Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device. The communication method comprises: if a PCI of a first cell is not included in a neighbor list of a WAB node, generating a first request, the first request being used for requesting information of the first cell, the information of the first cell comprising a CGI of the first cell; and sending the first request to access network equipment serving the WAB node. According to the method, the probability that the WAB-gNB in the WAB node discovers the neighbor cell can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, relay nodes can be deployed on mobile devices (such as vehicles) and move with them. Relay nodes provide wireless coverage to terminal devices inside vehicles via wireless backhaul access macro stations (access network equipment, also known as BH gNB or BH-RAN-NODE), overcoming the problem of poor wireless signal strength within vehicles. In Rel-19, these relay nodes are called Wireless Access and Backhaul (WAB) nodes, which include access network equipment and mobile terminals (MTs). The access network equipment in a WAB node is also called a WAB-gNB, and the MT in a WAB node is also called a WAB-MT.

[0003] To enable timely configuration of neighboring cell relationships, Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) technology was proposed. ANR refers to the situation where, when the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) of a neighboring cell reported by a terminal device is not included in the neighboring cell list, the access network device considers the reported cell a missing neighbor. The access network device then instructs the terminal device to stop the current communication process and re-measure the missing neighbor, reporting the measured information to the access network device. This re-measurement is called a CGI measurement or a reportCGI measurement. When performing a reportCGI measurement, the terminal device needs to receive a System Information Block 1 (SIB1) message for the missing neighbor to obtain information about the missing neighbor, including its CGI information, Tracking Area Code (TAC) information, and Radio Access Network Area Code (RANAC) information.

[0004] However, in scenarios where WAB nodes are deployed on mobile devices, the neighboring cells of WAB-gNB within the WAB node will frequently change due to the movement of the WAB node. At this time, the terminal devices under the WAB node may be unable to measure information such as the CGI of the missing neighboring cells, causing the WAB-gNB within the WAB node to fail to successfully discover the missing neighboring cells. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device to improve the probability of WAB-gNB in ​​WAB nodes discovering missing neighbor cells.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, comprising: generating a first request if the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of a first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list of the WAB node, the first request being used to request information about the first cell, the information about the first cell including the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the first cell; and sending the first request to the access network device serving the WAB node.

[0007] A WAB node includes WAB-gNB and WAB-MT. For example, this communication method can be performed by the WAB-gNB within the WAB node.

[0008] The access network equipment serving the WAB node can also be interpreted as: the access network equipment to which the WAB node accesses, or the access network equipment to which the WAB node connects. That is, the BH-RAN-NODE of the WAB node.

[0009] For example, the first request carries the PCI of the first cell and / or the frequency information of the first cell.

[0010] If the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, it can also be interpreted as the first cell being a missing neighbor cell of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node. Optionally, the first cell can also be referred to as the first neighbor cell or the first missing neighbor cell.

[0011] Understandably, since the WAB node is located under the BH-RAN-NODE, its neighboring cells are highly likely to be neighboring cells of the BH-RAN-NODE as well. Therefore, the WAB can first attempt to request information about the first cell from the BH-RAN-NODE. If the first cell happens to be a neighboring cell of the BH-RAN-NODE, then the BH-RAN-NODE can directly send the information of the first cell to the WAB node. That is, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain the neighboring cells of the first cell through the BH-RAN-NODE without relying on the terminal device. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment helps to improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering the first cell.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information sent by the access network device in response to the first request, the second information including information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0013] For example, this second information is sent from the BH-RAN-NODE of the WAB node to the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node.

[0014] This technical solution allows the WAB-gNB in ​​the BH-RAN-NODE-assisted WAB node to obtain information about the missing neighbor cell (the first cell) without relying on terminal equipment. Therefore, it increases the probability that the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node will discover the first cell.

[0015] Optionally, the second information may also include the Transmission Network Layer (TNL) address information of the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the mobile terminal MT in the WAB node initiating a CGI measurement of the first cell, the CGI measurement being used to obtain information about the first cell.

[0017] This technical solution allows the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node to obtain information about the first cell through CGI measurements performed by WAB-MT, without relying on terminal equipment. Therefore, this solution can improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering neighboring cells.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell;

[0019] The MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurements for the first cell, including:

[0020] Based on the third piece of information, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurements for the first cell.

[0021] That is, in this technical solution, the MT in the WAB node is triggered to start CGI measurement of the first cell based on the third information sent by BH-RAN-NODE.

[0022] Optionally, the third information includes information for instructing the MT not to send the results of the CGI measurement to the BH-RAN-NODE (i.e., the access network equipment serving the WAB node).

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurements of the first cell, including:

[0024] If no response is received from the access network device in response to the first request, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0025] That is, in this technical solution, it can be assumed that the MT in the WAB node is triggered to start CGI measurement of the first cell when the WAB node does not receive feedback from BH-RAN-NODE.

[0026] Optionally, when the MT in the WAB node is triggered to start CGI measurement of the first cell when the WAB node does not receive feedback from the BH-RAN-NODE, the method further includes: the WAB node sending a fourth message to the BH-RAN-NODE, the fourth message being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to determine to start CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0027] Optionally, the fourth information includes information for instructing the terminal device on the measurement duration when performing CGI measurements.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: instructing the access network device to one or more of the following: information about a first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0029] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to an access network device serving a WAB node, comprising:

[0030] A first request is received, the first request being used to request information about a first cell, the information of the first cell including the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the first cell.

[0031] The access network equipment serving the WAB node can also be interpreted as: the access network equipment to which the WAB node accesses, or the access network equipment to which the WAB node connects. That is, the BH-RAN-NODE of the WAB node.

