Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: a terminal device determines a first parameter, the first parameter being associated with an angle, the angle comprising an angle of a beam field angle or an elevation angle; the terminal device determines a reference position of the first area according to the first parameter and a first mapping relation, and the first mapping relation indicates a conversion relation between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a satellite communication system, the coverage of a satellite beam is based on geographical regions. For example, a satellite beam covers one or more regions within a period of time. If a terminal device is located within the region covered by the satellite beam, the terminal device can be served by the satellite beam for communication. Conversely, if the terminal device is located outside the region covered by the satellite beam, the terminal device cannot communicate.

[0003] However, in the current technology, the method for determining regions has poor flexibility and high signaling overhead, which affects communication effectiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can enable a terminal device to more flexibly determine the region covered by a satellite beam, with low signaling overhead, and is helpful for improving communication effectiveness.

[0005] To achieve the above object, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device. Without special indication, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Below, the description will be given taking the execution entity as the terminal device as an example. The method includes:

[0007] The terminal device determines a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle. The terminal device determines a reference position of a first region according to the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first region.

[0008] In this way, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first region, when the terminal device determines the first parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first region based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0009] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first region can be the region covered by beams with different beam angles, or the first region can be the region of the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first region can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographical grid method that only supports 16 region radii, the present application can adapt to regions with different radii. That is to say, even for regions with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first region based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device to determine the region.

[0010] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first region can be determined by the first parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter. Compared with methods such as interacting with the beam coverage area contour and the wave position reference position in the H3 geographical grid, since the number of bits required to indicate the first parameter is small, the signaling overhead is small.

[0011] On the other hand, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference position of the first region. For example, in the case where the first region is the activation region of the network device, if the terminal device is in the first region, the terminal device can communicate with the network device, which helps to improve communication effectiveness.

[0012] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtains the position of the terminal device. The terminal device determines the reference position of the region where the terminal device is located according to the position of the terminal device and the reference position of the first region, so that the terminal device communicates based on the region where it is located.

[0013] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtains a region identifier. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: determining the reference position of the first region according to the region identifier, the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, and the first region is the region corresponding to the region identifier, so that the terminal device communicates based on the region corresponding to the region identifier.

[0014] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates the number of first regions. For example, the number of first regions is N, and the first region is one of the N regions.

[0015] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates the radius of the first region.

[0016] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates a first region level, and the first region level and a second parameter are used to determine the number of first regions, where the second parameter is the number of second regions. Herein, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter.

[0017] For example, when the first region level indicated by the first parameter is k, the number of first regions satisfies: N spot_k = k × N spot_bade . Herein, N spot_k represents the number of first regions, k represents the identifier of the first region level, and N spot_base represents the number of second regions.

[0018] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates a first region level, and the first region level and a second parameter are used to determine the radius of the first region, where the second parameter is the radius of the second region. Herein, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter.

[0019] For example, when the first region level indicated by the first parameter is k, the radius of the first region satisfies: R spot_k = k × R spot_base . Herein, R spot_k represents the radius of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, and R spot_base represents the radius of the second region.

[0020] In a possible design, the larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the smaller the number of regions indicated by the first parameter.

[0021] For example, the beam divergence angle of beam 1 is angle 1, and the beam divergence angle of beam 2 is angle 2. The first parameter corresponding to beam 1 indicates the number of regions 1, and the first parameter corresponding to beam 2 indicates the number of regions 2. Angle 1 is greater than angle 2, and the number of regions 1 is smaller than the number of regions 2.

[0022] In a possible design, the larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the larger the radius of the region indicated by the first parameter.

[0023] For example, the beam divergence angle of beam 1 is angle 1, and the beam divergence angle of beam 2 is angle 2. The first parameter corresponding to beam 1 indicates the radius of the region 1, and the first parameter corresponding to beam 2 indicates the radius of the region 2. Angle 1 is greater than angle 2, and the radius of the region 1 is larger than the radius of the region 2.

[0024] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one angular range, and each angular range in the at least one angular range corresponds to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angular range according to the at least one angular range and the first angle.

[0025] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle, and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without performing calculations for the parameters of each area level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0026] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographical range, and each geographical range in the at least one geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains the location of the terminal device. The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the location of the terminal device.

[0027] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own location, and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without performing calculations for the parameters of each area level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0028] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

[0032] where RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first area level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k of e and R spot_kIndicates the number of first regions, and [] indicates the operator for taking the fractional part.

[0033] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

[0037] Where RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k and R e represents the parameter of the spherical surface where the first region is located, and N spot_k indicates the number of first regions.

[0038] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0039] RL(k, i) = (lon(k, i), lat(k, i))

[0040]

[0041]

[0042] N spot_k = 2N + 1

[0043]

[0044] Where RL(k, i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k, i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k, i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k and N spot_k indicates the number of first regions.

[0045] In a possible design, the method further includes: The terminal device receives indication information of a first offset. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: determining the reference position of the first region according to the first offset, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship, so that the reference position of the first region determined by the terminal device is more accurate.

[0046] In a possible design, the first region includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast region or a service region. Among them, the broadcast region belongs to the geographical region covered by the broadcast beam. The service region belongs to the geographical region covered by the service beam.

[0047] In a possible design, the first region is the broadcast region, and the first region is the region where the terminal device is located. The method further includes: the terminal device receives access information, and the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first region. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first region.

[0048] In this way, the terminal device obtains the access configuration at the region level (such as the access configuration of the first region). If the region where the terminal device is located is the first region, the terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration of its own region, thereby reducing signaling overhead. And, compared with the related art where random access is based on a cell, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0049] In a possible design, the first region is the service region, and the first region is the region where the terminal device is located. The method further includes: the terminal device receives service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first region. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first region.

[0050] In this way, the terminal device obtains the communication resource configuration at the region level (such as the communication resource configuration of the first region). If the region where the terminal device is located is the first region, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of its own region, thereby reducing signaling overhead. And, compared with the related art where service transmission is based on a cell, the present application enables the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0051] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device triggers neighbor cell measurement or sends neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first region and the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

[0052] In this way, in terms of neighbor cell measurement, if the reference position of the first region is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first region and its own position, with small signaling overhead. And, compared with the related art where neighbor cell measurement is triggered based on the reference position at the cell level, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0053] In terms of the neighboring cell measurement results, if the reference position of the first area is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and its own position, with low signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art where the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results more flexibly.

[0054] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information of a first threshold.

[0055] The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, triggering the neighboring cell measurement, so that the terminal device can trigger the neighboring cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0056] The terminal device sends neighboring cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, sending the neighboring cell measurement results, so that the terminal device can trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results in a timely and accurate manner.

[0057] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring cell signal quality.

[0058] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, its own position, and the neighboring cell signal quality, with low signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art where cell handover is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger cell handover more flexibly.

[0059] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold.

[0060] The terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring cell signal quality, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the neighboring cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold, triggering the cell handover, so that the terminal device can trigger the cell handover in a timely and accurate manner.

[0061] In a possible design, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region belongs to a first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device sends interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results indicate the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell, so that the terminal device reports interference measurement results at the region granularity, enabling the network device to perform interference coordination based on the interference measurement results.

[0062] In a possible design, the interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first region, or a first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of the other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

[0063] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device. Without special indication, in this application, the "terminal device" can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Below, the description is given taking the execution entity as the terminal device as an example. The method includes:

[0064] The terminal device determines a first parameter and a second parameter. The first parameter indicates a first beam level, and each beam included in the first beam level covers L regions out of X regions. The first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle. The second parameter indicates the number of regions X, and X and L are positive integers.

[0065] The terminal device determines a reference position of a first region according to the first beam level, the number of regions, and a first mapping relationship. The first mapping relationship indicates the conversion relationship between the reference position of the first region and the first beam level and the number of regions. The first region is one of the X regions.

[0066] In this way, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the reference position of the first region and the first beam level and the number of regions, and the first parameter indicates the first beam level, and the second parameter indicates the number of regions, therefore, when the terminal device determines the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first region based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0067] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first region can be the region covered by beams with different beam divergence angles, or the first region can be the region of the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first region can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 region radii, the present application can adapt to regions with different radii. That is to say, even for regions with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first region based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device to determine the region.

[0068] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first region can be determined by the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter and the second parameter. Compared with methods such as interacting with the beam coverage area contour and the wave position reference position in the H3 geographic grid, since the number of bits required to indicate the first parameter and the second parameter is small, the signaling overhead is small.

[0069] On the other hand, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference position of the first region. For example, when the first region is the activation region of the network device, if the terminal device is in the first region, the terminal device can communicate with the network device, which helps to improve communication effectiveness.

[0070] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtains the position of the terminal device. The terminal device determines the reference position of the region where the terminal device is located according to the position of the terminal device and the reference position of the first region, so that the terminal device communicates based on the region where it is located.

[0071] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtains a region identifier. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first beam level, the number of regions, and the first mapping relationship, including: determining the reference position of the first region according to the region identifier, the first beam level, the number of regions, and the first mapping relationship, where the first region is the region corresponding to the region identifier, so that the terminal device communicates based on the region corresponding to the region identifier.

[0072] In a possible design, the second parameter indicates the number of regions, including: the second parameter includes the number of regions. Or, the second parameter includes a region radius, and the region radius is used to determine the number of regions.

[0073] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one angle range, and each angle range in the at least one angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0074] The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angle range according to the at least one angle range and the first angle.

[0075] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple beam levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle, and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without calculating for the parameters of each beam level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0076] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographical range, and each geographical range in the at least one geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains the location of the terminal device.

[0077] The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the location of the terminal device.

[0078] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple beam levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own location, and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without calculating for the parameters of each beam level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0079] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] Where RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot ofe Parameters representing the sphere where the first region is located, N spot Represents the number of regions, and [] represents the operator for taking the fractional part.

[0084] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot of, R e Parameters representing the sphere where the first region is located, N spot Represents the number of regions.

[0089] In a possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0090] RL(k, i) = (lon(k, i), lat(k, i))

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] N spot = 2N + 1

[0094]

[0095] Among them, RL(k, i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k, i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k, i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot of, N spot Represents the number of regions.

[0096] In a possible design, the first region includes at least one of the following types: broadcast region, or service region. Among them, the broadcast region belongs to the geographical area covered by the broadcast beam. Service region, the service region belongs to the geographical area covered by the service beam.

[0097] In a possible design, the first region is the broadcast region, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is the region covered by the first beam. The method further includes: The terminal device receives access information, and the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first beam. The terminal device initiates a random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0098] In this way, the terminal device obtains the access configuration at the beam level (such as the access configuration of the first beam). If the region where the terminal device is located is within the coverage range of the first beam, the terminal device initiates a random access according to the access configuration of the first beam, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art where random access is based on a cell, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0099] In a possible design, the first region is the service region, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is the region covered by the first beam. The method further includes: The terminal device receives service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0100] In this way, the terminal device obtains the communication resource configuration at the beam level (such as the communication resource configuration of the first beam). If the region where the terminal device is located is within the coverage range of the first beam, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of the first beam, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art where service transmission is based on a cell, the present application enables the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0101] In a possible design, the first region is the region covered by the first beam. The method further includes: The terminal device triggers neighbor cell measurement or sends neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

[0102] In this way, in terms of neighbor cell measurement, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first beam and its own position, with low signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art where neighbor cell measurement is triggered based on the reference position at the cell level, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0103] In terms of the neighboring cell measurement result, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first beam and its own position, with low signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art that triggers the sending of the neighboring cell measurement result based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the sending of the neighboring cell measurement result more flexibly.

[0104] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information of a first threshold.

[0105] The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, triggering the neighboring cell measurement, so that the terminal device can trigger the neighboring cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0106] The terminal device sends the neighboring cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, sending the neighboring cell measurement result, so that the terminal device can trigger the sending of the neighboring cell measurement result in a timely and accurate manner.

[0107] In a possible design, the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the method further includes: the terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring cell signal quality.

[0108] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, its own position, and the neighboring cell signal quality, with low signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the related art that triggers cell handover based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger cell handover more flexibly.

[0109] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold.

[0110] The terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring cell signal quality, including: when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the neighboring cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold, triggering the cell handover, so that the terminal device can trigger the cell handover in a timely and accurate manner.

[0111] In a possible design, the reference position of the first beam is the reference position of the first area. Alternatively, the reference position of the first beam is determined according to the reference positions of each area covered by the first beam.

[0112] In a possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area belongs to the first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device sends interference measurement results, and the interference measurement results are used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell, so that the network device performs interference coordination based on the interference measurement results.

[0113] In a possible design, the interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first beam, or the first time period. The first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

[0114] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtains a first mapping relationship, and the first mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

[0115] In a possible design, the first area is the broadcast area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device receives access information, and the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first cell. The terminal device initiates a random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0116] In this way, the terminal device obtains the access configuration at the cell level (such as the access configuration of the first cell). If the area where the terminal device is located belongs to the first cell, the terminal device initiates a random access according to the access configuration of its own cell, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0117] In a possible design, the first area is the service area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device receives service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0118] In this way, the terminal device obtains the communication resource configuration at the cell level (such as the communication resource configuration of the first cell). If the area where the terminal device is located belongs to the first cell, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of its own cell, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0119] In a possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is an area covered by the first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device triggers neighbor cell measurement or sends neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

[0120] In this way, in terms of neighbor cell measurement, if the reference position of the first cell is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first cell and its own position, with low signaling overhead.

[0121] In terms of neighbor cell measurement results, if the reference position of the first cell is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first cell and its own position, with low signaling overhead.

[0122] In a possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information of a first threshold.

[0123] The terminal device triggering neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device includes: triggering the neighbor cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device can trigger neighbor cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0124] The terminal device sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device includes: sending the neighbor cell measurement results when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device can trigger the sending of neighbor cell measurement results in a timely and accurate manner.

[0125] In a possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is an area covered by the first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first cell, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

[0126] In this way, if the reference position of the first cell is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell switching based on the reference position of the first cell and its own position, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0127] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of the first threshold and indication information of the second threshold.

