUS to the network element 1 can also be implemented in other ways, such as combining the above-mentioned multiple implementation methods, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0129] In practical applications, in addition to being able to send the WUS to the network element 1 when the UE2 needs to access the network element 1, in other scenarios, the UE2 can also send a wake-up signal to the network element 1.

[0130] Exemplarily, when the DRS broadcast by network element 1 is specifically LP-SS, UE2 can detect the signal quality of the received LP-SS. And when the signal quality of the LP-SS is detected to be low, UE2 can send a WUS to network element 1. At this time, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can broadcast an SSB so that UE2 can receive the SSB and detect whether the signal quality of the received SSB meets the requirements. For example, when the signal quality of the SSB received by UE2 is also low, UE2 can switch the network element to be accessed, such as switching to a network element with higher signal quality, etc. Further, after broadcasting the SSB, network element 1 can further broadcast SIB1, so that UE2 can access network element 1 according to the SSB and SIB1. For example, when the signal quality of the SSB received by UE2 is high, UE2 can determine to access network element 1 and can access network element 1 according to the received SSB and SIB1.

[0131] In addition, when UE2 detects that the signal quality of the LP-SS is low, UE2 can not send a WUS to network element 1 and maintain downlink synchronization with network element 1 according to the received LP-SS.

[0132] Among them, when the DRS broadcast by network element 1 is specifically LP-SS, UE2 can determine the first time-frequency resource for sending the WUS by referring to the foregoing method for determining the first time-frequency resource, which will not be elaborated here.

[0133] S303: Network element 1 broadcasts an SSB and SIB1.

[0134] In this process, network element 1 broadcasts the SSB and SIB1 signals according to the received wake-up signal, and the number of times of broadcasting the SSB and SIB1 is a finite number; for example, it is broadcast twice. Among them, network element 1 broadcasts the SSB and SIB1 signals according to the received wake-up signal; broadcasts the SSB and SIB1 a finite number of times, so that UE2 waiting to access the network receives the SSB and SIB1, which saves energy consumption compared with the prior art where the base station / network element 1 periodically (default 20ms) sends the SSB and SI signals.

[0135] Further, network element 1 broadcasts the SSB signal, and the number of times of broadcasting the SSB is a finite number, for example, it is broadcast twice. After receiving the SSB signal, UE2 accesses network element 1 based on the SSB signal; or, network element 1 broadcasts the SIB1 signal, and the number of times of broadcasting the SIB1 is a finite number, for example, it is broadcast twice. After receiving the SIB1 signal, UE2 accesses network element 1 based on the SIB1 signal.

[0136] S304: UE2 accesses network element 1 according to the SSB and SIB1.

[0137] When Network Element 1 determines that there is a WUS sent by a UE, it indicates that there is currently a UE that needs to access Network Element 1. Therefore, Network Element 1 transitions from the state of broadcasting DRS with low power consumption to the state of broadcasting signals with higher power consumption, specifically, the state of broadcasting SSB and SIB1 with higher power consumption.

[0138] In this way, after receiving the SSB and SIB1, UE2 can not only continue to maintain downlink synchronization based on the PSS and SSS in the SSB, but also decode the information in SIB1 based on the MIB information in the SSB to obtain the configuration information required to access Network Element 1, so that UE2 can access Network Element 1 according to the decoded configuration information and can further establish a connection with Network Element 1, such as a radio resource control (RRC) connection.

[0139] In the first implementation example, after receiving the WUS, Network Element 1 can resume broadcasting SSB and SIB1 periodically, so that one or more UEs (including UE2) within the signal coverage range of Network Element 1 can access Network Element 1 based on the received SSB and SIB1.

[0140] In the second implementation example, after receiving the WUS, Network Element 1 can broadcast SSB and SIB1 within a preset number of signal broadcast cycles. For example, Network Element 1 can continuously broadcast SSB and SIB1 within 2 signal broadcast cycles. After Network Element 1 completes the broadcast of SSB and SIB1 within the preset number of signal broadcast cycles, it can re-enter the state of broadcasting DRS with low power consumption until Network Element 1 receives the WUS again and then starts broadcasting SSB and SIB1 again.

[0141] Among them, the number of times Network Element 1 continuously broadcasts SSB and SIB1 can be defined in the standard. Or, when Network Element 1 was previously broadcasting DRS, it can carry the number of times Network Element 1 continuously broadcasts SSB and SIB1 after receiving the WUS in the DRS, so that UE2 can improve the success rate of signal decoding by continuously receiving SSB and SIB1. Among them, the implementation method of carrying the number of times of continuously broadcasting SSB and SIB1 in the DRS is similar to the implementation method of carrying the identifier of the first time-frequency resource in the DRS, and can refer to the relevant description above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0142] In the third implementation example, the network element 1 can determine whether to continue broadcasting DRS at low power or to broadcast SSB and SIB1 at higher power according to the current load condition. For example, after receiving WUS, the network element 1 can obtain its own load and determine whether the load is greater than the load threshold. When the load of the network element 1 is greater than the load threshold, the network element 1 can continue to broadcast DRS at low power to avoid excessive load of the network element 1 after UE2 accesses the network element 1. When the load of the network element 1 is less than or equal to the load threshold, it indicates that the network element 1 has sufficient capacity to serve new UEs. Therefore, the network element 1 can start broadcasting SSB and SIB1 to support the access of UE2 (and other UEs) to the network element 1.

[0143] It should be noted that since UE2 can complete downlink synchronization with the network element 1 based on SSB, during the process of the network element 1 broadcasting SSB and SIB1, the network element 1 can stop sending DRS signals. Similarly, during the process of the network element 1 broadcasting DRS, it does not send SSB and SIB1.

