Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps: a format is newly added, the format is used for configuring the link direction of symbols in a time slot, for example, the format is specifically characterized in that one or more symbols at the beginning of the time slot are uplink symbols, one or more symbols at the end of the time slot are downlink symbols, and the format is matched with the current third format; the sub-band full duplex of the access network equipment in the SBFD symbol can be flexibly realized.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In wireless communication systems, a specific time-domain symbol can be configured as a subband full-duplex (SBFD) symbol. This SBFD symbol can be used for both uplink and downlink transmission. For example, when the SBFD symbol is used for uplink transmission, the terminal transmits uplink information using this SBFD symbol and its corresponding uplink subband; when the SBFD symbol is used for downlink transmission, the terminal receives downlink information using this SBFD symbol and its corresponding downlink subband. How the terminal communicates with the access network equipment on the SBFD symbol is a research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein the execution subject of the method is a terminal, or a device, module, unit, or component (e.g., chip, chip system, processor, circuit, or others) applied in the terminal, comprising: receiving first information from an access network device, the first information being used to configure the link direction of a first time unit including symbols, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; wherein the link direction of the first time unit including symbols configured by the first information satisfies a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols included in the time unit; and communicating with the access network device according to the link direction of the SBFD symbol, the link direction of the SBFD symbol being determined according to the first information.

[0004] Through the above design, a new format is added to configure the link direction of symbols in a time slot. This format is the opposite of the link direction of the third format mentioned above. For example, one or more symbols at the beginning of a time slot are uplink symbols, and one or more symbols at the end are downlink symbols. This format works in conjunction with the third format to flexibly achieve full-duplex access network devices in the subband of SBFD symbols. For example, for a time slot including SBFD symbols: configure the link direction of the symbols in this time slot for terminal 1 according to the third format mentioned above; configure the link direction of the symbols in this time slot for terminal 2 according to the newly added format. Since the link direction at the beginning of this time slot is downlink for terminal 1 and uplink for terminal 2, full-duplex access network devices can be achieved. Similarly, the link direction at the end of this time slot is uplink for terminal 1 and downlink for terminal 2, achieving full-duplex access network devices.

[0005] In one possible design, the plurality of formats further includes at least one of the following formats: all symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; all symbols in a time unit have an uplink direction; or, the first X2 symbols of a time unit have a downlink direction, and / or, the last Y2 symbols of the time unit have an uplink direction, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

[0006] In one possible design, the first format is the same as the second format.

[0007] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0008] In one possible design, uplink information is also configured or instructed to be sent on the SBFD symbol, where the uplink information is not sent to the access network device; or, it is not expected to be configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol.

[0009] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, but being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, where the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0010] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, wherein the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0011] In one possible design, downlink information is also configured or instructed to be received on the SBFD symbol, where receiving downlink information from the access network device is not performed, or it is not expected to be configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol.

[0012] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol. The downlink information is received from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0013] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and a second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving downlink information from the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or being configured or instructed to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, or receiving downlink information from the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, where the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the terminal.

[0014] In one possible design, the first information is carried in parameters in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

[0015] In one possible design, the first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

[0016] The second aspect is a method opposite to the first aspect, with beneficial effects similar to the first aspect. It provides a communication method, the execution subject of which is an access network device, or a device, module, unit, or component (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, processor, or others) applied within the access network device. The method includes: sending first information to a terminal, the first information configuring the link direction of a first time unit including symbols, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; wherein the link direction of the first time unit including symbols configured by the first information satisfies a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols included in the time unit; and communicating with the terminal based on the link direction of the SBFD symbol.

[0017] In one possible design, the plurality of formats further includes at least one of the following formats: all symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; all symbols in a time unit have an uplink direction; or, the first X2 symbols of a time unit have a downlink direction, and / or, the last Y2 symbols of the time unit have an uplink direction, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

[0018] In one possible design, the first format is the same as the second format.

[0019] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0020] In one possible design, the terminal is also configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, where receiving the uplink information from the terminal is not performed in the SBFD symbol.

[0021] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol. The terminal receives the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0022] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, wherein the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0023] In one possible design, the terminal is also configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, and in the SBFD symbol, the downlink signal is not sent to the terminal.

[0024] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the terminal and the SBFD symbol includes: not configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0025] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, or sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, where the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the access network device.

[0026] In one possible design, the first information is carried in parameters in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

[0027] In one possible design, the first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

[0028] Thirdly, an apparatus is provided capable of implementing the method described in the first aspect. For example, the apparatus includes modules, units, or components that perform the method described in the first aspect. The modules, units, or components can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] In one design, the device includes a unit that performs the method described in the first aspect.

[0030] In one design, the device includes a processor for implementing the method of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the device further includes a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory, the processor executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the device implements the method of the first aspect described above.

[0031] In one design, the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the method of the first aspect described above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0032] In one design, the device may be the first device, or a module, unit, or component (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, or processor, etc.) that corresponds one-to-one with the first device to perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0033] Fourthly, an apparatus is provided capable of implementing the method of the second aspect described above. For example, the apparatus includes modules, units, or components that perform the method described in the second aspect. The modules, units, or components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] In one design, the device includes a unit that performs the method described in the second aspect.

[0035] In one design, the device includes a processor for implementing the method of the second aspect described above. Optionally, the device further includes a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory, the processor executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the device implements the method of the second aspect described above.

[0036] In one design, the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the method of the second aspect described above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0037] In one design, the device can be a second device, or a module, unit, or component (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, or processor, etc.) that corresponds one-to-one with the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect in the second device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the second device.

[0038] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to implement the methods of the first or second aspect described above.

[0039] Sixthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect to be performed.

[0040] A seventh aspect provides a chip including a processor for implementing the method of either the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the processor executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, causing the chip to implement the method of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0041] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device; wherein the first communication device is used to implement the method of the first aspect; and the second communication device is used to implement the method of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ORAN system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the access network device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of DL time slots and UL time slots provided for embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the SBFD symbol provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the time slot symbol link direction configured for a terminal by the access network device provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a terminal chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an access network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0053] In this application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "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 represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following related objects have a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, or C" or similar expressions can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C, where A, B, and C can be singular or plural.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and do not limit the size, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects.

[0055] Figure 1 A possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes an Internet 300.

[0056] RAN100 includes at least one RAN node (such as...) Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (not shown in the image), etc.

[0057] Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0058] RAN100 can be used for cellular systems related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as 4th generation (4G). th generation, 4G), fifth generation (5 th RAN100 can be a generation (5G) mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as future communication networks). RAN100 can also be an open access network (openRAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0059] RAN node 110, forming part of the communication system, assists terminals in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 The network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal.

[0060] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future communication network, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in 110b), or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application embodiment can be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application embodiment can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0061] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0062] It is 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 ORAN system, CU can also be called an open-CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open-DU (open-DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open-CU-CP (open-CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open-CU-UP (open-CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open-RU (open RU, O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0063] Terminal 120 is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal 120 can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. This application does not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0064] RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be fixed or mobile. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application embodiment does not limit the application scenarios of RAN node 110 and terminal 120. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed in the same or different scenarios. For example, RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can be deployed simultaneously on land; or RAN node 110 can be deployed on land and terminal 120 can be deployed on water, etc., and so on.

[0065] RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can communicate using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. For example, RAN node 110 and terminal 120 can communicate using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0066] RAN node 110 and terminal 120 may sometimes be referred to as communication devices, for example Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions; for example, the communication device can be a base station, or a module, unit, or component applied to a base station (e.g., a chip, chip system, processor, circuit, or others). The chip system consists of chips, but may also include chips and other discrete devices. Network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions; for example, the communication device can be a terminal, or a module, unit, or component applied to a terminal.

[0067] The solution in this application embodiment can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 1000 shown can correspond to a terrestrial network (TN). Alternatively, the solution of this embodiment can also be applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In an NTN communication system, Figure 1 In this context, "RAN node" can be replaced with "satellite and ground station." Satellites are deployed in space, while ground stations are deployed on the ground. A ground station can be understood as a base station deployed on the ground, and it can also be called a gateway station (GW). The link between the satellite and the terminal is called the user link, the link between the satellite and the ground station is called the feeder link, and the link between different satellites is called the inter-satellite link. Satellite operating modes include transparent and regenerative.

