Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block SSB; wherein the first SSB can be used for acquiring a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource positions of the plurality of random access channel opportunity (RO) resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource positions of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. And determining a first random access channel opportunity (RO) resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period. Wherein the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period can comprise the first RO resource. And sending a physical random access channel (PRACH) based on the first RO resource. Different RO resources are configured for different SSB periods, so that the terminal selects the RO resource adaptive to the SSB period for random access according to the SSB period, resource waste is avoided, and the resource utilization rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) typically refer to networks that provide communication services using radio frequency resources on platforms such as satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). Satellite platforms can include low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks, NTNs offer wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTNs can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas with insufficient communication infrastructure.

[0003] In NTN scenarios, satellite coverage involves numerous environments, and the requirements for satellite coverage vary significantly between different environments. Different environments can employ different synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs) for periodic transmission and / or reception of SSBs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that configures different random access channel occasion (RO) resources for different synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) cycles, so that the terminal can select the RO resource that is compatible with the SSB cycle for random access, thereby avoiding resource waste and improving resource utilization.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a terminal, but can also be a component of the terminal (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the terminal as an example. The method may include: receiving a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to obtain a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the multiple SSBs in the first SSB period are different from the resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the multiple SSBs in the second SSB period. For example, the multiple SSBs in the first SSB period include the first SSB, and the multiple SSBs in the second SSB period include the second SSB. Based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period, a first random access channel timing RO resource corresponding to the first SSB is determined. The multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period may include the first RO resource. A physical random access channel (PRACH) is transmitted based on the first RO resource. In subsequent embodiments of this application, the multiple RO resources corresponding to the multiple SSBs in the SSB period are simplified as multiple RO resources corresponding to the SSB period. However, it should be understood that the multiple RO resources corresponding to an SSB cycle are essentially still the individual SSBs and RO resources within the SSB cycle. In other words, the multiple SSBs within an SSB cycle can be considered as a whole, referred to as the SSB cycle itself. This will not be elaborated upon further.

[0007] This application configures different RO resources for different SSB cycles, so that the terminal can select the RO resource that is compatible with the SSB cycle for random access, thereby avoiding resource waste and improving resource utilization.

[0008] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This can include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle using time division multiplexing (TDM); or configuring the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle using frequency division multiplexing (FDM).

[0009] This application can use a variety of different reuse methods to configure RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles, thereby achieving flexible configuration of RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles, avoiding resource waste, and improving resource utilization.

[0010] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0011] This application provides various TDM methods for configuring RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles, resulting in sparser RO resources for longer SSB cycles. The RO resources for longer SSB cycles are less than those for shorter SSB cycles. This more rational allocation of RO resources avoids waste.

[0012] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The method may further include: determining a system message based on the first SSB. The system message may be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message may be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0013] This application provides multiple FDM methods for configuring RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles. This allows for the use of appropriate methods to configure RO resources for different SSB cycles via FDM in various scenarios.

[0014] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0015] This application provides multiple methods for determining the association period to be applicable to scenarios where different SSB periods correspond to different RO resources, thereby setting a more suitable association period for different SSB periods and improving the efficiency of random access.

[0016] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0017] This application can configure the relationship between the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle and the SSB cycle, thereby enabling different RO resource quantities to be configured for different SSB cycles, achieving more reasonable resource allocation, improving resource utilization, and avoiding resource waste.

[0018] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0019] This application provides various possible relationships between association periods and SSB periods, so as to configure appropriate association periods for different SSB periods and improve random access efficiency.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a network device, but can also be a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a network device. The method may include: sending a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to acquire a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. Receiving a PRACH based on the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB. The plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period include the first RO resource.

[0021] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0022] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0023] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The method may further include sending a system message. The system message may be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message may be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0024] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0025] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0026] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which may be equipped with a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses an example executed by the terminal. It includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to obtain a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. A processing unit for determining the first random access channel timing RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period may include the first RO resource. The processing unit is also used to control the transceiver unit to send PRACH based on the first RO resource.

[0028] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0029] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0030] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The processing unit is further configured to: determine a system message based on the first SSB. The system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0031] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0032] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0033] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which may be equipped with a network device, or a communication module within the network device, or a chip within the network device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following description uses an example executed by the network device. It includes: a transceiver unit for transmitting a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to acquire a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. A processing unit for controlling the transceiver unit to receive PRACH based on the first RO resources corresponding to the first SSB. The plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period include the first RO resources.

[0035] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0036] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0037] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The transceiver unit is further configured to send system messages. The system messages can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system messages can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0038] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0039] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0040] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0041] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be equipped with a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses an example executed by the terminal. It includes: a transceiver for receiving a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to obtain a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource positions of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource positions of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. A processor for determining the first random access channel timing RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period may include the first RO resource. The processor is also used to control the transceiver to transmit PRACH based on the first RO resource.