[0144] In this embodiment, during the process of the network element 1 broadcasting SSB and SIB1, it can not distinguish beams, that is, within each signal broadcast period, the network element 1 can only send one SSB and SIB1.

[0145] Alternatively, the network element 1 can also distinguish beams to broadcast SSB and SIB1. Thus, after receiving WUS, the network element 1 can send SSB and SIB1 on multiple beams respectively. That is, within each signal broadcast period, the network element 1 can send multiple SSBs and multiple SIB1s.

[0146] It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is described by taking UE2 waking up the network element 1 to send SSB and SIB1 according to the DRS broadcast by the network element 1 as an example. In actual application, the signal coverage range of the network element 1 can also include other UEs. And after receiving DRS, other UEs can also obtain downlink synchronization according to the DRS and send WUS to the network element 1 using the second time-frequency resource. Or, after UE2 wakes up the network element 1 to send SSB and SIB1, other UEs within the signal coverage range of the network element 1 can achieve downlink synchronization and access the network element 1 according to the received SSB and SIB1.

[0147] In this embodiment, before the network element 1 obtains WUS, UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization by obtaining DRS including PSS and SSS sent by the network element 1. This enables the network element 1 not to send SSB nor SIB1, thus the network element 1 can save the energy consumption generated by sending SIB1, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0148] And in the actual application scenario, DRS can be, for example Figure 4a orFigure 4b The DRS shown. At this time, the information carried in the DRS can usually be less than that carried in the SSB. For example, the DRS can only occupy 2 OFDM symbols in the time domain, which makes the energy consumption generated by the network element 1 when sending the DRS less than that generated by sending the SSB before the wake-up signal is obtained. Thus, the network element 1 can further achieve energy saving, such as Figure 6 shown (i.e., the energy-saving effect corresponding to the first energy-saving method).

[0149] It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is described by taking the example that after the UE2 sends the WUS, the network element 1 broadcasts the SSB and SIB1. In other embodiments, after receiving the WUS, the network element 1 can only broadcast the SSB or only broadcast the SIB1. And the UE2 can access the network element 1 according to the SSB or the SIB1 broadcast by the network element 1. The following gives an exemplary description thereof.

[0150] In the first implementation manner, after receiving the WUS, the network element 1 can only broadcast the SSB.

[0151] In specific implementation, the UE2 can pre-locally save the SIB1 information of the network element 1. For example, when the UE2 camps on the network element 1, the UE2 can receive the signal broadcast by the network element 1. Before the UE2 expects to access the network element 1, the network element 1 can broadcast the SIB1 (and SSB) within a certain time period. For example, the network element 1 can broadcast the SSB and SIB1 at a long interval (such as every 10 seconds). At this time, although the UE2 has no need to access the network element 1, it can pre-locally save the SIB1 information broadcast by the network element 1. In this way, when the network element 1 is in the state of periodically broadcasting the DRS, when the UE2 needs to access the network element 1, the UE2 can send the WUS to the network element 1 based on the DRS broadcast by the network element 1 to trigger the network element 1 to broadcast the SSB. In this way, according to the SSB broadcast by the network element 1, the UE2 can not only obtain the downlink synchronization of the network element 1, but also obtain the MIB carried in the SSB. Then, the UE2 can decode the locally saved SIB1 information according to the MIB to obtain the access configuration information required to access the network element 1, and further access the network element 1 according to the access configuration information.

[0152] Of course, the UE2 can also pre-locally save the SIB1 information in other ways, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0153] In the second implementation manner, after receiving the WUS, the network element 1 can only broadcast the SIB1.

[0154] When specifically implemented, UE2 can pre-locally save the MIB information required for decoding the SIB1 of network element 1. For example, when UE2 camps on network element 1, UE2 can receive the signal broadcast by network element 1. Before UE2 expects to access network element 1, network element 1 can broadcast SSB (and SIB1) within a certain time period. For example, network element 1 can broadcast SSB and SIB1 once every long period (such as every 10 seconds). At this time, although UE2 has no need to access network element 1, it can pre-locally save the MIB information carried in the SSB broadcast by network element 1. In this way, when network element 1 is in the state of periodically broadcasting DRS, when UE2 needs to access network element 1, UE2 can send WUS to network element 1 based on the DRS broadcast by network element 1 to trigger network element 1 to broadcast SIB1. In this way, UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization with network element 1 according to the DRS broadcast by network element 1, and can decode the SIB1 broadcast by network element 1 according to the locally saved MIB information to obtain the access configuration information required to access network element 1, so that UE2 can further implement access to network element 1 according to this access configuration information.

[0155] Of course, UE2 can also pre-locally save the MIB information in other ways, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0156] The above Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can broadcast SSB and SIB1 on multiple beams. In other embodiments, network element 1 can also broadcast SSB and SIB1 on a specified first beam and does not broadcast SSB and SIB1 on other beams. The following will be described in detail in combination with Figure 7 this.

[0157] Refer to Figure 7 , which shows a schematic flow diagram of another communication method. As Figure 7 shown, the flow of this communication method includes the following steps.

[0158] S701: Network element 1 broadcasts DRS on multiple beams, and this DRS is used for UE2 to synchronize with network element 1.

[0159] S702: UE2 determines the first beam where the DRS with the best signal quality is located according to the signal quality of the received DRS.

[0160] When specifically implemented, the DRS broadcast by network element 1 can carry the identifier of the DRS. For example, the identifier of the DRS can be used as the generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS so that the DRS carries its identifier; or, the DRS can be the DRS as Figure 4b shown, so that some REs in the DRS can carry the identifier of the DRS.