[0068] When the satellite operates in transparent transmission mode, it has signal relay capabilities, and the ground station possesses all or part of the functions of a base station; the ground station can be considered a base station. It is understood that a ground station can be a single device (e.g., a macro base station or a micro base station), or it can consist of multiple RAN nodes (e.g., CU and DU) implementing the corresponding functions; see the preceding explanation for details. Alternatively,

[0069] When a satellite operates in regenerative mode, it has the ability to process digital signals and possesses all or part of the functions of a base station; thus, the satellite can be considered a base station. Furthermore, regenerative mode can be further subdivided into: all base station functions are deployed on the satellite, referred to as "all base station functions (e.g., CU and DU) on satellite"; or, some base station functions are deployed on the satellite, referred to as "partial base station functions (e.g., DU) on satellite," while the remaining base station functions (e.g., CU) are implemented at the ground station.

[0070] Satellites and ground stations are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, a satellite can be understood as a communication device with satellite functions, and a ground station can be understood as a communication device with ground station functions.

[0071] It is understood that in the TN communication system, the RAN node is used to help the terminal achieve wireless access, and it can also be referred to in other different ways, such as RAN entity, ORAN equipment, access node, access network equipment, etc.; in the NTN communication system, satellites and ground stations help the terminal achieve wireless access. In the following description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the node or device that helps the terminal achieve wireless access will be described as "access network equipment".

[0072] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the functions of the access network device can also be executed by modules, units, or components (such as chips) within the access network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the access network device. This control subsystem, including the functions of the access network device, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules, units, or components (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting ORAN system is shown. (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown, the ORAN system includes: core network equipment, access network equipment, and terminals. The access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link and with the terminals via an air interface.

[0074] The access network equipment includes BBUs and RUs. A BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. Specifically, the BBU communicates with core network equipment via a backhaul link, and the RU communicates with terminals via an air interface. A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0075] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a possible, non-limiting, node function partitioning and protocol layer structure for an access network device. It is understood that the access network device adopts an ORAN architecture and can also be referred to as an ORAN device, used to implement wireless access for terminals.

[0076] It is understandable that communication between access network devices and terminals follows a certain protocol layer structure. This protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer. For example, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer. In one possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can also be included above the PDCP layer.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the access network equipment includes logical nodes such as CU, DU, and RU. The CU can connect to the core network via an interface, for example, an E2 interface. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU can control at least one DU, and the CU can connect to the DU via an interface, for example, an F1 interface. Further, the control plane (CP) interface can be called F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be called F1-U. The DU can control at least one RU, and the DU can connect to the RU via an interface, for example, a fronthaul interface.

[0078] 1. CU

[0079] A CU can be a logical node that carries the RRC layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, and other control functions of access network equipment. In other words, a CU can implement the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, PDCP layer, and certain control functions.

[0080] Furthermore, CU can be broken down into CU-CP and CU-UP. (See reference...) Figure 3The CU-CP is a logical node that carries the control plane (control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C) of the RRC and PDCP layers, and is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G communication system. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 3 The CU-UP is a logical node that carries the data plane (user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U) layer of the SDAP and PDCP layers, and is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G communication system.

[0081] 2. DU

[0082] A DU can be a logical node that carries the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. For example, the higher physical layer may include some of the processing functions of the PHY layer, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation. In other words, a DU can implement the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer, and other functions.

[0083] It is understood that the above CU and DU configurations are merely examples, and the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or it can be configured to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0084] 3. RU

[0085] An RU can be a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) chain processing. For example, the lower physical layer includes some of the processing functions of the physical layer, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. In other words, an RU can implement both physical layer and RF functions.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. The RU communicates with one or more terminals via a wireless link.

[0087] DU and RU can be co-located or not, without restriction. (See reference...) Figure 3 The interaction between the DU and RU can include the O-RAN control user and synchronization (CUS-Plane) and the O-RAN management plane (M-Plane). The O-RAN CUS plane can be simply referred to as the CUS plane, and the O-RAN management plane as the management plane. Further, the CUS plane can be divided into a control plane (C-Plane) and a user plane (U-Plane). Optionally, the control plane refers to the real-time control plane between the DU and RU. The management plane refers to the non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0088] Reference Figure 3 The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via the lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface through the fronthaul link. Furthermore, the LLS-CUS interface may include an LLS-C interface corresponding to the control plane and an LLS-U interface corresponding to the user plane. The DU and RU exchange management plane information through the LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link. (See reference...) Figure 3 It can also be connected to an external management system via the LLS-M interface.

[0089] It is understandable that DUs and RUs can cooperate to implement physical layer functions. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the physical layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the physical layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0090] In 5G New Radio (NR), wireless communication systems are typically deployed in mid-to-high frequency bands to achieve high data rates and low latency through the use of large bandwidth. In Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, the downlink (DL) typically consumes the majority of time resources, resulting in a coverage imbalance between the DL and uplink (UL) links. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, a TDD cycle includes four DL time slots and one UL time slot. Compared to frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems, TDD systems have poorer uplink coverage and longer latency. To address these issues, subband full duplexing (SBFD) was introduced in 3GPP standard release 19 (Rel-19).

[0091] In the SBFD scheme, a carrier is divided into multiple subbands, and the link directions of these subbands are inconsistent. For example, the subbands may include downlink subbands and uplink subbands. The downlink subbands are used for downlink transmission, and the uplink subbands are used for uplink transmission. A typical SBFD scheme is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, a carrier is divided into three subbands: the middle subband is the uplink subband (UL subband), and the two outer subbands are the downlink subbands (DL subbands). Another typical SBFD scheme is as follows... Figure 6 As shown, a carrier is divided into two subbands: the uplink subband is the downlink subband (DL subband), and the downlink subband is the uplink subband (UL subband).

[0092] Understandably, the SBFD scheme also incorporates the concept of the time domain; SBFD uplink and downlink sub-bands can be configured on a specific time slot or symbol. Furthermore, R19 specifies that SBFD uplink and downlink sub-bands can be configured on downlink symbols or flexible symbols. For example, ... Figure 5 or Figure 6As shown, a TDD cycle includes 5 slots. The SBFD uplink and downlink sub-bands are configured on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th slots of the TDD cycle. The 1st and 5th slots of the TDD cycle are not configured with SBFD uplink and downlink sub-bands. The 1st slot is the downlink slot (DL slot) and the 5th slot is the uplink slot (UL slot). The slots configured with SBFD uplink and downlink sub-bands are called SBFD slots.

[0093] In addition, R19 adopts a technical approach of "full-duplex subband on the access network equipment side and half-duplex subband on the terminal side":

[0094] It is understandable that when the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, the terminal transmits uplink information in both the SBFD symbol and the uplink subband. Alternatively, when the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, the terminal receives downlink information in both the SBFD symbol and the downlink subband. Terminal-side subband half-duplex means that on a single SBFD symbol, the terminal can only receive downlink information in the downlink subband or transmit uplink information in the uplink subband; it cannot receive and transmit simultaneously.

[0095] For a single SBFD symbol, the access network device can schedule / configure multiple terminals with different link directions for that SBFD symbol. For example, for terminal A, the access network device schedules / configures the link direction of the SBFD symbol as uplink, and terminal A sends uplink information to the access network device in the SBFD symbol and uplink subband. For terminal B, the access network device schedules / configures the link direction of the SBFD symbol as downlink, and terminal B receives downlink information from the access network device in the SBFD symbol and downlink subband. The access network device receives uplink information from terminal A in the uplink subband of the SBFD symbol and sends downlink information to terminal B in the downlink subband. The term "access network device-side subband full-duplex" means that the access network device can simultaneously send downlink information in the downlink subband and receive uplink information in the uplink subband on the SBFD symbol. Of course, the terminal receiving downlink information in the SBFD symbol and downlink subband is a different terminal from the terminal sending uplink information in the SBFD symbol and uplink subband.

[0096] By introducing the SBFD scheme: On the access network equipment side, on SBFD symbols, the access network equipment can simultaneously transmit and receive using different frequency domain resource subbands. On the terminal side, by configuring downlink symbols or flexible symbols as SBFD symbols, the available uplink time domain transmission resources for the terminal are increased, which can effectively improve uplink coverage and reduce uplink latency.

[0097] In one approach, for a time slot that includes an SBFD symbol, the access network device can configure the link direction of the symbol in that time slot. Regardless of the specific configuration of the link direction of the symbol in that time slot by the access network device, the link direction of the symbol in that time slot must satisfy any one of the following three formats:

[0098] 1. All downlink: The link direction of all symbols in this time slot is downlink;

[0099] 2. All uplink: The link direction of all symbols in this time slot is uplink.