[0042] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0043] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0044] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using FDM. The processor is further configured to: determine a system message based on the first SSB. The system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0045] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0046] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0047] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0048] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which may be equipped with a network device, or a communication module within the network device, or a chip within the network device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module. It may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes execution by the network device. It includes: a transceiver for transmitting a first SSB. The first SSB can be used to acquire a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. A processor for controlling the transceiver to receive PRACH based on the first RO resources corresponding to the first SSB. The plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period include the first RO resources.

[0049] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0050] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0051] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The transceiver is also used to send system messages. These system messages can indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system messages can indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0052] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0053] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0054] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0055] A seventh aspect provides a communication system, comprising: a network device sending a first SSB to a terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receiving the first SSB from the network device; wherein the first SSB can be used to obtain a first SSB period of the first SSB and a second SSB period of the second SSB; the resource locations of a plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of a plurality of RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period; the terminal determining a first random access channel timing RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period; wherein the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period may include the first RO resource; the terminal sending a PRACH to the network device based on the first RO resource; correspondingly, the network device receiving the PRACH based on the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB.

[0056] In one possible design scheme, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle. This may include at least one of the following: configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using TDM; or configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle using FDM.

[0057] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle are configured using TDM. These resource locations may include temporal resource locations. The temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those corresponding to the second SSB cycle; alternatively, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles are the same in different system frames. In some examples, the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first and second SSB cycles may also be different in different system frames.

[0058] In one possible design, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are configured using FDM. The system further includes: the network device sending a system message to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the system message from the network device based on the first SSB. The system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message can be used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

[0059] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period among the various SSB periods; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the durations of the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The first associated period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to the RO resource once within one period of the first SSB period.

[0060] In one possible design, the longer the duration of the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle.

[0061] In one possible design, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period. Here, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0062] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first and second aspects. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first and second aspects. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0063] Ninthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0064] A tenth aspect provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0065] The beneficial effects of the methods in any of the second to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of satellite beam scanning provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the location of a RO resource.

[0069] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a leader sequence provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between SSB and RO provided in this application embodiment;

[0071] Figure 6This is another schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between SSB and RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an associated cycle provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the mapping relationship between SSB and RO provided in this application embodiment;

[0074] Figure 9 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating differences in access requirements.

[0075] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of region division provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 11 This application provides a schematic diagram of an SSB partitioning scheme.

[0077] Figure 12 This application provides a schematic diagram of a communication scenario.

[0078] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 14 This application provides a schematic diagram of a time-division multiplexing configuration for RO resources.

[0080] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another time-division multiplexing configuration RO resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 16 This application provides a schematic diagram of a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) configuration RO resource.

[0082] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN120a-120j, is 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). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 1000 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0086] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a future communications network, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0087] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB / eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a future base station in a future communication network, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the table can also be a relay node or a master node.

[0088] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). An RU can also be called a radio frequency unit. Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0089] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0090] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, 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, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0091] In some examples, the core network 200 may include any core network device such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, the session management function (SMF) entity, the user plane function (UPF) entity, the sensing service control function (SSCF), the sensing data processing function (SDPF), and the unified data management (UDM).

[0092] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They 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 on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0093] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0094] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted 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.

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, 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 (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0096] In a wireless communication system, communication devices are included, and these devices can communicate wirelessly using air interface resources. These communication devices can include network devices and terminal devices; network devices can also be called base station devices, i.e., the wireless access network devices mentioned above. Air interface resources can include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. These communication devices can also be called communication apparatuses.

[0097] The solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication can include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be simply referred to as "communication," and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0098] In satellite communication scenarios within non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), seamless ground coverage can be achieved by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and through appropriate constellation construction. Furthermore, compared to geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), LEO significantly reduces the round-trip latency for data communication between satellites and ground terminals, by tens of milliseconds. With the application of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse, satellite communication capabilities have been significantly enhanced, while simultaneously reducing the cost per unit bandwidth. Therefore, satellite communication can meet the demands of high-data-rate services.

[0099] Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN (Network Telecommunications) offers significant cost advantages. Currently, small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and their on-orbit lifespan can be extended through software-defined methods. NTN can also be used in scenarios such as emergency response, the Internet of Things (IoT), and high-speed mobility. Specifically, NTN is applied in emergency disaster relief, such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications. It is also used in high-speed mobility scenarios such as high-speed rail and airplanes. Therefore, NTN has garnered widespread attention in the industry.

[0100] As NTN research deepened, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) conducted standardization studies on NTN, such as research on satellite-ground integration. Discussions on the role and advantages of satellites in 5G systems allowed 5G to support satellite access. Several enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) scenarios and various massive machine-type communication (mMTC) scenarios were also defined.