[0161] After receiving DRSs on multiple beams, UE2 can determine the DRS with the best signal quality through signal measurement and parse out the identifier of the DRS from this DRS. Then, UE2 can determine the beam used to carry this DRS according to the parsed identifier of the DRS. For the convenience of distinction, it is called the first beam in this embodiment. For example, UE2 can determine the first beam corresponding to the identifier of the DRS according to the correspondence between the identifier of the DRS and the beam identifier (which can be predefined in the standard).

[0162] S703: UE2 uses the time-frequency resources on the first beam to send a WUS to network element 1, and this WUS is used to wake up network element 1 to send an SSB and SIB1.

[0163] Among them, for the way UE2 determines the time-frequency resources on the first beam, reference can be made to the relevant description of determining the first time-frequency resource in the above Figure 3 illustrated embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0164] S704: After receiving this WUS, network element 1 broadcasts an SSB and SIB1 on the first beam.

[0165] In practical applications, network element 1 can detect whether there is a WUS on each beam and determine the beam where the detected WUS is located as the first beam. Correspondingly, network element 1 can determine that the signal quality of the signal it broadcasts on the first beam can reach the optimal when transmitted to UE2. In this way, network element 1 can broadcast an SSB and SIB1 on the first beam and can not broadcast an SSB and SIB1 on other beams (it can continue to broadcast DRS). In this way, while ensuring the success rate of UE2 decoding the SSB and SIB1, network element 1 does not need to broadcast an SSB and SIB1 in a high-power state on other beams, so as to further save energy for network element 1.

[0166] S705: UE2 accesses network element 1 according to the SSB and SIB1 on the first beam.

[0167] In this embodiment, for the specific implementation manner of step S705, reference can be made to the relevant description of the foregoing embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0168] Similarly, for other UEs within the signal coverage range of network element 1, through a similar process as above, they can also use the time-frequency resources on other beams (such as the second beam, etc.) to send a WUS to network element 1 to trigger network element 1 to broadcast an SSB and SIB1, etc. on other beams.

[0169] Also, in other embodiments, after receiving the WUS sent on the first beam, network element 1 may broadcast only the SSB or only the SIB1 on the first beam. Moreover, UE2 may access network element 1 based on the SSB broadcast only by network element 1 or the SIB1 broadcast only by network element 1. For the specific implementation method, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown above Figure 3 and details are not described herein again.

[0170] The above Figure 3 and Figure 7 In the embodiments shown above, network element 1 realizes network energy saving (NES) by broadcasting DRS. In other embodiments, network element 1 may also realize network energy saving by not broadcasting SIB1. The following will describe this in detail with reference to the accompanying Figure 8 drawings.

[0171] Refer to Figure 8 , which shows a schematic flowchart of another communication method. Figure 8 The communication method shown Figure 2c can be applied to the communication system shown Figure 2c , or can be applied to other possible communication systems. For ease of understanding and description, the following takes the communication system shown Figure 8 as an example for illustration. As shown

[0172] S801: Network element 1 broadcasts the SSB.

[0173] In this embodiment, network element 1 does not broadcast the SSB and SIB1 periodically, but only broadcasts the SSB, that is, network element 1 does not need to send the SIB1, so that network element 1 can save the energy consumption generated by sending the SIB1, thereby achieving energy saving. Moreover, the SSB includes the PSS and SSS, so that UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization based on the SSB sent by network element 1.

[0174] Among them, network element 1 may broadcast the SSB periodically, and the period may be, for example, 20 ms or 40 ms, etc., and this is not limited. For ease of description, the period of network element 1 sending signals is hereinafter referred to as the signal broadcast period.

[0175] In a possible implementation manner, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 may send the SSB on multiple beams respectively. For example, network element 1 may send the SSB on 8 or 64 beams respectively. Moreover, on each beam, network element 1 may send one SSB or multiple SSBs. Among them, when network element 1 sends the SSB on different beams, different time domain resources may be used.

[0176] Alternatively, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 may send SSBs without differentiating beams. In this case, network element 1 may send one SSB; or, network element 1 may send multiple SSBs so that UE2 can improve the success rate of decoding the SSB based on the multiple SSBs.

[0177] S802: UE2 sends a WUS to network element 1, and the WUS is used to wake up network element 1 to send SIB1.

[0178] In an actual application scenario, when UE2 needs to access network element 1, UE2 may send a wake-up signal (WUS) to network element 1 to request network element 1 to send the access configuration information required for UE2 to access network element 1, that is, the information carried in SIB1.

[0179] Specifically, after obtaining downlink synchronization, UE2 may further determine a first time-frequency resource for sending a WUS to network element 1. The first time-frequency resource includes a time-domain resource and a frequency-domain resource. The time-domain resource may be, for example, the time slots and OFDM symbols that UE2 can occupy in the time domain, and the frequency-domain resource may be, for example, one or more resource elements (REs) that UE2 can occupy in the frequency domain. For example, at least one RE in the SSB broadcast by network element 1 may carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource, so that UE2 can obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource by parsing the RE in the SSB to determine the first time-frequency resource for sending the WUS. Alternatively, network element 1 may send group common DCI, so that UE2 can parse the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from the received group common DCI to determine the first time-frequency resource for sending the WUS. Then, UE2 may use the determined first time-frequency resource to send a WUS to network element 1. The coding sequence of the WUS sent by UE2 may be a preset coding sequence; or, UE2 may send the WUS on the RACH, etc.

[0180] Correspondingly, network element 1 may detect whether the coding sequence of the received signal is a preset coding sequence. If so, it is determined that the WUS sent by UE2 is received; or, network element 1 may detect whether there is a signal on the random access channel (RACH) within a resource window. If so, it is determined that the WUS sent by UE2 is received; or, network element 1 may detect whether there is a signal with energy greater than a threshold on the first time-frequency resource. If so, it is determined that the WUS sent by UE2 is received, etc.