[0100] 3. The link direction of the first X2 symbols of this time slot is downlink, and the link direction of the last Y2 symbols of this time slot is uplink.

[0101] Understandably, if the first X2 symbols of a time slot are not configured with link direction, then the time slot has no downlink symbols. In one interpretation, the link direction of the first X2 symbols can be considered flexible. Alternatively, if the last Y2 symbols of a time slot are not configured with link direction, then the time slot has no uplink symbols. In one interpretation, the link direction of the last Y2 symbols can be considered flexible. X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in a time slot. For example, if the values ​​of X2 and Y2 are less than the total number of symbols in a time slot, then the remaining symbols in that time slot are flexible symbols.

[0102] Because access network devices can only configure the link direction of symbols in time slots for terminals according to the above three formats, the flexibility in configuring the link direction of symbols in time slots that include SBFD symbols is poor, and it cannot flexibly achieve full-duplex subband operation for access network devices in SBFD symbols. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the access network equipment configures the link direction of a symbol in a time slot for terminals 1, 2, and 3 according to format 3 above. It can be seen that for the above three terminals: the link direction in the first P symbols of this time slot is downlink, and the access network equipment can only send downlink information in the first P symbols of this time slot; the link direction in the last Q symbols of this time slot is uplink, and the access network equipment can only receive uplink information in the last Q symbols of this time slot; the access network equipment cannot achieve subband full-duplex in the first P symbols and the last Q symbols of this time slot.

[0103] In view of the above, this application provides a communication method in which a new format is added to configure the link direction of symbols in a time slot. This format is opposite to the link direction of the third format described above. For example, one or more symbols at the beginning of a time slot are uplink symbols, and one or more symbols at the end are downlink symbols. This format works in conjunction with the third format to flexibly achieve full-duplex access network devices in the subband of SBFD symbols. For example, for a time slot including SBFD symbols: the link direction of the symbols in the time slot is configured for terminal 1 according to the third format described above; the link direction of the symbols in the time slot is configured for terminal 2 according to the newly added format described above. Since the link direction at the beginning of the time slot is downlink for terminal 1 and uplink for terminal 2, full-duplex access network devices can be achieved. Similarly, the link direction at the end of the time slot is uplink for terminal 1 and downlink for terminal 2, which also enables full-duplex access network devices.

[0104] In the various flowcharts of the embodiments of this application, the executing entity can be a terminal, an access network device, or a module, unit, or component (e.g., a chip, chip system, processor, circuit, or others) within the terminal or access network device. The following description uses a terminal and an access network device as examples of executing entities. When the executing entity is a module, unit, or component within the terminal / access network device, receiving / transmitting can be understood as input / output, meaning that the module communicates with other modules or components of the terminal or access network device. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single executing entity can also be divided among multiple executing entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the access network device can be divided among at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0105] Figure 8 This is a schematic interactive diagram of the communication method 8000 provided in the embodiments of this application. It is understood that steps 810 to 830 are only for illustrating the process of the communication method 8000 and should not be construed as limiting the method 8000. Steps 810 to 830 can be broken down into more steps or combined into fewer steps, and there is no restriction on the order of steps 810 to 830.

[0106] Step 810: The access network device sends the first information, and the terminal receives the first information.

[0107] Wherein, the first information is used to configure the link direction of the symbol included in the first time unit. In some descriptions, the link direction of the symbol can be replaced with: the symbol type of the symbol; for example, the first information is used to configure the symbol type of the symbol included in the first time unit. In some descriptions, the link direction of the symbol included in the first time unit can be replaced with: the format of the first time unit. For example, the first information is used to configure the format of the first time unit. It is understood that the first time unit can be a time slot, and the above description can be replaced with: the first information is used to configure the format of a time slot.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the first time unit includes multiple symbols. The access network device can configure the link direction of some or all of these symbols using first information. For example, the access network device can configure the link direction of all the multiple symbols to be uplink, or the link direction of all the multiple symbols to be downlink, or the link direction of some of the multiple symbols to be uplink, and / or the link direction of some of the symbols to be downlink. It is understood that for a symbol, if the link direction of that symbol is neither configured as uplink nor downlink, or in other words, the link direction of that symbol is not configured, then the link direction of that symbol is flexible.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, the first time unit includes one or more symbols: if a symbol is configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operation, then the symbol can be called an SBFD symbol. In one possible implementation, SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operation can be configured on a downlink symbol or a flexible symbol; that is, an SBFD symbol can be a downlink symbol or a flexible symbol. It is understood that a downlink symbol or a flexible symbol can be a symbol configured by the higher-layer parameter Time Division Duplex-Uplink-Downlink-ConfigCommon (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) in RRC signaling, as described below. If a symbol is not configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operation, then the symbol is called a non-SBFD symbol. It is understood that for uplink transmission, a non-SBFD symbol can be an uplink symbol or a flexible symbol, and for downlink transmission, a non-SBFD symbol can be a downlink symbol or a flexible symbol.

[0110] The first time unit includes at least one SBFD symbol, and there is no restriction on whether the first time unit includes non-SBFD symbols. For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first time unit includes multiple SBFD symbols and does not include non-SBFD symbols, which corresponds to SBFD configuration method 1 below. Alternatively, the first time unit includes both SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols, which corresponds to SBFD configuration method 2 below.

[0111] The configuration method for SBFD is as follows:

[0112] SBFD Configuration Method 1: The symbols included in the first time unit can be configured as SBFD symbols or as non-SBFD symbols.

[0113] SBFD configuration method 2: The symbols included in the first time unit are configured as SBFD symbols in one part and as non-SBFD symbols in the other part.

[0114] It is understandable that for SBFD configuration method 1, there is another situation: the first time unit includes multiple non-SBFD symbols, but does not include SBFD symbols. Since this application focuses on determining the link direction and transmission of "SBFD symbols", the above situation will not be explained in detail.

[0115] An SBFD symbol and its corresponding frequency domain resources (e.g., a carrier) may include a downlink subband and an uplink subband. The downlink subband is used for downlink transmission, and the uplink subband is used for uplink transmission. There are no restrictions on whether a guard band exists between the downlink and uplink subbands, or whether transmission is permitted on the guard band. Furthermore, this application does not restrict whether the downlink and uplink subbands overlap.

[0116] In some descriptions, the first time unit refers to a period of time in the time domain. For example, the first time unit may refer to a time slot. It is understood that a time slot may include one or more symbols. For example, a time slot under a normal cyclic prefix (CP) may include 14 symbols, and a time slot under an extended CP may include 12 symbols. That is, the first time unit in the embodiments of this application may include one or more symbols, such as 14 symbols or 12 symbols. In the embodiments of this application, the symbols may be orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols based on discrete Fourier transform spread, without limitation.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the first time unit of the first information configuration includes the link direction of the symbol satisfying a first format, which is one of multiple formats, for example, the multiple formats specifically being:

[0118] Format 1: All symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction;

[0119] Format 2: All symbols in a time unit have an uplink direction;

[0120] Format 3: The link direction of the first X2 symbols of a time unit is downlink, and / or the link direction of the last Y2 symbols of a time unit is uplink. X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in a time unit.

[0121] For format 3, the link directions for the first X2 symbols and the last Y2 symbols can be configured simultaneously. If the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than the total number of symbols in a time unit, then for that time unit, the link directions of symbols other than the first X2 and last Y2 symbols are not restricted; for example, the link directions of other symbols can be flexible. Alternatively, the link directions of the first X2 symbols can be configured, but the link directions of the last Y2 symbols cannot be configured. Again, the link directions of symbols other than the first X2 symbols in that time unit are not restricted; for example, the link directions of other symbols can be flexible. Alternatively, the link directions of the last Y2 symbols can be configured, but the link directions of the first X2 symbols cannot be configured. Again, the link directions of symbols other than the last Y2 symbols in that time unit are not restricted; for example, the link directions of other symbols can be flexible.

[0122] Format 4: The link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of a time unit is downlink. X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in a time unit.

[0123] For format 4, the link directions for the first X1 symbols and the last Y1 symbols can be configured simultaneously. If the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than the total number of symbols in a time unit, then the link directions for symbols other than the first X1 and last Y1 symbols in that time unit are flexible. Alternatively, the link directions for the first X1 symbols can be configured, but the link directions for the last Y1 symbols cannot. There are no restrictions on the link directions for symbols other than the first X1 symbols in that time unit; for example, the link directions for other symbols can be flexible. Alternatively, the link directions for the last Y1 symbols can be configured, but the link directions for the first X1 symbols cannot. There are no restrictions on the link directions for symbols other than the last Y1 symbols in that time unit; for example, the link directions for other symbols can be flexible.