[0101] In typical 5G communication systems, several beams in different directions are needed for network equipment to send synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs) to terminals for synchronization during the initial random access phase. Compared to terrestrial networks, NTN systems offer wider coverage, greater transmission loss, and faster mobility. Unlike terrestrial networks, which define a maximum of 8 SSBs for frequency range 1 or 64 SSBs for FR2 to cover the service area of ​​a single base station, NTN systems may require hundreds or even thousands of beams. For example, an NTN system at an orbital altitude of 600 kilometers can provide a service area of ​​hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. To overcome path loss due to transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites typically employ large-scale antenna arrays to provide high array gain. However, this also results in a narrower main lobe of the beam. For example, a 3-decibel (dB) beamwidth corresponds to a coverage radius of only a few tens of kilometers, covering an area of ​​approximately several hundred square kilometers. To achieve seamless coverage of a single satellite's service area using narrow beams, thousands of beams would be required. Even with beamwidth widening, hundreds of beams are still needed to maintain the gain level. Therefore, considering the large coverage area of ​​satellite communication, a greater number of scanning beams are required. For example, 64, 128, 256, or 512 beams might be needed; this application does not limit the number of beams described herein. For example, see reference... Figure 2 As shown, satellites achieve wide-area coverage by scanning a large number of beams. Satellites can send SSBs in the direction of each beam so that terminals can select beams and conduct subsequent communications based on the received SSBs.

[0102] In various embodiments of this application, the beam may also be referred to as a spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial domain parameter, quasi-co-location (QCL) type D, transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, etc. The beam can be understood as the main lobe of the directional array pattern. For specific meanings regarding the beam, please refer to related technologies; these will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this application.

[0103] During the initial access phase, the satellite, acting as a network device, sequentially scans all beams and configures random access resources for the terminal. During the SSB search, the terminal scans multiple synchronization rasteres within the corresponding bandwidth. These multiple synchronization rasteres can also be referred to as multiple candidate synchronization rasteres. For example, the terminal can determine the candidate synchronization raster and corresponding SSB pattern for a given bandwidth based on the bandwidth and sub-carrier spacing (SCS).

[0104] In some examples, the SSB pattern defines the SSB within a half-frame. The first symbol index of the candidate SSB varies depending on the SCS. Index 0 can represent the first symbol of the first slot within the half-frame. In some examples, the SSB pattern may include case A, which corresponds to an SCS of 15 kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB can be {2,8}+14*n. For channel access in licensed spectrum, n = 0,1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz; and n = 0,1,2,3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz. For channel access in unlicensed spectrum, n = 0,1,2,3,4. The time-frequency resources corresponding to the candidate SSB can be considered as the time-frequency resources that can be used in the actual transmission of the SSB. That is, during the transmission of the SSB, any candidate SSB's time-frequency resources can be selected for resource mapping and transmission. The specific transmission process can be referred to in related technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0105] In other examples, the SSB pattern may include pattern C, which corresponds to an SCS of 30 kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB may be {2,8} + 14*n. For channel access to licensed spectrum, for paired spectrum (e.g., frequency division duplex, FDD), n = 0,1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz; and n = 0,1,2,3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz. For unpaired spectrum (e.g., time division duplex, TDD), n = 0,1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 1.88 GHz; and n = 0,1,2,3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 1.88 GHz. For channel access to unlicensed spectrum, n = 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

[0106] Of course, the above only shows some possible configurations of SSB patterns, and the embodiments of this application are not limited here. For the configuration of each frequency band with SCS and synchronization grid, relevant technologies can be referenced, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here. It can be understood that different SSB patterns define different maximum candidate SSB numbers and different symbol positions occupied by different SSB indices. Different maximum candidate SSB numbers correspond to different SSB period durations, and the corresponding terminal access latency also differs.

[0107] When a terminal receives an SSB based on a certain synchronization grid, the terminal can determine the corresponding random access channel occasion (RO) resource based on the SSB so as to perform subsequent random access based on the RO resource.

[0108] In related technologies, RO (Redirect Access) configuration can be performed via system messages. For example, different RO parameters can be pre-configured and indicated by a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) configuration index. See Table 1 for examples.

[0109] Table 1

[0110]

[0111] The PRACH configuration period can be defined in units of radio frames, determined by the period x and the offset value y. This can be done in A... SFN Configure PRACH resources (RO resources) at the position mod x = y. For example, the range of x is {1, 2, 4, 8, 16}. Where A... SFN This refers to the system frame number (SFN). The subframe number can indicate the subframe location occupied by the RO, or it can be viewed as the temporal distribution density of the RO within each radio frame. Each subframe can contain one or two PRACH slots.