[0181] In this embodiment, for the implementation manners of UE2 determining the first time-frequency resource, UE2 sending the WUS, and network element 1 indicating the first time-frequency resource and determining that the WUS is received, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the above Figure 3 illustrated embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0182] S803: Network element 1 broadcasts SIB1.

[0183] S804: UE2 accesses network element 1 according to SIB1.

[0184] In this embodiment, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can broadcast SIB1 so that UE2 can access network element 1 according to SIB1.

[0185] In this embodiment, after receiving the WUS sent by UE2, network element 1 can broadcast only SIB1, or can broadcast SSB and SIB1 simultaneously.

[0186] In the first implementation manner, network element 1 broadcasts only SIB1 after receiving the WUS.

[0187] At this time, UE2 can obtain downlink synchronization with network element 1 according to the SSB broadcast by network element 1 before receiving the WUS, parse the MIB information from the SSB, and save the MIB information locally. In this way, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can broadcast only SIB1. Correspondingly, in the case of obtaining downlink synchronization, UE2 decodes the SIB1 broadcast by network element 1 according to the saved MIB information to obtain the access configuration information required to access network element 1, so that UE2 can further access network element 1 according to the access configuration information.

[0188] Exemplarily, the broadcast of SSB by network element 1, receiving the WUS, and broadcasting SIB1 can occur within the same signal broadcast period. For example, when the signal broadcast period is relatively large, network element 1 can first broadcast SSB, receive the WUS sent by UE2 within this signal broadcast period, and further complete the broadcast of SIB1 within this signal broadcast period, etc. In this way, UE2 can access network element 1 according to the SSB and SIB1 broadcast by network element 1 successively within the same signal broadcast period.

[0189] In the second implementation manner, network element 1 can broadcast SSB and SIB1 together after receiving the WUS.

[0190] For example, before Network Element 1 can receive the WUS, it can only broadcast the SSB, which is hereinafter referred to as the first SSB for easy distinction. Then, UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization with Network Element 1 based on the received first SSB and send the WUS to Network Element 1. After receiving the WUS, Network Element 1 can broadcast the second SSB and SIB1 successively in the next signal broadcast period. In this way, UE2 can achieve access to Network Element 1 based on the second SSB and SIB1 broadcast by Network Element 1 in the same signal broadcast period. Thus, when UE2 has a need to access Network Element 1, UE2 can obtain the SSB and SIB1 in the same signal broadcast period, thereby improving the access efficiency of UE2 to Network Element 1.

[0191] In this embodiment, before Network Element 1 obtains the WUS, UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization by obtaining the SSB sent by Network Element 1. At this time, Network Element 1 does not need to send SIB1, so Network Element 1 can save the energy consumption generated by sending SIB1, thereby achieving energy saving, as Figure 6 shown (i.e., the energy saving effect corresponding to the second energy saving method).

[0192] See Figure 9 , which shows a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method. Figure 9 The communication method shown can be applied to Figure 2c the communication system shown, or it can be applied to other possible communication systems. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following takes the communication system shown in Figure 2c as an example for illustration. As Figure 9 shown, the process of this communication method includes the following steps.

[0193] S901: Network Element 1 broadcasts the LP-SS.

[0194] Among them, LP-SS refers to the low power synchronization signal.

[0195] In this embodiment, Network Element 1 can send the LP-SS with relatively low power, specifically by broadcasting the LP-SS. In this way, UE2 in the signal coverage area of Network Element 1 that is in the idle or inactive state can use this DRS to synchronize with Network Element 1, specifically it can be downlink synchronization.

[0196] In actual application, Network Element 1 can broadcast the LP-SS periodically. This period can be, for example, 20 milliseconds (ms), or it can be 40 ms, etc., and no limitation is imposed on this. For ease of description, the period of Network Element 1 sending signals is hereinafter referred to as the signal broadcast period.

[0197] In a possible implementation, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 can send LP-SS on multiple beams respectively. For example, network element 1 can send LP-SS on 8 or 64 beams respectively. Moreover, on each beam, network element 1 can send one LP-SS, or can send multiple LP-SS. Among them, when network element 1 sends LP-SS on different beams, different time domains can be adopted.

[0198] Alternatively, within each signal broadcast period, network element 1 can send LP-SS without distinguishing beams. At this time, network element 1 can send one LP-SS; or, the network element can send multiple LP-SS so that UE2 can improve the success rate of decoding the LP-SS based on the multiple LP-SS.

[0199] S902: UE2 measures the signal quality of the received LP-SS.

[0200] It can be understood that since the distance between UE2 and network element 1 is not fixed, for the LP-SS broadcast by network element 1, when the distance between UE2 and network element 1 is relatively close, the signal quality of the LP-SS received by UE2 is relatively high. However, when the distance between UE2 and network element 1 is relatively far, the LP-SS will suffer signal attenuation during the transmission from network element 1 to UE2, which makes the signal quality of the LP-SS received by UE2 relatively low.

[0201] Therefore, during the process of receiving LP-SS, UE2 can measure the signal quality of the received LP-SS to determine the high or low signal quality of the received LP-SS. In this embodiment, to judge whether the signal quality is high or low, it can be determined by comparing with a threshold value, that is, when the measured signal quality is greater than or equal to the threshold value, it indicates that the signal quality of the LP-SS received by UE2 is relatively high, and when the measured signal quality is less than the threshold value, it indicates that the signal quality of the LP-SS received by UE2 is relatively low.

[0202] S903: When the signal quality of the received LP-SS is less than the threshold value, UE2 sends a wake-up signal to network element 1, and this wake-up signal is used to wake up network element 1 to send SSB.