[0032] Understandably, since the WAB node is located under the BH-RAN-NODE, its neighboring cells are highly likely to be neighboring cells of the BH-RAN-NODE as well. Therefore, the WAB can first attempt to request information about the first cell from the BH-RAN-NODE. If the first cell happens to be a neighboring cell of the BH-RAN-NODE, then the BH-RAN-NODE can directly send the information of the first cell to the WAB node. That is, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain the neighboring cells of the first cell through the BH-RAN-NODE without relying on the terminal device. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment helps to improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering the first cell.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first request includes the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell and / or the frequency of the first cell.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0035] In response to the first request, a second message is sent to the WAB node, the second message including information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0036] For example, the second information may also include one or more of the following: the Transmission Network Layer (TNL) address information of the access network device to which the first cell belongs.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0038] In response to the first request, a third message is sent to the WAB node, which instructs the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0039] Optionally, the third information includes information for instructing the MT not to send the results of the CGI measurement to the BH-RAN-NODE (i.e., the access network equipment serving the WAB node).

[0040] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method applied to a MT in a wireless access backhaul (WAB) node, comprising:

[0041] When the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list of the access network device in the WAB node, a CGI measurement of the first cell is initiated. The CGI measurement is used to obtain information about the first cell.

[0042] Send information about the first cell obtained from CGI measurements to the access network equipment in the WAB node.

[0043] This technical solution allows the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node to obtain information about the first cell through CGI measurements performed by WAB-MT, without relying on terminal equipment. Therefore, this solution can improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering neighboring cells.

[0044] Optionally, the method further includes: instructing the access network device in the WAB node to one or more of the following: information about a first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurements of the first cell;

[0046] Initiating CGI measurement for the first cell includes: initiating CGI measurement for the first cell based on third information.

[0047] That is, in this technical solution, the MT in the WAB node triggers the initiation of CGI measurement of the first cell based on the third information sent by BH-RAN-NODE.

[0048] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, initiating CGI measurement of the first cell includes: if no information is received from the access network device serving the WAB node in response to the first request, initiating CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0049] That is, in this technical solution, it can be assumed that the MT in the WAB node is triggered to start CGI measurement of the first cell when it does not receive feedback from BH-RAN-NODE.

[0050] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the access network device serving the WAB node, the fourth information being used to indicate the determination to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0051] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: instructing the access network device serving the WAB node to one or more of the following: information about the first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0052] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the MT in the WAB node sending the PCI of the first cell to the access network device in the WAB node.

[0053] Fourthly, this application provides an apparatus comprising modules or units for implementing the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or modules or units for implementing the methods of the second aspect, or modules or units for implementing the methods of the third aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit may implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0054] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising a processor and a storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the third aspect to be implemented.

[0055] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus comprising a processing circuit for processing data and / or information such that a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or a method as in the implementation of the second aspect is implemented, or a method as in the implementation of the third aspect is implemented.

[0056] The processing circuit may include one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors used for control or processing functions.

[0057] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions, and the processor for running the programs or instructions to implement the methods as in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the methods as in the second aspect, or to implement the methods as in the third aspect.

[0058] Optionally, the device may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to implement a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement a method as described in the second aspect, or to implement a method as described in the third aspect.

[0060] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0061] Optionally, the chip may also include transceiver circuitry, or input / output interfaces.

[0062] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising one or more processors and communication circuitry, the communication circuitry being used by the apparatus to perform at least one of signal input or output; the one or more processors being used to implement the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the method as described in the second or third aspect.

[0063] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second or third aspect to be implemented.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when the computer program code or instructions are executed, cause the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second or third aspect to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1This application provides an illustration of the application scenario.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the WAB architecture provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the signaling process for ANR (Application Not Responding).

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an open RAN architecture to which the communication method of this application can be applied;

[0069] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided for another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Before introducing the communication method and related apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted:

[0077] First, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" in this application is solely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first information" and "second information" are simply different pieces of information, and there is no temporal sequence, size, or priority relationship between them.

[0078] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship; the specific meaning can be understood in context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0079] Third, in this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and indirect indication (also known as implicit indication). Direct indication information A refers to information A; indirect indication information A can refer to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and direct indication information B; or it can refer to indicating information A through a preset rule that can be used to determine A based on B and direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B, and the preset rule, can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0080] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0081] Fifth, for ease of understanding, this application uses multiple accompanying drawings to describe the method provided in this application. These drawings are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. For example, the order of steps shown in the drawings can be easily changed according to their function and internal logic; or, for example, all steps in the drawings can be performed, or only some of them can be performed, as long as the same function as in the embodiments of this application can be achieved.

[0082] Sixth, in this application, the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0083] 1. Same frequency measurement

[0084] This means that the cell where the terminal device is currently located (i.e., the serving cell) and the cell to be measured are on the same carrier frequency (center frequency).

[0085] 2. Different frequency measurement

[0086] This means that the cell where the terminal device is currently located (i.e., the serving cell) and the cell to be measured are not on the same carrier frequency (center frequency).

[0087] 3. Serving the community and neighboring areas

[0088] A serving cell is the cell where a terminal device connects to the network, while neighboring cells refer to other cells on the network that are adjacent to the serving cell where the terminal device is located.

[0089] 4. Measuring gap

[0090] If a terminal device needs to perform inter-frequency measurements, one approach is to install two types of radio frequency receivers in the terminal device to measure the current serving cell and the cell to be measured, respectively. However, this increases costs and introduces interference issues between different frequency points. Therefore, the measurement gap method was proposed. This method reserves a period of time (the measurement gap time) for the terminal device to perform inter-frequency measurements. During this period, the access network equipment will not schedule the terminal device. After the measurement gap time expires, the terminal device returns to the frequency of the serving cell to report the measurement results.