[0112] It is understood that Table 1 above is only a possible parameter illustration, and the embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0113] In some examples, for ROs in a PRACH slot, the starting position of the RO in the time domain can be determined on a symbol basis. The time domain duration of each RO is determined on a symbol basis according to the preamble format. And the number of consecutive ROs in time division multiplexing (TDM) is determined based on the number of ROs in the PRACH slot. The preamble can also be called a preamble code.

[0114] In some cases, the number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols occupied by the RO can be determined by Equation 1.

[0115]

[0116] Here, l0 indicates the position of the starting symbol of RO. This indicates the number of ROs in a PRACH slot. This indicates the number of symbols occupied by a single RO. This indicates the number of PRACH slots in a subframe.

[0117] Referring to Table 1, taking PRACH configuration index 217 as an example, the PRACH preamble format is B4, and there are 10 subframes with ROs: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Each subframe has 2 PRACH slots, and each PRACH slot contains one RO, which occupies 12 symbols in the time domain resources.

[0118] For example, taking PRACH configuration index 251 as an example, the PRACH preamble format uses C2, and the subframe numbers with RO are 2 and 7. Each subframe can correspond to 2 PRACH slots. (Reference) Figure 3 The diagram illustrates, for example, two 30 kHz PRACH slots. Each PRACH slot can be configured with two ROs. It can be seen that within a system frame of 10 milliseconds (ms), eight ROs can be configured. One system frame can correspond to ten subframes. For example, based on the subframe number, we can determine that subframe number 2 and subframe number 7 contain ROs. Then, based on the fact that the number of PRACH slots within a subframe is 2, we determine that each subframe includes two PRACH slots. Finally, based on the fact that the number of ROs within a PRACH slot is 2, we determine that each PRACH slot includes two ROs. Thus, we determine the eight ROs within the system frame.

[0119] In some cases, different preamble formats correspond to different preamble repetition counts. Preamble formats with higher repetition counts generally have better coverage performance, but also incur greater resource overhead. It's clear that the preamble repetition count refers to the number of times the preamble sent by the terminal in that RO is repeated. For example, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, for the B4 format, the preamble can be repeated 12 times, occupying 12 OFDM symbols. One time slot can be configured with one B4 format RO. These 12 OFDM symbols include a cyclic prefix (CP), shown in the black box, and a time gap, shown in the diagonally filled box. A white box indicates one preamble repetition. It can be seen that for the A3 or B3 format, the preamble can be repeated 6 times, occupying 6 OFDM symbols. One time slot can be configured with 2 A3 or B3 format ROs. The difference between A3 and B3 formats is that the 6 OFDM symbols for A3 do not include the time gap, while the 6 OFDM symbols for B3 include the time gap. For the C2 format, the preamble can be repeated 4 times, occupying 6 OFDM symbols. One time slot can be configured with 2 C2 format ROs. In the C2 format, each of the four repeated preambles can correspond to one OFDM symbol. It is clear that the number of ROs configured in a specific time slot can be determined based on a similar configuration shown in Table 1.

[0120] certainly, Figure 4 The various preamble formats shown are merely exemplary descriptions, and the embodiments of this application are not limited herein.

[0121] In some embodiments, each valid RO and the preamble transmitted on that RO are associated with an SSB. For example, once a terminal identifies an SSB, it can randomly select a preamble on the RO corresponding to that SSB for transmission, based on the mapping between the SSB and the RO. In NR systems where beamforming is introduced, after scanning an SSB, the terminal can feed back the beam information corresponding to that SSB to the network device. For instance, if the terminal identifies a beam more favorable for communication, it can inform the network device that subsequent communication can be based on that beam.

[0122] In some examples, the correspondence between SSBs and ROs can be configured through a field in the radio resource control (RRC) message, which can be denoted as ssb-perRACH-OccasionAndCB-PreamblesPerSSB. In some examples, "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" in this field can configure the number of SSBs corresponding to each RO, with a value range of {8}.1 ,14, 1 2,1,2,4,8,16}. The "CB-PreamblesPerSSB" field can be configured to specify the number of contention-based (CB) preambles used per SSB.

[0123] In some examples, when the value of "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" is less than 1, it indicates that one SSB can correspond to multiple ROs. The correspondence between the SSB index and the CB preamble in the RO can be determined by several order rules as follows.

[0124] Rule 1: The CB preamble in each RO is incremented sequentially from smallest to largest according to the preamble index.

[0125] Rule 2: When there are multiple ROs in the frequency domain, such as when configuring a random access channel (RACH) for frequency division multiplexing (FDM), the frequency domain indexes should be incremented sequentially from smallest to largest.

[0126] Rule 3: When there are multiple ROs in the configured PRACH slot, the indexes in the PRACH slots are incremented sequentially from smallest to largest.

[0127] Rule 4: When multiple PRACH slots are configured, the PRACH slot indexes are incremented sequentially from smallest to largest.

[0128] Of course, the above rules are only one possible implementation method, and the embodiments of this application do not limit it.