[0203] In this embodiment, when UE2 measures the signal quality of LP-SS and determines that it is less than the threshold value, it indicates that there will be a problem of too low signal quality after the signal sent by network element 1 is transmitted to UE2. Since network element 1 sends LP-SS in a low-power state, therefore, UE2 can request network element 1 to send SSB so that UE2 can detect whether there is still a problem of relatively low signal quality when the signal broadcast by network element 1 at a higher power is transmitted to UE2.

[0204] In specific implementation, when the signal quality of the received LP-SS is less than the threshold, UE2 can first obtain downlink synchronization with network element 1 based on the received LP-SS, and can further determine the first time-frequency resource for sending a signal to the network element. Thus, UE2 can send a wake up signal (WUS) to network element 1 based on the determined first time-frequency resource, and the WUS is used to wake up network element 1 to send an SSB.

[0205] In this embodiment, the following exemplary implementation manners for determining the first time-frequency resource are provided.

[0206] In the first possible implementation manner, UE2 can determine the first time-frequency resource used when sending the WUS according to one or more received LP-SSs, specifically, it can be to determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

[0207] In specific implementation, one or more time-frequency resources that UE can use to send the WUS can be defined in a standard (such as release 19, etc.). For example, a table can be defined in the standard, and various time-frequency resource indexes can be recorded in the table, and each index is used to identify a time-frequency resource. Correspondingly, when network element 1 broadcasts the LP-SS, it can incorporate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource into the LP-SS.

[0208] Example 1, when network element 1 broadcasts the LP-SS, it can send one or more LP-SSs within a signal broadcast period according to the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. Correspondingly, UE2 can determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the time distribution of the received LP-SS within a single signal broadcast period.

[0209] Example 2, when network element 1 generates the LP-SS, it can add the identifier of the first time-frequency resource to the LP-SS, specifically, it can use one or more reserved resource elements (REs) in the LP-SS to carry the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. In this way, after receiving the LP-SS, UE2 can parse the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from at least one RE included in the LP-SS.

[0210] Example 3: When generating the LP-SS, Network Element 1 can use the identifier of the first time-frequency resource as a generation parameter for the encoding sequence of the LP-SS. Correspondingly, after receiving the LP-SS, UE2 decodes the LP-SS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource. For example, assuming that the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is indicated by a 4-bit value, UE2 can traverse all the value combinations of the 4 bits and determine the encoding sequence of the LP-SS corresponding to each value combination of the 4 bits. Then, UE2 can match the encoding sequence of the LP-SS corresponding to each value combination with the encoding sequence of the LP-SS received. When the encoding sequence of the LP-SS corresponding to one of the value combinations matches the encoding sequence of the LP-SS received by UE2, UE2 can determine the value combination of the 4 bits as the identifier used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

[0211] In practical applications, UE2 can also determine the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the received LP-SS in other ways, which is not limited herein.

[0212] Among them, the first time-frequency resource indicated by Network 1 can be, for example, the resource on the random access channel (RACH). Specifically, the first time-frequency resource includes one or more random access channel occasions (ROs), so that UE2 can use the RACH to send the WUS signal to Network Element 1 based on the RO. In practical applications, the first time-frequency resource can be other applicable resources in addition to the RACH resource, which is not limited herein.

[0213] Further, when the first time-frequency resource is a RACH resource, the identifier used to indicate the first time-frequency resource can also be used to indicate the candidate preamble for UE2 to send the WUS using the RACH resource.

[0214] In the second possible implementation manner, UE2 can also decide on its own the first time-frequency resource used to send the WUS without the intervention of Network Element 1.

[0215] Example 1: One or more time-frequency resources that a UE can use to send the WUS can be defined in a standard (such as Release 19, etc.). In this way, UE2 can select one time-frequency resource from the predefined multiple time-frequency resources to send the WUS.

[0216] Example 2: Multiple time-frequency resources that a UE can use to send WUS can be defined in a standard (such as release 19, etc.). When determining the first time-frequency resource, UE2 can first determine at least one time-frequency resource associated with UE2. Then, UE2 can determine the first time-frequency resource for sending WUS from the at least one time-frequency resource associated with UE2. For example, the first time-frequency resource can be determined by random selection. The first time-frequency resource determined by UE2 can be, for example, a resource on the random access channel (RACH), or other applicable resources, and this is not limited.

[0217] In a third possible implementation, network element 1 can also send group-common downlink control information (DCI). The time-frequency resources that multiple UEs can use to send WUS to network element 1 can be defined in this group common DCI. The group common DCI can include multiple bits. A continuous part of these multiple bits is used to indicate the time-frequency resources that one UE can use, and different parts of these multiple bits are used to indicate the time-frequency resources that different UEs can use. In this way, after receiving the group common DCI, UE2 can parse out the identifier of the first time-frequency resource that UE2 can use, and thus determine the first time-frequency resource used to send WUS.

[0218] In actual applications, UE2 can also use other methods to determine the first time-frequency resource, and this is not limited.

[0219] Among them, when UE2 sends WUS through 2-step RACH or 4-step RACH, the first time-frequency resource can be one or more ROs defined in the standard. Correspondingly, network element 1 can detect the RACH within a preset resource window to determine whether there is a signal on the RACH. After network element 1 determines that a signal is received by detecting the RACH within the resource window, it can identify the signal as WUS based on the preamble on the RO.

[0220] Alternatively, the WUS sent by UE2 on the first time-frequency resource can be a specific coding sequence. For example, it can be a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) code, or it can be a pseudo random code, etc. Correspondingly, after decoding the received signal, network element 1 can determine whether it is a specific coding sequence based on the decoded sequence. If it is, network element 1 can determine that the signal is a WUS; if not, network element 1 can determine that the signal is not a WUS.