[0128] The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first cell, the position of the terminal device, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell, including: triggering the cell switching when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, so that the terminal device triggers cell switching in a timely and accurate manner.

[0129] In one possible design, the reference position of the first cell is the reference position of the first area. Alternatively, the reference position of the first cell is determined based on the reference position of each area covered by the first cell.

[0130] In one possible design, the method also includes: the terminal device obtains a second mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first cell, and the area covered by the first cell includes the first area.

[0131] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the first network device. The method includes:

[0132] The first network device determines a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, including a beam angle or an elevation angle. The first network device sends the first parameter, where the first parameter is used to determine a reference position of a first area.

[0133] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates the first region number.

[0134] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area radius.

[0135] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine a first area number, where the second parameter is a second area number.

[0136] In a possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine a first area radius, where the second parameter is a second area radius.

[0137] In a possible design, the larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the smaller the number of areas indicated by the first parameter.

[0138] In a possible design, the larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the larger the area radius indicated by the first parameter.

[0139] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends a third parameter. Wherein, the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and the at least one angle range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0140] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends a third parameter, and the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0141] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends indication information of a first offset, and the first offset is used to determine a reference position of the first area.

[0142] In a possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area or a service area. Wherein, the broadcast area belongs to the geographical area covered by the broadcast beam. The service area belongs to the geographical area covered by the service beam.

[0143] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends access information, and the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0144] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0145] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends indication information of a first threshold, and the first threshold is used to trigger neighbor cell measurement, trigger the sending of neighbor cell measurement results, or trigger cell handover.

[0146] In a possible design, the first region belongs to a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device receives an interference measurement result, where the interference measurement result indicates the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

[0147] In a possible design, the interference measurement result further indicates at least one of the following: the first region, or a first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of the other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

[0148] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device. Without special indication, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. Hereinafter, the description will be made taking the execution entity as the first network device as an example. The method includes:

[0149] The first network device determines a first parameter and a second parameter. The first parameter indicates a first beam level, and each beam included in the first beam level covers L regions out of X regions. The first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle. The second parameter indicates the number of regions X, and X and L are positive integers.

[0150] The first network device sends the first parameter and the second parameter, and the first parameter and the second parameter are used to determine the reference position of a first region, where the first region is one of the X regions.

[0151] In a possible design, the second parameter indicating the number of regions includes: the second parameter includes the number of regions. Alternatively, the second parameter includes a region radius, and the region radius is used to determine the number of regions.

[0152] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends a third parameter, and the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and the at least one angle range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0153] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends a third parameter, and the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0154] In one possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area, where the broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam; or a service area, where the service area belongs to a geographical area covered by a service beam.

[0155] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0156] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0157] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends indication information of a first threshold, and the first threshold is used to trigger neighboring cell measurement, sending of neighboring cell measurement results, or cell switching.

[0158] In one possible design, the first area belongs to a first cell, and the method also includes: the first network device receives an interference measurement result, and the interference measurement result is used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell, so that the first network device performs interference coordination based on the interference measurement result.

[0159] In one possible design, the interference measurement result also indicates at least one of the following: a first beam, or a first time period, the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference emphasis is the interference intensity of the other cells to the first cell in the first time period.

[0160] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends a first mapping relationship, the first mapping relationship indicates an area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

[0161] In one possible design, the first area is an area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device sends access information, and the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0162] In one possible design, the first area is an area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device sends service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0163] In a possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends a second mapping relationship, where the second mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first cell, and the area covered by the first cell includes the first area.

[0164] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device. Without special specification, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. Hereinafter, the description will be given taking the execution entity as the first network device as an example. The method includes:

[0165] The first network device determines first information. The first information indicates the release of communication resources for the first area or the first beam. Alternatively, the first information is used to indicate the activation of communication resources for the second area or the second beam. The first network device sends the first information.

[0166] Among them, due to the progressive handover characteristics of the satellite, for example, when the coverage area of the first network device moves into the first area and the coverage area of the second network device moves out of the first area, it means that the second network device needs to release the communication resources of the first area. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the second network device releases the communication resources of the first area, so as to realize information interaction between network devices in an incremental update manner, thereby realizing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0167] Among them, the first area may be the area covered by the first beam. The first information may also indicate the release of the communication resources of the first beam, thereby indicating that the second network device releases the communication resources of the first beam.

[0168] Similarly, due to the progressive handover characteristics of the satellite, for example, when the coverage area of the first network device moves out of the second area and the coverage area of the second network device moves into the second area, it means that the second network device needs to activate the communication resources of the second area. Therefore, the first information can indicate that the second network device activates the communication resources of the second area, so as to realize information interaction between network devices in an incremental update manner, thereby realizing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0169] Among them, the second area may be the area covered by the second beam. The first information may also indicate the activation of the communication resources of the second beam, thereby indicating that the second network device releases the communication resources of the second beam.

[0170] Sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second network device. Without special indication, the "second network device" in this application can refer to the second network device itself, or a component in the second network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device. Below, the description will be given taking the execution entity as the second network device as an example. The method includes:

[0171] The second network device receives first information. The first information indicates to release communication resources of a first area or a first beam. Alternatively, the first information indicates to activate communication resources of a second area or a second beam.

[0172] In the case where the first information indicates to release communication resources of a first area or a first beam, the second network device releases the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0173] In the case where the first information indicates to activate communication resources of a second area or a second beam, the second network device activates the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0174] Seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above various methods. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to implementing the methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0175] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof. The transceiver module, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof. The transceiver module can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0176] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are respectively used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof.

[0177] Eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processor and a memory. The processor and the memory are coupled. The memory stores program instructions. When the program instructions stored in the memory are executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method in any of the above aspects or any possible design in any of the above aspects.

[0178] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processor; the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction, so that the communication device executes the method described in any aspect or the method in any possible design in any aspect. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, which can be coupled to the processor, or the memory can exist independently of the processor. For example, the memory and the processor are two independent modules. The memory can be located outside the communication device or inside the communication device.

[0179] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, and when it is run, the method described in any of the above aspects or the method in any possible design in any aspect is executed.

[0180] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, and when it is run, the method described in any of the above aspects or the method in any possible design in any aspect is executed.

[0181] The communication device provided in any of the seventh to eleventh aspects may be the terminal device in the first or second aspect, or a component included in the terminal device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the first network device in the third, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a component included in the first network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the second network device in the sixth aspect, or a component included in the second network device, such as a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.

[0182] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any of the seventh to eleventh aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0183] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in any of the above aspects or the method in any possible design in any aspect. Optionally, the communication device includes a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, a chip system or a chip.

[0184] Among them, the technical effects brought by any design method in the seventh to twelfth aspects can be referred to the technical effects brought by different design methods in the first, second, and fifth aspects, which will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0185] Figure 1A satellite network architecture diagram in the transparent transmission mode provided by this application.

[0186] Figure 2 A satellite network architecture diagram in the regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0187] Figure 3 Another satellite network architecture diagram in the regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0188] Figure 4 Yet another satellite network architecture diagram in the regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0189] Figure 5 A network architecture diagram of the integration of NTN and terrestrial network provided by this application.

[0190] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the beam coverage range in the non-gazing mode and gazing mode in NTN provided by this application.

[0191] Figure 7a A schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between beam divergence angle and beam size provided by this application.

[0192] Figure 7b A schematic diagram of beam divergence angle and elevation angle provided by this application.

[0193] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between beam and area provided by this application.

[0194] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the projection of the beam on the ground provided by this application.

[0195] Figure 10 A schematic diagram based on the H3 geographical grid provided by this application.

[0196] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the group handover scenario provided by this application.

[0197] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the beam management process provided by this application.

[0198] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the process of a communication method provided by this application.

[0199] Figure 14 Another schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between beam and area provided by this application.

[0200] Figure 15 Another schematic diagram of the process of a communication method provided by this application.

[0201] Figure 16aSchematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0202] Figure 16b Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between another beam and area provided by this application.

[0203] Figure 17 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0204] Figure 18 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0205] Figure 19 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0206] Figure 20 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0207] Figure 21a Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0208] Figure 21b Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between another beam and area provided by this application.

[0209] Figure 22 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0210] Figure 23 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0211] Figure 24a Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0212] Figure 24b Schematic diagram of the reference position of a beam provided by this application.

[0213] Figure 25 Schematic flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0214] Figure 26 Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between another beam and area provided by this application.

[0215] Figure 27 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by this application.

[0216] Figure 28 Schematic diagram of the structure of yet another communication device provided by this application.

[0217] Figure 29 Schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided by this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0218] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0219] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B may represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Among them, A and B may be singular or plural.

[0220] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more than two. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c.

[0221] In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0222] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, using words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner for easy understanding.

[0223] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the magnitude of the sequence number of each process does not mean the sequence of execution, and the execution sequence of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0224] It can be understood that in this application, "when..." and "if" both refer to corresponding processing being carried out under certain objective circumstances, rather than limiting time, and do not require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply other limitations.

[0225] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can, in some scenarios, be implemented independently without relying on other features, such as the current solution they are based on, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. In some scenarios, they can also be combined with other features according to requirements. Correspondingly, the devices given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0226] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between various embodiments can be referred to each other. In various embodiments of this application, as well as in each implementation manner / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment, if there is no special specification and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments, as well as between each implementation manner / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment, are consistent and can be mutually referred to. The technical features in different embodiments, as well as in each implementation manner / implementation method / realization method in each embodiment, can be combined according to their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation manners, implementation methods, or realization methods. The implementation manners of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of this application.

[0227] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0228] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be used in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform stations (HAPS) communication, and unmanned aerial vehicles. For example, integrated communication and navigation (IcaN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), etc. These NTN systems can either form independent networks or be integrated with traditional terrestrial mobile communication systems. For example: the 4th generation (4G) communication system (e.g., the long term evolution (LTE) system), the worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, the 5th generation (5G) communication system (e.g., the new radio (NR) system), the device-to-device (D2D) communication system, the machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, the internet of things (IoT) communication system, the vehicle-to-everything communication system, and future mobile communication systems, etc.

[0229] Among them, the above-mentioned communication systems applicable to this application are only illustrative examples. The communication systems and communication scenarios applicable to this application are not limited to this. The communication systems and communication scenarios provided by this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions of this application. This is hereby uniformly explained and will not be elaborated further below.

[0230] As a possible implementation, the communication system applicable to the solution of this application may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. Exemplarily, the terminal devices can communicate with each other, the terminal device and the network device can communicate with each other, and the network devices can communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner.

[0231] Optionally, the terminal device may be a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities, or may be a chip or chip system disposed in the device. The terminal device may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a terminal, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile terminal (MT), a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device, etc. The terminal device may be, for example, a terminal device in the internet of things (IoT), vehicle to everything (V2X), D2D, M2M, 5G network, or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; may also be deployed on water (such as on a ship, etc.); or may also be deployed in the air (such as on an airplane, a balloon, a satellite, etc.).

[0232] Exemplarily, the terminal device may be a drone, an IoT device (e.g., a sensor, a water meter, a water gauge, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device (which may also be referred to as a wearable intelligent device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a vehicle with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capabilities, a connected vehicle, a drone with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to UAV (U2U) communication capabilities, and so on. The terminal device may be mobile or fixed, and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0233] Optionally, the network device may be a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities, or may be a chip, a chip system or a module disposed in the device. The network device is located in the radio access network (RAN) of the mobile communication system and is used to provide access services for the terminal device.

[0234] As a possible implementation, the network device may be a wireless relay node or a wireless backhaul node. For example, the network device may act as a layer 1 relay device for regenerating physical layer signals (i.e., processing such as wireless frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification) without having other higher protocol layers.

[0235] As another possible implementation, the network device may implement some or all of the functions of a base station. For example, the network device may be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE or evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), such as a traditional macro eNB and a micro eNB in a heterogeneous network scenario; or it may be a next generation node B (gNodeB or gNB) in a 5G system; or it may be a transmission reception point (TRP); or it may be a base station in a future evolved PLMN; or it may be a device that implements base station functions in IoT, V2X, D2D, or M2M.

[0236] Alternatively, the network device may be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU and a DU, a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU may be separately provided, or may also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio device or a radio unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0237] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, the network device may be a network device or a module of a network device in an open radio access network (ORAN) system. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an open (O)-CU, the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as an O-RU. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0238] Exemplarily, the base station in the embodiments of this application may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also referred to as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0239] Optionally, the network device in the embodiments of the present application may be deployed on a non-ground platform, such as a low-altitude platform (such as a drone), a high-altitude platform (such as an airplane), or a satellite. Therefore, the network device in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as a non-ground network device.

[0240] Exemplarily, taking the network device being deployed on a satellite, or the network device being a satellite as an example, the communication system may further include an NTN gateway (NTN gateway) (or referred to as a gateway station). Generally, the NTN gateway is deployed on the ground. The NTN gateway can communicate with the satellite, and the link between the satellite and the NTN gateway may be referred to as a feeder link.

[0241] As Figure 1 shown, when the satellite serves as a wireless relay node, or the satellite has a relay forwarding function, the NTN gateway has the function of a base station or some functions of a base station. At this time, the NTN gateway can serve as a base station. Alternatively, the NTN gateway and the base station may be separately deployed, that is, in addition to the NTN gateway, the communication system further includes a satellite base station deployed on the ground. Figure 1 The case where the NTN gateway and the base station are separately deployed is taken as an example for illustration below.

[0242] As Figure 2 shown, when the satellite can implement some or all of the functions of a base station, the satellite has data processing capabilities and can be used as a base station. At this time, the NTN gateway and the satellite can transmit the user plane data of the terminal device through a satellite radio interface (SRI).

[0243] In addition, when the satellite can implement some or all of the functions of a base station, as Figure 3 shown, there is an inter-satellite link (ISL) between different satellites, and the satellites can communicate through the ISL. Alternatively, as Figure 4 shown, the satellite may have the DU processing function of a base station, or the satellite can serve as a DU. In this scenario, the CU processing function of the base station may be deployed on the ground, and the CU and the DU communicate through the F1 interface using the NTN gateway.