[0129] For example, refer to Figure 5 As shown, assuming "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" has a value of 1 / 8 and "CB-PreamblesPerSSB" has a value of 60, this means that one SSB can correspond to 8 ROs, and each RO can correspond to 60 preambles. After receiving the SSB, the terminal can choose any one of the 480 preambles, and the terminal can send the preamble to the network device on the RO corresponding to that preamble. The CB preamble on each RO can be 0-59.

[0130] In other examples, when the value of "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" is greater than or equal to 1, it means that one or more SSBs can correspond to one RO. For example, from The first consecutive values ​​of “CB-PreamblesPerSSB” are CB preambles, corresponding to SSB d. SSB d belongs to [0, D-1], d is equal to the value of “CB-PreamblesPerSSB”, and D is equal to the value of “ssb-perRACH-Occasion”.

[0131] For example, refer to Figure 6 As shown, assuming "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" has a value of 4 and "CB-PreamblesPerSSB" has a value of 12, this means that 4 SSBs can correspond to 1 RO, and each of the 4 SSBs corresponds to 12 preambles in that RO. Combined with... Figure 6 It can be seen that SSB0 corresponds to preambles 0 to 11, a total of 12 preambles; SSB1 corresponds to preambles 16 to 27, a total of 12 preambles; SSB2 corresponds to preambles 32 to 43, a total of 12 preambles; and SSB3 corresponds to preambles 48 to 59, a total of 12 preambles.

[0132] It should be understood that if the value of "ssb-perRACH-Occasion" is 1, it means that one SSB corresponds to one RO.

[0133] Understandable. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is merely an exemplary description, and the specific correspondence between SSB and RO is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0134] In some examples, an SSB can have multiple transmission opportunities within an SSB period. Transmitting all SSBs in an SSB packet can be considered equivalent to one SSB period. The number of SSBs within that SSB period, which is the number of SSBs contained in an SSB packet, can be denoted as... Since ROs can have multiple transmission opportunities in terms of time-frequency resources, each SSB needs to establish a mapping relationship with the RO. Therefore, the concept of an association period is introduced in related technologies, which represents the number of PRACH cycles in the time domain required for all SSBs to be mapped to the RO within one SSB cycle. For example Figure 7 The relationship between the association period and the SSB, RO, and PRACH configuration periods is shown. In various embodiments of this application, the association period can also be referred to as the SSB-RO mapping period or the SSB-RO association period.

[0135] For the association period, mapping can start from SFN 0, selecting the minimum value of the PRACH configuration period, such as the minimum value from {1, 2, 4, 8, 16} radio frames. This ensures that, given this period, all SSBs and ROs within that association period are mapped at least once. Of course, if after all SSB-to-RO mappings are completed, some ROs remain unmapped by the SSBs, these ROs will no longer be mapped to the SSBs. In other words, these unmapped ROs can be ignored.

[0136] In some cases, one or more associated periods can constitute an associated pattern period, or an SSB-RO associated pattern period. An associated pattern period can be up to 160ms long, and the SSB-RO mapping pattern (or mapping pattern) can be repeated within different associated pattern periods. ROs not mapped by the SSB after an integer number of associated periods can also be ignored; that is, these ROs will not be used for subsequent PRACH transmissions.

[0137] Table 2 shows a mapping table between PRACH configuration cycles and associated cycles.

[0138] Table 2

[0139] PRACH configuration cycle (ms) Association period (value of PRACH configuration period) 10 {1,2,4,8,16} 20 {1,2,4,8} 40 {1,2,4} 80 {1,2} 160 {1}

[0140] As shown in Table 2, when the PRACH configuration period is 10ms, the minimum value of the PRACH configuration period selected for the corresponding association period can be {1,2,4,8,16}; when the PRACH configuration period is 20ms, the minimum value of the PRACH configuration period selected for the corresponding association period can be {1,2,4,8}, and so on. This configuration can satisfy the limitation that the maximum association pattern period composed of one or more association periods does not exceed 160ms. Of course, Table 2 is only one possible implementation, and the mapping relationship between the PRACH configuration period and the association period is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0141] In NR, network devices can broadcast SSBs and remaining minimum system information (RMSI) downlink. Beam management is supported during initial access; SSBs have multiple transmission opportunities within their SSB cycles, and different SSBs can correspond to different beams. When a beam covers a terminal, the terminal can search for the SSB corresponding to that beam, perform downlink synchronization based on that SSB, obtain PRACH-related information, and then perform random access. Clearly, there is a correlation between ROs and SSBs; network devices can determine the beam used to send the downlink random access response (RAR) based on the time-frequency resource location of the terminal's uplink PRACH.

[0142] In the above process, there can be a periodic mapping relationship between SSB and RO. The terminal can determine multiple ROs for sending PRACH based on the same SSB index. The number of times the RO resources corresponding to different SSB indices appear is the same.