[0124] In one interpretation, the access network device selects any one of the four formats mentioned above and configures the link direction of the first time unit (including the symbol) for the terminal according to that format. Then, the access network device sends first information to the terminal, where the first time unit configured with the link direction of the symbol satisfies any of the four formats. For example, in one description, the link direction of the first time unit configured with the symbol in the first information satisfies a first format, which can be understood as any one of the four formats. In some descriptions, format 4 can be referred to as the second format. When the first format satisfies format 4, the first format and the second format are the same, essentially constituting the same format.

[0125] Step 820: The terminal communicates with the access network device on the SBFD symbol according to the link direction of the SBFD symbol.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the phrase "the first information is used to configure the link direction of the symbols in the first time unit" specifically means: the first information is used to configure the link direction of the SBFD symbols in the first time unit. Therefore, the terminal can determine the link direction of the SBFD symbols in the first time unit based on the first information. There is no restriction on whether the first information is used to configure the link direction of non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit.

[0127] In another possible implementation, the phrase "the first information is used to configure the link direction of the symbols in the first time unit" specifically means: the first information is used to configure the link direction of SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit. For example, based on the first information, the terminal can determine the link direction of all symbols in the first time unit. Since the symbols in the first time unit include SBFD symbols, the terminal can determine the link direction of the SBFD symbols.

[0128] It can be seen that in the two possible implementations mentioned above, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is determined based on the first information.

[0129] Optionally, step 830: The access network device communicates with the terminal on the SBFD symbol according to the link direction of the SBFD symbol.

[0130] In one understanding, since the access network device configures the link direction of the symbol in the first time unit for the terminal, and the first time unit includes at least one SBFD symbol, the access network device can obtain the link direction configured for the SBFD symbol; or it can be described as: the link direction of the SBFD symbol is determined based on the link direction of the symbol in the first time unit, or it can be described as: the link direction of the SBFD symbol is determined based on the first information.

[0131] Specifically, the link direction of the SBFD symbol can be downlink, uplink, or flexible. The following description uses three cases—downlink, uplink, and flexible—as examples to illustrate the embodiments of this application.

[0132] Example 1: The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink.

[0133] 1.1: The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink. If the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to perform downlink transmission on the SBFD symbol, the terminal can perform downlink transmission within the SBFD symbol and the corresponding frequency domain resources (e.g., a first frequency domain resource). In one description, the terminal performing downlink or uplink transmission within the SBFD symbol and the corresponding frequency domain resources can be replaced by: the terminal performing downlink or uplink transmission within the frequency domain resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol. Furthermore, if the access network device also configures or instructs the terminal to perform uplink transmission on the SBFD symbol, the terminal may not perform the operation of sending uplink information on the SBFD symbol. Alternatively, it can be described that the terminal does not expect to be configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol.

[0134] For example, if an access network device configures or instructs a terminal to receive downlink information in an SBFD symbol, the access network device transmits the downlink information to the terminal within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range. Correspondingly, the terminal is configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, and the terminal receives the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range. Here, the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol. For example, the first frequency domain resource is the downlink subband of the SBFD symbol.

[0135] Building upon the above, the access network device further configures or instructs the terminal to send uplink information on SBFD symbols, where the access network device does not perform the operation of receiving uplink information from the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal is also configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbols, where the terminal does not perform the operation of sending uplink information to the access network device. For example, the terminal may cancel sending uplink information on the SBFD symbol, postpone sending uplink information on the SBFD symbol (e.g., send uplink information on other symbols following the SBFD symbol, which can be either SBFD symbols or non-SBFD symbols, without restriction), or discard the uplink information (e.g., discard the uplink information corresponding to the SBFD symbol, or discard the entire uplink transmission corresponding to the uplink information). For example, the access network device may configure or instruct the terminal to send uplink information on M symbols at a time, including SBFD symbols; if the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink and the terminal is configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, the terminal may discard the uplink information corresponding to the M symbols.

[0136] 1.2: Although the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, if the terminal is not configured or instructed to perform downlink transmission on the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to perform uplink transmission on the SBFD symbol, the terminal can perform uplink transmission within the range of the SBFD symbol and the corresponding frequency domain resources (e.g., the second frequency domain resources), thereby improving the utilization rate of the SBFD symbol and its frequency domain resources.

[0137] For example, if the access network device is not configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to transmit uplink information in the SBFD symbol, then the access network device receives uplink information from the terminal within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range. Correspondingly, if the terminal is not configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to transmit uplink information in the SBFD symbol, then the terminal transmits uplink information to the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range. Here, the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol. For example, the second frequency domain resource could be an uplink subband of the SBFD symbol.

[0138] In the description of the embodiments of this application, downlink information may refer to downlink data information and / or downlink control information. That is, the access network device may configure or instruct the terminal to receive downlink data information and / or downlink control information from the access network device on SBFD symbols. According to the configuration or instruction of the access network device, the terminal may receive downlink data information and / or downlink control information from the access network device within the SBFD symbols and the first frequency domain resource range. Uplink information may refer to uplink data information or uplink control information. That is, the access network device may configure or instruct the terminal to transmit uplink data information or uplink control information on SBFD symbols. According to the configuration or instruction of the access network device, the terminal may transmit uplink data information or uplink control information to the access network device on SBFD symbols and the second frequency domain resource.

[0139] In the description of the embodiments in this application, "configuration" may refer to semi-static configuration. For example, the access network device uses a configured grant (CG) method to configure the terminal to send uplink information or receive downlink information on SBFD symbols. "Instruction" may refer to dynamic scheduling. For example, the access network device sends down control information (DCI) to the terminal, which is used to schedule the terminal to send uplink information or receive downlink information on SBFD symbols.

[0140] Example 2: The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink.

[0141] 2.1: The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink. If the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to perform uplink transmission on this SBFD symbol, the terminal will perform uplink transmission within the SBFD symbol and the corresponding second frequency domain resource range. Furthermore, if the access network device also configures or instructs the terminal to perform downlink transmission on this SBFD symbol, the terminal may not perform the operation of receiving downlink information on the SBFD symbol. Alternatively, it can be described as: the terminal does not expect to be configured or instructed to receive downlink information on this SBFD symbol.

[0142] For example, if the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, the access network device receives the uplink information from the terminal within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range; correspondingly, if the terminal is configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, the terminal sends the uplink information to the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range.

[0143] Building upon the above, the access network device further configures or instructs the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol. In this case, the access network device will not send the downlink signal to the terminal on the SBFD symbol. Correspondingly, the terminal is also configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol. In this case, the terminal will not receive the downlink information from the access network device on the SBFD symbol. For example, the terminal may postpone receiving downlink information, such as receiving downlink information on other symbols after the SBFD symbol, which can be either SBFD symbols or non-SBFD symbols, without restriction. Alternatively, the terminal may discard downlink information, such as discarding the downlink information on that SBFD symbol, or discarding all currently configured or indicated downlink information.

[0144] 2.2: Although the link direction of this SBFD symbol is uplink, if the terminal is not configured or instructed to perform uplink transmission on this SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to perform downlink transmission on this SBFD symbol, the terminal can perform downlink transmission on this SBFD symbol and the corresponding first frequency domain resources, thereby improving the utilization rate of the SBFD symbol and the corresponding frequency domain resources.

[0145] For example, if the access network device is not configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, then the access network device sends the downlink information to the terminal within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range. Conversely, if the terminal is not configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, then the terminal receives the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range.

[0146] Example 3: The link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible.

[0147] One interpretation is that if the first information does not configure the link direction of the SBFD symbol, or if the first information does not configure the link direction of the SBFD symbol as uplink or downlink, then the link direction of the SBFD symbol is considered flexible. Another interpretation is that the first information can configure the link direction of the SBFD symbol as flexible. In one possible implementation, the following two scenarios may result in the SBFD symbol not being configured with a link direction:

[0148] 1) The first information does not include the corresponding indication information of the first time unit. The terminal may assume that the link direction of the SBFD symbols included in the first time unit is flexible.

[0149] 2) If the first information indicates that the link direction of some symbols in the first time unit is uplink or downlink, and other symbols do not indicate that the link direction is uplink or downlink, and the other symbols include the SBFD symbol, then the link direction of the SBFD symbol is considered to be flexible.