[0091] With the development of communication technology, relay nodes can be deployed on mobile devices and move with them to provide wireless coverage to terminal devices within those mobile devices, overcoming the problem of poor wireless signal for terminal devices within the mobile device. These mobile devices can be, for example, vehicles or even airplanes.

[0092] For example, taking a vehicle as an example of a mobile device, Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a vehicle-mounted relay (VMR) scenario to which this application can be applied. Figure 1 As shown, the relay node is deployed on the vehicle. The user equipment (UE) inside the vehicle connects to the relay node. The relay node connects to the macro station (access network equipment, also known as BH gNB or BH-RAN-NODE) ​​via wireless backhaul to provide wireless coverage for the terminal equipment inside the vehicle, overcoming the problem of poor wireless signal inside the vehicle.

[0093] User equipment can also be referred to as access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile equipment, user terminal, wireless telecom equipment, user agent, user equipment, or user device. The following description uses terminal equipment as an example. Terminal equipment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or an in-vehicle device. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] As an example, and not a limitation, terminal devices can also be IoT nodes. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks via communication technologies, thereby achieving intelligent networks that enable human-machine and machine-to-machine interconnection. Connectivity can be achieved through broadband or narrowband technologies. IoT technology, for example, can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low terminal power consumption through narrowband (NB) technology. IoT technologies include reflective communication, spread spectrum, and ultra-wideband (UWB), which will not be elaborated further.

[0095] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0096] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment only uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this embodiment.

[0097] The access network device involved in this application embodiment is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The access network device can provide wireless communication services, enabling terminal devices to access the wireless network. The access network can also be called a radio access network (RAN) device or a network device. In this application embodiment, the RAN device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) used in a cellular network (or mobile network) to connect terminal devices to the wireless network; it can also be a Zig Bee base station, a Bluetooth master, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) master, a LoRa base station, or a Wi-Fi access point.

[0098] RAN equipment can be, for example, a base station. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a device used to set up communication modules, modems, or chips within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device performing base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, a network-side device in future communication networks, or a device performing base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.

[0099] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or RUs. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0100] RAN nodes can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, each corresponding to a DU and RU with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is another type of interface, relative to CPRI, some downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as, for downlink, precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix addition (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU; and for uplink, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of fast Fourier transform (FFT) / cyclic prefix removal (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU. In one possible implementation, the interface can be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). Under the eCPRI architecture, the segmentation between DU and RU differs, corresponding to different categories (Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, F.

[0101] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0102] It should be understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0103] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0104] The network device in this application can be a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a software function running on general-purpose hardware. It can also be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. Among them, the general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0105] In Rel-19, the aforementioned relay nodes are referred to as wireless access and backhaul (WAB) nodes.

[0106] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a WAB architecture is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the WAB node includes WAB-gNB and WAB-MT, which can provide gNB and mobile termination (MT) functions. The UE accesses the WAB-gNB through the Uu port. Then, the WAB-MT encapsulates the UE's data in the MT's protocol data unit (PDU) session and sends it through the WAB-MT's Uu port, via the gNB connected to the WAB-MT (currently called BH-RAN-NODE, which can be understood as the access network device serving the MT), to the WAB-MT's UPF (currently called BH UPF). The BH UPF then removes the header information related to the WAB-MT, exposing the header information related to the UE, and sends it to the UE's user plane function (UPF) according to Internet Protocol (IP) routing. Logically, a PDU session is also established between the UE and the UE's UPF, but this is transmitted within the WAB-MT's PDU session.

[0107] In the WAB, UE data is directly packaged in the MT's PDU Session. During WAB-MT backhaul, this data is treated as WAB-MT's own user plane data. After this data reaches the BH-RAN-NODE via the WAB-MT's Data Radio Bearer (DRB), the BH-RAN-NODE can only see the WAB-MT's data, not the UE's data. Only after it is sent to the WAB-MT's UPF will the WAB-MT-related header information be removed, exposing the UE-related header information, and then forwarded to the UE's UPF. The above illustrates how the UE transmits user plane data with the UPF. The control plane transmission between the WAB-gNB and AMF is similar, also packaged in the MT's PDU Session and forwarded by the WAB-MT's UPF to the WAB-gNB's AMF via IP routing.

[0108] Furthermore, the WAB-gNB can establish logical Xn interfaces with the BH-RAN-NODE and other nearby base stations (other gNBs). The Xn interface is an interface between base stations, primarily used for signaling interactions such as handover. The data transmission method on the Xn interface (taking WAB-gNB sending data to BH-RAN-NODE as an example) involves the WAB-gNB first sending it through the Uu interface of the WAB-MT to the BH UPF of the WAB-MT via the BH-RAN-NODE. Then, the BH UPF forwards the data to the BH-RAN-NODE via IP routing. This results in data detours. Because the BH-RAN-NODE cannot parse the application layer of the WAB-MT data, it cannot recognize that this is Xn interface data intended for it and can only send it all to the MT's UPF first. Even if some Xn data is indeed intended for the BH-RAN-NODE, it will first be sent to the MT's UPF, and then the MT's UPF will forward it back to the BH-RAN-NODE via IP routing.

