Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device applied to the technical field of wireless communication. In the technical scheme provided by the invention, the terminal can determine the state of the cell where the terminal is located in the current monitoring period after receiving the downlink synchronization signal, and determine whether the cell can be accessed based on the state of the cell in the current monitoring period. Wherein if the state of the cell in the current monitoring period is the first state, the terminal can access the cell based on the received downlink synchronization signal; in the embodiment of the invention, if the state of the cell in the current monitoring period is the second state, the terminal can determine the first moment for receiving the SSB according to the received downlink synchronization signal, so that the access of the cell is realized after the SSB is received. According to the technical scheme provided by the invention, the network performance of the terminal can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Satellite communication, as a communication scenario in the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, has advantages such as wide coverage, high reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput.

[0003] However, the following problem may exist in satellite communication scenarios: the terminal cannot detect the downlink synchronization signal within the default scanning period, thus failing to achieve cell access. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, applicable to the field of communication technology. In the technical solution provided by this application, a terminal can determine the cell access timing by determining the cell's state within the current monitoring period, thereby enabling cell access.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal, the method comprising: receiving a downlink synchronization signal; determining the state of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period; if the state is a first state, accessing the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal; if the state is a second state, receiving a synchronization signal block (SSB) at a first moment according to the downlink synchronization signal.

[0006] This method can be executed by the terminal, or by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied in the terminal, or by other devices capable of implementing the functions of the terminal, without any limitation.

[0007] The coverage area of ​​a network device contains one or more cells, each with two states: discontinuous transmission (DTX) and normal. The first state can be understood as the normal state, and the second state as the DTX state. Cells in the first state are considered active cells, allowing terminal access; cells in the second state are considered inactive cells, preventing terminal access.

[0008] In this technical solution, the terminal can receive downlink synchronization signals based on a monitoring period. After receiving the downlink synchronization signal, it determines the state of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period. If the cell's state is in the first state within the current monitoring period, the terminal can access the cell based on the received downlink synchronization signal. If the cell's state is in the second state within the current monitoring period, the terminal may not be able to access the cell. In this case, the terminal can determine the first moment of receiving the synchronization signal block (SSB) based on the received downlink synchronization signal, and achieve access to the cell after receiving the SSB. The cell where the terminal is located can be understood as the cell searched by the terminal based on the received downlink synchronization signal.

[0009] In this technical solution, the terminal can search for cells based on the received downlink synchronization signal, and determine the status of the searched cell within the current monitoring period after receiving the downlink synchronization signal, thereby determining the timing for accessing the cell and ultimately achieving cell access. This technical solution can improve the terminal's network performance.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a synchronization signal block (SSB), the state of the cell during the current monitoring period is the first state.

[0011] In this implementation, different downlink synchronization signals can be sent when the cell is in different states. For example, activating a cell can send an SSB. Therefore, after receiving an SSB in the current monitoring period, the terminal can consider the cell to be in its first state in the current monitoring period and can access the cell based on the SSB.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the cell is in the second state during the current monitoring period, and the cell identification signal is used to identify the cell.

[0013] In this implementation, inactive cells can send cell identification signals. Therefore, after receiving a cell identification signal within the current monitoring period, the terminal can search for and identify cells based on the signal. The terminal can also know that the cell is unable to provide service because it is currently in the second state. This requires the terminal to continuously determine the cell's state until the cell switches to the first state and access is achieved.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the cell identification signal is at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS, or secondary synchronization signal SSS.

[0015] In this implementation, the cell identification signal can be one or more of the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The cell identification signal can be transmitted in a round-robin fashion. This round-robin transmission of the cell identification signal can be understood as the cell identification signal being transmitted via beams in different directions. The content of the cell identification signals transmitted in different directions can be the same.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, the first moment being determined based on the first parameter.

[0017] In this implementation, the downlink synchronization signal sent by the inactive cell may contain a sequence generated using the first parameter.

[0018] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be part or all of the sequence in the downlink synchronization signal sent by an inactive cell.

[0019] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be a separately added sequence, which can be included in the second downlink synchronization signal.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first parameter can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB by specifying the handover duration required for the cell where the terminal is located to switch from the second state to the first state. The start time of the handover duration can be the second moment, and the end time can be the first moment. The second moment can be the moment when the terminal receives the second downlink synchronization signal, the moment when the terminal finds the cell, or the moment when the terminal determines that the cell's state is the second state. The first moment can also be understood as the moment when the cell switches to the first state. In some embodiments, the handover duration can also be understood as the duration the cell is in the second state.

[0021] In some embodiments, the handover duration may include R monitoring cycles, where R is a positive integer. The first parameter can indicate the handover duration by specifying that R monitoring cycles are still required before the SSB can be received, thus indicating the first moment of SSB reception. The first moment can be understood as the start time of the monitoring cycle for SSB reception.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating the first moment.

[0023] In this implementation, the network device can directly send first information to indicate the first moment for receiving the SSB. Correspondingly, the terminal can receive the first information and determine the first moment based on it, thereby achieving SSB reception and ultimately cell access.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB by specifying the handover duration required for the cell where the terminal is located to switch from the second state to the first state. The start time of the handover duration can be the second moment, and the end time can be the first moment. The second moment can be the moment when the terminal receives the second downlink synchronization signal, the moment when the terminal finds the cell, or the moment when the terminal determines that the cell's state is the second state. The first moment can also be understood as the moment when the cell switches to the first state. In some embodiments, the handover duration can also be understood as the duration the cell is in the second state.

[0025] In some embodiments, the handover duration may include R monitoring cycles, where R is a positive integer. The first information can indicate the handover duration by indicating that R monitoring cycles are still required before the SSB can be received, thus indicating the first moment of SSB reception. The first moment can be understood as the start time of the monitoring cycle for SSB reception.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the downlink synchronization signal is an SSB, and the cell is in the first state during the current monitoring period when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position; otherwise, the cell is in the second state during the current monitoring period.

[0027] In this implementation, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, but the time-domain and / or frequency-domain positions of the SSBs transmitted by active and inactive cells are different.