[0150] It is understandable that when the link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible, the terminal performs uplink or downlink transmission based on the configuration or indication of the SBFD symbol by the access network device. For example, if the access network device configures the terminal to perform uplink transmission on this SBFD symbol, the terminal sends uplink information within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range. Alternatively, if the access network device configures the terminal to perform downlink transmission on this SBFD symbol, the terminal receives downlink information within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range. Or, if the access network device configures the terminal to perform both uplink and downlink transmission on this SBFD symbol simultaneously, the terminal determines whether to perform uplink or downlink transmission based on a first criterion and performs the corresponding transmission. The first criterion can be a link conflict criterion, which is predefined or configured or indicated to the terminal. For example, the access network device determines the first criterion and configures or indicates it to the terminal. Specifically:

[0151] 3.1: If the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, then the access network device receives the uplink information from the terminal in the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources; correspondingly, if the terminal is configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, then the terminal sends the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources.

[0152] 3.2: If the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, then the access network device transmits the downlink information to the terminal within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range. Correspondingly, if the terminal is configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, then the terminal receives downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range.

[0153] 3.3: If the access network device configures or instructs the terminal to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, the access network device determines uplink transmission or downlink transmission according to the first criterion; if uplink transmission is determined, the access network device receives the uplink information from the terminal on the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource; or, if downlink transmission is determined, the access network device sends the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the first criterion includes one or more of the following criteria:

[0155] 1. If there is a conflict between dynamically scheduled downlink reception and semi-statically configured uplink transmission, the terminal will cancel uplink transmission and perform downlink reception.

[0156] 2. If there is a conflict between semi-static downlink reception and dynamically scheduled uplink transmission, the terminal will cancel downlink reception and perform uplink transmission.

[0157] 3. If there is a conflict between the semi-static downlink reception and the semi-static uplink transmission, the terminal considers it an error. Optionally, if the terminal considers it an error, the terminal may neither perform downlink reception nor uplink transmission, or the terminal may perform either downlink reception or uplink transmission without restriction.

[0158] 4. If there is a conflict between dynamically scheduled downlink reception and dynamically scheduled uplink transmission, the terminal considers it an error. Optionally, if the terminal considers it an error, the terminal may neither perform downlink reception nor uplink transmission, or the terminal may perform either downlink reception or uplink transmission without restriction.

[0159] 5. If a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) conflicts with dynamically scheduled or semi-statically configured uplink transmissions, the SSB takes precedence over the uplink transmission. Specifically, there are several implementation methods:

[0160] In the first implementation method, the time slot containing the SSB is considered a downlink time slot, meaning that the terminal can only perform downlink reception in the time slot containing the SSB, and cannot perform uplink transmission.

[0161] In the second implementation method, the terminal performs downlink reception on the symbol where the SSB is located, but does not perform uplink transmission. On the symbols other than the symbol where the SSB is located in the time slot, the terminal can perform uplink transmission or downlink reception.

[0162] If there is a conflict between downlink reception configured dynamically or semi-statically and a valid random access opportunity, the terminal can either perform downlink reception or initiate random access using a random access opportunity.

[0163] Accordingly, if the terminal is configured or instructed to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, the terminal determines uplink transmission or downlink transmission according to the first criterion; if uplink transmission is determined, the terminal sends the uplink information to the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range; or, if downlink transmission is determined, the terminal receives downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource.

[0164] In one possible implementation, in addition to transmitting downlink information within the SBFD symbols and the first frequency domain resource range, the access network device can also transmit downlink information within the SBFD symbols and other frequency domain resource ranges besides the first frequency domain resource range. For example, this downlink information may be broadcast information or user multicast information. In one understanding, for terminals supporting SBFD, downlink information can be received within the SBFD symbols and the first frequency domain resource range; for terminals not supporting SBFD symbols, downlink information can be received within the SBFD symbols and other frequency domain resource ranges besides the first frequency domain resource range.

[0165] In one possible implementation, in addition to receiving uplink information within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range, the access network device can also receive uplink information within the SBFD symbol and other frequency domain resource ranges besides the second frequency domain resource range. In one understanding, for terminals supporting SBFD, uplink information can be transmitted within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range; for terminals not supporting SBFD, uplink information can be transmitted within the SBFD symbol and other frequency domain resource ranges besides the second frequency domain resource range.

[0166] In one possible implementation, Figure 8 Before step 810 in the process, it also includes:

[0167] Access network devices can configure the link direction of symbols in a time unit (e.g., a time slot) for a terminal. For example, the access network device can configure the link direction of symbols in each time unit on a TDD cycle basis. For example, the access network device can configure a TDD cycle for a terminal, where a TDD cycle includes multiple time units, and configure the link direction of symbols in each time unit of that TDD cycle.

[0168] For example, an access network device sends an RRC message to a terminal. The RRC message includes higher-layer parameters, such as Time Division Duplex-Uplink-Downlink-ConfigCommon (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon). These higher-layer parameters configure the link direction for each time unit within a TDD cycle, including the symbol. Optionally, these higher-layer parameters can be a cell-wide common TDD configuration or a cell-specific TDD configuration. The access network device configures these higher-layer parameters on a cell-by-cell basis. For example, an access network device broadcasts an RRC message in a cell. All terminals in that cell can receive the RRC message, obtain the higher-layer parameters included in the RRC message, and determine the TDD configuration based on these parameters. For example, the time unit can be described as a time slot, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a TDD cycle configured by the access network device for the terminal includes 5 time slots. The link direction including the symbol in the first to fourth time slots is downlink (the first to fourth time slots can be referred to as downlink UL time slots), and the link direction including the symbol in the fifth time slot is uplink (the fifth time slot can be referred to as uplink UL time slot).

[0169] It is understandable that the link directions including symbols within a time unit can be configured to be the same (e.g., Figure 4 Alternatively, the link directions of symbols within a time slot can be configured differently without restriction. For example, a time slot may include multiple symbols: the link directions of all these symbols can be configured as downlink, or the link directions of all these symbols can be configured as uplink, or the link directions of all these symbols can be configured as flexible; or the link directions of these symbols can be any two or three combinations of the following three methods: the link directions of some symbols are configured as uplink, the link directions of one part of the symbols are configured as downlink, or the link directions of some symbols are configured as flexible.

[0170] Furthermore, on downlink symbols or flexible symbols, access network equipment can configure SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operations. In other words, access network equipment can configure SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operations on symbols whose higher-layer parameters are configured as downlink or flexible. SBFD symbols can refer to symbols configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD symbols; SBFD symbols can be downlink symbols or flexible symbols.

[0171] Subsequently, after executing step 810 above, the access network device can send first information to the terminal. The first information can be used to configure the link direction of the first time unit, which includes at least one SBFD symbol. It is understood that the first time unit can be any time unit that includes an SBFD symbol.

[0172] It is understood that, since the aforementioned higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) configures the link direction of the symbols included in the time unit with TDD as the period, the terminal can determine the link direction of the symbols included in the first time unit based on this higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon). Then, in step 810, the access network device sends first information to the terminal, which configures the link direction of the symbols included in the first time unit. One interpretation is that the first information only configures the link direction of the SBFD symbols in the first time unit. Alternatively, in another interpretation, the first information configures the link direction of both SBFD and non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit. The first information may have corresponding effective principles, for example:

[0173] 1. For symbols configured as uplink by higher-layer parameters (e.g., uplink symbols), the first information cannot reconfigure the link direction of that symbol. In other words, the first information cannot reconfigure the link direction of an uplink symbol; or, for uplink symbols, the first information cannot change the link direction of that symbol. Alternatively, even if a symbol configured as uplink by higher-layer parameters is reconfigured as downlink by the first information, this configuration will not take effect; that is, the link direction of the symbol will remain uplink. For example, if a symbol is configured as uplink by higher-layer parameters: if the first information configures a different link direction for the symbol than uplink, then this configuration will not take effect; for instance, if the first information configures the link direction of the symbol as downlink, then the configuration of the first information will not take effect, and the link direction of the symbol will remain uplink.