[0109] For introductions to the Xn, N2, N3, and N6 interfaces, as well as the access and mobility management function (AMF) and user plane function network elements, please refer to the descriptions in relevant technical documents; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0110] Currently, Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) technology can be used in network operation and maintenance. The process is roughly as follows: First, the terminal device measures and reports the synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) of the neighboring cell. The measurement report includes the neighboring cell's physical cell identity (PCI) information. If the access network device receives the neighboring cell's PCI and finds that the neighboring cell is not yet maintained in the neighboring cell list, it considers the neighboring cell to be missing and stops the current communication process, then performs the measurement again (this measurement is called a cell global identity (CGI) measurement or reportCGI measurement). This time, the terminal device's reportCGI measurement requires receiving the neighboring cell's system information block 1 (SIB1) message, including the neighboring cell's CGI, tracking area code (TAC), and radio access network area code (RANAAC) information, and includes this information in the measurement report, which is then reported to the access network device. The main advantage of ANR is that it allows the network to automatically discover neighboring cells with the assistance of terminal devices, reducing manual configuration. The signaling flow of the entire process is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0111] Step 1: The access network device sends a Report Neighbor Request to the terminal device to request the terminal device to measure neighboring cells.

[0112] Step 2: The terminal device measures the SSB of the neighboring cell and sends a Report Neighbor Response to the access network device to report the measured PCI of the neighboring cell.

[0113] For example, if the terminal device measures that the PCI of a neighboring cell is 5, it will report the PCI=5 to the access network device through the neighboring cell report response.

[0114] Step 3: After receiving the PCI of a neighboring cell, the access network device finds that the PCI of the neighboring cell is not maintained in the neighboring cell list, and sends a Report CGI Request to the terminal device to request the terminal device to perform reportCGI measurement on the missing neighboring cell and report the measurement results.

[0115] Access network devices maintain a neighbor cell list (NCL), which records the PCI of at least one cell. When an access network device finds that the PCI of a neighbor cell reported by a terminal device is not in its maintained neighbor cell list, it considers the neighbor cell to be a missing neighbor cell. The access network device then instructs the terminal device to perform a reportCGI measurement on the missing neighbor cell via a Report CGI Request and report the measurement results. For example, the Report CGI Request may include the PCI of the missing neighbor cell.

[0116] Step 4: The terminal device performs reportCGI measurement and reads the SIB1 of the neighboring cell to obtain the information of the neighboring cell.

[0117] During the initiation of reportCGI measurement by the terminal device, the access network device will not invoke this terminal device. Optionally, the access network device carries the instruction useAutonomousGaps-r16=setup, and upon receiving this instruction, the terminal device will automatically initiate the reportCGI measurement.

[0118] Understandably, in reportCGI measurements, the terminal device needs to ensure that it can read the SIB1 of the neighboring cell. Since the base station to which the neighboring cell belongs and the base station to which the serving cell belongs have not yet exchanged information about the SSB configuration of the neighboring cell, and the base station to which the serving cell belongs does not know what measurement gap to configure for the terminal device to ensure that the terminal device can read the SIB1 of the neighboring cell, the time when the terminal device starts reportCGI measurements is determined by itself, that is, the time when the terminal device starts the measurement gap is determined by itself.

[0119] Step 5: After the reportCGI measurement is completed, the terminal device returns to the frequency of the serving cell, puts the neighboring cell information into the measurement report, and reports it to the access network equipment.

[0120] For example, the terminal device reports neighbor cell information to the base station of the serving cell by including it in the CGI-Info NR cell. Taking the case of PCI=5 of the missing neighbor cell in step 2 as an example, after the terminal device performs the reportCGI measurement, it obtains the CGI=XXX2 of the neighbor cell with PCI=5, and can then include CGI=XXX2 in the measurement report.

[0121] It should be noted that although CGI-InfoNR is named "CGI information", it includes not only the CGI information of neighboring cells, but also all the information in the PLMN-IdentityInfoList cell broadcast in the SIB1 of neighboring cells. For example, in addition to the CGI of neighboring cells, it also includes the TAC, PLMN identifier list, RANAC of neighboring cells, etc.

[0122] Correspondingly, after receiving the neighbor cell information, the base station of the serving cell adds a new entry to the NCL, adding the neighbor cell information. At this time, the base station of the serving cell can establish an Xn interface with the base station of the missing neighbor cell. For example, the process of establishing an Xn interface includes: the base station of the serving cell determines the ID of the base station of the missing neighbor cell based on the information in CGI-InfoNR, sends an NG message to the AMF, carrying its own IP address and the ID of the base station of the neighbor cell, and requests the IP address of the base station of the neighbor cell through the AMF. After the IP address exchange is completed, the base station of the serving cell can establish an Xn interface with the base station of the missing neighbor cell.

[0123] It can be seen that current ANR technology relies on the terminal device being able to measure the missing neighbor cell and successfully read the SIB1 of the missing neighbor cell. However, in scenarios where the WAB node is deployed on mobile devices, the neighbor cells of the WAB-gNB within the WAB node frequently change due to the movement of the WAB node. In this case, the terminal device under the WAB node may be unable to measure information such as the CGI of the neighbor cell. For example, during the time when the cell under the WAB-gNB where the terminal device is located becomes a neighbor cell with other cells including those of other base stations, the terminal device under the WAB node may not be located within the overlapping area of ​​these two cells. Alternatively, during the measurement of the SIB1 of the neighbor cell, the relative movement of the cell under the WAB-gNB where the terminal device is located and the measured neighbor cell may cause the terminal device to leave the overlapping area of ​​the two cells, making it impossible to successfully measure the SIB1 of the neighbor cell. Furthermore, this prevents the WAB-gNB within the WAB node from successfully discovering the neighbor cell, thus hindering the implementation of interference management for the neighbor cell and the establishment of the Xn interface by the base stations belonging to the two neighbor cells, further leading to handover failures for the terminal device.