[0028] In this implementation, the cell status can be determined using some or all of the frequency domain location and time domain location as criteria. For example, when using frequency domain location as the criterion, if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first frequency domain location, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first frequency domain location, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. Similarly, when using time domain location as the criterion, if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first time domain location, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first time domain location, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. For example, when using time-domain location and frequency-domain location as the judgment criteria, if the frequency-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal conforms to the first frequency-domain location, and the time-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal conforms to the first time-domain location, then the cell is considered to be an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the frequency-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not conform to the first frequency-domain location, and / or the time-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not conform to the first time-domain location, then the cell is considered to be an inactive cell in the current monitoring period.

[0029] The first time domain position and the first frequency domain position can be predefined by the protocol, or the terminal can obtain them through other means, which is not restricted here.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining the state of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period includes: monitoring SSB within a first duration; if the SSB is received, the state of the cell within the current monitoring period is the first state; if the SSB is not received, the state of the cell within the current monitoring period is the second state.

[0031] In this implementation, both active and inactive cells can send SSBs, but the periods for the SSBs sent by active and inactive cells are different. For example, if the terminal receives an SSB within the first duration, it considers the cell to be in the first state during the current monitoring period; if the terminal does not receive an SSB within the first duration, it considers the cell to be in the second state during the current monitoring period.

[0032] As an example, the first duration can be the default scan period of the existing SSB, which is 20 milliseconds (ms). The start time of the first duration can be the time when the terminal powers on, or the time when the terminal starts scanning the downlink synchronization signal. For example, if the terminal receives an SSB within 20ms after powering on, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the terminal receives an SSB within 40ms after powering on, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining the state of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period includes: monitoring downlink control signals within a second duration; if the downlink control signal is received, the state of the cell within the current monitoring period is the first state; if the downlink control signal is not received, the state of the cell within the current monitoring period is the second state.

[0034] In this implementation, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, and the terminal can determine the cell's state by decoding the subsequent signals of the SSB. For example, an active cell can transmit a first signal after transmitting an SSB, while an inactive cell can transmit only an SSB. Therefore, after receiving an SSB, the terminal can monitor the first signal within a second time period. If the terminal receives the first signal within the second time period, the cell is considered active in the current monitoring period; if the terminal does not receive the first signal within the second time period, the cell is considered inactive in the current monitoring period because it only transmitted an SSB. The start time of the second time period can be the moment the terminal receives the SSB, or it can be the moment that satisfies a first offset between the time the terminal receives the SSB and the time the terminal receives the SSB; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. The second time period and the first offset can be predefined by the protocol or obtained through other means, which are not limited here.

[0035] As an example, the first signal can be a downlink control signal or a scheduling broadcast signal corresponding to the downlink control signal; there are no restrictions here.

[0036] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising: transmitting a downlink synchronization signal in a first cell, the downlink synchronization signal indicating the status of the first cell in the current monitoring period.

[0037] This method can be executed by a network device, a chip system, hardware circuit, and / or software module applied in the network device, or other devices capable of implementing the functions of the network device; no limitation is imposed here. Specifically, in the satellite pass-through scenario, the network device can be a ground-based base station; in the satellite regeneration scenario, the network device can be a satellite.

[0038] The first cell can be one or more cells within the coverage area of ​​the network device. Each cell in the first cell has two states: discontinuous transmission (DTX) state and normal state. The first state can be understood as the normal state, and the second state can be understood as the DTX state. Cells in the first state can be understood as active cells, and terminals can access them; cells in the second state can be understood as inactive cells, and terminals cannot access them.

[0039] In this technical solution, the network device sending a downlink synchronization signal can be understood as the network device sending a downlink synchronization signal to the cells within its coverage area. For example, sending a downlink synchronization signal in the first cell can be understood as the network device sending a downlink synchronization signal to the terminals within the first cell, or the first cell sending a downlink synchronization signal to the terminals within the first cell.

[0040] Before sending downlink synchronization signals, network devices can determine the cell's status within the current monitoring period. Based on this status, the network devices can then send downlink synchronization signals.

[0041] In this technical solution, the network device can send downlink synchronization signals to one or more cells within the coverage area of ​​the network device, so that the terminal can perform cell search based on the received downlink synchronization signals, thereby helping the terminal to achieve cell access.

[0042] In some embodiments, if a cell is in a first state during the current monitoring period, the terminal can initiate a random access request. Correspondingly, the network device can receive the random access request sent by the terminal, enabling the terminal to access the cell.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is SSB, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is the first state.

[0044] In this implementation, the first cell can send different downlink synchronization signals depending on its state. For example, when the first cell is an active cell, it can send an SSB. Therefore, after receiving an SSB during the current monitoring period, the terminal considers the first cell to be in its first state during the current monitoring period and can access the cell based on the SSB.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is a second state, and the cell identification signal is used to identify the first cell.

[0046] In this implementation, when the first cell is an inactive cell, it can send a cell identification signal. Therefore, after receiving the cell identification signal within the current monitoring period, the terminal can search for and identify the first cell based on the cell identification signal. The terminal can also know that the first cell is unable to provide services because it is currently in the second state. This requires the terminal to continuously determine the state of the first cell until the first cell switches to the first state to achieve cell access.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the cell identification signal is at least one of the following: PSS, or SSS.

[0048] In this implementation, the cell identification signal can be one or more of PSS and SSS. The cell identification signal can be transmitted in a round-robin fashion. This round-robin transmission of the cell identification signal can be understood as the cell identification signal being transmitted via beams from different directions. The content of the cell identification signal transmitted in different directions can be the same.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, the first parameter indicating the first moment at which the SSB is transmitted in the first cell.

[0050] In this implementation, when the first cell is an inactive cell, the downlink synchronization signal sent by the first cell may include a sequence generated using the first parameter.

[0051] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be part or all of the sequence in the downlink synchronization signal sent by an inactive cell.