[0244] In Figures 1 to 4 the architecture shown, NG refers to the interface between the base station and the core network. Uu refers to the interface between the base station and the terminal device. Xn refers to the interface between base stations. It can be understood that as the communication system evolves, the interface names between the base station and the core network, between the base station and the terminal device, and between base stations may also change, and the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0245] Optionally, when the satellite acts as a wireless relay node and has the relay forwarding function, it can be considered that the satellite is operating in the transparent mode. When the satellite has data processing capabilities and can implement some or all of the functions of the base station, it can be considered that the satellite is operating in the regenerative mode. For a certain satellite, it can support only the transparent mode or only the regenerative mode, or it can support both the transparent mode and the regenerative mode, and can switch between the transparent mode and the regenerative mode.

[0246] In some implementation scenarios, NTN and the terrestrial network can be integrated. Exemplarily, Figure 5 This is the integrated network architecture of NTN and the terrestrial network provided by the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 5 In the shown architecture, satellite 1 and satellite 2 are operating in the regenerative mode. The satellite can act as an NTN base station, or rather, the NTN base station can be deployed on the satellite. Satellite 3 is operating in the transparent mode, so an additional NTN base station needs to be deployed. Herein, the NTN base station refers to the base station in NTN.

[0247] In addition, the architecture can also include a terrestrial base station, where the terrestrial base station refers to the base station in the terrestrial network. The NTN base station and the terrestrial base station can be interconnected through a common core network. The core network, as a bearer network, provides an interface to the data network, and provides communication connection, authentication, management, policy control, and bearer for data services, etc. for the terminal device. Exemplarily, the core network can include network elements such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, and a user plane function (UPF) network element, etc.

[0248] Alternatively, the NTN base station and the terrestrial base station can also achieve more time-efficient assistance and interconnection through the interface defined between the base stations. Exemplarily, the interface between the base stations can be the Xn interface, and the interface between the base station and the core network can be the NG interface. Of course, the interface between the base stations and the interface between the base station and the core network can also have other implementations, and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0249] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the satellite can provide services to the terminal device through beams. For example, different beams can provide services to the terminal device in one or more of time division, frequency division, and space division manners. On the one hand, the satellite can operate in the regeneration mode or the transparent transmission mode. On the other hand, the satellite can operate in the non-gazing (earth-moving) mode or the gazing (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) mode. The satellite can be a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, etc., without limitation.

[0250] It can be understood that Figures 1 to 5 the satellites in the above-mentioned architecture can all be replaced by non-ground payloads on other flying platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles and airplanes.

[0251] It should be noted that in the present application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between various devices are only examples, and in other embodiments, they can also be other names. The method provided by the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0252] It should be noted that in the present application, the execution subject can execute some or all of the steps in the present application. These steps or operations are only examples, and the present application can also execute other operations or various deformations of the operations. In addition, each step can be executed in a different order presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible not to execute all the operations in the embodiments of the present application.

[0253] If the execution subject of a certain step is the terminal device, then this step can be executed by the terminal device. Without special explanation, the "terminal device" in the present application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0254] If the execution subject of a certain step is the network device, then this step can be executed by the network device. Without special explanation, the "network device" in the present application can refer to the network device itself, or a component in the network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0255] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below. It should be understood that these descriptions are only for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments of this application and should not impose any limitation on this application.

[0256] 1. NTN:

[0257] Currently, 5G NR has entered the commercial deployment stage from the standardization stage. The NR standard is mainly designed for terrestrial communication characteristics. Terrestrial communication can provide high-speed, highly reliable, and low-latency communication for user terminals, etc.

[0258] Compared with terrestrial communication, NTN communication has significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and being unrestricted by geographical conditions. It has been widely used in many fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and earth observation. The NTN network can be integrated with the terrestrial network to make up for each other's deficiencies and jointly form a seamless global coverage integrated communication network of sea, land, air, space, and ground to meet the diverse service needs of users everywhere.

[0259] According to the height of the flying platform from the ground, NTN can include a low altitude platform (LAP) subnetwork, a high altitude platform (HAP) subnetwork, and a satellite communication subnetwork (SATCOM subnetwork).

[0260] Exemplarily, in the LAP subnetwork, the base station or base station functions are deployed on a low altitude flying platform (such as a drone) 0.1 km to 1 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals; in the HAP subnetwork, the base station or base station functions are deployed on a high altitude flying platform (such as an airplane) 8 km to 50 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals; in the SATCOM subnetwork, the base station or base station functions are deployed on a satellite more than 50 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals.

[0261] Furthermore, according to the orbital altitude of the satellite, the satellite communication system can be divided into a GEO satellite communication system, a MEO satellite communication system, and a LEO satellite communication system.

[0262] The GEO satellite communication system is also known as the geosynchronous orbit satellite system. The orbital altitude of a GEO satellite is 35,786 km, and its moving speed is the same as the Earth's rotation speed, that is, a GEO satellite can remain stationary relative to the ground. The GEO satellite communication system can provide a relatively large cell coverage. Generally, the diameter of a cell is 500 km. However, GEO satellite communication also has obvious disadvantages: 1) The GEO satellite orbit is far from the Earth, and the free space propagation loss is large, resulting in a tight communication link budget. In order to increase the transmit / receive gain, a satellite needs to be equipped with an antenna with a relatively large aperture; 2) The communication transmission delay is large. For example, there is a round-trip delay of about 500 milliseconds, which cannot meet the requirements of real-time services; 3) The GEO orbit resources are relatively tight, the launch cost is high, and it cannot provide coverage for the polar regions of the Earth.

[0263] The orbital altitude of MEO satellites is between 2,000 and 35,786 km, and global coverage can be achieved with a relatively small number of satellites. However, the orbital altitude of MEO satellites is higher than that of LEO satellites, and the transmission delay is still relatively large compared to LEO satellite communication. Therefore, considering the advantages and disadvantages of MEO satellite communication comprehensively, MEO satellites are mainly used for positioning and navigation.

[0264] The orbital altitude of LEO satellites is between 300 and 2,000 km, and its orbital altitude is lower than that of MEO satellites. It has the advantages of small transmission delay, small transmission loss, and relatively low launch cost.

[0265] The next-generation satellite communication system generally shows a trend of ultra-dense and heterogeneous. First, the scale of satellites has developed from 66 in the Iridium constellation to 720 in the OneWeb constellation, and finally extended to the Starlink ultra-dense LEO satellite constellation with more than 12,000 satellites; second, the satellite network shows heterogeneous characteristics, developing from a traditional single-layer communication network to a multi-layer communication network, and the functions of the communication satellite network also tend to be more complex and diverse, gradually compatible with and supporting functions such as navigation enhancement, earth observation, and multi-dimensional information in-orbit processing.

[0266] 2. Non-gazing mode (earth-moving) and gazing (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) mode:

[0267] In a satellite communication system, according to the working mode of the beam, it can usually be divided into non-gazing mode and gazing mode. As shown in (a) of Figure 6 , in the non-gazing mode, within a certain period of time (such as between time t0 and time t2), the coverage area of the satellite beam moves with the satellite. As shown in (b) of Figure 6 , in the gazing mode, within a certain period of time (such as between time t0 and time t2), the satellite dynamically adjusts the beam pointing so that the beam approximately covers the same area on the ground.

[0268] Exemplarily, the manifestation of a beam in a protocol can be a spatial domain filter, or a spatial filter, or a spatial domain parameter, a spatial parameter, a spatial domain setting, a spatial setting, or Quasi-colocation (QCL) information, a QCL assumption, a QCL indication, etc. The beam can be indicated by a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state (TCI-state) parameter, or by a spatial relation parameter. Therefore, in this application, the beam can be replaced with a spatial domain filter, a spatial filter, a spatial domain parameter, a spatial parameter, a spatial domain setting, a spatial setting, QCL information, a QCL assumption, a QCL indication, a TCI-state, a spatial relation, etc. These terms are also equivalent to each other. The beam in this application can also be replaced with other terms representing a beam, which is not limited in this application.

[0269] 3. Association relationship between beam size and angle:

[0270] Taking the angle as the beam divergence angle as an example, as Figure 7a shown, as the beam divergence angle increases, the beam size generally shows an increasing trend. For example, when the beam divergence angle is 0 degrees, the diameter of the beam is about 30 kilometers (km). Another example is that when the beam divergence angle is 45 degrees, the diameter of the beam is about 72 km.

[0271] Among them, the beam divergence angle is as Figure 7b shown. The position of the network device is denoted as Q, and the center of the earth is denoted as L. The beam has a certain projection (or contour) on the spherical surface. P can be located at the edge of the projection. Figure 7b Shows a schematic diagram of the beam divergence angle of the network device at position Q.

[0272] In addition, the beam divergence angle can also have other descriptions, such as the antenna divergence angle. This application takes the beam divergence angle as an example for introduction.

[0273] It is easy to understand that the angle can also be replaced with the elevation angle. The position of the terminal device can be denoted as P. Figure 7bAn elevation angle schematic diagram of the terminal device at position P is also shown. In this application, the position of the network device is denoted as Q, and the position of the terminal device is denoted as P. Then, there is a certain conversion relationship between the beam divergence angle and the elevation angle. In this way, there is also a certain correlation between the beam size and the elevation angle. For example, as the elevation angle increases, the beam size generally shows a decreasing trend.

[0274] 4-1. Region:

[0275] Unless otherwise specified, the "region" in the following embodiments of this application refers to a geographical region. The region is fixed relative to the Earth, or it can be understood that the region refers to a geographical region that is fixed relative to the Earth. Exemplarily, the region can have at least one of the following attributes: shape, contour, size, radius, area, geographical location, etc.

[0276] In a possible implementation manner, the region fixed relative to the Earth described above can also be referred to as a "beam position", a "geographical region", etc. Of course, there can be other names, and this application does not specifically limit the name of the region fixed relative to the Earth.

[0277] The shapes, contours, sizes, radii, and areas of different regions can be the same or different. The geographical locations of different regions are different. There can be overlap or no overlap between different regions.

[0278] In a possible implementation manner, the region being fixed relative to the Earth can be understood as: the contour, size, or geographical location of the region remains unchanged. For example, the contour, size, or geographical location of the region does not change with time. Or, the region being fixed relative to the Earth can be understood as: the contour of the region and the points in the region can be described by a coordinate system fixed to the Earth, or the coordinates of each point on the contour of the region are fixed and unchanged in the coordinate system fixed to the Earth.

[0279] In a possible implementation manner, the shape of the region can be a regular hexagon, or other shapes such as a regular pentagon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, etc. Or, the shape of the region can also be an irregular shape, without limitation.

[0280] Exemplarily, the shape of the region can be defined by a protocol, or can be defined by a network device. The shapes of the regions defined by different network devices can be the same or different. The same network device can also define multiple region shapes. Similarly, the size, radius, and area of the region can also be defined by a protocol, or can be defined by a network device. The sizes, radii, and areas of the regions defined by different network devices can be the same or different. The same network device can also define multiple region sizes, multiple region radii, or multiple region areas.

[0281] In a possible implementation manner, the Earth's surface can be divided into multiple regions, and the multiple regions can be indexed (such as numbered).

[0282] As a possible partitioning method, the geographical location of the region is determined by the identifier of the region, that is, the geographical location of the region can be obtained based on the identifier of a certain region, or in other words, there is an association relationship between the identifier of the region and the geographical location of the region. Exemplarily, multiple regions can be discretized on the earth, each region corresponds to an identifier, and the geographical location of the region can be obtained based on the identifier of the region.

[0283] 4-2. Coverage area of the network device:

[0284] The coverage area of the network device can refer to the maximum area that the network device can cover, or in other words, the coverage area of the network device indicates (or reflects) the maximum coverage ability of the network device.

[0285] The coverage area of the network device changes with the movement of the network device, that is, the coverage area of the network device may be different at different times. The coverage area of the network device includes at least one of the above regions (i.e., wave positions).

[0286] Since the coverage area of the network device changes with the movement of the network device, and the region (i.e., wave position) is fixed relative to the earth, therefore, the regions (i.e., wave positions) included in the coverage area of the network device may be different at different times.

[0287] Exemplarily, taking the shape of the region as a polygon as an example, as Figure 8 shown, the solid oval line can represent the coverage area of the network device. All the pentagons and hexagons in the solid oval line represent the regions (i.e., wave positions) included in the coverage area of the network device.

[0288] 4-3. Service area of the network device:

[0289] The service area of the network device can refer to the maximum area that the beam of the network device can serve (or cover), or in other words, the service area of the network device indicates (or reflects) the maximum service ability of the network device.

[0290] The service area of the network device is less than or equal to the coverage area of the network device. Exemplarily, based on Figure 8 the example shown, the service area of the network device can be the range represented by the solid oval line. At this time, the service area of the network device is equal to the coverage area of the network device; or, the service area of the network device can also be less than the range represented by the solid oval line.

[0291] The service area of the network device changes with the movement of the network device, that is, the service area of the network device may be different at different times. The service area of the network device includes at least one of the above regions (i.e., wave positions).

[0292] Since the service area of a network device changes as the network device moves, and the area (i.e., wave position) is fixed relative to the Earth, the areas (i.e., wave positions) included in the service area of the network device at different times may be different.

[0293] 4-4. Activation area of the network device:

[0294] The area currently being served (or covered) by the beam of the network device can be called the activation area, or the activated area. The area currently not being served (or covered) by the beam of the network device can be called the non-activation area, or the non-activated area. Among them, the activation area of the network device is one or more areas in the service area of the network device.

[0295] At a certain moment, the activation area served (or covered) by the beam of the network device, that is, a part of the service area of the network device. At different times, the network device serves (or covers) different activation areas, that is, different areas in the service area of the network device.

[0296] Exemplarily, as Figure 8 shown in (a) of, at time T1, the activation area served by the beam of the network device includes areas x1, x2, and x3; as Figure 8 shown in (b) of, at time T2, the activation area served by the beam of the network device includes areas y1, y2, y3, and y4.