[0174] 2. Symbols configured as downlink or flexible symbols by higher-layer parameters (e.g., downlink symbols or flexible symbols), if the downlink symbol or flexible symbol is not configured as an SBFD symbol (understandably, a symbol configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operation is called an SFBD symbol), then the link direction configuration of the downlink symbol or flexible symbol can refer to the current scheme. For example, in the current scheme, flexible symbols support reconfiguration and can be reconfigured as downlink or uplink symbols, while downlink symbols do not support reconfiguration and cannot be reconfigured as uplink or flexible symbols. Alternatively, if the downlink symbol or flexible symbol is configured as an SBFD symbol, then the downlink symbol or flexible symbol can support reconfiguration. For example, the first information can reconfigure the link direction of the aforementioned downlink symbol or flexible symbol, or in other words, for the aforementioned downlink symbol or flexible symbol, the first information can change the link direction of the symbol. For example, if a higher-layer parameter configures the link direction of a symbol as downlink or flexible, and the downlink or flexible symbol is configured as an SBFD symbol, then the first information can reconfigure the link direction of the symbol; for example, if a downlink symbol is an SBFD symbol, the first information can reconfigure the symbol as uplink; if a flexible symbol is an SBFD symbol, the first information can reconfigure the symbol as uplink or downlink.

[0175] In the aforementioned principles for the effectiveness of the first information, the higher-layer parameters include the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon); further, the higher-layer parameters also include the higher-layer parameter Time Division Duplex-Uplink-Downlink-Dedicated configuration (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated). It is understood that since the SBFD symbol is configured on the flexible symbol or downlink symbol configured by the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon), the reconfiguration of the link direction of the flexible symbol or downlink symbol by the first information in the aforementioned principles for the effectiveness of the first information can take effect. The link direction of the SBFD symbol can be reconfigured through the first information. For example, configuring SBFD uplink / downlink subband or SFBD operation on downlink symbol X, this downlink symbol X can be called an SBFD symbol; if the first information reconfigures the link direction of this downlink symbol X as uplink, then the link direction of this downlink symbol X, i.e., the SBFD symbol, is determined to be uplink.

[0176] In one understanding, since SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operations are configured in the flexible symbols or downlink symbols configured in the higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon), the symbols configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operations are called SBFD symbols. The link direction of this SBFD symbol is ambiguous. In the embodiments of this application, the first information can configure the link direction of the aforementioned SBFD symbol. For example, the link direction reconfigured on the flexible symbols or downlink symbols configured in the higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) by the first information can take effect, solving the problem that the terminal cannot determine the link direction of the SBFD symbol.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the first information can be carried in an RRC message. For example, the first information can be carried in parameters within the RRC message used to determine the terminal's uplink / downlink TDD configuration. For example, this parameter can be a higher-layer parameter, such as TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated.

[0178] For example, the access network device sends an RRC message to the terminal. The RRC message includes higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated), which carry first information. The first information is used to configure the link direction of the SBFD symbol in the first time unit; for example, the terminal can determine the link direction of the SBFD symbol in the first time unit based on the first information. Further, optionally, the first information can also configure the link direction of non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit; for example, the terminal can also determine the link direction of non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit based on the first information.

[0179] In one understanding, the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) is used for semi-static configuration of a terminal's TDD configuration, or semi-static configuration of a terminal-specific TDD configuration. For example, this TDD configuration can add and / or delete time slots within the TDD cycle of the cell's common configuration, forming a new TDD cycle. Further, the link direction of each time slot, including symbols, is configured within the new TDD cycle. Alternatively, the link direction of each time slot, including symbols, can be reconfigured within the TDD cycle of the cell's common configuration, where the symbols include SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols. It is understood that the TDD cycle of the cell's common configuration refers to the TDD cycle configured by the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon). It is understood that in the above description, time units are used as an example of time slots. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the descriptions of time units and time slots are not distinguished, and the two descriptions are interchangeable.

[0180] In one current approach, the principles for the effectiveness of high-level parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) are as follows:

[0181] 1. A symbol configured as an uplink or downlink symbol by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) cannot have its link direction changed by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated); that is, the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) cannot be configured to have the opposite link direction for the above uplink or downlink symbols.

[0182] 2. Configured as a flexible symbol by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon), the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) can reconfigure the flexible symbol as a downlink or uplink symbol. In some descriptions, "reconfiguration" is also replaced by "rewrite" or "redistribute," etc.

[0183] Because SBFD symbols are configured on downlink symbols or flexible symbols, and the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) can only reconfigure the link direction on flexible symbols, the higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) can only configure the link direction of SBFD symbols on flexible symbols, and cannot configure the link direction of SBFD symbols on downlink symbols.

[0184] In view of the above, the effective principle of the modified high-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) is as follows: In this embodiment, the effective principle of the modified high-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) is as follows:

[0185] 1. For symbols configured as uplink by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) (uplink symbols), the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) cannot reconfigure the link direction of that symbol; that is, for uplink symbols, the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) cannot reconfigure their link direction. For example, for symbols configured as uplink by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon), the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) may not be able to reconfigure their link direction, or it may reconfigure the link direction of the aforementioned uplink symbols as uplink. The statement that the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) cannot reconfigure the link direction of uplink symbols can be replaced with other descriptions, as detailed in the explanation of the effective principles of the first information.

[0186] 2. Symbols configured as downlink or flexible symbols by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon): If the downlink or flexible symbol is not configured as an SBFD symbol, the effective principle for the configuration of the downlink or flexible symbol can be found in the current scheme described above. Alternatively, if the downlink or flexible symbol is configured as an SBFD symbol, the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) can reconfigure the link direction of the aforementioned uplink or flexible symbol; for example, a symbol configured as flexible by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated), if configured as an SBFD symbol, can have its link direction reconfigured as downlink or uplink by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated). The reconfiguration of the link direction of the downlink or flexible symbol by the higher-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) can be replaced with other descriptions, specifically as explained in the effective principle of the first information.

[0187] In this embodiment, the high-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) carries first information. In some descriptions, the principle for the high-level parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) to take effect can be replaced with the principle for the first information to take effect.

[0188] It is understandable that, since the SBFD symbol is configured on the downlink symbol or flexible symbol, the link direction of the downlink symbol or flexible symbol configured by the higher layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) can be made effective through the above-mentioned effective principle, thereby making the link direction of the SBFD symbol configured by the higher layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) effective.

[0189] In another possible implementation, the first information can be carried in the DCI. For example, the first information can be carried in the slot format indicator (SFI) field of the DCI. For example, the access network device sends a DCI to the terminal, which includes an SFI field, and the SFI field includes or carries the first information. The first information is used to configure the link direction of the SBFD symbols in the first time unit, and the terminal can determine the link direction of the SBFD symbols in the first time unit based on the first information. Further, optionally, the first information is also used to configure the link direction of non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit, and the terminal can also determine the link direction of non-SBFD symbols in the first time unit based on the first information.

[0190] In some descriptions, the first information may be referred to as SFI. In the following description, SFI will be used as an example to illustrate this:

[0191] SFI is used to dynamically indicate the terminal-specific TDD configuration. For example, SFI indicates the link direction of a symbol in a first time unit (a time slot within a TDD cycle). For example, for a time slot, SFI includes multiple values, each corresponding to a time slot format. As shown in Table 1 or Table 2, under normal CP, a time slot includes 14 symbols, with indices from 0 to 13. The SFI value ranges from 0 to 255, and the access network device can indicate any time slot format in Table 1 or Table 2 to the terminal. In Table 1 or Table 2, each row can be considered a time slot format; in each row's time slot format, D indicates that the link direction of a symbol is downlink (D), U indicates that the link direction of a symbol is uplink (U), and F indicates that the link direction of a symbol is flexible (F). For example, if the SFI value sent by the access network device to the terminal is 20, the terminal can determine that the link direction of symbols 0 and 1 in the first time unit is downlink (D), the link direction of symbols 2 to 12 is flexible (F), and the link direction of symbol 13 is uplink (U). In one interpretation, Table 1 specifies the time slot format corresponding to each SFI value from 0 to 55. Table 2 specifies the time slot format corresponding to each SFI value from 56 to 96.

[0192] In one interpretation, the time slot formats included in Table 1 satisfy any one of the three existing formats, and the time slot formats included in Table 2 satisfy the format 4 newly added in this embodiment. For example, in the time slot formats of Table 2, the time slot format of any time slot satisfies the following format: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time slot is uplink U, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of a time slot is downlink D, which satisfies the format 4 newly added in this embodiment.

[0193] In one interpretation, Table 1 can be considered the current timeslot format, and Table 2 is the enhanced / added timeslot format in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the access network device can select either a timeslot format from Table 1 or Table 2, determine the index (i.e., SFI or first information) of the selected timeslot format, and send it to the terminal. The terminal determines the link direction of the SBFD symbol according to the indicated timeslot format and communicates with the access network device on the SFBD symbol.