[0052] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be a separately added sequence, which can be included in the second downlink synchronization signal.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first parameter can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB by indicating the handover duration required for the first cell to switch from the second state to the first state. The start time of the handover duration can be the second moment, and the end time can be the first moment. The second moment can be the moment when the terminal receives the second downlink synchronization signal, or the moment when the terminal searches for the first cell, or the moment when the terminal determines that the state of the first cell is the second state. The first moment can be the moment when the first cell switches to the first state. In some embodiments, the handover duration can also be understood as the duration for which the first cell is in the second state.

[0054] In some embodiments, the handover duration may include R monitoring cycles, where R is a positive integer. The first parameter can indicate the handover duration by specifying that R monitoring cycles are still required before the SSB can be received, thus indicating the first moment of SSB reception. The first moment can be understood as the start time of the monitoring cycle for SSB reception.

[0055] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information indicating a first moment when an SSB is sent in the first cell.

[0056] In this implementation, the network device can directly send first information to indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB, so that the terminal can determine the first moment based on the first information, thereby realizing the reception of the SSB and thus realizing cell access.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first information can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB by indicating the handover duration required for the first cell to switch from the second state to the first state. The start time of the handover duration can be the second moment, and the end time can be the first moment. The second moment can be the moment when the terminal receives the second downlink synchronization signal, or the moment when the terminal searches for the first cell, or the moment when the terminal determines that the state of the first cell is the second state. The first moment can be the moment when the first cell switches to the first state. In some embodiments, the handover duration can also be understood as the duration for which the first cell is in the second state.

[0058] In some embodiments, the handover duration may include R monitoring cycles, where R is a positive integer. The first information can indicate the handover duration by indicating that R monitoring cycles are still required before the SSB can be received, thus indicating the first moment of SSB reception. The first moment can be understood as the start time of the monitoring cycle for SSB reception.

[0059] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the downlink synchronization signal is an SSB, and the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a first state when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position; otherwise, the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a second state.

[0060] In this implementation, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, but the time-domain and / or frequency-domain positions of the SSBs transmitted by active and inactive cells are different.

[0061] In this implementation, the state of the first cell can be determined using some or all of the frequency domain location and time domain location as criteria. For example, when using frequency domain location as the criterion, if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first frequency domain location, the first cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first frequency domain location, the first cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. Similarly, when using time domain location as the criterion, if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first time domain location, the first cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first time domain location, the first cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. For example, when using time-domain and frequency-domain locations as the criteria, if the frequency-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first frequency-domain location, and the time-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first time-domain location, then the first cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period. If the frequency-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first frequency-domain location, and / or, the time-domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first time-domain location, then the first cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. The first time-domain location and the first frequency-domain location can be predefined by the protocol, or the terminal can obtain them through other means; no restrictions are placed here.

[0062] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is determined based on the transmission period of the downlink synchronization signal.

[0063] In this implementation, the downlink synchronization signal indicates the status of the first cell within the current monitoring period, including: indicating the status of the first cell within the current monitoring period through the transmission period of the downlink synchronization signal.

[0064] In this implementation, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, but the periods for the SSBs transmitted by active and inactive cells differ. For example, the active cell can transmit an SSB within a first duration, while the period for the inactive cell to transmit an SSB can be longer than the first duration.

[0065] As an example, the first duration can be the default scan cycle of the existing SSB, which is 20ms.

[0066] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is determined based on subsequent signals of the downlink synchronization signal.

[0067] In this implementation, the downlink synchronization signal indicates the status of the first cell within the current monitoring period, including: using a signal following the downlink synchronization signal to indicate the status of the first cell within the current monitoring period.

[0068] In this implementation, if the first cell is in state 1 during the current monitoring period, the network device can send a downlink control signal to the first cell within a second time period; if the first cell is in state 2 during the current monitoring period, the network device can send only a downlink synchronization signal to the first cell without sending a downlink control signal. Therefore, the terminal can determine the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period by whether it can receive a downlink control signal within the second time period. This method can indicate the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period while minimizing protocol modifications.

[0069] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device comprising modules for implementing the methods of the first aspect or any of the implementations thereof, each module being implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0070] For example, the device may include a receiving module and a processing module. The receiving module is used to receive a downlink synchronization signal; the processing module is used to determine the state of the cell where the terminal is located during the current monitoring period; the processing module is also used to access the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal when the state is a first state; the processing module is also used to receive a synchronization signal block (SSB) at a first moment based on the downlink synchronization signal when the state is a second state.

[0071] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a synchronization signal block (SSB), the cell's state during the current monitoring period is the first state.

[0072] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the cell is in the second state during the current monitoring period, and the cell identification signal is used to identify the cell.

[0073] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the cell identification signal is at least one of the following: PSS, or SSS.

[0074] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, the first moment being determined based on the first parameter.

[0075] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the receiving module is also used to receive first information, the first information indicating the first moment.

[0076] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the downlink synchronization signal is an SSB, and the cell is in the first state during the current monitoring period when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position; otherwise, the cell is in the second state during the current monitoring period.

[0077] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing module is further configured to monitor SSBs within a first duration; wherein, if the SSB is received, the cell's state within the current monitoring period is the first state; if the SSB is not received, the cell's state within the current monitoring period is the second state.

[0078] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing module is further configured to monitor downlink control signals during a second duration; wherein, if the downlink control signal is received, the cell's state during the current monitoring period is the first state; if the downlink control signal is not received, the cell's state during the current monitoring period is the second state.

[0079] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device comprising modules for implementing the methods of the second aspect or any of the implementations thereof, each module being implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0080] For example, the device may include a transmitting module. The transmitting module is configured to transmit a downlink synchronization signal in a first cell, the downlink synchronization signal indicating the status of the first cell during the current monitoring period.

[0081] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is SSB, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is the first state.

[0082] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is the second state, and the cell identification signal is used to identify the first cell.

[0083] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the cell identification signal is at least one of the following: PSS, or SSS.

[0084] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, the first parameter indicating the first moment at which the SSB is transmitted in the first cell.