[0124] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus to improve the probability of WAB-gNB in ​​a WAB node discovering neighboring cells.

[0125] Before introducing the communication method provided in this application, an open RAN architecture to which this application can be applied is introduced. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the architecture includes:

[0126] RIC: O-RAN Intelligent Controller, used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization tasks. It communicates with gNB-CU and gNB-DU through the E2 interface, meaning that O-RIC can directly control gNB-DU.

[0127] gNB-CU: gNB-CU that supports O-RAN functions, including BH-RAN-NODE-CU and WAB-CU;

[0128] gNB-DU: gNB-DU that supports O-RAN functionality, including BH-RAN-NODE-CU and WAB-DU.

[0129] RIC can send E2 messages to WAB-gNB-CU or WAB-gNB-DU. The E2 interface is also a logical interface, implemented similarly to the Xn interface. It also uses the MT's PDU Session. RIC communicates with the MT through the MT's UPF, thereby exchanging E2 information with WAB-gNB.

[0130] The communication method and related apparatus provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0131] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The various steps in method 500 are described in detail below.

[0132] S510, the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the WAB node's neighbor cell list.

[0133] In this embodiment, the WAB node includes an access network device and a MT. In this application, the access network device in the WAB node is also referred to as WAB-gNB, and the MT in the WAB node is also referred to as WAB-MT. The descriptions of WAB-gNB and WAB-MT are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0134] Understandably, the neighbor cell list of the WAB node mentioned in this embodiment refers to the neighbor cell list maintained by the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node. The neighbor cell list includes at least one PCI, and each PCI corresponds to one cell.

[0135] In this embodiment, the determination by the WAB node that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list can be made by the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node.

[0136] For example, in one implementation, the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, including: the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node receives the measurement results sent by the terminal device to the WAB-gNB through the Uu interface, and the measurement results carry the PCI of the first cell; the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list based on the neighbor cell list and the PCI of the first cell sent by the terminal device, that is, the first cell is a missing neighbor cell.

[0137] For example, since the WAB-MT in the WAB node also performs connected-state measurements as a UE, in another implementation, the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list based on the measurement results of the WAB-MT. For instance, after the WAB-MT obtains the PCI of the first cell, it sends the PCI to the WAB-gNB. The WAB-gNB, based on the neighbor cell list and the PCI of the first cell measured by the WAB-MT, determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, meaning the first cell is a missing neighbor cell. The first cell is also called the first neighbor cell or the first missing neighbor cell.

[0138] For example, the system messages of a cell may broadcast information to assist idle / inactive terminal devices in cell reselection. This includes neighboring cell information on the same frequency in SIB3 messages, neighboring cell information on different frequencies in SIB4 messages, and neighboring cell information on different systems in SIB5 messages. Connected terminal devices can also receive this information. Therefore, in another implementation, the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighboring cell list by: the WAB node determining that the PCI or frequency of the first cell is not included in the neighboring cell list of the WAB-gNB based on the PCI and / or frequency information of the first cell heard by the WAB-MT in the serving cell's SIB3 / 4 / 5 messages. For example, WAB-MT will send the PCI and / or frequency information of the first cell heard in SIB3 / 4 / 5 of the serving cell to WAB-gNB through the internal interface. Based on the neighbor cell list and the PCI and / or frequency information of the first cell heard by WAB-MT in SIB3 / 4 / 5 of the serving cell, WAB-gNB determines that the PCI or frequency of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list.

[0139] S520, the WAB node sends a first request to the access network device serving the WAB node. The first request is used to request information about the first cell, including the CGI of the first cell.

[0140] In this embodiment, after the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, it will generate a first request and send the first request to the access network device serving the WAB node.

[0141] The access network equipment serving the WAB node can also be interpreted as: the access network equipment to which the WAB node accesses, or the access network equipment to which the WAB node connects. The access network equipment serving the WAB node is also the BH-RAN-NODE described above.

[0142] Specifically, the WAB node sends a first request to the access network device serving the WAB node, which can be done by the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node sending the first request to the access network device serving the WAB node.

[0143] For example, the first request carries the PCI and / or frequency information of the first cell to indicate to BH-RAN-NODE which cell the first cell is being requested.

[0144] For example, the information of the first cell includes information from existing CGI-InfoNR cells. A detailed description of CGI-InfoNR cells can be found in the preceding text and related technical descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] Optionally, in one implementation, after the WAB-gNB determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, the WAB-gNB sends a first request to the BH-RAN-NODE through the Xn interface. That is, the WAB-gNB sends the first request to the BH-RAN-NODE based on the Xn message.

[0146] Optionally, in another implementation, after the WAB-gNB determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, the WAB-gNB sends the first request to the BH-RAN-NODE via the WAB-MT. That is, the WAB-MT sends the first request to the BH-RAN-NODE based on an RRC message.

[0147] Understandably, since the WAB node is located under the BH-RAN-NODE, its neighboring cells are highly likely to be neighboring cells of the BH-RAN-NODE as well. Therefore, the WAB can first attempt to request information about the first cell from the BH-RAN-NODE. If the first cell happens to be a neighboring cell of the BH-RAN-NODE, then the BH-RAN-NODE can directly send the information of the first cell to the WAB node. That is, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain the neighboring cells of the first cell through the BH-RAN-NODE without relying on the terminal device. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment helps to improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering the first cell.