[0221] Or, the WUS sent by UE2 on the first time-frequency resource can be any codeword. At this time, network element 1 can detect the energy level of the signal sent through the first time-frequency resource. When the energy of the signal is greater than the threshold, network element 1 can determine that the signal is a WUS. Otherwise, network element 1 can determine that the signal is not a WUS. In this way, network element 1 does not need to decode the received signal, which can simplify the implementation logic for network element 1 to determine the received WUS and save the energy consumption generated by decoding the signal.

[0222] In practical applications, the process of UE2 sending WUS to network element 1 can also be implemented in other ways, such as combining multiple implementation methods above, and this is not limited.

[0223] S904: Network element 1 broadcasts SSB.

[0224] When network element 1 determines that there is a UE sending WUS, it indicates that there is currently a UE that requires network element 1 to send SSB. Therefore, network element 1 enters the state of broadcasting SSB with higher power from the state of broadcasting LP-SS with low power. In this way, UE2 can obtain the SSB it requests.

[0225] In the first implementation example, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can resume broadcasting SSB periodically.

[0226] In the second implementation example, after receiving the WUS, network element 1 can broadcast SSB within a preset number of signal broadcast cycles. For example, network element 1 can continuously broadcast SSB and SIB1 within 2 signal broadcast cycles. When network element 1 completes the broadcast of SSB within the preset number of signal broadcast cycles, it can re-enter the state of broadcasting LP-SS with low power until network element 1 receives the WUS again and then starts broadcasting SSB again.

[0227] Moreover, when Network Element 1 broadcasts SSBs, it may not distinguish between beams. That is, within each signal broadcast period, Network Element 1 may only send one SSB. Alternatively, Network Element 1 may also distinguish between beams to broadcast SSBs. As a result, after receiving the WUS, Network Element 1 may send SSBs on multiple beams respectively. That is, within each signal broadcast period, Network Element 1 may send multiple SSBs.

[0228] It should be noted that in this embodiment, it is exemplified by UE2 waking up Network Element 1 to send SSBs according to the LP-SS broadcast by Network Element 1. In actual applications, the signal coverage range of Network Element 1 may also include other UEs. Moreover, after receiving the LP-SS, other UEs may also obtain downlink synchronization based on the LP-SS and send the WUS to Network Element 1 using the second time-frequency resource.

[0229] In this embodiment, before Network Element 1 obtains the WUS, UE2 can achieve downlink synchronization by acquiring the LP-SS sent by Network Element 1. This enables Network Element 1 to avoid broadcasting SSBs and SIB1 at a high power consumption. Thus, Network Element 1 can save the energy consumption generated by sending SSBs and SIB1, thereby achieving energy conservation.

[0230] In this embodiment, after receiving the SSB, UE2 can not only continue to maintain downlink synchronization based on the SSB, but also measure the signal quality of the SSB to determine whether the signal quality of the SSB is high after the SSB broadcast by Network Element 1 at a high power consumption is transmitted to UE2. If the signal quality of the SSB transmitted to UE2 is high (i.e., greater than the threshold), it indicates that UE2 can maintain normal communication with Network Element 1 after subsequently accessing Network Element 1. If the signal quality of the SSB transmitted to UE2 is low, it indicates that after UE2 accesses Network Element 1, UE2 may fail to successfully receive the data sent by Network Element 1 due to the too low signal quality of the signal sent by Network Element 1 to UE2, thus affecting the communication between Network Element 1 and UE2.

[0231] Furthermore, after receiving the WUS, in addition to broadcasting SSBs, Network Element 1 may also broadcast SIB1. In this way, when the signal quality of the SSB transmitted to UE2 is high, UE2 can access Network Element 1 according to the received SSB and SIB1, so as to establish a connection with Network Element 1 and communicate with it subsequently. Of course, in other implementation manners, Network Element 1 may also only broadcast SSBs, and this is not limited.

[0232] In actual application, when UE2 measures the signal quality of the received SSB and finds that the signal quality of the SSB is low, specifically, the signal quality is less than the threshold, which indicates that the communication quality between UE2 and network element 1 is poor. At this time, UE2 can switch to the network element to be accessed subsequently. For example, UE2 can measure the LP-SS or SSB sent by other network elements, and when the signal quality of the LP-SS or SSB sent by the received other network element is greater than the threshold, UE2 can access the other network element subsequently, establish a connection with the other network element, and communicate with it. In this way, it can be ensured that after UE2 accesses the network element, the communication with the network element is not affected by poor signal quality.

[0233] Next, in combination with Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the hardware implementation manners of the network element and UE are further introduced.

[0234] Referring to Figure 10 , a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network element is shown. Figure 10 The network element shown includes at least one processor 111, at least one memory 112, at least one transceiver 113, at least one network interface 114, and one or more antennas 115. The processor 111, memory 112, transceiver 113, and network interface 114 are connected, for example, through a bus. In the embodiments of the present application, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. The antenna 115 is connected to the transceiver 113. The network interface 114 is used to enable the network element to be connected to other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 114 may include a network interface between the network element and the network element in the core network, such as an S1 interface. The network interface may include a network interface between the network element and other network elements, such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0235] Among them, Figure 10 the processor 111 shown in

[0236] The processor in the embodiments of the present application, such as processor 111, may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller unit (MCU), or various computing devices for running software such as artificial intelligence processors. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions for arithmetic operations or processing. The processor may be a single semiconductor chip or may be integrated with other circuits into a semiconductor chip. For example, it may form a system on chip (SoC) with other circuits (such as codec circuits, hardware acceleration circuits, or various bus and interface circuits), or may be integrated as an embedded processor of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in the ASIC. The ASIC integrated with the processor may be packaged separately or may be packaged together with other circuits. In addition to the cores for executing software instructions for arithmetic operations or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), or logic circuits for implementing dedicated logic operations.