[0085] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the sending module is also used to send first information, the first information indicating the first moment when the SSB is sent in the first cell.

[0086] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the downlink synchronization signal is an SSB, and the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a first state when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position; otherwise, the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a second state.

[0087] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is determined based on the transmission period of the downlink synchronization signal.

[0088] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is determined based on subsequent signals of the downlink synchronization signal.

[0089] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor that can be coupled to a memory for calling program code in the memory to perform the method described in the first aspect or any of its possible implementations. Optionally, the device further includes a memory. Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface to which the processor can be coupled.

[0090] The device can be a terminal, a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied in a terminal, or other device that can realize terminal functions; no restrictions are placed here.

[0091] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor that can be coupled to a memory for calling program code in the memory to perform the method described in the second aspect or any of its possible implementations. Optionally, the device further includes a memory. Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface to which the processor can be coupled.

[0092] The device can be a network device, a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied in a network device, or other device that can realize the functions of a network device; there are no restrictions on this.

[0093] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes the means of the third or fifth aspect, as well as the means of the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0094] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0095] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable medium storing program code for execution by a device, the program code including methods for performing the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0096] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to ninth aspects above, and any possible design of any of the aspects above, are described in the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the first to second aspects above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0097] Figure 1a This application provides a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario as an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 1c A schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario is provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 2a A schematic diagram illustrating a monitoring cycle provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 3 A schematic illustration of a downlink synchronization signal provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating a cell access method provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 5 A schematic illustration of a second downlink synchronization signal provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 6 A schematic illustration of a second downlink synchronization signal provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0109] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0110] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0111] Satellite communication, as a communication scenario for 5G mobile communication systems, has been introduced into the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, referred to as a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Satellite communication can support various types of terminals, including 5G terminals and Internet of Things (IoT) terminals. Compared to terrestrial communication, satellite communication has unique advantages, such as providing wider coverage; satellite base stations are less susceptible to damage from natural disasters or external forces. In the future, the introduction of satellite communication in 5G can provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests that are not covered by terrestrial networks; enhance the reliability of 5G communication, ensuring better communication services for users on airplanes, trains, and other modes of transportation; and provide more data transmission resources for 5G communication, improving network speed. Therefore, supporting both terrestrial and satellite communication is an inevitable trend for future 5G communication, offering significant benefits in terms of wide coverage, reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput. Satellite communication can also be called a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0112] Satellite communication is characterized by its large coverage area. For example, when a satellite uses a 3-dB beamwidth to achieve regional coverage, M beams are needed to cover the entire coverage area. However, due to the limited capabilities of satellites, they can only provide a limited number of beams simultaneously, such as N beams. Therefore, satellites need to use a time-division multiplexing method to cover the entire coverage area, meaning the satellite needs M / N of the time to cover the entire coverage area.

[0113] However, this method may result in the satellite failing to achieve a 20ms beam revisit period, or the time it takes for the satellite to complete the coverage of all satellite areas (e.g., M / N) may exceed 20ms, or the coverage time required for the beam to travel from its starting position to the terminal's location may exceed 20ms. This could lead to the terminal being unable to detect the downlink synchronization signal within the default 20ms scan period, thus preventing the terminal from determining if a cell exists in the current scan area and consequently preventing cell access. M and N are positive integers. It should be noted that in existing standards, the default scan period for the access beam is 20ms, meaning the terminal scans the access beam using a default 20ms period. The satellite can use the access beam to send downlink synchronization signals (e.g., synchronization signal blocks (SSBs)), broadcast system messages, or configure the terminal to access cells. The terminal can search for cells by scanning the access beam and initiate random access in the corresponding uplink beam.

[0114] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and a communication device. The technical solution provided in this application introduces a cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) state. After receiving a downlink synchronization signal, the terminal can determine the state of the cell it is located in during the current monitoring period, and determine the timing for the terminal to access the cell based on the cell's state during the current monitoring period, thereby achieving cell access. For example, when the cell is in a normal state, the terminal can access the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal received during the current monitoring period; when the cell is in DTX state, the terminal can determine the first moment to receive the SSB based on the downlink synchronization signal monitored during the current monitoring period, thereby achieving cell access after receiving the SSB. The cell where the terminal is located can be understood as the cell searched by the terminal based on the received downlink synchronization signal.

[0115] In the technical solution provided in this application, after introducing the DTX state of a cell, cells within the satellite coverage area will have two states: normal state and DTX state. Each cell can switch between these two states at a certain period. A cell in the normal state can be called an active cell, and a cell in the DTX state can be called an inactive cell. Therefore, cells within the satellite coverage area will not be in the normal state simultaneously, thus reducing the number of active cells. This results in a 20ms backhaul period for the access beam of active cells, allowing terminals in active cells to scan for the access beam within the default scanning period and access the cell. For inactive cells, terminals within the cell need to be informed of their current DTX state. This allows terminals to search for the cell and also informs them that the cell is currently unavailable due to the DTX state, preventing them from accessing it. In other words, inactive cells only send downlink synchronization signals but cannot be accessed. Therefore, terminals in inactive cells need to continuously determine the cell's state and access the cell only after it switches to an active cell. In some embodiments, the DTX state may also be referred to as the sleep state, the normal state may also be referred to as the normal communication state, or the working state, and this application does not limit it.

[0116] The following is combined Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 1c Examples of application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application are provided.

[0117] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario is shown. Figure 1a As shown, terminals can access the network via an air interface (which can be of various types, such as 5G), and base stations can be deployed on the ground and connected to ground stations that communicate with satellites; satellites can connect to ground stations via wireless links; ground stations and base stations can connect to the core network via wired or wireless links, and the core network connects to the data network. Satellites can communicate with each other via wireless links. Figure 1a In the system shown, the satellites only have the function of transparent transmission and forwarding (i.e., the corresponding base stations are deployed on the ground), and the satellites only achieve transparent transmission and forwarding between each other.