[0194] Table 1

[0195]

[0196] Table 2

[0197]

[0198] In one interpretation, the access network device sends a DCI (Distributed Control Information Framework) to the terminal, which includes an SFI (Segmentation Format). The terminal determines the time slot format of the first time unit based on the value of the SFI. When the first time unit includes an SBFD (Segmented Substance Format) symbol, the terminal can determine the link direction of the SBFD symbol included in that first time unit.

[0199] In one possible implementation, before the access network device sends the DCI including the SFI to the terminal: the access network device sends an RRC message including higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) to the terminal to configure the link direction including the symbol in the first time unit; further, the access network device also sends an RRC message including higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) to the terminal to configure the link direction including the symbol in the first time unit. In a current scheme, the SFI in the DCI takes effect according to the following principle:

[0200] 1. A symbol configured as an uplink or downlink symbol by the higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) and (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) (if present) cannot have its link direction changed by the SFI in the DCI. In other words, the SFI in the DCI cannot reconfigure the link direction of the uplink or downlink symbol to the opposite direction.

[0201] 2. Configured as a flexible symbol by the higher-level parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) and (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) (if present), the SFI in DCI can reconfigure or indicate the above flexible symbol as a downlink symbol or an uplink symbol.

[0202] Since SBFD symbols are configured on downlink symbols or flexible symbols, and SFI can only reconfigure the link direction on flexible symbols, SFI can only configure the link direction of SBFD symbols on flexible symbols, and cannot configure the link direction of SBFD symbols on downlink symbols.

[0203] In view of the above, the effective principle of SFI in the above DCI is modified. In the embodiments of this application, the effective principle of SFI in the modified DCI is as follows:

[0204] 1. For symbols configured as uplink by the higher-level parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) and (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) (if present), the SFI in the DCI cannot reconfigure the link direction of that uplink symbol. Regarding the inability of the SFI in the DCI to reconfigure the link direction of uplink symbols, this can be replaced with other descriptions; please refer to the explanation in the first information's effectiveness principles for details.

[0205] 2. Symbols configured as downlink or flexible symbols by the higher-layer parameters (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon) and (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated) (if present): If the downlink or flexible symbol is not configured as an SBFD symbol, the effective principle for the configuration of the downlink or flexible symbol is as described in the current scheme above. Alternatively, if the downlink or flexible symbol is configured as an SBFD symbol, the SFI in the DCI can reconfigure the link direction of the aforementioned downlink or flexible symbol. The ability of the SFI in the DCI to reconfigure the link direction of downlink or flexible symbols can be replaced with other descriptions; please refer to the explanation in the effective principle of the first information for details.

[0206] It is understandable that SBFD symbols are configured on downlink symbols or flexible symbols. Through the aforementioned activation principles, the link direction of the downlink symbol or flexible symbol configured by the SFI becomes effective, thereby enabling the link direction of the SBFD symbol configured by the SFI to take effect. For example, if downlink symbol Y is configured with SBFD uplink / downlink subbands or SBFD operation, this downlink symbol Y can be called an SBFD symbol. If the SFI in the DCI indicates the link direction of this downlink symbol Y as uplink, then the link direction of this downlink symbol Y, i.e., the SBFD symbol, is determined to be uplink.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the "access network device" in this application embodiment may adopt an ORAN architecture, and the access network device includes logical nodes such as CU, DU, and RU. The CU and / or DU can generate first information, which is processed by the RU and then sent to the terminal via the air interface.

[0208] For example, the first information is carried in the parameters used to determine the uplink / downlink TDD configuration of the terminal in the RRC message. The CU can generate the RRC message. Further, for example, the CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. The CU-CP can generate an RRC message containing parameters for configuring the terminal's uplink / downlink TDD configuration, for example, a higher-layer parameter (TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated), which carries the first information; the CU-CP sends the aforementioned RRC message to the DU. The DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, MAC layer, Higher PHY, and other functions. The DU processes the RLC layer, MAC layer, and Higher PHY of the RRC message generated by the CU-CP and sends it to the RU; the RU is a logical node carrying lower PHY and RF processing. The RU can process the lower PHY and RF of the RRC message generated by the CU-CP, and send the RRC message to the terminal via the air interface.

[0209] For example, the first information is carried in the SFI field of the DCI. The DU can generate a DCI, whose SFI field carries the first information, and send it to the RU. After processing by the RU, the DCI is sent to the terminal through the air interface.

[0210] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of interaction between the terminal and the access network device. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminal or access network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the design constraints of the specific application of the technical solution.

[0211] Based on the same concepts as the above-described method embodiments Figure 9 and Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and therefore may achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, or a unit, module, or component (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, processor, or others) applied in a terminal device or network device. In the following description, the term "unit" is used as an example. For example, in the following description, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit as an example. The processing unit in the following description can also be replaced by: a processing module or processing component, etc. The transceiver unit can also be replaced by: a transceiver unit or a transceiver component. For example, a transceiver component can refer to a communication module.

[0212] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 9000 includes a processing unit 9010 and a transceiver unit 9020. The communication device 9000 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 8 Functions of terminal or access network equipment.

[0213] Optionally, the transceiver unit 9020 may also be referred to as an output unit, an interface unit, or a communication unit, etc. In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 9020 includes at least one of a transmitting unit or a receiving unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be integrated together, or they may be two independent units, etc.

[0214] When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figure 8 Specifically, the functions of the terminal device include: a transceiver unit 9020, used to receive first information from the access network device, the first information being used to configure the link direction of a symbol in a first time unit, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; wherein, the link direction of the symbol in the first time unit configured by the first information satisfies a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit; and a processing unit 9010, used to communicate with the access network device based on the link direction of the SBFD symbol, the link direction of the SBFD symbol being determined based on the first information.

[0215] In one possible design, the plurality of formats further includes at least one of the following formats: all symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; all symbols in a time unit have an uplink direction; or, the first X2 symbols of a time unit have a downlink direction, and / or, the last Y2 symbols of the time unit have an uplink direction, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

[0216] In one possible design, the first format is the same as the second format.

[0217] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0218] In one possible design, uplink information is also configured or instructed to be sent on the SBFD symbol, where the uplink information is not sent to the access network device; or, it is not expected to be configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol.

[0219] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, but being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, where the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0220] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, wherein the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0221] In one possible design, downlink information is also configured or instructed to be received on the SBFD symbol, where receiving downlink information from the access network device is not performed, or it is not expected to be configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol.

[0222] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol. The downlink information is received from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0223] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: being configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and a second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or being configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving downlink information from the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or being configured or instructed to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, sending the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, or receiving downlink information from the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, where the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the terminal.

[0224] In one possible design, the first information is carried in parameters in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

[0225] In one possible design, the first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

[0226] When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figure 8Specifically, the function of the access network device includes: a transceiver unit 9020, used to send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to configure the link direction of a first time unit including symbols, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; wherein, the link direction of the first time unit including symbols configured by the first information satisfies a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols included in the time unit; and a processing unit 9010, used to communicate with the terminal on the SBFD symbol according to the link direction of the SBFD symbol.

[0227] In one possible design, the plurality of formats further includes at least one of the following formats: all symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; all symbols in a time unit have an uplink direction; or, the first X2 symbols of a time unit have a downlink direction, and / or, the last Y2 symbols of the time unit have an uplink direction, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

[0228] In one possible design, the first format is the same as the second format.

[0229] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0230] In one possible design, the terminal is also configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, where receiving the uplink information from the terminal is not performed in the SBFD symbol.

[0231] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: not configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol. The terminal receives the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0232] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resources, wherein the second frequency domain resources are the uplink transmission resources corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0233] In one possible design, the terminal is also configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, and in the SBFD symbol, the downlink signal is not sent to the terminal.

[0234] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the terminal and the SBFD symbol includes: not configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

[0235] In one possible design, the link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible. Communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or configuring or instructing the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or configuring or instructing the terminal to send uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, receiving the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, or sending the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, where the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the access network device.

[0236] In one possible design, the first information is carried in parameters in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

[0237] In one possible design, the first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

[0238] It is understood that the division of units in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, the functional units in this application embodiment can be integrated into a physical device (e.g., in a processor), or each functional unit can be a separate physical device, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module, etc.

[0239] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 10000 includes a processor 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 10000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions.

[0240] When communication device 10000 is used to achieve Figure 8 In the method shown, the processor 1010 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 9010, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 9020.

[0241] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information sent to the terminal by the access network device through other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal, which is information sent by the terminal to the access network device.