[0143] In an NTN (Network Transmission Network) scenario, satellites and terminals can communicate using beamforming. The projection range of the beam onto the Earth's surface can be considered the satellite's coverage area. Satellites can adjust the antenna weights to direct the beam in different directions, thus achieving varying coverage areas. Both satellite movement and weight adjustments can alter the satellite's coverage area.

[0144] Satellites typically cover a large area, requiring a correspondingly large number of scanning beams. Satellites can generally cover a variety of environments, including rural areas, cities, oceans, deserts, and mountains. The specific needs for satellite coverage vary significantly depending on the environment. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown, region 1 has lower access demand, while region 2 has higher access demand. For example, in scenarios where both TN and NTN exist, cellular network coverage is better in terrestrial areas, so satellite access demand is relatively low. In contrast, there is virtually no cellular coverage in marine areas, resulting in higher satellite access demand. Furthermore, in NTN scenarios alone, user distribution is denser in marine and tourist island areas, leading to higher satellite access demand, while in uninhabited areas like deserts, satellite access demand is relatively low.

[0145] The above illustration uses a satellite scenario as an example, demonstrating that the requirements for terminal access network devices can vary significantly across different regions. In related technologies, the default SSB period is typically 20ms. Commonly supported SSB periods are {5ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms}. Network devices can flexibly configure the SSB period based on access requirements. For example, a shorter SSB period can be configured for areas with high access requirements, allowing terminals in that area to complete cell synchronization more quickly. A longer SSB period can be configured for areas with low access requirements, thereby saving resource overhead. In the embodiments of this application, the SSB period can be understood as one cycle duration of the SSB period, or it can be understood as including multiple cycle durations. The cycle duration values ​​are the aforementioned {5ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, 160ms}. In the case of multiple SSB period durations, different SSB periods can be understood as multiple SSB periods. Each SSB cycle can include a first SSB cycle, a second SSB cycle, etc., and the duration of each SSB cycle within that SSB cycle is the same. In other words, each SSB cycle within that SSB cycle has one cycle duration.

[0146] refer to Figure 10 As shown, the satellite coverage area is assumed to be... Figure 10 The entire grid area in the image, for example, includes 128 squares. Each square can be considered as the coverage area of ​​an SSB beam, or a beam position. Figure 10 The diagram illustrates two different regions using varying fill patterns: Region 1, composed of squares numbered 0-63, and Region 2, composed of squares numbered 64-127. Region 1 is assumed to be a low-access-demand region, while Region 2 is assumed to be a high-access-demand region. Each region can correspond to one or more signal bits. For Region 1, a SSB period of 160ms can be configured, while for Region 2, a SSB period of 20ms can be configured. This allows high-access-demand regions to complete access more quickly, while low-access-demand regions do not need to send SSBs frequently, saving resource overhead. Figure 10 This is merely an illustrative description. The specific method of dividing the area can be determined according to the actual situation, such as based on population density distribution, historical user data heat map, etc. This application embodiment does not limit it.

[0147] refer to Figure 11 As shown, SSBs can be uniquely identified through SSB indexes and transmitted on different time-frequency resources. For Figure 10Different regions involved can be covered by different SSBs. For example, region 1 corresponds to SSB indices 0-5, and region 2 corresponds to SSB indices 6-7. The duration of the SSB period differs for each region. Figure 11 If SNF#2 does not send the time and frequency resources of SSB index 6-7, it can be used for other services. This application does not limit this.

[0148] Combination Figure 8 It can be seen that if different SSBs have the same RO resource configuration, then for SSB index 6-7, the corresponding RO resources will be wasted, such as... Figure 8 In SNF#1, RO#6-7. For example, the period length of the SSB cycle corresponding to SSB index 6-7 may be relatively long, which means that the user access demand in the area corresponding to SSB index 6-7 may be low, and it is not necessary to configure so many RO resources, resulting in unnecessary waste of resources.

[0149] Therefore, this application provides a communication method that configures different RO resources for different SSB cycles, so that the terminal can select the RO resource that is compatible with the SSB cycle for random access, thereby avoiding resource waste and improving resource utilization.

[0150] The communication method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the embodiments of this application use a first functional entity and a second functional entity as examples of the execution subjects of the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the first functional entity and the second functional entity can be network devices. The method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0151] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0152] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0153] This scenario can be a satellite communication scenario. In some examples, satellite communication scenarios can include transparent forwarding scenarios and regenerative mode scenarios. In the transparent forwarding scenario, the satellite only acts as a frequency converter, and can be regarded as an analog radio frequency repeater. The satellite replicates the NR Uu interface signal from the feed link to the service link, and vice versa. Here, the feed link is the communication link between the NTN gateway and the satellite, and the NTN gateway is like the access network equipment in NTN. The service link is the communication link between the satellite and the terminal. The Uu interface can be regarded as the interface through which the terminal accesses the network. The satellite on the feed link transmits the NR Uu interface signal, and it can be regarded that the satellite does not terminate the NR Uu interface signal, but rather replicates the signal. Different satellites can connect to the same ground access network equipment.