[0118] Figure 1b , Figure 1c A schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario is shown. Figure 1b As shown, terminals can access the network via an air interface (which can be of various types, such as a 5G air interface), and base stations can be deployed on satellites (e.g., in satellite regeneration mode), for example, base stations or some base station functions can be deployed on satellites; satellites can complete signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations, such as... Figure 1c As shown.

[0119] For example, Figures 1a to 1c The network elements and their interfaces are described below:

[0120] Terminals include mobile devices that support New Radio (NR), such as mobile phones and tablets. Terminals can access satellite networks and initiate calls, access the Internet, and perform other services through the air interface.

[0121] Base stations are used to provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to accessing terminals, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0122] Ground stations are responsible for relaying signaling and service data between satellite base stations and the core network.

[0123] The core network is responsible for services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, and user security authentication or accounting. The core network can consist of multiple functional units, such as functional entities including control plane and data plane components. For example, Figures 1a to 1c The core network shown may include the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the User Plane Function (UPF). The AMF is responsible for user access management, authentication, and mobility management; the UPF is responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics.

[0124] Figures 1a to 1c The air interface shown can be understood as the wireless link between the terminal and the base station, or the wireless link between the satellite and the ground station; the Xn interface can be understood as the interface between base stations, mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover; the NG interface can be used as the interface between the base station and the core network, mainly used for exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network, as well as user service data.

[0125] It should be understood that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to 5G mobile communication systems, as well as to future sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems, and can also be applied to other communication systems. This application does not make any specific limitations in this regard.

[0126] The terminal in this application embodiment can be the terminal itself, or a device that enables the terminal to perform this function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal, or it can be other devices that can perform the terminal's function; no limitation is made here. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0127] The network device in this application embodiment can be the network device itself, or a device that enables the network device to perform this function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device, or it can be other devices that can perform the functions of the network device, without limitation. In the satellite transparent transmission scenario, the network device can be a base station deployed on the ground; in the satellite regeneration scenario, the network device can be a satellite.

[0128] The following is combined Figures 2 to 6 This application provides a detailed description of the technical solution provided.

[0129] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the method shown, the downlink synchronization signals transmitted by the cells differ depending on their state. Accordingly, the terminal can periodically receive the downlink synchronization signals transmitted by the cells, determine the cell state based on the received signals, and access the cell when it is determined to be in a normal state. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method may include S201 and S202.

[0130] S201, receives downlink synchronization signal.

[0131] In this embodiment, the coverage area of ​​the network device includes one or more cells, and each cell has two states: normal state and DTX state. In other words, the coverage area of ​​the network device includes two types of cells: active cells and inactive cells.

[0132] In this embodiment, after the terminal is powered on, it can receive downlink synchronization signals and perform cell search by scanning the downlink synchronization signals sent by the network device. The downlink synchronization signals sent by the network device can be understood as the downlink synchronization signals sent by each cell within the network device's coverage area.

[0133] In this embodiment, the terminal can monitor and receive downlink synchronization signals sent by network devices according to the monitoring period. Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram illustrating a monitoring cycle provided for one embodiment of this application. Figure 2aIt contains N monitoring periods, and the terminal can monitor and receive downlink synchronization signals sent by network devices in each monitoring period. When there are multiple monitoring periods, the first monitoring period (e.g., ...) Figure 2a The starting time of the monitoring period 1) can be the time when the terminal begins scanning the downlink synchronization signal, or it can be the time when the terminal is powered on; this application does not limit this. In some embodiments, the monitoring period can also be called a monitoring time window; this application does not limit this.

[0134] In this embodiment, the monitoring period can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions on it.

[0135] As an example, the monitoring period can be the default scanning period for the access beam in the existing standard, which is 20ms.

[0136] In this embodiment, the monitoring period can be predefined by the protocol, or it can be pre-configured in the terminal, or the terminal can obtain it through system messages, or it can be configured by the network device. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0137] S202, determine the status of the cell where the terminal is located in the current monitoring period. If the status is the first state, access the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal. If the status is the second state, receive the SSB at the first moment according to the downlink synchronization signal.

[0138] In this embodiment, the cell where the terminal is located can be understood as the cell that the terminal searches for based on the received downlink synchronization signal.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first state can be understood as the normal state, and the second state can be understood as the DTX state. Specifically, if a cell is in the first state, it is an active cell; if a cell is in the second state, it is an inactive cell.

[0140] In this embodiment, after receiving a downlink synchronization signal within the current monitoring period, the terminal can determine the state of the cell where it is located within the current monitoring period, and determine whether the terminal can access the cell within the current monitoring period based on the cell's state. For example, if the cell's state within the current monitoring period is a first state, the terminal can access the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal received within the current monitoring period; if the cell's state within the current monitoring period is a second state, the terminal can determine the first moment to receive the SSB based on the received downlink synchronization signal, and access the cell after receiving the SSB. In other words, the terminal can determine the timing for accessing the cell based on the received downlink synchronization signal.

[0141] This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal determining the cell status.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the terminal can determine the cell's status within the current monitoring period based on the received downlink synchronization signal.

[0143] In this implementation, the terminal can determine the cell's state within the current monitoring period based on the relationship between the received downlink synchronization signal and the cell's state. For example, if the terminal receives a first downlink synchronization signal within the current monitoring period, it considers the cell to be in the first state; if the terminal receives a second downlink synchronization signal within the current monitoring period, it considers the cell to be in the second state. The relationship between the downlink synchronization signal and the cell's state can be predefined by the protocol, pre-configured in the terminal, or obtained by the terminal through system messages; this application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0144] In this embodiment, the terminal can perform cell search based on the received downlink synchronization signal and determine the status of the searched cell within the current monitoring period, thereby determining the timing for accessing the cell and achieving cell access. This embodiment introduces cell DTX status to reduce the time required for satellites to complete coverage of all satellite areas, enabling the terminal to receive the downlink synchronization signal within the monitoring period and perform cell search. Furthermore, if the terminal finds an active cell, it can directly access the cell based on the received downlink synchronization signal; if it finds an inactive cell, the terminal can receive the SSB (Service Subsequent Block) at the first moment based on the received downlink synchronization signal, thereby achieving cell access. The technical solution provided in this application can improve the network performance of the terminal.