[0237] The memory in the embodiments of the present application may include at least one of the following types: read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or may also be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In some scenarios, the memory may also be a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0238] The memory 112 can exist independently and be connected to the processor 111. Optionally, the memory 112 can be integrated with the processor 111, for example, integrated within a single chip. Among them, the memory 112 can store the program code for implementing the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and be controlled by the processor 111 for execution. Various types of computer program codes being executed can also be regarded as the driver programs of the processor 111. For example, the processor 111 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 112, thereby implementing the technical solution in the embodiment of the present application.

[0239] The transceiver 113 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between the network element and other devices. The transceiver 113 can be connected to the antenna 115. The transceiver 113 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 115 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of the transceiver 113 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antenna, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to the processor 111, so that the processor 111 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation processing and decoding processing. In addition, the transmitter Tx in the transceiver 113 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from the processor 111, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 115. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of down-conversion processing and analog-to-digital conversion processing on the radio frequency signals to obtain digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and the order of the down-conversion processing and the analog-to-digital conversion processing can be adjusted. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of up-conversion processing and digital-to-analog conversion processing on the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to obtain radio frequency signals, and the order of the up-conversion processing and the digital-to-analog conversion processing can be adjusted. Digital baseband signals and digital intermediate frequency signals can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0240] Figure 11 This is an example of the composition of the UE provided in the embodiment of the present application. The UE can be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart wearable device (such as a smart watch), etc. Taking a mobile phone as an example, the UE can include a processor 310, an external memory interface 320, an internal memory 321, a display screen 330, a camera 340, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 350, and a wireless communication module 360, etc.

[0241] It can be understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the UE. In some other embodiments, the UE may include more or fewer components than those illustrated, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0242] The processor 310 may include one or more processing units. For example, the processor 310 may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a time-frequency codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. Among them, different processing units may be independent devices or integrated in one or more processors.

[0243] It can be understood that the interface connection relationship between the modules illustrated in this embodiment is only for illustrative purposes and does not constitute a structural limitation on the UE. In some other embodiments of the present application, the UE may also adopt different interface connection methods in the above embodiments, or a combination of multiple interface connection methods.

[0244] The external memory interface 320 may be used to connect to an external memory card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the UE. The external memory card communicates with the processor 310 through the external memory interface 320 to implement the data storage function. For example, files such as music and time-frequency are saved in the external memory card.

[0245] The internal memory 321 can be used to store computer-executable program codes, and the executable program codes include instructions. The processor 310 executes various functional applications and data processing of the UE by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 321. The internal memory 321 can include a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area can store an operating system, application programs required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.). The data storage area can store data created during the use of the UE (such as time-frequency stream data). In addition, the internal memory 321 can include a high-speed random access memory and can also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, a universal flash storage (UFS), etc. The processor 310 executes various functions and data processing of the UE by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 321 and / or the instructions stored in the memory provided in the processor.

[0246] The wireless communication function of the UE can be implemented by antenna 1, antenna 2, the mobile communication module 350, the wireless communication module 360, the modulation and demodulation processor, and the baseband processor, etc.

[0247] Antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the UE can be used to cover a single or multiple communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve the utilization rate of the antennas. For example: Antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antenna can be used in combination with a tuning switch.

[0248] The mobile communication module 350 can provide wireless communication solutions such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G applied to the UE. The mobile communication module 350 can include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 350 can receive electromagnetic waves by antenna 1, filter, amplify, etc. the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit them to the modulation and demodulation processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 350 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modulation and demodulation processor and convert it into electromagnetic waves through antenna 1 for radiation. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 350 can be provided in the processor 310. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 350 and at least some modules of the processor 310 can be provided in the same device.

[0249] In some embodiments, the UE initiates or receives a call request through the mobile communication module 350 and antenna 1.

[0250] In addition, an operating system runs on the above components. For example, iOS operating system, Android operating system, Windows operating system, etc. Application programs can be installed and run on the operating system. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the sake of convenient and concise description, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the above UEs can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0251] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and when it runs on one or more computing devices, it causes the one or more computing devices to execute the communication method described in the above embodiment.

[0252] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, when the computer program product is executed by one or more computing devices, the one or more computing devices execute any one of the foregoing communication methods. The computer program product can be a software installation package. In the case of needing to use any one of the foregoing communication methods, the computer program product can be downloaded and executed on a computer.

[0253] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general hardware, and of course, it can also be implemented by dedicated hardware including application-specific integrated circuits, dedicated CPUs, dedicated memories, dedicated components, etc. Generally, functions completed by computer programs can be easily implemented by corresponding hardware, and the specific hardware structures used to implement the same function can also be various, such as analog circuits, digital circuits or dedicated circuits, etc. However, for the present application, in more cases, software program implementation is a better implementation manner. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, such as a floppy disk, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic disk or optical disc of a computer, etc., and includes several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, training device, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in various embodiments of the present application.

[0254] 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 whole or in part in the form of a computer program product.