[0297] 5. Service area description of NTN:

[0298] As a first possible implementation, based on the antenna pattern, such as a given antenna model, the corresponding profiles of the antenna gain or received power in different areas on the ground (which can be understood as the projection of the beam on the ground) can be calculated to characterize the service area of the satellite / cell. This profile can also be understood as the wave position.

[0299] Exemplarily, as Figure 9 shown in (a) of, the antenna gain pattern of a single GEO satellite 72-beam reference system is shown. Among them, the ellipse represents the projection of the beam on the ground, or it can be said to represent the wave position. As Figure 9 shown in (b) of, it is the profile of the beam of the LEO satellite in the longitude-latitude plane in the non-gazing mode.

[0300] In the first possible implementation, since the projection of the beam on the ground is understood as the wave position, it can be considered that the wave position is statically bound to the beam. Thus, this scheme is usually used in GEO satellite networks or satellite networks in the non-gazing mode. However, in the gazing mode, the inclination angle between the satellite and a certain area on the ground changes dynamically, and the beam projection also changes accordingly. The scheme of statically binding the wave position to the beam may no longer be applicable.

[0301] As a second possible implementation, the Earth's surface can be divided into regular pentagon or regular hexagon grids based on the H3 geospatial grid, and these grids are used to represent the service areas of satellites / cells. For example, the service area of a satellite / cell can include one or more grids. Herein, each grid can be understood as a wave position.

[0302] This second possible implementation supports hierarchical addressing of wave positions. Exemplarily, as Figure 10 shown, there are regular hexagons with three sizes: small, medium, and large. Among them, the regular hexagon with the smallest area represents the wave position, and the other two regular hexagons with larger areas can be used for hierarchical addressing of wave positions. For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, the regular hexagon with the largest area and the regular hexagon with the second largest area are respectively referred to as the first regular hexagon and the second regular hexagon.

[0303] Based on Figure 10 the example shown, when performing hierarchical addressing of wave positions, the index of the first regular hexagon can be understood as the first - layer index of the wave position, the index of the second regular hexagon can be understood as the second - layer index of the wave position, and the index of the regular hexagon with the smallest area can be understood as the third - layer index of the wave position. When indexing a certain wave position, first determine the first regular hexagon to which the wave position belongs according to the first - layer index, then determine the second regular hexagon in the first regular hexagon to which the wave position belongs according to the second - layer index, and finally determine the wave position in the second regular hexagon according to the third - layer index.

[0304] In the second possible implementation, currently only 16 different accuracies of wave - position radii are supported, which is difficult to adapt to different payload capabilities (such as beam radius). For example, when the accuracy of the wave - position radius is an integer and the beam radius is not an integer, it may not be possible to accurately use the wave position to represent the service area of the satellite / cell.

[0305] Moreover, when determining the specific geographical location of a wave position based on the index value of the wave position, the index value of the wave position is usually indicated by 64 bits, resulting in a relatively large signaling overhead.

[0306] In addition, indicating the reference position of the wave position occupies 48 bits, and the signaling overhead is also large. Exemplarily, when the regional radius is 200 km, there are approximately 78,702 wave positions globally. If each wave - position reference position occupies 48 bits, then indicating the global reference positions requires a total of 48 * 78,702 = 3.77 Mbits, resulting in a large signaling overhead.

[0307] It is easy to understand that in this application, the payload capacity may include at least one of the following: antenna capacity (such as the number of antenna units), or transmit power, etc. Among them, the antenna capacity and / or transmit power affect the beam radius. In this way, different payload capacities mean different beam radii. Correspondingly, currently only 16 different precision wave position radii are supported, which is difficult to adapt to different payload capacities. It can be understood that currently only 16 different precision wave position radii are supported, which is difficult to adapt to different beam radii.

[0308] 6. Group handover, group reselection:

[0309] The movement of the satellite will cause group handover of connected terminal devices in a certain area, or cause group reselection of idle or inactive terminal devices in that area.

[0310] Taking group handover as an example, as Figure 11 shown, assume that there is a UE cluster (denoted as UE-G1, which includes multiple UEs) in sub-region 1 of region 2. At time T1, sub-region 1 is served by one or more beams of satellite 2; at time T2, the movement of satellite 2 causes satellite 2 to be unable to continue serving sub-region 1, but is taken over by one or more beams of satellite 1 to serve sub-region 1. During this process, since the satellite covering sub-region 1 changes, multiple UEs in UE-G1 perform group handover and switch from satellite 2 to satellite 1.

[0311] Due to the relatively fast movement speed of the satellite, for example, the movement speed of a LEO satellite is about 7.5 km / s, the frequency of group handover is relatively high, about once every few seconds to dozens of seconds.

[0312] 7. Beam management

[0313] As Figure 12 shown, first, the network device (such as a base station) uses beam scanning in the cell coverage area to send synchronization signal block (SSB) beams in different directions at different times. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the SSB by using beam scanning and measures the signal quality of each SSB beam.

[0314] Subsequently, if the terminal device is in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, the terminal device performs random access (RA) and sends message 1 (Msg1) to the network device (such as a base station), which carries a random access preamble. The random access preamble carries the SSB index corresponding to the SSB beam with the best signal quality. After the network device (such as a base station) receives the random access preamble by means of beam scanning, it can determine the downlink transmission beam as the SSB beam with the best signal quality. When the network device (such as a base station) receives the uplink signal, it can reuse this downlink transmission beam. In addition, the beam for the terminal device to receive the downlink signal is the SSB beam with the best signal quality, and the downlink reception beam can be reused when sending the uplink signal.

[0315] If the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, the terminal device sends the SSB measurement result to the network device (such as a base station) through a measurement report. The network device (such as a base station) determines the downlink transmission beam according to the SSB measurement result and reuses this downlink beam when receiving the uplink signal. In addition, the network device (such as a base station) can indicate the determined downlink transmission beam to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the downlink reception beam matching the downlink transmission beam based on the beam pairing result and this downlink transmission beam.

[0316] In addition, the network device (such as a base station) can perform beam scanning using a narrower beam of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for beam management (BM) (CSI-RS for BM) near the downlink transmission beam (i.e., the optimal SSB beam).

[0317] Correspondingly, the terminal device feeds back the measurement result of the CSI-RS for MB beam to the network device (such as a base station) through a measurement report. The network device (such as a base station) determines the downlink transmission beam (such as the optimal CSI-RS for BM beam) according to this measurement result and reuses this downlink transmission beam when receiving the uplink signal. The terminal device can receive the CSI-RS for BM beam by means of beam scanning to determine the downlink reception beam (such as the optimal CSI-RS for BM beam) and reuse this downlink reception beam when sending the uplink signal.

[0318] However, the beam management of existing communication systems is usually completed based on signal quality and beam ID. In a satellite communication system, such as in the LEO scenario, due to the insignificant near-far effect, the beam management (especially beam switching) triggered only based on signal quality has low efficiency.

[0319] In addition, the movement of the satellite causes the beam ID received by the terminal device side to change rapidly, and the terminal device side needs to frequently adjust the receiving beam and the corresponding transceiver time-frequency resources. Correspondingly, the network device needs to frequently send configuration information to the terminal device. The configuration information includes configuration parameters of the beam, so that the terminal device determines the receiving beam and the transceiver time-frequency resources based on the configuration parameters, resulting in a large signaling overhead.

[0320] In summary, for satellite communication systems, especially satellite communication systems in the staring mode, how to determine the area covered by the satellite beam is a technical problem to be solved urgently.

[0321] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method. This method can be applied to Figures 1 - 5 the system shown as follows. The method includes: the terminal device determines a first parameter, the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle. The terminal device determines a reference position of a first area according to the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, and the first mapping relationship indicates the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

[0322] In the present application, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area, when the terminal device determines the first parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0323] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with an angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams with different beam divergence angles, or the first area can be the area of the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 regional radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device to determine the area.

[0324] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first region can be determined by the first parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter. Compared with methods such as the contour of the interaction beam coverage area and the wave position reference position in the H3 geographical grid, since the number of bits required to indicate the first parameter is small, the signaling overhead is small. Exemplarily, when the region radius is 200 km, there are approximately 78,702 regions (i.e., wave positions) globally. In the related art, the reference position of each region (i.e., wave position) occupies 48 bits, so indicating the reference positions globally requires 48 * 78,702 = 3.77 Mbits. In this application, only the first parameter needs to be indicated. When there are only 16 possible values for the first parameter, only 4 bits are needed to indicate the first parameter. The terminal device can quickly calculate and obtain the global reference position based on the first parameter alone, and the signaling overhead is only 4 bits.

[0325] On the other hand, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference position of the first region. For example, in the case where the first region is the activation region of the network device, if the terminal device is in the first region, the terminal device can communicate with the network device, which helps to improve communication effectiveness.

[0326] Next, the communication method proposed in the embodiments of this application will be introduced in detail.

[0327] As shown in Figure 13 the communication method 1300 proposed in the embodiments of this application includes the following operations:

[0328] S1301. The terminal device determines the first parameter.

[0329] The introduction of the first parameter is as follows:

[0330] As a first possible implementation manner, the first parameter is associated with an angle. The angle includes the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle, which can be referred to the introduction in the glossary part and will not be elaborated here. In this application, the first parameter can indicate one or more of the number of regions, the region radius, and the region level.

[0331] It should be noted that in this application, the 'region' can be referred to the introduction in the glossary part and will not be elaborated here.

[0332] In this application, the type of region can include one or more. For example, the region includes at least one of the following types: broadcast region, or service region. The broadcast region belongs to the geographical region covered by the broadcast beam. The service region belongs to the geographical region covered by the service beam.

[0333] Taking one beam covering one region as an example, as shown in Table 1, Table 1 shows the association relationship between the region level, the region radius, and the beam divergence angle:

[0334] Table 1

[0335] Area level Beam divergence angle θ (unit: degree) Area radius (unit: km) Number of areas (unit: piece) 1 0 ≤ θ < 25 30 100 2 25 ≤ θ < 30 40 80 ... ... ... ... K (K ≥ 2) 45 ≤ θ < 50 70 20

[0336] In Table 1, K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0337] As shown in Table 1, if the beam divergence angle is smaller, the area covered by each beam on the ground is smaller. Taking Figure 14 as an example, the area covered by Beam 1 is smaller.

[0338] As shown in Table 1, if the beam divergence angle is larger, the area covered by each beam on the ground is larger. Taking Figure 14 as an example, the area covered by Beam 2 is larger.

[0339] For the case where multiple beams cover a certain geographical range, if the beam divergence angle of each of the multiple beams is smaller, the area covered by each beam on the ground is smaller. Correspondingly, the number of beams corresponding to this beam divergence angle is larger. Since one beam covers one area, the number of areas corresponding to this beam divergence angle is larger. Conversely, if the beam divergence angle of each of the multiple beams is larger, the area covered by each beam on the ground is larger. Correspondingly, the number of beams corresponding to this beam divergence angle is smaller. Since one beam covers one area, the number of areas corresponding to this beam divergence angle is smaller.

[0340] It should be noted that in this application, for the same area level, there is a certain correlation between the area radius and the number of areas. Exemplarily, taking the area level k as an example, the area radius and the number of areas at this level satisfy the following formula (1):

[0341]

[0342] where N spot_k represents the number of areas corresponding to the area level k, R spot_k represents the area radius corresponding to the area level k, and R e represents the parameter of the sphere where N spot_k areas are located.

[0343] It should be noted that in this application, taking the sphere where N spot_k areas are located as the Earth, R e represents the radius of the Earth, and its value can be 6378 km. Of course, R e can also be a parameter smaller than the radius of the Earth, or a parameter larger than the radius of the Earth. In terms of the configuration method, R e can be a pre-configured parameter or a parameter configured by a network device. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0344] Optionally, the first parameter indicates the number of first regions. Wherein, the number of first regions is the number of regions corresponding to region level k, denoted as N spot_k , where 1 ≤ k ≤ K. It can be understood that: the first parameter indicates the number of regions corresponding to a region level, and this region level can be one of the K region levels.

[0345] Optionally, the first parameter indicates the radius of the first region. Wherein, the radius of the first region is the radius of the region corresponding to region level k, denoted as R spot_k , where 1 ≤ k ≤ K. It can be understood that: the first parameter indicates the radius of the region corresponding to a region level, and this region level can be one of the K regions.

[0346] Optionally, the first parameter indicates the first region level. Wherein, the first region level is region level k. It can be understood that: the first parameter indicates a region level, and this region level can be one of the K regions.

[0347] As a second possible implementation manner, the first parameter is associated with a position. Wherein, the position is determined according to an angle (such as a beam divergence angle). The position can be understood as, for one or more beams within a certain angle range of the beam divergence angle, the position of the geographical area covered by this (these) beam(s).

[0348] Still taking Table 1 as an example, when the beam divergence angle range is: 0 ≤ θ < 25, the beams within this beam divergence angle range cover a certain geographical area, and this geographical area can be represented by longitude or latitude. For example, the longitude range of this geographical area is: x0 - x1, and the latitude range of this geographical area is: y0 - y1.

[0349] Still taking Table 1 as an example, when the beam divergence angle range is: 25 ≤ θ < 30, the beams within this beam divergence angle range cover a certain geographical area, and this geographical area can be represented by longitude or latitude. For example, the longitude range of this geographical area is: x1 - x2, and the latitude range of this geographical area is: y1 - y2.

[0350] It is easy to understand that the 'beam divergence angle' in Table 1 can be replaced by 'position', as shown in Table 2:

[0351] Table 2

[0352]

[0353]

[0354] It should be added that for a terminal device, the terminal device can determine the number of first regions based on the first parameter. Specifically:

[0355] Case 1, the first parameter indicates the number of first regions.

[0356] Case 2, the first parameter indicates the radius of the first region. In this case, the terminal device can determine the number of first regions based on Formula (1) and the radius of the first region.