[0145] In one possible implementation, after receiving a downlink synchronization signal, the terminal can directly perform corresponding operations based on the received downlink synchronization signal without needing to determine the cell's status within the current monitoring period, thus saving power. For example, if the terminal receives a first downlink synchronization signal within a monitoring period, it can directly access the cell based on the first downlink synchronization signal; if the terminal receives a second downlink synchronization signal within a monitoring period, it can receive the SSB at the first moment based on the second downlink synchronization signal, and thus access the cell after receiving the SSB.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the first downlink synchronization signal can be an SSB, and the second downlink synchronization signal can be a cell identification signal. The terminal can identify the cell based on the cell identification signal, or it can determine whether the cell is in a second state during the current monitoring period based on the cell identification signal. The cell identification signal can also be named in other ways, and there are no restrictions here.

[0147] For example, the cell identification signal can be at least one of the following: a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The cell identification signal can be transmitted in a round-robin fashion. Round-robin transmission of the cell identification signal can be understood as transmitting the cell identification signal through beams in different directions, such as... Figure 3 The cell identification signal transmission method. Optionally, the cell identification signal can be alternating between PSS and SSS, that is, one cell identification signal is PSS, the next cell identification signal is SSS, and the next cell identification signal is PSS.

[0148] Figure 3 This is a schematic illustration of a downlink synchronization signal provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the network device's coverage area includes Area 1 and Area 2. Cells in Area 1 are active cells, and cells in Area 2 are inactive cells. Figure 3 As shown, active cells can transmit SSB, while inactive cells can transmit cell identification signals. Cell identification signals are PSS and SSS, which can be abbreviated as PS. Figure 3 As can be seen, an SSB occupies 4 symbols in the time domain, while a cell identification signal occupies 2 symbols. Within the same duration (e.g., two time slots, or 28 symbols), an active cell can transmit SSBs in 4 directions, while an inactive cell can transmit cell identification signals in 14 directions. This allows network devices to cover a wider network coverage area within the same duration, improving network coverage efficiency. An active cell transmitting SSBs in 4 directions can be understood as transmitting 4 SSBs with the same content, each transmitted through a beam in a different direction. Similarly, an inactive cell transmitting SSBs in 14 directions can be understood as transmitting 14 cell identification signals with the same content, each transmitted through a beam in a different direction.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the terminal can monitor the downlink synchronization signal in each monitoring cycle to determine the timing for cell access. For example, if the terminal receives a cell identification signal in the current monitoring cycle, it can determine that the cell is in the second state in the current monitoring cycle. The terminal can continue to monitor the downlink synchronization signal in the next monitoring cycle until it receives the SSB at the first moment, which indicates that the cell has switched from the second state to the first state. At this time, the terminal can access the cell based on the received SSB.

[0150] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating a cell access method according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the cell switches from the second state to the first state in the fifth monitoring cycle. The terminal needs to continuously monitor the downlink synchronization signal for five monitoring cycles in order to receive the SSB and achieve cell access.

[0151] In one possible implementation, when an inactive cell transmits a second downlink synchronization signal, the second downlink synchronization signal may contain a sequence generated using a first parameter, which may indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB.

[0152] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be part or all of the signal sequence in the second downlink synchronization signal. For instance, when the second downlink synchronization signal is PSS and SSS, the sequence generated by the first parameter can be the PSS and / or SSS in the second downlink synchronization signal. For example, considering that in 5G NR, PSS is generated by an m-sequence and SSS is generated by a gold-sequence, the first parameter can be a ZC-sequence, which generates the PSS and / or SSS in the second downlink synchronization signal. As another example, the first parameter can be a gold-sequence, which generates the PSS in the second downlink synchronization signal. Yet another example is that the first parameter can be an m-sequence, which generates the SSS in the second downlink synchronization signal.

[0153] As an example, the sequence generated using the first parameter can be a separately added sequence, which can be included in the second downlink synchronization signal. For example, a PSS or SSS generated using the first parameter can be added. The first parameter can be any of the following: an m-sequence, a gold sequence, or a ZC sequence.

[0154] Figure 5 This is a schematic illustration of a second downlink synchronization signal provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The sequence generated by the first parameter is a newly added sequence. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the second downlink synchronization signal includes a cell identification signal consisting of a PSS and an SSS, as well as a sequence generated by the first parameter, which can be either a PSS or an SSS.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the first parameter can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB by specifying the handover duration required for the cell to switch from the second state to the first state. The start time of the handover duration can be the second moment, and the end time can be the first moment. The second moment can be the moment when the terminal receives the second downlink synchronization signal, the moment when the terminal finds the cell, or the moment when the terminal determines that the cell's state is the second state. The first moment can be the moment when the cell switches to the first state.

[0156] In this implementation, the handover duration can be indicated by the index of the first parameter, allowing the terminal to search for cells by scanning downlink synchronization signals after power-on. If the terminal receives a second downlink synchronization signal within the monitoring period, it can determine the first parameter based on the second downlink synchronization signal and determine the handover duration based on the relationship between the index of the first parameter and the handover duration, thereby determining the first moment to receive the SSB and achieving SSB reception. The relationship between the index of the first parameter and the handover duration can be predefined by the protocol or obtained by the terminal through other means; this application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0157] In this embodiment, the index of the first parameter can be determined according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions on it. For example, when the first parameter is an m sequence, the index can be 0; when the first parameter is a gold sequence, the index can be 1; when the first parameter is a ZC sequence, the index can be 2.

[0158] As an example, the handover duration can be in several increments or levels, such as 20ms or 40ms. It should be understood that the handover duration will increase when there are many inactive cells, or when the network device sends fewer SSB beams; conversely, the handover duration will decrease when there are few inactive cells. The handover duration can be predefined through the protocol or pre-configured in the terminal; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0159] This implementation supports cells with different handover durations, meaning that the handover duration can vary between cells within the network coverage area. The terminal can determine the handover duration through the sequence in the second downlink synchronization signal, reducing the overhead of terminal monitoring the SSB.