[0255] The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, training device, or data center to another website, computer, training device, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a training device or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0256] The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly illustrating 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 will know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

Claims

1. A communication method, which is applied to a user equipment UE, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining a Discovery Reference Signal (DRS), where the DRS is used for synchronization with a network element; Sending a wake-up signal, where the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to send at least one of a Synchronization Signal and Physical Broadcast Channel block (SSB) and a System Information Block (SIB1); Obtaining at least one of the SSB and the SIB1; Accessing the network element according to at least one of the SSB and the SIB1.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Determining an identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The DRS further includes at least one Resource Element (RE). Determining the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS includes: Parsing the at least one RE in the DRS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein Determining the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS includes: Parsing the coding sequence of the DRS to obtain the identifier of the first time-frequency resource, where the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is used as a generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein The obtaining the Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) includes: Obtaining at least one DRS within a signal broadcast period; The determining the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the DRS includes: Determining the identifier of the first time-frequency resource according to the time distribution of the at least one DRS within the signal broadcast period.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Randomly selecting one time-frequency resource from multiple predefined time-frequency resources as the first time-frequency resource.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Determining at least one time-frequency resource associated with the UE; Determining the first time-frequency resource from the at least one time-frequency resource.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Obtaining Downlink Control Information (DCI) shared by a user group; Parsing the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from the DCI shared by the user group.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The DRS includes a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The obtaining the Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) includes: Obtaining multiple DRSs, where each DRS in the multiple DRSs corresponds to a beam, and different DRSs correspond to different beams; The sending the wake-up signal includes: Determining a first beam, where the signal quality of the DRS located on the first beam among the multiple DRSs is the highest; Sending the wake-up signal on the first beam.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; Or, the sending the wake-up signal includes: Sending the wake-up signal on a Random Access Channel (RACH).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The DRS occupies 2 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM symbol, and the SSS occupies the second OFDM symbol; Or, the DRS occupies 4 OFDM symbols in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM symbol, and the SSS occupies the third OFDM symbol.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The DRS includes a low-power synchronization signal LP-SS, and the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to transmit the SSB. Sending the wake-up signal includes: When the signal quality of the LP-SS is less than a threshold, sending the wake-up signal.

14. A communication method, the method is applied to a network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Sending a discovery reference signal DRS, where the DRS is used to provide synchronization for a user equipment UE; Obtaining a wake-up signal, where the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to transmit at least one of a synchronization signal, a physical broadcast channel block SSB, and a system information block SIB1; Based on the wake-up signal, sending at least one of the SSB and the SIB1, where the SSB and the SIB1 are used for the UE to access the network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the DRS further includes at least one resource element RE, and the at least one RE is used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein The wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the generation parameter of the coding sequence of the DRS includes the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein The wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource. Sending the discovery reference signal DRS includes: Sending at least one DRS within a signal broadcast period, and the time distribution of the at least one DRS within the signal broadcast period is used to indicate the first time-frequency resource.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource. The method further includes: Sending downlink control information DCI shared by a user group, where the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is carried in the DCI shared by the user group.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The DRS includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that Sending the discovery reference signal DRS includes: Sending a plurality of DRSs, where each DRS in the plurality of DRSs corresponds to a beam, and different DRSs correspond to different beams; Obtaining the wake-up signal includes: Obtaining the wake-up signal on the first beam, where, among the plurality of DRSs transmitted to the UE, the DRS located on the first beam has the highest signal quality.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The energy of the wake-up signal is greater than a threshold; Or, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; Or, obtaining the wake-up signal includes: Detecting the wake-up signal located on a random access channel RACH within a resource window.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that The DRS occupies 2 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols OFDM in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS occupies the second OFDM; Or, the DRS occupies 4 OFDM symbols in the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM, and the SSS occupies the third OFDM.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that, The DRS includes a low-power synchronization signal LP-SS, and the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to transmit the SSB.

24. A communication method, the method being applied to a user equipment UE, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block SSB; Sending a wake-up signal, where the wake-up signal is used to wake up the network element to transmit a system information block SIB1; Obtaining the SIB1; Accessing the network element according to the SIB1.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; Alternatively, the sending of the wake-up signal includes: Sending the wake-up signal on a random access channel (RACH).

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Parsing at least one resource element (RE) in the SSB to obtain an identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

27. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Obtaining downlink control information (DCI) shared by a user group; Parsing the identifier of the first time-frequency resource from the DCI shared by the user group.

28. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Randomly selecting one time-frequency resource from multiple predefined time-frequency resources as the first time-frequency resource.

29. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Determining at least one time-frequency resource associated with the UE; Determining the first time-frequency resource from the at least one time-frequency resource.

30. A communication method, the method is applied to a network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Sending a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB); Obtaining a wake-up signal for waking up the network element to send a system information block (SIB1); Based on the wake-up signal, sending the SIB1, where the SIB1 is used for the UE to access the network element.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein The energy of the wake-up signal is greater than a threshold; Alternatively, the coding sequence of the wake-up signal is a preset coding sequence; Alternatively, the obtaining of the wake-up signal includes: Detecting the wake-up signal located on the random access channel (RACH) within a resource window.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is transmitted based on a first time-frequency resource, and the method further includes: Sending downlink control information (DCI) shared by a user group, where the identifier of the first time-frequency resource is carried in the DCI shared by the user group.

33. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The wake-up signal is sent based on a first time-frequency resource, and at least one resource element (RE) in the SSB is used to indicate the identifier of the first time-frequency resource.

34. A user equipment UE, characterized in that, It includes: A transceiver for performing receive operations and send operations in the method according to any one of claims 1-13, 24-29; A processor for performing other operations in the method according to any one of claims 1-13, 24-29 except the receive operations and the send operations.

35. A network element, characterized in that, It includes: A transceiver for performing receive operations and send operations in the method according to any one of claims 14-23, 30-33; A processor for performing other operations in the method according to any one of claims 14-23, 30-33 except the receive operations and the send operations.

36. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a user equipment (UE) and a network element, where the UE is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-13, 24-29, and the network element is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 14-23, 30-33.

37. A computer storage medium for storing a computer program, which when executed, is used to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

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