[0357] Case 3, the first parameter indicates the level of the first region. In this case, the terminal device determines the number of first regions based on the level of the first region and the second parameter. Among them, the second parameter can indicate the number of second regions. The second parameter can be a pre-configured parameter or a parameter configured by the network device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0358] For example, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter. The number of regions indicated by the second parameter can be understood as the number of reference regions, denoted as N spot_base . When the level of the first region indicated by the first parameter is k, the number of first regions satisfies: N spot_k = k × N spot_base . Among them, N spot_k represents the number of first regions, k represents the level of the first region, and N spot_base represents the number of second regions.

[0359] Case 4, the first parameter indicates the level of the first region. In this case, the terminal device determines the radius of the first region based on the level of the first region and the second parameter. Among them, the second parameter can indicate the radius of the second region. The second parameter can be a pre-configured parameter or a parameter configured by the network device, and the present application does not limit the configuration method of this second parameter.

[0360] For example, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter. The radius of the region indicated by the second parameter can be understood as the reference region radius, denoted as R spot_base . When the level of the first region indicated by the first parameter is k, the radius of the first region satisfies: R spot_k = k × R spot_base . Among them, R spot_k represents the radius of the first region, k represents the level of the first region, and R spot_base represents the radius of the second region. Then, the terminal device can determine the number of first regions based on Formula (1) and the radius of the first region.

[0361] For the terminal device, after determining the first parameter, it executes S1302:

[0362] S1302. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0363] Optionally, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (2):

[0364]

[0365]

[0366]

[0367] Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located, and N spot_k represents the number of first regions, and [] represents the fractional part operator.

[0368] It is easy to understand that in this application, when using the region label or region number as the region identifier, based on the above formula (2), i can traverse each value in {0,..., N spot_k -1}. Correspondingly, based on the above formula (2), the terminal device can obtain the reference position of each region in the N spot_k regions.

[0369] Furthermore, i represents the region identifier of the first region (for example, i is the region label of the first region, used to identify the first region), and it can be understood that each of the N spot_k regions can be regarded as a first region. Correspondingly, based on the above formula (2), the terminal device can traverse each first region in the N spot_k regions, so as to obtain the reference position of each first region in the N spot_k regions.

[0370] It is easy to understand that as a possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (2) can be equivalently converted into longitude and latitude positions.

[0371] Exemplarily, the projection of RL(k, i) on the unit square is RL(k, x i , y i ). The unit square specifically refers to the square in the Cartesian plane with corners at the four points (0, 0), (1, 0), (0, 1), and (1, 1).

[0372] In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (3):

[0373] RL(k, x i ) = (1 - cosθ i ) / 2

[0374]

[0375]

[0376]

[0377] where RL(k, x i ) represents the abscissa of the reference position of the first region on the projection of its own unit square, RL(k, y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first region on the projection of its own unit square, i represents the region identifier of the first region, N spot_k represents the number of the first regions, and [] represents the fractional part operator.

[0378] It is easy to understand that, as another possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (2) can adopt the Cartesian coordinates RL(x i , y i ) of the Fibonacci grid. In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (4):

[0379] RL(k, x i ) = i / N spot_k

[0380]

[0381]

[0382] where RL(k, x i ) represents the abscissa of the reference position of the first wave position in the Cartesian coordinates, RL(k, y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first wave position in the Cartesian coordinates, i represents the region identifier of the first region, N spot_k represents the number of the first regions, and frac() represents the fractional part operator.

[0383] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (5):

[0384]

[0385]

[0386]

[0387] where RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k , R e represents the parameter of the spherical surface where the first region is located, and N spot_k represents the number of the first regions.

[0388] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (6):

[0389] RL(k, i) = (lon(k, i), lat(k, i))

[0390]

[0391]

[0392] N spot_k = 2N + 1

[0393]

[0394] Wherein, RL(k, i) represents the reference position of the first area, lon(k, i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first area, lat(k, i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first area level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k N spot_k represents the number of the first areas.

[0395] It should be noted that the unit of the longitude lon(k, i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may be radians. Similarly, the unit of the latitude lat(k, i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may also be radians.

[0396] Wherein, the first area is introduced as follows:

[0397] Example 1, the first area is any one of the N spot_k areas indicated by the first parameter.

[0398] In this case, since in the above formulas (2)-(6), the parameter i traverses from 1 to N spot_k Therefore, based on the above formula, the terminal device can know the reference position of any one of the N spot_k areas. In other words, the terminal device can know the topological situation of the N spot_k areas, or the coverage situation of the N spot_k areas, or the adjacency relationship between different areas among the N spot_k areas, etc.

[0399] It is easy to understand that Example 1 can be understood as: the terminal device can determine the reference position of each of the N spot_k areas. Further, as Figure 15 shown, the method further includes S1303 and S1304:

[0400] S1303. The terminal device obtains its own location.

[0401] Exemplarily, the terminal device may obtain its own GNSS location.

[0402] S1304. The terminal device determines the reference location of the area where the terminal device is located according to its own location and the reference location of the first area.

[0403] Exemplarily, the first area is any one of the N areas indicated by the first parameter. The terminal device selects, from the reference locations of the N areas, the area whose reference location is the closest to its own location as the area where the terminal device is located. Correspondingly, the terminal device can then determine the reference location of the area where it is located. spot_k areas. spot_k areas as the area where the terminal device is located. Correspondingly, the terminal device can determine the reference location of the area where it is located.

[0404] In this way, the terminal device can determine the reference location of the area where it is located.

[0405] Example 2: The first area is the area indicated by the network device through the area identifier.

[0406] In Example 2, as Figure 16a shown, the method further includes S1305:

[0407] S1305. The terminal device obtains the area identifier.

[0408] Wherein, the area identifier is used to identify the area. For example, the area identifier is used to identify one of the above N spot_k areas.

[0409] Exemplarily, the network device sends the area identifier to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the area identifier from the network device.

[0410] When the terminal device executes S1305, S1302 includes S1302a:

[0411] S1302a. The terminal device determines the reference location of the first area according to the area identifier, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0412] Wherein, the first area is the area corresponding to the area identifier.

[0413] Exemplarily, the area identifier is the area number. For example, the area identifier of the first area among the above N spot_k areas is 1, the area identifier of the second area among the above N spot_k areas is 2, the area identifier of the third area among the above N spot_k areas is 3, and so on. In this case, if the area identifier is i, then the first area is the above N spot_kThe i-th area in the area. The terminal device determines N according to the above area identifier, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship. spot_k The reference position of the i-th area in the N areas. Correspondingly, the terminal device can also determine the reference position of the first area.

[0414] In this way, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the area identified by the area identifier.

[0415] In some embodiments, as Figure 16a shown, the method further includes S1306:

[0416] S1306. The network device sends the indication information of the first offset to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication information of the first offset from the network device.

[0417] Wherein, the first offset is used to adjust the reference position of the first area.

[0418] When the terminal device executes S1306, S1302 includes S1302b:

[0419] S1302b. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first area according to the first offset, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0420] Exemplarily, the terminal device obtains the position parameter based on any one of the above formulas (2)-(6), such as Figure 16b the position shown by the circle. Then, the terminal device adjusts the position parameter according to the first offset, so as to obtain the reference position of the first area, such as Figure 16b the position shown by the diamond icon.

[0421] In this way, the terminal device can adjust according to the first offset, so that the reference position of the area is more accurate.

[0422] It should be noted that, as shown in Table 1 (or Table 2), the present application defines at least one area level. For the network device, the network device can send down the parameters corresponding to a certain area level. For example, the network device has learned the elevation angle of the terminal device and sends down the relevant parameters (such as one or more of the area level, the number of areas, and the area radius) corresponding to the area level of the elevation angle. Or, the network device can also send down the parameters corresponding to multiple area levels. Correspondingly, the terminal device may receive the parameters corresponding to a certain area level, or may receive the parameters corresponding to multiple area levels. Next, through two cases (Case 1-Case 2 below), the implementation process of S1301 is introduced:

[0423] Case 1, as Figure 17 shown, S1301 includes S1301a:

[0424] S1301a. The network device sends a first parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first parameter from the network device.

[0425] Wherein, the first parameter is associated with the elevation angle of the terminal device. For example, the elevation angle of the terminal device is within the angle range corresponding to the first parameter.

[0426] Wherein, the first parameter indicates a region level, and / or, the first parameter indicates the number of regions corresponding to a region level, and / or, the first parameter indicates the radius of a region corresponding to a region level.

[0427] Exemplarily, the first parameter can be carried in one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control-control element (MAC-CE).

[0428] Case 2, as Figure 17 shown, S1301 includes S1301b or S1301c, and the terminal device also executes S1311 and S1312, which are specifically introduced as follows:

[0429] S1311. The network device sends at least two fourth parameters to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives at least two fourth parameters from the network device.

[0430] Wherein, among the at least two fourth parameters, each fourth parameter indicates the number of regions, and / or, each fourth parameter indicates the radius of a region, and / or, each fourth parameter indicates a region level.

[0431] Taking two fourth parameters as an example, combined with Table 1, one fourth parameter indicates region level 1, and the other fourth parameter indicates region level 2.

[0432] It should be noted that in this application, different fourth parameters correspond to different region levels. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more region levels among K region levels. In other words, it can be understood that: each fourth parameter indicates a region level, and / or, each fourth parameter indicates the number of regions corresponding to a region level, and / or, each fourth parameter indicates the radius of a region corresponding to a region level.

[0433] Further, since different area levels are associated with different angular ranges (as shown in Table 1), among the at least two fourth parameters, different fourth parameters correspond to different angular ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more of the K angular ranges.

[0434] Further, since different area levels are associated with different geographical ranges (as shown in Table 2), among the at least two fourth parameters, different fourth parameters correspond to different geographical ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more of the K geographical ranges.

[0435] S1312. The network device sends a third parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third parameter from the network device.

[0436] Among them, the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, and each angular range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0437] For example, taking Table 1 as an example, the angular ranges indicated by the third parameter are two, which are: 0 ≤ θ < 25, 25 ≤ θ < 30.

[0438] Alternatively, the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0439] For example, taking Table 2 as an example, the geographical ranges indicated by the third parameter are two, such as geographical range 1 and geographical range 2. Among them, the longitude of geographical range 1 is: x0 - x1, and the latitude of geographical range 1 is: y0 - y1. The longitude of geographical range 2 is: x1 - x2, and the latitude of geographical range 2 is: y1 - y2.

[0440] Exemplarily, the third parameter can be carried in one of the following: RRC signaling, or DCI, or MAC-CE.

[0441] It should be noted that the third parameter and the fourth parameter can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and this application does not make a limitation on this.

[0442] As Figure 17 shown in the box where 'Case 2a' is located, if the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, the terminal device further performs S1321:

[0443] S1321. The terminal device obtains a first angle.

[0444] Among them, the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device, or the first angle is the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0445] For example, the terminal device obtains its own position and determines the first angle according to its own position. For related technologies, see the relevant content and will not be elaborated here.

[0446] If the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, the terminal device further performs S1301b:

[0447] S1301b. The terminal device determines a first parameter from fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angular range according to the at least one angular range indicated by the third parameter and a first angle.

[0448] For example, if the first angle is within a certain angular range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to this angular range is the first parameter.

[0449] Taking Table 1 as an example, if the first angle is 10° and within the range of 0 ≤ θ < 25, the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to region level 1.

[0450] That is to say, if the network device sends relevant parameters corresponding to multiple region levels, the terminal device can select based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps to reduce the computing complexity of the terminal device.

[0451] Such as Figure 17 as shown in the box where 'Case 2b' is located, if the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further performs S1322:

[0452] S1322. The position of the terminal device itself.

[0453] For example, for the terminal device to obtain its own GNSS position, reference can be made to related technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0454] If the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further performs S1301c:

[0455] S1301c. The terminal device determines a first parameter from fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range indicated by the third parameter and the position of the terminal device.

[0456] For example, if the position of the terminal device is within a certain geographical range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to this geographical range is the first parameter.

[0457] Taking Table 2 as an example, if the position of the terminal device is (x0, y0), that is, the longitude is x o , and the latitude is y o , and the position of the terminal device is within the range of (x0 - x1, y0 - y1), the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to region level 1.

[0458] That is to say, if the network device issues relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, the terminal device can select based on its own location and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps to reduce the computing complexity of the terminal device.

[0459] Above, the process of the terminal device determining the reference location of the first area has been introduced.

[0460] It should be noted that the reference location of the first area is used to assist the terminal device in communication. It can be understood that the terminal device performs at least one of the following communication processes based on the reference location of the first area: initial access, service data transmission, mobility management, interference coordination, etc.

[0461] Below, the communication process performed by the terminal device based on the reference location of the first area will be introduced.

[0462] Case 1: Access process under area level configuration

[0463] Taking 'the above N spot_k areas are broadcast areas, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located' as an example, the access scenario will be introduced:

[0464] As Figure 18 shown, the method further includes the following operations:

[0465] S1331a. The network device sends information 2a to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2a from the network device.

[0466] Among them, the introduction of information 2a is as follows:

[0467] Information 2a indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area. It can be understood that information 2a belongs to access information and is an access configuration at the area level.

[0468] Exemplarily, the access configuration includes one or more of the following: random access channel occasion (RO) resource configuration, preamble configuration, timing advance (TA), accessible time period, etc.

[0469] As a possible example, information 2a only indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area and does not indicate the access configurations corresponding to other areas. It can be understood that among the N spot_k areas, the network device issues the access configurations of the corresponding areas for different areas. For example, among the above N spot_kThe number of areas is 4 areas, which are respectively denoted as Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, and Area 4. The network device indicates the access configuration of Area 1 through information X1, the network device indicates the access configuration of Area 2 through information X2, the network device indicates the access configuration of Area 3 through information X3, and the network device indicates the access configuration of Area 4 through information X4. In this case, if the first area is the above-mentioned Area 1, then information 2a is the above-mentioned information X1. Or, if the first area is the above-mentioned Area 3, then information 2a is the above-mentioned information X3.