[0160] In some embodiments, the terminal can adjust the monitoring period based on the handover duration. For example, when the terminal monitors the downlink synchronization signal with a default monitoring period (e.g., 20ms), if the terminal receives a second downlink synchronization signal within a certain monitoring period and determines that the time when the cell hands over to the first state is later than the end time of the monitoring period based on the second downlink synchronization signal, the terminal can extend the monitoring period accordingly. That is, before the cell hands over to the first state, the terminal can stop monitoring the downlink synchronization signal and instead receive the SSB when the cell hands over to the first state, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the handover duration can comprise R monitoring cycles, where R is a positive integer. For example, the first parameter can indicate the handover duration by specifying that R monitoring cycles are needed before receiving the SSB, thus indicating the first moment for receiving the SSB. This first moment can be the start time of the monitoring cycle for receiving the SSB. Taking R=4 as an example, in the first monitoring cycle, the first parameter can indicate that 3 monitoring cycles are needed before receiving the SSB; in the second monitoring cycle, it can indicate that 2 monitoring cycles are needed; in the third monitoring cycle, it can indicate that 1 monitoring cycle is needed; and in the fourth monitoring cycle, it can indicate that 0 monitoring cycles are needed, meaning the SSB can be received in the next monitoring cycle. In this case, the first moment can be the start time of the next monitoring cycle.

[0162] As an example, the terminal can receive downlink synchronization signals in each monitoring cycle and determine the first moment to receive the SSB based on the received second downlink synchronization signal, thereby achieving cell access after receiving the SSB. In this example, the terminal needs to receive multiple second downlink synchronization signals, so the accuracy of the first moment determined by the terminal based on the received second downlink synchronization signals is relatively high.

[0163] As an example, the terminal can receive the second downlink synchronization signal only during the first monitoring period, and then receive the SSB based on the received second downlink synchronization signal to achieve cell access. In this example, the terminal can refrain from receiving the second downlink synchronization signal during the period when the cell is in the second state, or during the period when the cell has not switched to the first state, to reduce the terminal's power consumption. For example, if the terminal determines that it needs Y monitoring periods to receive the SSB based on the second downlink synchronization signal received during the first monitoring period, then the terminal can refrain from monitoring the second downlink synchronization signal during the subsequent Y monitoring periods, reducing monitoring overhead and saving resources.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the network device can directly send first information to the terminal, thereby explicitly indicating the handover duration required for the cell to switch from the second state to the first state, or in other words, the first information can indicate the first moment of receiving the SSB. The method by which the first information indicates the first moment can refer to the description of indicating the first moment through the first parameter in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here. For example, the first information can directly indicate the specific value of the handover duration, or it can indicate the handover duration by indicating the number of monitoring periods. It should be understood that the network device sending the first information to the terminal can be understood as an inactive cell sending the first information to the terminal. In this implementation, the flexibility of scheduling is increased by introducing explicit signaling, and the terminal can also determine the timing of accessing the cell through the first information, reducing the overhead of monitoring the SSB; in addition, in this implementation, the terminal does not need to detect the sequence, thereby reducing network overhead.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0166] Figure 6 This is a schematic illustration of a second downlink synchronization signal provided for another embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The first piece of information is contained in the second downlink synchronization signal. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the second downlink synchronization signal includes a cell identification signal composed of PSS and SSS, as well as first information.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first information can be independent of the second downlink synchronization signal. Specifically, the first information can be sent in the same message as the second downlink synchronization signal, or it can be sent in a different message.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the first downlink synchronization signal differs from the second downlink synchronization signal, which can be understood as the first downlink synchronization signal and the second downlink synchronization signal having different patterns. For example, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, but the SSBs transmitted by active and inactive cells differ in at least one of the following: frequency domain position, time domain position, or period. It should be noted that the current SSB transmission period is 20ms, and the time domain and frequency domain positions of the SSB within the system frame are protocol-defined. The terminal can determine the position of the SSB within the system frame based on information such as the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0169] As an example, the cell status can be determined using one of the following criteria: frequency domain location, time domain location, or period. For instance, when using frequency domain location as the criterion, if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first frequency domain location, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first frequency domain location, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. Similarly, when using time domain location as the criterion, if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal matches the first time domain location, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not match the first time domain location, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. Furthermore, if the terminal receives an SSB within a first duration, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the terminal does not detect an SSB within the first duration, the cell is considered an inactive cell in the current monitoring period. The first time domain position, the first frequency domain position, and the first duration can be predefined by the protocol, or pre-configured in the terminal, or obtained by the terminal through system messages; this application does not limit these. As an example, the start time of the first duration can be the time when the terminal begins scanning the downlink synchronization signal, or the time when the terminal is powered on; this is not limited. The length of the first duration can be the length of the monitoring period in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0170] As an example, the cell status can be determined using multiple criteria, including frequency domain location, time domain location, and period. Taking all aspects of frequency domain location, time domain location, and period as criteria, if the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not conform to the first frequency domain location, the cell is considered inactive in the current monitoring period. Similarly, if the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal does not conform to the first time domain location, the cell is considered inactive in the current monitoring period. Furthermore, if the terminal does not detect an SSB within the first time period, the cell is considered inactive in the current monitoring period. When the frequency domain location of the SSB received by the terminal conforms to the first frequency domain location, the time domain location of the SSB received by the terminal conforms to the first time domain location, and the terminal receives the SSB within the first time period, the cell is considered active in the current monitoring period.

[0171] It should be noted that the time domain position, frequency domain position, and period of the SSB transmitted by the inactive cell can be pre-configured in the terminal, or the terminal can obtain them through system messages or other messages. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0172] In some implementations, the first downlink synchronization signal and the second downlink synchronization signal can be the same, and the terminal can determine the cell state by decoding subsequent signals of the downlink synchronization signal. For example, both active and inactive cells can transmit SSBs, and the time domain position, frequency domain position, and period of the SSBs transmitted by the active and inactive cells respectively conform to the first time domain position, the first frequency domain position, and the first duration. The active cell can transmit the first signal after transmitting the SSB, while the inactive cell can transmit only the SSB.