[0242] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to an access network device, the module implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. This module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, which is information sent by the terminal to the access network device; or, the module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, which is information sent by the access network device to the terminal. The module of the access network device here can be a chip of the access network device, or a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under the O-RAN architecture.

[0243] This application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the above-described embodiments. Figure 8 The communication device may include a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, and a processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the aforementioned functions. Figure 8 The communication device can be a terminal or access network device. Alternatively, it can be a chip or a chip system.

[0244] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the above through logic circuits or executable code instructions. Figure 8 Functions of terminal or access network equipment.

[0245] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which may also be referred to as computer programs, computer program code, etc. These instructions, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned... Figure 8 Functions of terminal or access network equipment.

[0246] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, implement the above-described functionality. Figure 8 Functions of terminal or access network equipment.

[0247] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0248] The memory in the embodiments of this application may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), register, hard disk, portable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0249] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which can be a chip applied in a terminal, referred to simply as a terminal chip, which is used to implement... Figure 8 The function of the terminal in the process. For example, the terminal chip could be a baseband chip. Figure 11 As shown:

[0250] The terminal chip includes at least one processor for implementing Figure 8 The functions of the terminal in the process. For example, in Figure 11 In this context, the multiple processors are represented as processor #1 to processor #N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, a processor can be a microprocessor, such as x86 or ARM, a microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, GPU, programmable logic device, state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform appropriate functions.

[0251] The terminal chip may further include at least one memory for storing computer program instructions and / or data. The memory is coupled to the processor. In this embodiment, the coupling is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor and memory operate collaboratively; the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to implement the functions described in this embodiment. Figure 8 The method of terminating in the process. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0252] The terminal chip may also include at least one communication interface for communicating with other devices (e.g., access network devices) via a transmission medium, for example, in Figure 8 The process receives first information from the access network device. In this embodiment, the communication interface can be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface, which can be called a bus interface. In this embodiment, when the communication interface is a transceiver, the transceiver can include an independent receiver, an independent transmitter, or a transceiver with integrated transceiver functions, or an interface circuit.

[0253] In this embodiment, the connection medium between the processor, memory, and communication interface is not limited. Optionally, in Figure 11 In this system, the processor, memory, and communication interface are connected via a bus. This bus may include an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. Figure 11In this context, a single thick line represents a bus, but this does not imply a single bus or a single type of bus. In one possible implementation, a bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the terminal chip. The bus couples various circuits together, such as processors, memory, and communication interfaces. The bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well-known in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0254] This application embodiment also provides an access network device, which is used to implement... Figure 8 The functions of the access network devices in the process. For example, such as... Figure 12 As shown:

[0255] Access network equipment includes logical nodes such as CU, DU, and RU. The CU communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, the CU communicates with the DU via a midhaul link, and the DU communicates with the RU via a fronthaul link. The CU performs Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3) functions, the DU performs Layer 1 (L1) and some L2 functions, and the RU performs L1 computation and RF digital functions; an integrated DU combines the functions of both the DU and RU.

[0256] The CU comprises a processor and one or more hardware accelerators. For example, the processor can be a multi-core processor, such as an x86 or ARM-based CPU. The hardware accelerator is an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator. The interface between the processor and the hardware accelerator is a PCIe interface.

[0257] A DU comprises a processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Part of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to the hardware accelerator; alternatively, all L1 functions can be offloaded to the hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE.

[0258] The RU comprises an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), an O-RU digital processing unit (DPU), and an RF processing unit. The OPU receives data frames (such as eCPRI frames) from the O-RAN fronthaul interface and performs fronthaul interface operations, the lowest level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented using a processor such as a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC. The DPU performs synchronization, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), DUC (digital upconversion in DL), CFR, and DPD, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing PAPR / ACLR at the RF front end; the DPU can also be implemented using a processor such as an FPGA or ASIC. The RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) filters.

[0259] In one possible implementation, when Figure 12 The access network equipment shown is used to implement Figure 8 The functions of the access network devices in the process are as follows: CU and DU can generate the first information, which is then processed by RU and sent to the terminal through the air interface.

[0260] For example, the first information might be carried in the parameters of an RRC message used to determine the uplink / downlink TDD configuration of the terminal. The CU can generate such an RRC message. The DU processes the RRC message generated by the CU and sends it to the RU; the RU can then process the RRC message accordingly and send it to the terminal via the air interface. As another example, the first information might be carried in the SFI field of a DCI. The DU can generate a DCI, whose SFI field carries the first information, and send it to the RU. After processing by the RU, the DCI is sent to the terminal via the air interface.

[0261] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0262] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0263] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information from the access network device, the first information being used to configure the link direction of a first time unit including a symbol, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; Wherein, the first time unit configured by the first information includes the link direction of the symbols satisfying a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols included in the time unit; Based on the link direction of the SBFD symbol, the SBFD symbol communicates with the access network device, and the link direction of the SBFD symbol is determined based on the first information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of formats also includes at least one of the following formats: All symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; All symbols in a time unit have an uplink link; or, The link direction of the first X2 symbols of a time unit is downlink, and / or the link direction of the last Y2 symbols of the time unit is uplink, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first format is the same as the second format.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and the communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: Configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and to receive the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It is also configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, where the uplink information to the access network device is not sent; or, it is not expected to be configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and the communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: If not configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, but configured or instructed to transmit uplink information on the SBFD symbol, the uplink information is transmitted to the access network device within the scope of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and the communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: The device is configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and to send the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It is also configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, where receiving downlink information from the access network device is not performed, or it is not expected to be configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and the communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: Not configured or instructed to transmit uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, receiving the downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: Configured or instructed to transmit uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and to transmit the uplink information to the access network device within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or... Configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, receiving downlink information from the access network device, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or, Configured or instructed to transmit uplink information and receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, to transmit the uplink information to the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range, or to receive downlink information from the access network device within the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range, wherein the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the parameters of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to configure the link direction of a first time unit including a symbol, the first time unit including at least one sub-band full-duplex SBFD symbol; Wherein, the first time unit configured by the first information includes the link direction of the symbols satisfying a first format, the first format being one of multiple formats, the multiple formats including a second format, the second format satisfying: the link direction of the first X1 symbols of a time unit is uplink, and / or the link direction of the last Y1 symbols of the time unit is downlink, X1 and Y1 are both positive integers, and the sum of X1 and Y1 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols included in the time unit; According to the link direction of the SBFD symbol, the terminal communicates with the SBFD symbol.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The plurality of formats also includes at least one of the following formats: All symbols in a time unit have a downlink direction; All symbols in a time unit have an uplink link; or, The link direction of the first X2 symbols of a time unit is downlink, and / or the link direction of the last Y2 symbols of the time unit is uplink, where X2 and Y2 are both positive integers, and the sum of X2 and Y2 is less than or equal to the total number of symbols in the time unit.

15. The method as described in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first format is the same as the second format.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: Configure or instruct the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and send the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The terminal is also configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol, and in the SBFD symbol, receiving the uplink information from the terminal is not performed.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is downlink, and the communication between the SBFD symbol and the access network device includes: The terminal is not configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to send uplink information in the SBFD symbol. The uplink information is received from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: Configure or instruct the terminal to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receive the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The terminal is also configured or instructed to receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol, and in the SBFD symbol, not to send the downlink signal to the terminal.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is uplink, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: If the terminal is not configured or instructed to send uplink information on the SBFD symbol, but is configured or instructed to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, the downlink information is sent to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource, where the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The link direction of the SBFD symbol is flexible, and communication between the SBFD symbol and the terminal includes: Configure or instruct the terminal to transmit uplink information on the SBFD symbol, and receive the uplink information from the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource, where the second frequency domain resource is the uplink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or, Configure or instruct the terminal to receive downlink information on the SBFD symbol, and transmit the downlink information to the terminal within the range of the SBFD symbol and a first frequency domain resource, wherein the first frequency domain resource is the downlink transmission resource corresponding to the SBFD symbol; or... Configure or instruct the terminal to send uplink information and receive downlink information in the SBFD symbol: according to a first criterion, receive the uplink information from the terminal in the SBFD symbol and the second frequency domain resource range, or send the downlink information to the terminal in the SBFD symbol and the first frequency domain resource range, wherein the first criterion is predefined or configured or instructed to the access network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the parameters of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message used to determine the uplink / downlink Time Division Duplex (TDD) configuration of the terminal.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the slot format indication (SFI) field of the downlink control information (DCI).

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

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