[0470] As another possible example, information 2a indicates the access configuration of at least two of the above-mentioned N spot_k areas. It can be understood that the network device indicates the access configuration of at least two areas through the same information. For example, the above-mentioned N spot_k areas are 4 areas, which are respectively denoted as Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, and Area 4. Among them, Area 1 and Area 2 belong to the same cell, and the network device indicates the access configuration of Area 1 and Area 2 through information Y1. Area 3 and Area 4 belong to the same cell, and the network device indicates the access configuration of Area 3 and Area 4 through information Y2. In this case, if the first area is the above-mentioned Area 1, then information 2a is the above-mentioned information Y1. Or, if the first area is the above-mentioned Area 3, then information 2a is the above-mentioned information Y3.

[0471] S1332a. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0472] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the access configuration of the first area from information 2a according to the area identifier of the first area, and initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0473] In this way, in the case where the network device indicates the area-level access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first area) for the terminal device, the terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration of its own area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0474] It should be noted that in the scenario of initiating random access, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0475] On the one hand, the area identifier in this application occupies fewer bits. For example, the area identifier can be represented by 8 bits. When the area identifier is transmitted between the terminal device and the network device, it can occupy less communication resources and the signaling overhead is small.

[0476] On the other hand, when the number of area identifiers is multiple, the present application may adopt the method of 'one area identifier + number of areas' for description, such as {bw_x0, k0} or {bw_x0, k0 + 1}, without sending the area identifier of each area in the signaling, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0477] It should be noted that in the scenario of initiating random access, the present application can provide access configuration at the area level (i.e., wave position level), so that the terminal device can initiate random access based on the access configuration of the area (i.e., wave position). Compared with the related art where random access is based on cells, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0478] Case 2: Data transmission process under area-level configuration

[0479] Taking 'the above N spot_k areas are service areas, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located' as an example, the data transmission process is introduced as follows:

[0480] As Figure 18 shown, the method further includes the following operations:

[0481] S1331b. The network device sends information 2b to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2b from the network device.

[0482] Among them, the introduction of information 2b is as follows:

[0483] Information 2b indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area. It can be understood that information 2b belongs to service resource information and is the communication resource configuration at the area level.

[0484] Exemplarily, the communication resource configuration includes one or more of the following: frequency resource (such as partial bandwidth (bandwidth part, BWP)), polarization, available time period, etc.

[0485] As a possible example, information 2b only indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area and does not indicate the communication resource configuration corresponding to other areas. It can be understood that among the N spot_k areas, the network device issues the communication resource configuration of this area for different areas.

[0486] As another possible example, information 2b indicates the communication resource configuration of at least two areas among the above N spot_k areas. It can be understood that the network device indicates the communication resource configuration of at least two areas through the same information.

[0487] S1332b. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0488] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the communication resource configuration of the first area from the information 2b, and performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0489] In this way, when the network device indicates the regional-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first area) to the terminal device, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of its own area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0490] It should be noted that in service transmission scenarios, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0491] On the one hand, the area identifier in this application occupies fewer bits. For example, the area identifier can be represented by 8 bits. When the area identifier is transmitted between the terminal device and the network device, less communication resources can be occupied and the signaling overhead is small.

[0492] On the other hand, when there are multiple area identifiers, the present application can be described in the form of 'one area identifier + number of areas', such as {bw_x0, k0} or {bw_x0, k0+1}, without sending the area identifier of each area in the signaling, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0493] On the one hand, in some embodiments, when the area where the terminal device is located is the first area, after the terminal device learns the area identifier of the first area, the terminal device also sends the area identifier of the first area to the network device to replace its own precise location information, to assist the location verification and service resource allocation on the network device side, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0494] It should be pointed out that in the service transmission scenario, the present application can provide regional-level (i.e., wave-level) communication resource configuration, so that the terminal device can perform service transmission based on the regional (i.e., wave-level) communication resource configuration. Compared with the cell-based service transmission in related technologies, the present application can enable the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0495] Case 3: Mobility management under regional level configuration

[0496] In case 3, the mobility management scenario is introduced by taking the case where the first area is the area where the terminal device is located as an example:

[0497] like Figure 19 As shown, as a first possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0498] S1341a. The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and its own position.

[0499] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first region and its own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, then neighbor cell measurement is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first region and its own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, then neighbor cell measurement is not triggered temporarily. In this application, taking cell reselection as an example, the threshold Y can be understood as the reselection distance threshold, such as the size of the threshold Y is: k * region radius.

[0500] The neighbor cell measurement result is used for cell handover or cell reselection, which can be referred to the related art and will not be elaborated here.

[0501] In this way, if the reference position of the first region is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first region and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0502] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0503] The terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement by using the reference position of its own area, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on the reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits), that is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0504] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on its own area (i.e., the wave position). Compared with the related art that triggers neighbor cell measurement based on the cell-level reference position, this application can enable the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0505] As Figure 19 shown, as a second possible implementation manner, the method further includes the following operations:

[0506] S1341b. The terminal device sends the neighbor cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first region and its own position.

[0507] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first region and its own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, then the neighbor cell measurement result is sent. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first region and its own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, then the neighbor cell measurement result is not sent temporarily.

[0508] In this way, if the reference position of the first region is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighbor cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first region and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0509] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0510] The terminal device uses the reference position of its own area to determine whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result based on the reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0511] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result based on its own area (i.e., the wave position). Compared with the related art in which the neighbor cell measurement result is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result more flexibly.

[0512] Such as Figure 19 As shown, as a third possible implementation manner, the method further includes the following operations:

[0513] S1341c. The terminal device triggers a cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, its own position, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

[0514] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and its own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than (or equal to) threshold Z, then a cell handover is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and its own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, and / or the neighbor cell signal quality is less than threshold Z, then the cell handover is not triggered temporarily.

[0515] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger a cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, its own position, and the neighbor cell signal quality, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0516] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0517] The terminal device uses the reference position of its own area to determine whether to trigger a cell handover, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger a cell handover based on the reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0518] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger cell handover based on its own location area (i.e., wave position). Compared with the related art where cell handover is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger cell handover more flexibly.

[0519] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the above thresholds (such as threshold Y and / or threshold Z) can be pre-configured parameters or parameters configured by the network device, and the present application does not limit this.

[0520] It is easy to understand that in Scenario 3, when cell handover is triggered based on neighbor cell measurement, the operations performed by the target network device (such as the target satellite) and the source network device (such as the source satellite) include:

[0521] The target network device (such as the target satellite) bears the area identifier (i.e., wave position ID) through the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The terminal device determines its nearest area and obtains the PDCCH information according to the area identifier of the nearest area. If successfully obtained, access to the target network device (such as the target satellite) is initiated on the resources indicated by the PDCCH. Among them, the resources indicated by the PDCCH include one or more of the following: target beam ID, RO resource, dedicated Preamble, etc. The target beam can be the beam corresponding to the handover synchronization signal block (HO-SSB).

[0522] The source network device (such as the source satellite) bears different area identifiers (i.e., wave position ID) through the MAC-CE header. The terminal device determines its location area and judges whether to receive the MAC-CE according to the area identifier of the location area. If received, access to the target network device (such as the target satellite) is performed on the resources indicated by the MAC-CE based on its own device identifier (such as UE-ID). Among them, the resources indicated by the MAC-CE include one or more of the following: the identifier of the target network device (such as target satellite ID), target beam ID, RO resource, dedicated Preamble, etc.

[0523] Case 4: Interference coordination under area-level configuration

[0524] In Case 4, taking 'the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to the first cell' as an example, the interference coordination process is introduced:

[0525] As Figure 20 shown, the method further includes the following operations:

[0526] S1351. The terminal device sends the interference measurement result to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the interference measurement result from the terminal device.

[0527] Exemplarily, the terminal device performs interference measurement on a channel state information - interference measurement (CSI - IM) resource to obtain the interference measurement result, so as to obtain the interference emphasis of other cells on the first cell. For details, reference can be made to the related art and will not be elaborated here.

[0528] Optionally, if the terminal device is in the first area and performs measurement in the first area to obtain the above interference measurement result, the interference measurement result may further indicate the first area (for example, the interference measurement result includes the area identifier of the first area), so that the network device can know the cell corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0529] Optionally, if the interference measurement result is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell in the first time period, the interference measurement result further indicates the first time period, so that the network device can know the time period corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0530] In this way, based on the received interference measurement result, the network device can perform interference coordination.

[0531] Above, taking one beam corresponding to one area and the area radius being different under different levels (such as area level) as an example, the communication method 1300 of the present application has been introduced.

[0532] Next, taking one beam corresponding to one or more areas and the area radius being the same under different levels (such as beam level) as an example, an introduction will be given.

[0533] As Figure 21a shown, the communication method 2100 proposed in the embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0534] S2101. The terminal device determines a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0535] Among them, the parameter introduction is as follows:

[0536] The first parameter indicates the first beam level. Each beam included in the first beam level covers L areas out of X areas, where X and L are positive integers. The first beam level is determined according to an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle. For details, reference can be made to the relevant introduction in Table 1 and will not be elaborated here. The second parameter indicates the number of areas X.

[0537] Taking the example of a beam covering one or more regions, as shown in Table 3, Table 3 shows the correlation between the beam level, beam size, and beam divergence angle:

[0538] Table 3

[0539] Beam level Beam divergence angle θ (unit: degree) Beam size (unit: km) 1 0 ≤ θ < 25 <![CDATA[1*R spot_k > 2 25 ≤ θ < 30 <![CDATA[2*R spot_k > ... ... ... K (K ≥ 2) 45 ≤ θ < 50 <![CDATA[K*R spot_k >

[0540] In Table 3, K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0541] As shown in Table 3, if the angle of the beam divergence angle is smaller, the beam size of each beam is smaller. When the radius of each region is fixed, the number of regions covered by each beam is smaller. Taking Figure 21b as an example, this beam can be Beam 1, and Beam 1 covers one region, namely Region SC#6.

[0542] As shown in Table 3, if the angle of the beam divergence angle is larger, the beam size of each beam is larger. When the radius of each region is fixed, the number of regions covered by each beam is larger. Taking Figure 21b as an example, this beam can be Beam 2, and Beam 2 covers two regions, namely Region SC#18 and SC#20.

[0543] It is easy to understand that the beam level is associated with the angle, and different beam levels are associated with different angle ranges.

[0544] Alternatively, the beam level is associated with the position, and different beam levels are associated with different positions. Among them, the position is determined according to the angle (such as the beam divergence angle). The position can be understood as the position of the geographical area covered by one or more beams within a certain angle range of the beam divergence angle.

[0545] Still taking Table 3 as an example, when the beam divergence angle range is: 0 ≤ θ < 25, the beams within this beam divergence angle range cover a certain geographical area, and this geographical area can be represented by longitude or latitude. For example, the longitude range of this geographical area is: x0 - x1, and the latitude range of this geographical area is: y0 - y1.

[0546] Still taking Table 3 as an example, when the beam divergence angle range is: 25 ≤ θ < 30, the beams within this beam divergence angle range cover a certain geographical area, and this geographical area can be represented by longitude or latitude. For example, the longitude range of this geographical area is: x1 - x2, and the latitude range of this geographical area is: y1 - y2.

[0547] It is easy to understand that the 'beam divergence angle' in Table 3 can be replaced by 'position', as shown in Table 4:

[0548] Table 4

[0549] Beam level Location (longitude, latitude) Beam size (unit: km) 1 <![CDATA[x0-x1, y0-y1]]> <![CDATA[1*R spot_k > 2 <![CDATA[x1-x2, y1-y2]]> <![CDATA[2*R spot_k > ... ... ... K (K ≥ 2) <![CDATA[x K-1 -x K ,y K-1 -y K > <![CDATA[K*R spot_k >

[0550] It should be noted that in this application, there is a certain correlation between the regional radius and the number of regions. For example, the regional radius and the number of regions satisfy the following formula (7):

[0551]

[0552] Wherein, N spot represents the number of regions, R spot represents the regional radius, and R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the N spot regions are located. For details, please refer to the introduction of formula (1) and will not be elaborated here.

[0553] Optionally, the second parameter includes the number of regions, denoted as N spot .

[0554] Optionally, the second parameter indicates the regional radius, denoted as R spot . The terminal device can determine the number of regions based on the regional radius indicated by the second parameter and formula (7).

[0555] Optionally, the first parameter includes the level identifier of the first beam level, such as k.

[0556] For the terminal device, after determining the first parameter and the second parameter, it executes S2102:

[0557] S2102. The terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0558] For example, the terminal device determines the reference position of the first region according to the first beam level indicated by the first parameter, the number of regions indicated by the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0559] Optionally, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (8):

[0560]

[0561]

[0562]

[0563] Wherein, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, i is a non-negative integer less than N spot , R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot represents the number of regions, and [] represents the decimal part operator.

[0564] It is easy to understand that in this application, when using the area label or area number as the area identifier, based on the above formula (8), i can traverse each value in {0, …, N spot -1}. Correspondingly, based on the above formula (8), the terminal device can obtain the reference position of each area in the N spot areas.

[0565] Furthermore, i represents the area identifier of the first area (for example, i is the area label of the first area, used to identify the first area). It can be understood that each of the N spot areas can be regarded as a first area. Correspondingly, based on the above formula (8), the terminal device can traverse each first area in the N spot areas, so as to obtain the reference position of each first area in the N spot areas.

[0566] It is easy to understand that as a possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (8) can be equivalently converted into longitude and latitude positions.

[0567] Exemplarily, the projection of RL(k, i) on the unit square is RL(k, x i , y i ). The unit square specifically refers to the square in the Cartesian plane with corners at the four points (0, 0), (1, 0), (0, 1), and (1, 1).

[0568] In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (9):

[0569] RL(k, x i ) = (1 - cosθ i ) / 2

[0570]

[0571]

[0572]

[0573] where RL(k, x i ) represents the abscissa of the reference position of the first area on the projection of its own unit square, RL(k, y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first area on the projection of its own unit square, i represents the area identifier of the first area, i is a non - negative integer less than N spot , N spot represents the number of areas, and [] represents the fractional - part operator.