[0173] Therefore, after receiving the SSB, the terminal can monitor the first signal within a second time period. If the terminal receives the first signal within the second time period, the cell is considered an active cell in the current monitoring period; if the terminal does not receive the first signal within the second time period, the cell is considered to have only transmitted an SSB in the current monitoring period, and the cell is considered an inactive cell. The start time of the second time period can be the moment the terminal receives the SSB, or it can be the moment that satisfies the first offset between the time the terminal receives the SSB and the time the SSB is received; this application does not impose any restrictions on this. The second time period and the first offset can be predefined by the protocol or obtained through system messages; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0174] As an example, considering that in the existing standard, after a cell sends an SSB, it sends a downlink control signal to schedule system messages, the first signal can be a downlink control signal or a scheduling broadcast signal corresponding to the downlink control signal. This allows the cell state to be determined with minimal protocol modifications, without needing to detect sequences and first information, thus reducing network overhead.

[0175] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The apparatus shown can be used to implement the operations performed by the terminal in the aforementioned method embodiments. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the device 700 may include a receiving module 710 and a processing module 720.

[0176] As an example, device 700 can be used to implement Figure 2 The methods shown include the various steps / operations performed by the terminal. For example, the receiving module 710 can be used to implement the operations performed by the terminal in S201; the processing module 720 can be used to implement S202.

[0177] In some embodiments, the receiving module 710 can also be used to receive first information, which indicates the first moment of receiving the SSB.

[0178] In some embodiments, the processing module 720 can also be used to monitor the SSB during a first duration.

[0179] In some embodiments, the processing module 720 can also be used to monitor downlink control signals during a second duration.

[0180] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The apparatus shown can be used to implement the operations performed by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 may include a transmitting module 810.

[0181] As an example, device 800 can be used to implement Figure 2 The methods shown include the various steps / operations performed by the network device. For example, the sending module 810 can be used to implement the operations performed by the network device in S201.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sending module 810 can also be used to send first information, which indicates the first moment when the SSB is sent in the first cell.

[0183] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The apparatus 900 shown can be used to implement the method executed by a terminal or network device in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0184] like Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 of this embodiment includes a memory 910, a processor 920, a communication interface 930, and a bus 940. The memory 910, processor 920, and communication interface 930 are interconnected via the bus 940.

[0185] The memory 910 can be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 910 can store programs, and when the program stored in the memory 910 is executed by the processor 920, the processor 920 performs the execution... Figure 2 The steps in the method shown are performed by the terminal or network device.

[0186] The processor 920 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the communication method shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0187] The processor 920 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this application can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 920 or by software instructions.

[0188] The processor 920 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0189] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 910. The processor 920 reads the information in memory 910 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the communication device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions performed by the terminal or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0190] Alternatively, the memory 910 and the processor 920 can be integrated together.

[0191] The communication interface 930 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 900 and other devices or apparatuses.

[0192] Bus 940 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 900 (e.g., memory 910, processor 920, communication interface 930).

[0193] Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the foregoing embodiments. Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the foregoing embodiments.

[0194] It should be noted that the modules or components shown in the above embodiments can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Furthermore, when a module is implemented by a processing element calling program code, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processors capable of calling program code, such as a controller. Additionally, these modules can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0195] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, software modules, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0196] The term "multiple" in this document refers to two or more. The term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in formulas, " / " indicates a "division" relationship. Additionally, it should be understood that in the description of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0197] It is understood that the terms "exemplary" or "for example" used herein are intended to mean as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0198] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0199] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned process numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, and the method includes: Receive downlink synchronization signal; Determine the status of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period; If the state is the first state, access the cell based on the downlink synchronization signal; If the state is the second state, the synchronization signal block SSB is received at the first moment according to the downlink synchronization signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the downlink synchronization signal is a synchronization signal block (SSB), the cell is in the first state during the current monitoring period; or, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the cell is in the second state during the current monitoring period. The cell identification signal is used to identify the cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cell identification signal is at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS, or secondary synchronization signal SSS.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, and the first time point is determined based on the first parameter.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, which indicates the first moment.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downlink synchronization signal is an SSB. The cell is in the first state during the current monitoring period when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position. Otherwise, the cell's status during the current monitoring period is the second status.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the status of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period includes: Monitor SSB during the first time period; If the SSB is received, the cell's status during the current monitoring period is the first status; If the SSB is not received, the cell's status during the current monitoring period is the second status.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the status of the cell where the terminal is located within the current monitoring period includes: Monitor downlink control signals during the second time period; If the downlink control signal is received, the cell's state during the current monitoring period is the first state; If the downlink control signal is not received, the cell's status during the current monitoring period is the second status.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A downlink synchronization signal is sent in the first cell, the downlink synchronization signal indicating the status of the first cell in the current monitoring period.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the downlink synchronization signal is a synchronization signal block (SSB), the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a first state; or, when the downlink synchronization signal is a cell identification signal, the state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a second state. The cell identification signal is used to identify the first cell.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cell identification signal is at least one of the following: primary synchronization signal PSS, or secondary synchronization signal SSS.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The downlink synchronization signal includes a sequence generated using a first parameter, which indicates the first moment when the SSB is transmitted in the first cell.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, which indicates the first moment when the SSB is sent in the first cell.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The downlink synchronization signal is an SSB. The state of the first cell in the current monitoring period is a first state when the SSB satisfies at least one of the following: the time domain position of the SSB conforms to the first time domain position, or the frequency domain position of the SSB conforms to the first frequency domain position. Otherwise, the state of the first cell during the current monitoring period is the second state.

15. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The status of the first cell during the current monitoring period is determined based on the transmission period of the downlink synchronization signal.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes various functional modules for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, which, when invoked by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 15.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 15.

19. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable medium stores program code for computer execution, the program code including instructions for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 15.

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