[0148] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, in Figure 5 Based on the method 500 shown, if the first cell is a neighboring cell of BH-RAN-NODE, the above method 500 further includes S530:

[0149] S530, BH-RAN-NODE responds to the first request by sending second information to the WAB node, the second information including information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0150] For example, when the second information includes information about the first cell, the information about the first cell included in the second information is the information in the existing CGI-InfoNR information cell.

[0151] Understandably, if the first cell is a neighboring cell of BH-RAN-NODE, then the PLMN corresponding to the first cell is the same as the PLMN of the cell under BH-RAN-NODE.

[0152] Specifically, BH-RAN-NODE responding to the first request by sending the second information to the WAB node means that BH-RAN-NODE responding to the first request by sending the second information to the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node.

[0153] In one implementation, the BH-RAN-NODE sends the second information to the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node via the Xn interface. That is, the BH-RAN-NODE sends the second information to the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node via an Xn message.

[0154] In another implementation, BH-RAN-NODE sends the second information to WAB-MT, and WAB-MT, upon receiving the second information, forwards it to WAB-gNB through its internal interface. That is, BH-RAN-NODE sends the second information to WAB-MT in the WAB node via an RRC message.

[0155] Optionally, the second information may also include the transport network layer (TNL) address information of the access network device to which the first cell belongs, so that after the WAB-gNB receives the TNL address, it can directly initiate the establishment of the Xn interface with the access network device to which the first cell belongs, without the WAB-gNB requesting the core network to request the WAB-gNB to establish the Xn interface with the access network device to which the first cell belongs.

[0156] Optionally, if the first cell is a mobile cell, for example, if the first cell is a cell under another WAB node, then the second information may include information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell. Optionally, when the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node receives the information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell, the WAB-gNB determines not to establish an Xn interface with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs.

[0157] Optionally, when BH-RAN-NODE determines that the first cell is a mobile cell, the second information may not include information about the first cell. The second information may include information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell. Optionally, the information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell may also be replaced with an indication of refusing to provide or not providing information about the first cell. Alternatively, the second information may include both information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell and an indication of refusing to provide or not providing information about the first cell, so that after receiving it, the WAB-gNB can determine not to maintain the neighbor cell relationship with the first cell and / or not to establish an Xn interface with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs.

[0158] Optionally, when BH-RAN-NODE determines that the first cell is a mobile cell, it does not send the second information, and S530 is not present. Based on the absence of the second information, WAB-gNB determines not to maintain the neighbor cell relationship with the first cell, and / or not to establish an Xn interface with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs.

[0159] In one implementation, BH-RAN-NODE can obtain information that the first cell is a mobile cell by exchanging cell information with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs on the Xn interface.

[0160] It can be seen that... Figure 5 In the provided embodiment, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain information about the first cell through BH-RAN-NODE without relying on the terminal device. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment can improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering neighboring cells. Furthermore, when the WAB obtains information that the first cell is a mobile cell through BH-RAN-NODE, or obtains information that the first cell is refused or not provided, or does not receive information about the first cell, it can choose not to maintain the neighboring cell relationship with the first cell, and / or not to establish an Xn interface with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs. This avoids the need for frequent updates of the neighboring cell relationship and / or Xn interface due to excessively fast relative movement speeds between the two WAB nodes, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0161] Figure 7This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application. The various steps in method 700 are described in detail below.

[0162] like Figure 7 As shown, method 700 includes:

[0163] S710, the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the WAB node's neighbor cell list.

[0164] A detailed description of this step can be found in [reference]. Figure 5 The implementation of S510 in the embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0165] S720, WAB-MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement for the first cell.

[0166] In this embodiment, CGI measurement, also known as reportCGI measurement, is used to measure and obtain information about the first cell.

[0167] Specifically, after WAB-MT initiates CGI measurement of the first cell, it reads the SIB1 of the first cell to obtain information about the first cell.

[0168] Optionally, in the first implementation, the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiates a CGI measurement of the first cell, including: the WAB-MT automatically determining whether to initiate a CGI measurement of the first cell. For example, if the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node determines that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, the WAB-gNB indicates to the WAB-MT that the PCI of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list, that is, the WAB-gNB indicates to the WAB-MT that the first cell is a missing neighbor cell, and at this time the WAB-MT determines that it should initiate a CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0169] Optionally, in this embodiment, method 700 may further include S710-a: the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node sends a first request to the BH-RAN-NODE. A description of the first request can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The descriptions in the embodiments are omitted.

[0170] Optionally, in the second implementation, after BH-RAN-NODE receives the first request and determines that the first cell is not a neighboring cell of BH-RAN-NODE, method 700 may further include S710-b: BH-RAN-NODE sends third information to the WAB-MT in the WAB node, the third information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell. Correspondingly, the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiating CGI measurement of the first cell includes: according to the third information, the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiating CGI measurement of the first cell. The third information may also be referred to as Report CGI Request information.

[0171] Understandably, if the PLMN corresponding to the first cell is different from the PLMN of the cell under BH-RAN-NODE, then BH-RAN-NODE considers the first cell not to be a neighboring cell of BH-RAN-NODE.

[0172] The third type of information can also be called Report CGI Request information.

[0173] Understandably, in the second implementation, step SS710-b is triggered by step S710-a. Step S710-a is sent because the measured first cell is a missing neighbor cell of WAB-gNB, not because the first cell is a missing neighbor cell of BH-RAN-NODE. The first cell may not even be a neighbor cell of BH-RAN-NODE. Therefore, optionally, the third information may also include an indication to WAB-MT that it does not need to send the information of the first cell obtained after CGI measurement to BH-RAN-NODE. That is, BH-RAN-NODE indicates to WAB-MT through the third information that although WAB-MT initiated ReportCGI measurement, the information of the first cell obtained through ReportCGI measurement is not needed by BH-RAN-NODE, and WAB-MT does not need to report it to BH-RAN-NODE after the measurement.