[0154] In other examples, for regenerative mode scenarios, the satellite can include access network equipment or a DU (Dedicated Unit). The satellite can be viewed as access network equipment, such as a base station. It can receive and process signals from the ground. For example, the service link between the terminal and the satellite transmits NR Uu interface signals, and the feeder link between the satellite and the NTN gateway transmits satellite radio interface signals. For instance, the satellite radio interface (SRI) can be the communication performance interface between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals can be transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the ground-based core network equipment.

[0155] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to satellite communication scenarios, but can also be applied to any possible scenario in future communication systems, such as any scenario that requires a large number of SSBs or a large number of scanning beams. The embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0156] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0157] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 9The method can be applied to LTE, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE TDD, 5G systems, or NR systems, as well as future communication systems (such as future communication systems), and V2X. V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), long-term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M), machine-to-machine (M2M), and device-to-device (D2D) wireless communication scenarios. In the embodiments of this application, the terminal can also be a chip system within the terminal, and the network device can also be a chip system within the network device. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can generally be considered as an access network device. However, in some cases, the network device can also be a core network device. The method may include the following steps:

[0158] S101, the network device sends the first SSB to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first SSB from the network device.

[0159] For example, the first SSB can be used to obtain the first SSB period of the first SSB and the second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period.

[0160] For example, the terminal can determine the control resource set (CORESET) based on the first SSB, such as CORESET 0. The terminal receives downlink control information (DCI) carried in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on the time-frequency resources corresponding to CORESET 0. This DCI indicates the time-frequency resources the terminal uses to receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The terminal can then receive system messages carried in the PDSCH based on these time-frequency resources. For example, system messages may include SIB 1 and / or other system information (OSI), such as SIB 19. SIB 19 could be system information relevant to satellite communication scenarios.

[0161] The aforementioned system message can indicate the first SSB period of the first SSB and the second SSB period of the second SSB. The first SSB is the SSB received by the terminal in S101. The second SSB can be an SSB that the terminal might receive in other areas. For example, the second SSB could be an SSB received by the terminal in a new area after moving to another area. Different SSBs can have different SSB periods. That is, the duration of the SSB periods corresponding to different SSBs can be different. For example, the duration of the first SSB period could be 160ms, and the duration of the second SSB period could be 20ms, etc. The above is only an exemplary description; the specific duration of the first SSB period and the duration of the second SSB period can be configured according to actual conditions, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0162] The location of the RO resource differs for different SSB cycles. Alternatively, we can consider that SSB cycles of different durations correspond to different RO resource locations. For example, suppose the first SSB cycle contains SSB#0-5, which corresponds to RO#0-5; the second SSB cycle contains SSB#6-7, which corresponds to RO#6-7. Then, the resource locations of RO#0-5 and RO#6-7 are different time-frequency resource locations.

[0163] The multiple RO resources corresponding to an SSB cycle are essentially still the correspondence between each SSB and each RO resource in the SSB cycle. Therefore, in the subsequent embodiments of this application, the multiple RO resources corresponding to multiple SSBs in an SSB cycle can be simplified as multiple RO resources corresponding to an SSB cycle. That is, the multiple SSBs in an SSB cycle can be regarded as a whole and referred to as the SSB cycle. Further details will not be elaborated upon hereafter.

[0164] In some embodiments, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period can be configured using TDM. The resource locations of the RO resources include their time-domain resource locations.

[0165] In some cases, the temporal resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from those of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle.

[0166] refer to Figure 14 As shown, assume the first SSB cycle contains SSB#0-3, and the corresponding RO resource for SSB#0-3 includes RO#0-3; the second SSB cycle contains SSB#4-7, and the corresponding RO resource for SSB#4-7 includes RO#4-7. The cycle length of the first SSB cycle is shorter than the cycle length of the second SSB cycle. RO#0-3 and RO#4-7 can use the same frequency domain resources but different time domain resources, i.e., they can be multiplexed on the same frequency domain resources using TDM. For example, in the time domain, the first four time slots in SFN#0 are allocated to RO#0-3, and the 5th to 8th time slots are allocated to RO#4-7. The RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles can also be different. Assume the cycle length of the first SSB cycle is 20ms, and the cycle length of the second SSB cycle is 160ms. RO#0-3 can be configured in each SFN with a cycle of 10ms, while RO#4-7 can be configured once every two SFNs with a cycle of 20ms. Of course, the above-mentioned RO cycle duration is only an exemplary description and can be adjusted according to the actual situation, such as 80ms, 160ms, etc. This application embodiment does not limit it here.