[0574] It is easy to understand that as another possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (8) can adopt the Cartesian coordinates RL(x i , y i ) of the Fibonacci grid. In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (10):

[0575] RL(k, x i ) = i / N spot

[0576]

[0577]

[0578] where RL(k, x i ) represents the abscissa of the reference position of the first area in the Cartesian coordinates, RL(k, y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first area in the Cartesian coordinates, i represents the area identifier of the first area, i is a non - negative integer less than N spot , N spot represents the number of areas, and frac() represents the fractional - part operator.

[0579] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (11):

[0580]

[0581]

[0582]

[0583] where RL(k, i) represents the three - dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, i is a non - negative integer less than N spot , R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the first area is located, and N spot represents the number of areas.

[0584] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (12):

[0585] RL(k, i) = (lon(k, i), lat(k, i))

[0586]

[0587]

[0588] N spot = 2N + 1

[0589]

[0590] Among them, RL(k, i) represents the reference position of the first area, lon(k, i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first area, lat(k, i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot and N spot represents the number of areas.

[0591] It should be noted that the unit of the longitude lon(k, i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area can be radians. Similarly, the unit of the latitude lat(k, i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area can also be radians.

[0592] Among them, the first area is introduced as follows:

[0593] Example 1, the first area is any one of the N spot areas.

[0594] In this case, since in the above formulas (8)-(12), the parameter i traverses from 1 to N spot , the terminal device can, based on the above formulas, know the reference position of any one of the N spot areas. In other words, the terminal device can know the topological situation of the N spot areas, or the coverage situation of the N spot areas, or the adjacency relationship between different areas among the N spot areas, etc.

[0595] It is easy to understand that Example 1 can be understood as: the terminal device can determine the reference position of each of the N spot areas. Further, the terminal device obtains its own position, and based on its own position and the reference position of the first area, determines the reference position of the area where the terminal device is located. For details, please refer to Figure 15 for the introduction and will not be elaborated here.

[0596] Example 2, the first area is the area indicated by the network device through the area identifier.

[0597] In Example 2, the terminal device obtains the area identifier and determines the reference position of the first area according to the area identifier, the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship. For details, please refer to Figure 16a for the introduction and will not be elaborated here.

[0598] In the communication method 2100 of the present application, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the reference position of the first area, the first beam level, and the number of areas, and the first parameter indicates the first beam level, and the second parameter indicates the number of areas, therefore, when the terminal device determines the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0599] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with an angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams with different beam angles, or the first area can be the area of the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographical grid method that only supports 16 types of area radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device to determine the area.

[0600] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first area can be determined by the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter and the second parameter. Compared with the methods of interacting with the beam coverage area contour, the wave position reference position in the H3 geographical grid, etc., since the number of bits required to indicate the first parameter and the second parameter is small, the signaling overhead is small.

[0601] On the other hand, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference position of the first area. For example, when the first area is the activation area of the network device, if the terminal device is in the first area, the terminal device can communicate with the network device, which helps to improve the communication effectiveness.

[0602] It should be noted that, as shown in Table 3 (or Table 4), the present application defines at least one beam level. For the network device, the network device can send the parameters corresponding to a certain beam level, such as the network device has learned the elevation angle of the terminal device and sends the beam level corresponding to the elevation angle. Or, the network device can also send multiple beam levels. Correspondingly, the terminal device may receive a certain beam level or multiple beam levels. Next, through two cases (Case 1 - Case 2 below), the implementation process of S2101 will be introduced:

[0603] Case 1, as Figure 22 shown, S2101 includes S2101a:

[0604] S2101a. The network device sends the first parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first parameter from the network device.

[0605] Among them, the first parameter indicates a first beam level, and the first beam level is associated with the elevation angle of the terminal device. For example, the elevation angle of the terminal device is within the angle range corresponding to the first beam level.

[0606] Case 2, as Figure 22 shown, S2101 includes S2101b or S2101c, and the terminal device also executes S2111 and S2112, which are specifically introduced as follows:

[0607] S2111. The network device sends at least two fourth parameters to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives at least two fourth parameters from the network device.

[0608] Among them, among the at least two fourth parameters, each fourth parameter indicates a beam level.

[0609] Taking two fourth parameters as an example, in combination with Table 3, one fourth parameter indicates beam level 1, and the other fourth parameter indicates beam level 2.

[0610] It should be noted that in this application, different fourth parameters correspond to different beam levels. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more beam levels among the K beam levels. In other words, it can be understood that each fourth parameter indicates a beam level.

[0611] Furthermore, since different beam levels are associated with different angle ranges (as shown in Table 3), among the at least two fourth parameters, different fourth parameters correspond to different angle ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more angle ranges among the K angle ranges.

[0612] Furthermore, since different beam levels are associated with different geographical ranges (as shown in Table 4), among the at least two fourth parameters, different fourth parameters correspond to different geographical ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more geographical ranges among the K geographical ranges.

[0613] S2112. The network device sends a third parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third parameter from the network device.

[0614] Among them, the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and each angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0615] For example, taking Table 3 as an example, the angle ranges indicated by the third parameter are two, which are respectively: 0 ≤ θ < 25, 25 ≤ θ < 30.

[0616] Alternatively, the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0617] For example, taking Table 4 as an example, the third parameter indicates two geographical ranges, such as geographical range 1 and geographical range 2. Among them, the longitude of geographical range 1 is: x0 - x1, and the latitude of geographical range 1 is: y0 - y1. The longitude of geographical range 2 is: x1 - x2, and the latitude of geographical range 2 is: y1 - y2.

[0618] Exemplarily, the third parameter can be carried in one of the following: RRC signaling, or DCI, or MAC-CE.

[0619] It should be noted that the third parameter and the fourth parameter can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and the present application does not limit this.

[0620] As Figure 22 shown in the box where 'Case 2a' is located in

[0621] S2121. The terminal device obtains the first angle.

[0622] Among them, the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device, or the first angle is the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0623] For example, the terminal device obtains its own location and determines the first angle according to its own location. For related technologies, please refer to the relevant content and will not be elaborated here.

[0624] If the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, the terminal device also executes S2101b:

[0625] S2101b. The terminal device determines the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angle range according to the at least one angle range indicated by the third parameter and the first angle.

[0626] For example, if the first angle is within a certain angle range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to this angle range is the first parameter.

[0627] Taking Table 3 as an example, the first angle is 10°, within the range of 0 ≤ θ < 25, then the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to beam level 1.

[0628] That is to say, if the network device sends multiple beam levels, the terminal device can select based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps to reduce the computing complexity of the terminal device.

[0629] As Figure 22 shown in the box where 'Case 2b' is located in

[0630] S2122. The location of the terminal device itself.

[0631] For example, for the terminal device to obtain its own GNSS location, reference may be made to the related art and will not be elaborated here.

[0632] If the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further executes S2101c:

[0633] S2101c. The terminal device determines a first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range indicated by the third parameter and the location of the terminal device.

[0634] For example, if the location of the terminal device is within a certain geographical range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to this geographical range is the first parameter.

[0635] Taking Table 4 as an example, if the location of the terminal device is (x0, y0), that is, the longitude is x0 and the latitude is y0, and the location of the terminal device is within the range of (x0 - x1, y0 - y1), then the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to beam level 1.

[0636] That is to say, if the network device issues multiple beam levels, the terminal device can select based on its own location and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps to reduce the computing complexity of the terminal device.

[0637] The above introduced the process of the terminal device determining the reference location of the first area.

[0638] It should be noted that the reference location of the first area is used to assist the terminal device in communication. It can be understood that the terminal device performs at least one of the following communication processes based on the reference location of the first area: initial access, service data transmission, mobility management, interference coordination, etc.

[0639] The following introduces the communication process performed by the terminal device based on the reference location of the first area.

[0640] Case 1. Access process under beam level configuration

[0641] Taking 'the above N spot area is a broadcast area, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located' as an example, the access scenario is introduced:

[0642] As Figure 23 shown, the method further includes the following operations:

[0643] S2131a. The network device sends information 2a to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2a from the network device.

[0644] Among them, the introduction of information 2a is as follows:

[0645] Information 2a indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first beam. It can be understood that information 2a belongs to access information and is an access configuration at the beam level. Among them, the first beam is the beam covering the first area, and the level of the first beam is the first beam level.

[0646] Among them, for the access configuration, reference can be made to Figure 18 the introduction, which will not be elaborated here.

[0647] S2132a. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0648] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the first beam according to the area identifier of the first area, determines the access configuration of the first beam from information 2a, and initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0649] In this way, when the network device indicates the access configuration at the beam level (such as the access configuration of the first beam) for the terminal device, the terminal device initiates random access according to the beam access configuration corresponding to its own location area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0650] Moreover, in the scenario of initiating random access, this application can provide the access configuration at the beam level, so that the terminal device can initiate random access based on the beam access configuration. Compared with random access based on the cell in the related art, this application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0651] It should be noted that in this application, the area covered by the first beam is indicated through the first mapping relationship. The area covered by the first beam includes the above-mentioned first area. In this way, the terminal device can obtain the first beam corresponding to the first area according to the first mapping relationship.

[0652] Among them, the first mapping relationship can be pre-configured or configured by the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0653] Case 2. Data transmission process under beam-level configuration

[0654] Taking 'the above N spot areas are service areas, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located' as an example, the data transmission process is introduced as follows:

[0655] As Figure 23 shown, this method further includes the following operations:

[0656] S2131b. The network device sends information 2b to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2b from the network device.

[0657] Among them, the introduction of information 2b is as follows:

[0658] Information 2b indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam. It can be understood that information 2b belongs to service resource information and is a communication resource configuration at the beam level.

[0659] Among them, for the communication resource configuration, reference can be made to Figure 18 for its introduction, which will not be elaborated here.

[0660] S2132b. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0661] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the first beam according to the area identifier of the first area. The terminal device determines the communication resource configuration of the first beam from information 2b and performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0662] In this way, in the case where the network device indicates the communication resource configuration at the beam level (such as the communication resource configuration of the first beam) for the terminal device, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the beam communication resource configuration corresponding to its own location, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0663] It should be noted that in the service transmission scenario, this application can provide the communication resource configuration at the beam level, so that the terminal device can perform service transmission based on the beam communication resource configuration. Compared with the related art where service transmission is based on a cell, this application enables the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0664] Case 3. Mobility management under beam-level configuration

[0665] In Case 3, taking 'the first area is the area where the terminal device is located' as an example, the mobility management scenario is introduced as follows:

[0666] As Figure 24a shown, as a first possible implementation manner, the method further includes the following operations:

[0667] S2141a. The terminal device triggers neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first beam and its own position.

[0668] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, neighbor cell measurement is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, neighbor cell measurement is not triggered temporarily.

[0669] Among them, the neighbor cell measurement result is used for cell handover or cell reselection. Reference can be made to the related art and will not be elaborated here.

[0670] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first area and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0671] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0672] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam (the beam corresponding to its own area) to determine whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement, replacing the traditional method of determining whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits), that is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0673] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related art in which neighbor cell measurement is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0674] It should be noted that in the present application, the process of determining the reference position of the first beam may include the following introduction:

[0675] The terminal device determines the first beam according to the first area and the first mapping relationship. Among them, the reference position of the first beam may be the reference position of the first area. Or, the reference position of the first beam is determined by the reference positions of each area in the first beam. For example, as Figure 24b shown, the first beam includes two areas, namely area X2 and area X3. The reference position of the first beam refers to the center point between the reference position of area X2 and the reference position of area X3. Of course, the reference position of the first beam can also be determined by other methods, and the present application does not limit this.

[0676] As Figure 24a shown, as a second possible implementation manner, the method further includes the following operations:

[0677] S2141b. The terminal device sends the neighbor cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first beam and its own position.

[0678] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighbor cell measurement result is sent. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighbor cell measurement result is not sent temporarily.

[0679] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighbor cell measurement result according to the reference position of the first beam and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0680] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0681] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam to determine whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result based on the reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits), that is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0682] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related art in which the neighbor cell measurement result is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the sending of the neighbor cell measurement result more flexibly.

[0683] As Figure 24a shown, as a third possible implementation manner, the method further includes the following operations:

[0684] S2141c. The terminal device triggers cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, its own position, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

[0685] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than (or equal to) threshold Z, then cell handover is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, and / or the neighbor cell signal quality is less than threshold Z, then cell handover is not triggered temporarily.

[0686] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, its own position, and the neighbor cell signal quality, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0687] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, for the movement of the terminal device, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0688] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam to determine whether to trigger cell handover, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger cell handover based on the reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits), that is, the network device does not need to send the reference position information, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0689] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger cell handover based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related art where cell handover is triggered based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger cell handover more flexibly.

[0690] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the above thresholds (such as threshold Y and / or threshold Z) can be pre-configured parameters or parameters configured by the network device. The present application does not limit this.

[0691] Case 4: Interference coordination under beam-level configuration

[0692] In Case 4, taking 'the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to the first cell' as an example, the interference coordination process is introduced as follows:

[0693] As Figure 25 shown, the method further includes the following operations:

[0694] S2151: The terminal device sends the interference measurement result to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the interference measurement result from the terminal device.

[0695] Exemplarily, the terminal device performs interference measurement on the CSI-IM resource to obtain the interference measurement result, thereby obtaining the interference emphasis of other cells on the first cell. For details, reference can be made to the related art and will not be elaborated here.

[0696] Optionally, if the terminal device is in the first area and performs measurement in the first area to obtain the above interference measurement result, the interference measurement result can also indicate the beam corresponding to the first area, that is, the first beam, so that the network device can know the beam corresponding to the interference measurement result. For example, the interference measurement result includes the beam identifier of the first beam.

[0697] Optionally, if the interference measurement result is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell in the first time period, the interference measurement result also indicates the first time period, so that the network device can know the time period corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0698] In this way, the network device can perform interference coordination based on the received interference measurement result.

[0699] The above introduces the communication method 2100 of the present application by taking one beam corresponding to one or more areas and the area radii under different levels (such as beam levels) being the same as an example.