[0174] Optionally, in the third implementation, when the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node sends the first request to the BH-RAN-NODE, the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell, including: if no response from the BH-RAN-NODE in response to the first request is received, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell. For example, if the WAB node does not receive a response from the BH-RAN-NODE within a time interval of 1 after the WAB-gNB sends the first request, the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0175] Optionally, based on the third implementation, i.e., the WAB-MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell based on the lack of feedback from BH-RAN-NODE in response to the first request, method 700 may include: S710-c: The WAB-MT in the WAB node may also instruct BH-RAN-NODE to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell. Optionally, it may also carry autonomous measurement gap indication information or T321 value (a self-defined measurement gap value) to instruct BH-RAN-NODE that the WAB-MT is going to perform CGI info measurement, the duration of the measurement gap, and that the WAB-MT should not be scheduled during this period.

[0176] S730, WAB-MT sends the information of the first cell to WAB-gNB.

[0177] Optionally, the WAB-MT may also send the information of the first cell to the BH-RAN-NODE. Alternatively, the WAB-MT may determine not to send the information of the first cell to the BH-RAN-NODE. For example, the third information received by the WAB-MT may also include an indication that the WAB-MT does not need to send the information of the first cell obtained after CGI measurement to the BH-RAN-NODE, and the WAB-MT determines not to send the information of the first cell to the BH-RAN-NODE based on this indication.

[0178] Optionally, WAB-MT can determine whether to send the information of the first cell obtained after CGI measurement to BH-RAN-NODE.

[0179] Optionally, the WAB-MT can indicate to the WAB-gNB and / or BH-RAN-NODE that the first cell is a mobile cell. If the first cell is a mobile cell, it will broadcast itself as a mobile cell in SIB1. Therefore, after receiving the SIB1 from the first cell, the WAB-MT can determine whether the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0180] Optionally, when the WAB-MT determines that the first cell is a mobile cell, it determines not to send information about the first cell to the WAB-gNB and / or BH-RAN-NODE. Optionally, the WAB-MT may send an indication that the first cell is a mobile cell to the WAB-gNB and / or BH-RAN-NODE. Optionally, the indication that the first cell is a mobile cell may also be replaced with an indication that information about the first cell is refused or not provided, or may include both the indication that the first cell is a mobile cell and the indication that information about the first cell is refused or not provided. Based on obtaining the indication that the first cell is a mobile cell, or obtaining the indication that information about the first cell is refused or not provided, or not receiving information about the first cell, the WAB-gNB or BH-RAN-NODE determines not to maintain the neighbor cell relationship with the first cell, and / or not to establish an Xn interface with the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs, to avoid the WAB moving too fast and requiring frequent updates of the neighbor cell relationship and / or Xn interface, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0181] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain information about the first cell through CGI measurements performed by WAB-MT, without relying on terminal equipment. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment can improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering neighboring cells.

[0182] Figure 8 This application provides an embodiment of an O-RAN architecture. Under the O-RAN architecture, such as... Figure 8 As shown, method 800 includes:

[0183] Step 1: BH-RAN-NODE-CU or BH-RAN-NODE-DU reports cell information within its control range to the RIC with which it has an E2 interface via the E2 interface. The cell information includes at least the content in the current CGI-InfoNR cell, and optionally, also includes indication information that the cell is a mobile cell.

[0184] Step 2: WAB-gNB determines that the first cell is a missing neighbor cell.

[0185] For details on how to implement this step, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The description in S410 of the embodiment will not be repeated.

[0186] Step 3: After the WAB-gNB determines that the first cell detected is a missing neighbor cell, the WAB-gNB-CU or WAB-gNB-DU requests the information of the first cell from the RIC via an E2 message, carrying the PCI and / or frequency information of the first cell.

[0187] The description of the information for the first community can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0188] Step 4: The RIC sends the information of the first cell to WAB-gNB-CU or WAB-gNB-DU via E2 message.

[0189] For example, the information for the first cell includes information from existing CGI-InfoNR cells.

[0190] Optionally, it also carries the TNL address of the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs. A detailed description of this part can be found in the preceding text and will not be repeated here.

[0191] Optionally, if the first cell is a mobile cell, the RIC should also indicate to WAB-gNB-CU or WAB-gNB-DU via an E2 message that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0192] The transmission method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. The following will be combined with… Figure 9 and Figure 10 The transmission apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0193] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 includes: a processing module 901 and a transceiver module 902.

[0194] For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus 900 is applied to a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, including:

[0195] Processing module 901 is used to: generate a first request if the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list of the WAB node, the first request being used to request information about the first cell, the information of the first cell including the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the first cell;

[0196] The transceiver module 902 is used to send a first request to the access network device serving the WAB node.

[0197] Optionally, the first request may include the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the first cell and / or the frequency of the first cell.

[0198] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to: receive second information sent by the access network device in response to the first request, wherein the second information includes information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0199] Optionally, the second information may also include the Transmission Network Layer (TNL) address information of the access network equipment to which the first cell belongs.

[0200] Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to: initiate a CGI measurement of the first cell by the mobile terminal MT in the WAB node, the CGI measurement being used to obtain information about the first cell.

[0201] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is also used to: receive third information, which is used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell;

[0202] The processing module 901 is also used to: initiate CGI measurement of the first cell by the mobile terminal MT in the WAB node based on the third information.