[0700] It is easy to understand that in the present application, the beam-level communication is introduced as an example. The above beam-level communication can also be replaced by cell-level communication. Taking the first cell including the first area as an example:

[0701] In the access process, the access configuration corresponding to the first beam can be replaced with the access configuration corresponding to the first cell. Other processing procedures can be referred to Figure 23 for the introduction.

[0702] In the data transmission process, the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam can be replaced with the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell. Other processing procedures can be referred to the introduction in Figure 24.

[0703] In the mobility management process, the reference position of the first beam can be replaced with the reference position of the first cell.. Other processing procedures can be referred to Figure 25 for the introduction.

[0704] It should be added that information interaction can also be carried out between network devices, and the specific operations are as follows:

[0705] Step 1, the first network device determines the first information.

[0706] Among them, the first information indicates that the first network device releases the communication resources of the first area or the first beam.

[0707] For example, at time t1, the numbers of the areas covered by the first network device are: 1-100. At time t2, the numbers of the areas covered by the first network device are: 4-100, 103, 105.

[0708] That is to say, for the first network device, 3 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 1-3) are removed, and 2 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 103 and 105) are added. In this case, the first area is the above-mentioned areas numbered 1-3. The first beam is the beam corresponding to the above-mentioned areas numbered 1-3.

[0709] Optionally, when the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of the first area, the first information also indicates at least one of the following: the available time period corresponding to the first area, or the frequency resources corresponding to the first area, or the polarization mode corresponding to the first area.

[0710] Optionally, when the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of the first beam, the first information also indicates at least one of the following: the available time period corresponding to the first beam, or the frequency resources corresponding to the first beam, or the polarization mode corresponding to the first beam.

[0711] Alternatively, the first information is used to indicate activating the communication resources of the second area or the second beam.

[0712] For example, at time t1, the numbers of the areas covered by the first network device are: 1 - 100. At time t2, the numbers of the areas covered by the first network device are: 4 - 100, 103, 105, as Figure 26 shown.

[0713] That is to say, 3 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 1 - 3) are removed, and 2 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 103 and 105) are added. In this case, the second area is the areas numbered 103 and 105 above. The second beam is the beam corresponding to the areas numbered 103 and 105 above.

[0714] Optionally, when the first information indicates to activate the communication resources of the second area, the first information further indicates at least one of the following: the available time period corresponding to the second area, or the frequency resource corresponding to the second area, or the polarization mode corresponding to the second area.

[0715] Optionally, when the first information indicates to activate the communication resources of the second beam, the first information further indicates at least one of the following: the available time period corresponding to the second beam, or the frequency resource corresponding to the second beam, or the polarization mode corresponding to the second beam.

[0716] Step 2, the first network device sends the first information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0717] For the second network device, when the first information indicates that the first network device releases the communication resources of the first area or the first beam, the second network device activates the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0718] For example, considering the characteristics of satellite progressive handover, for the first network device, 3 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 1 - 3) are removed. For the second network device, 3 areas (i.e., the areas numbered 1 - 3) are added. Therefore, the first area is the areas numbered 1 - 3 above. The second network device activates the communication resources of the first area, or activates the communication resources of the first beam (i.e., the beam corresponding to the first area), so as to realize the information interaction between network devices through incremental update, and thus realize mobility management or interference coordination.

[0719] For the second network device, when the first information indicates that the first network device activates the communication resources of the second area or the second beam, the second network device releases the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0720] For example, considering the characteristics of progressive satellite handover, for the first network device, two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) are moved in. For the second network device, two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) are moved out. Therefore, the second area is the areas numbered 103 and 105 above. The second network device releases the communication resources of the second area, or releases the communication resources of the second beam (i.e., the beam corresponding to the second area), so as to realize information interaction between network devices through incremental update, and thus realize mobility management or interference coordination.

[0721] It is easy to understand that the first information can also have other alternative descriptions, such as:

[0722] The first information indicating that the first network device releases the communication resources of the first area can be replaced with the first information indicating that the second network device activates the communication resources of the first area. Correspondingly, the second network device activates the communication resources of the first area according to the first information.

[0723] The first information indicating that the first network device releases the communication resources of the first beam can be replaced with the first information indicating that the second network device activates the communication resources of the first beam. Correspondingly, the second network device activates the communication resources of the first beam according to the first information.

[0724] The first information indicating that the first network device activates the communication resources of the second area can be replaced with the first information indicating that the second network device releases the communication resources of the second area. Correspondingly, the second network device releases the communication resources of the second area according to the first information.

[0725] The first information indicating that the first network device activates the communication resources of the second beam can be replaced with the first information indicating that the second network device releases the communication resources of the second beam. Correspondingly, the second network device releases the communication resources of the second beam according to the first information.

[0726] It can be understood that in each of the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components (such as a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, a logic module, or software) available for the network device; the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (such as a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, a logic module, or software) available for the terminal device. Among them, the chip system can be composed of chips, or the chip system can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0727] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the manner of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0728] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0729] Figure 27 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 2700. The communication device 2700 includes a processing module 2701 and a transceiver module 2702. The communication device 2700 can be used to implement the functions of the above network device or terminal device.

[0730] In some embodiments, the communication device 2700 may further include a storage module ( Figure 27 not shown in the figure) for storing program instructions and data.

[0731] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2702, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 2702 can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0732] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2702 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or to support other processes described herein; the processing module 2701 can be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, etc.) performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or to support other processes described herein.

[0733] Among them, all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and will not be elaborated here.

[0734] Optionally, in this application, the transceiver module receives / sends information, which can also be understood as the processing module receives / sends information through the transceiver module. The processing module receives / sends information through the transceiver module, which can also be understood as: the processing module controls the transceiver module to receive / send information. Or, the processing module sends information through the transceiver module, which can be understood as: the processing module outputs information to the transceiver module, and the transceiver module sends this information; the processing module receives information through the transceiver module, which can be understood as: the transceiver module receives information and inputs this information to the processing module.

[0735] In this application, the communication device 2700 can be presented in the form of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner. Here, the "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0736] In some embodiments, when Figure 27 the communication device 2700 in is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2701 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0737] Since the communication device 2700 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can obtain can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0738] As a possible product form, the network device or terminal device described in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logics, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits that can execute various functions described throughout this application.

[0739] As another possible product form, the network device or terminal device described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of description, see Figure 28 , Figure 28It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 2800 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 2800 includes a processor 2801 and a transceiver 2802. The communication device 2800 may be a network device, or a chip or a chip system therein; alternatively, the communication device 2800 may be a terminal device, or a chip or a module therein. Figure 28 Only the main components of the communication device 2800 are shown. In addition to the processor 2801 and the transceiver 2802, the communication device 2800 may further include a memory 2803 and an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0740] Optionally, the processor 2801 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data of software programs. The memory 2803 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 2802 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0741] Optionally, the processor 2801, the transceiver 2802, and the memory 2803 may be connected through a communication bus.

[0742] It should be noted that the memory 2803 may exist independently of the processor 2801, or may be integrated with the processor 2801. The memory 2803 may be located inside the communication device 2800 or outside the communication device 2800, without limitation.

[0743] After the communication device is powered on, the processor 2801 may read the software program in the memory 2803, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be wirelessly transmitted, the processor 2801 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and then outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2801. The processor 2801 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0744] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna may be set independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna may be independent of the communication device and arranged in a remote manner.

[0745] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art can envision that the above communication device 2700 can adopt Figure 28 the form of the communication device 2800 shown.

[0746] As an example, Figure 27 the function / implementation process of the processing module 2701 in Figure 28 can be implemented by the processor 2801 in the communication device 2800 shown calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2803. Figure 27 the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 in Figure 28 can be implemented by the transceiver 2802 in the communication device 2800 shown.

[0747] As another possible product form, the network device or terminal device in this application can adopt Figure 29 the shown composition structure, or include Figure 29 the shown components. Figure 29 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 2900 provided by this application.

[0748] As Figure 29 shown, the communication device 2900 includes at least one processor 2901. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 2902.

[0749] When the program instructions involved are executed in the at least one processor 2901, the device 2900 can implement the method provided in any of the foregoing embodiments and any possible design therein. Alternatively, the processor 2901 uses logic circuits or executes code instructions to implement the method provided in any of the foregoing embodiments and any possible design therein.

[0750] The communication interface 2902 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 2902 can be used for the communication device 2900 to communicate and interact with other communication devices, such as interacting with control signaling and / or service data, etc. Exemplarily, the communication interface 2902 can be used to receive signals from other devices outside the communication device 2900 and transmit them to the processor 2901 or send signals from the processor 2901 to other communication devices outside the communication device 2900.

[0751] Optionally, the communication interface 2902 can be a code and / or data read / write interface circuit, or the communication interface 2902 can be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0752] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include at least one memory 2903, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data involved.

[0753] It should be noted that the memory 2903 may exist independently of the processor 2901 or may be integrated with the processor 2901. The memory 2903 may be located inside or outside the communication device 2900, without limitation.

[0754] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include a power supply circuit 2904, which may be used to supply power to the processor 2901. The power supply circuit 2904 may be located within the same chip as the processor 2901 or, alternatively, within another chip outside the chip where the processor 2901 is located.

[0755] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include a bus 2905, through which various parts in the communication device 2900 may be interconnected.

[0756] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the Figure 27 shown communication device 2700 may adopt the Figure 29 form of the shown communication device 2900.

[0757] As an example, Figure 27 the function / implementation process of the processing module 2701 in Figure 29 may be implemented by the processor 2901 in the shown communication device 2900 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2903. Figure 27 the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 in Figure 29 may be implemented by the communication interface 2902 in the shown communication device 2900.

[0758] It should be noted that Figure 29 the shown structure does not constitute a specific limitation on the network device or the terminal device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the network device or the terminal device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The shown components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0759] Optionally, the processor in the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0760] Optionally, the memory in the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0761] Optionally, the power supply circuit described in the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a power supply line, a power supply subsystem, a power management chip, a power consumption management processor, or a power consumption management control circuit.

[0762] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0763] As a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, and the processor may call the instructions stored in the memory in the computer program to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be in the communication device.

[0764] As another possible implementation, the communication device further includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (the computer execution instructions are stored in the memory, and may be directly read from the memory or may pass through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0765] As yet another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is used to communicate with modules outside the communication device.

[0766] It can be understood that the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0767] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer programs or instructions are stored. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a computer, the functions in any of the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0768] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions in any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0769] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above may refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0770] It can be understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in the present application may also be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other may be through some interfaces, and the indirect couplings or communication connections of the devices or units may be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0771] The unit described as a separation component may or may not be physically separated, that is, it may be located in one place or distributed over multiple network units. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0772] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application may be integrated in a processing unit, may exist separately as individual physical units, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit.

[0773] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in 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, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, 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 can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated 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 drive (SSD)), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the computer may include the device described above.

[0774] Although the present application has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected while practicing the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement several functions recited in the claims. Certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not indicate that these measures cannot be combined to advantage.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Determine a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of a beam divergence angle or an elevation angle; Determine a reference position of a first area according to the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Obtain the position of the terminal device; Determine a reference position of the area where the terminal device is located according to the position of the terminal device and the reference position of the first area.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain an area identifier; Determine the reference position of the first area according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: Determine the reference position of the first area according to the area identifier, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship, where the first area is the area corresponding to the area identifier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that The first parameter indicates the number of first areas; or, The first parameter indicates the radius of the first area; or, The first parameter indicates the first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine the number of first areas, where the second parameter is the number of second areas; or, The first parameter indicates the first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine the radius of the first area, where the second parameter is the radius of the second area.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the smaller the number of areas indicated by the first parameter, and / or, The larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the larger the radius of the area indicated by the first parameter.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and each angle range in the at least one angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angle range according to the at least one angle range and the first angle.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range in the at least one geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain the position of the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the position of the terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that The first mapping relationship satisfies: Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k where R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located, and N spot_k represents the number of first regions, and [] represents the decimal part operator.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information of a first offset; Determine the reference position of the first area according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: Determine the reference position of the first area according to the first offset, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The first area includes at least one of the following types: A broadcast area, which belongs to the geographical area covered by a broadcast beam; or, A service area, which belongs to the geographical area covered by a service beam.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein When the first area is the broadcast area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the method further includes: Receiving access information, where the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area; Initiating random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein When the first area is the service area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the method further includes: Receiving service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area; Performing service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Triggering neighbor cell measurement or sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, where the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold; Triggering neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: Triggering the neighbor cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; Sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: Sending the neighbor cell measurement results when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold; Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality, including: Triggering the cell handover when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, When the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to a first cell, the method further includes: Sending interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results indicate the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first area, or a first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Determining a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of a beam divergence angle or an elevation angle; Sending the first parameter, where the first parameter is used to determine the reference position of the first area.

20. According to the method described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first parameter indicates the number of first areas; or, The first parameter indicates the radius of the first area; or, The first parameter indicates the first area level, and the first area level and the second parameter are used to determine the number of first areas, and the second parameter is the number of second areas; or, The first parameter indicates the first area level, and the first area level and the second parameter are used to determine the radius of the first area, and the second parameter is the radius of the second area.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a third parameter; Wherein, the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, and the at least one angular range is used to determine the first parameter.

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending a third parameter, and the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information of a first offset, and the first offset is used to determine the reference position of the first area.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending access information, and the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 - 23, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19-25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information of a first threshold, and the first threshold is used to trigger neighbor cell measurement, trigger the sending of neighbor cell measurement results, or trigger cell handover.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19-26, characterized in that, The first area belongs to the first cell, and the method further includes: Receiving interference measurement results, and the interference measurement results indicate the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first area, or the first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instruction, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1-18, or so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 19-28.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs. When the computer instructions or programs run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1-18 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 19-28 is executed.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1-18 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 19-28 is executed.

32. A chip, characterized in that, Including: A memory for storing computer program instructions; A processor for executing the computer program instructions, so that the communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1-18, or so that the communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 19-28.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, Including: A terminal device and a network device, the terminal device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-18, and the network device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-28.

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