[0203] The processing module 901 is further configured to: if no information is received from the access network device in response to the first request, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0204] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is also used to: send fourth information to the access network device, the fourth information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to determine to start the CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0205] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to: indicate one or more of the following to the access network device: information about the first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0206] In the second embodiment, the device 900 can be applied to an access network device serving a WAB node, specifically:

[0207] The transceiver module 902 is used to: receive a first request, the first request being used to request information about a first cell, the information about the first cell including the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the first cell.

[0208] The access network equipment serving the WAB node can also be interpreted as: the access network equipment to which the WAB node accesses, or the access network equipment to which the WAB node connects. That is, the BH-RAN-NODE of the WAB node.

[0209] Understandably, since the WAB node is located under the BH-RAN-NODE, its neighboring cells are highly likely to be neighboring cells of the BH-RAN-NODE as well. Therefore, the WAB can first attempt to request information about the first cell from the BH-RAN-NODE. If the first cell happens to be a neighboring cell of the BH-RAN-NODE, then the BH-RAN-NODE can directly send the information of the first cell to the WAB node. That is, the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node can obtain the neighboring cells of the first cell through the BH-RAN-NODE without relying on the terminal device. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment can improve the probability of the WAB-gNB in ​​the WAB node discovering neighboring cells.

[0210] Optionally, the first request may include the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the first cell and / or the frequency of the first cell.

[0211] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is configured to: send second information to the WAB node in response to the first request, the second information including information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0212] For example, the second information also includes the transport network layer (TNL) address information of the access network device to which the first cell belongs.

[0213] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is configured to: send third information to the WAB node in response to the first request, the third information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0214] Optionally, the third information includes information for instructing the MT not to send the results of the CGI measurement to the BH-RAN-NODE (i.e., the access network equipment serving the WAB node).

[0215] In the third embodiment, the device 900 can be applied to an MT in a Wireless Access Backhaul (WAB) node, including:

[0216] The processing module 901 is used to: initiate CGI measurement of the first cell when the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list of the access network device in the WAB node; the CGI measurement is used to obtain information about the first cell.

[0217] The transceiver module 902 is used to send information about the first cell obtained based on CGI measurements to the access network equipment in the WAB node.

[0218] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is used to: indicate one or more of the following to the access network equipment in the WAB node: information about a first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0219] The transceiver module 902 is used to: receive third information, which is used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to start CGI measurement of the first cell;

[0220] The processing module 901 is also used to: initiate CGI measurement of the first cell based on the third information.

[0221] Optionally, the processing module 901 is further configured to: initiate CGI measurement of the first cell if no information is received from the access network device serving the WAB node in response to the first request.

[0222] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is used to: send fourth information to the access network equipment serving the WAB node, the fourth information being used to indicate whether to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell.

[0223] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is configured to: indicate one or more of the following to the access network device serving the WAB node: information about the first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

[0224] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 is used to: send the PCI of the first cell to the access network device in the WAB node via the MT in the WAB node.

[0225] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 The apparatus shown can be used to perform the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0226] like Figure 10 As shown, the device 1000 in this embodiment includes a memory 1001 and a processor 1002. In one implementation, the device 1000 further includes a communication interface 1003 and a bus 1004. The memory 1001, processor 1002, and communication interface 1003 are interconnected via the bus 1004.

[0227] The memory 1001 can be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1001 can store programs, and when the program stored in the memory 1001 is executed by the processor 1002, the processor 1002 performs the execution... Figures 5-7 The steps of the method shown.

[0228] The processor 1002 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the embodiments of this application. Figures 5-7 The method shown.

[0229] The processor 1002 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the embodiments of this application... Figure 5 Each step of the method can be accomplished by integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of the processor 1002 or by instructions in software form.

[0230] The processor 1002 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 a conventional processor, etc.

[0231] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed 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 1001. Processor 1002 reads information from memory 1001 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute... Figures 5-7 The various steps / functions of the illustrated embodiment.

[0232] The communication interface 1003 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 1000 and other devices or communication networks.

[0233] Bus 1004 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 1000 (e.g., memory 1001, processor 1002, communication interface 1003).

[0234] It should be understood that the device 1000 shown in the embodiments of this application can be an electronic device, or it can be a chip configured in an electronic device. The device 1000 can be deployed in a terminal device, or it can be deployed in a network device.

[0235] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are 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, the 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., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0236] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article 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 existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0237] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0238] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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 limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0242] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0243] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0244] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to wireless access backhaul (WAB) nodes, including: If the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell is not included in the neighbor cell list of the WAB node, a first request is generated. The first request is used to request information about the first cell, including the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) of the first cell. The first request is sent to the access network device serving the WAB node.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first request includes the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the first cell and / or the frequency of the first cell.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access network device receives second information sent in response to the first request, the second information including information about the first cell and / or information indicating that the first cell is a mobile cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second information also includes the Transmission Network Layer (TNL) address information of the access network device to which the first cell belongs.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The mobile terminal MT in the WAB node initiates a CGI measurement of the first cell, which is used to obtain information about the first cell.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell; The mobile terminal (MT) in the WAB node initiates CGI measurements of the first cell, including: Based on the third information, the mobile terminal MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mobile terminal (MT) in the WAB node initiates CGI measurements of the first cell, including: If no response is received from the access network device in response to the first request, the MT in the WAB node initiates CGI measurement of the first cell.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent to the access network device, the fourth message being used to instruct the MT in the WAB node to determine to initiate CGI measurement of the first cell.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Indicate one or more of the following to the access network device: information about the first cell, wherein the first cell is a mobile cell.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor, The processor is configured to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images