[0167] In contrast to related technologies, time slots 5-8 in SFN#1 will also be allocated to RO#4-7. Figure 14 In the RO resource configuration shown, time slots 5-8 in SFN#1 can be used for other data transmissions, avoiding resource waste and increasing system capacity.

[0168] For example, one configuration method is through the {SSB cycle: RO resource cycle} approach. Let's continue with... Figure 14For example, you can configure {20ms:10ms, 160ms:20ms}, which means that the RO resources corresponding to the SSB period with a period of 20ms are configured with RO resources with a period of 10ms, and the RO resources corresponding to the SSB period with a period of 160ms are configured with RO resources with a period of 20ms.

[0169] In other examples, the time-domain resource identifiers corresponding to the time-domain resource locations of multiple RO resources in the first SSB period and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are the same in different system frames.

[0170] refer to Figure 15 As shown, it is still assumed that the RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle include RO#0-3, and the RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle include RO#4-7, and the cycle length of the first SSB cycle is shorter than the cycle length of the second SSB cycle. Figure 14 The difference is that, Figure 15 In SFN#1, time slots 5-8 are allocated to RO#0-3. Figure 14 In SFN#1, slots 5-8 are idle or can be used for other data transmission.

[0171] Assume that time-frequency resources in different SFNs can use the same time-frequency resource identifier. For example, the time-frequency resource identifier for the 5th time slot in SFN#0 is time slot 4, and the time-frequency resource identifier for the 5th time slot in SFN#1 can also be time slot 4. Figure 15 As can be seen, the time slot corresponding to time slot 4 in SFN#0 is used to configure RO#4 corresponding to the second SSB cycle, and the time slot corresponding to time slot 4 in SFN#1 is used to configure RO#0 corresponding to the first SSB cycle.

[0172] For example, the time-domain resource identifiers corresponding to the time-domain resource positions of multiple RO resources in the first SSB cycle and the multiple RO resources in the second SSB cycle can also be different in different system frames. Figure 15 Taking the example shown, time slots 5 to 8 in SFN#0, assuming time domain resource identifiers are time slots 4 to 7, are used to configure RO#4-7 corresponding to the second SSB cycle. Time slots 1 to 4 in SFN#1, assuming time domain resource identifiers are time slots 0 to 3, are used to configure RO#0-3 corresponding to the first SSB cycle. It can be seen that the time domain resource identifiers corresponding to multiple RO resources for different SSB cycles can be different in different system frames.

[0173] In this embodiment of the application, the identifier can be an identity (ID) or an index.

[0174] pass Figure 15The method shown for configuring RO resources allows for more RO resources to be allocated in SSB cycles with shorter durations, thereby further improving the access efficiency of terminals in the area corresponding to that SSB cycle and increasing access capacity.

[0175] In contrast to related technologies, time slots 5-8 in SFN#1 will also be allocated to RO#4-7. Figure 15 In the RO resource configuration shown, time slots 5-8 in SFN#1 can be used for RO#0-3. This saves the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycles with longer durations, avoiding resource waste. Simultaneously, it can increase the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycles with shorter durations, improving access capacity. This allows for a more rational configuration of RO resources.

[0176] For example, one configuration method can be achieved by configuring the total RO resource cycle and the RO resource cycle corresponding to the longer SSB cycle. Figure 15 Each RO resource. For example, the total RO resource period can be configured to 10ms, meaning each RO resource repeats every 10ms. For instance, RO resources are configured in slots 1-8 of each SFN. The RO resource period corresponding to a longer SSB period can be {SSB period: RO resource period}, such as configuring {160ms: 20ms}, meaning the RO resource corresponding to that SSB period repeats every 20ms. It can be understood that, excluding the RO resources corresponding to {160ms: 20ms} from the total RO resources, the remaining RO resources can be the RO resources corresponding to SSB periods with a period length of 20ms. Figure 15 The following description uses two types of SSB cycles as an example. When there are E types of SSB cycles, the total RO resource cycle and the RO resource cycle corresponding to E-1 types of SSB cycles can be configured. Here, E is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0177] certainly, Figure 14 , Figure 15 This is merely an illustrative description; the specific SSB cycle and the number of RO resources can be determined according to actual circumstances. Furthermore, the correspondence between SSBs and RO resources, such as one SSB corresponding to one RO resource, one SSB corresponding to multiple RO resources, or multiple SSBs corresponding to one RO resource, can be configured according to actual circumstances, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0178] This application embodiment configures RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles using TDM (Time Deployment Management) methods, resulting in sparser RO resources for longer SSB cycles. The RO resources corresponding to longer SSB cycles are fewer than those corresponding to shorter SSB cycles. This more rational configuration of RO resources avoids waste.

[0179] In other embodiments, the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle can be configured using the FDM method.

[0180] refer to Figure 16 As shown, it is still assumed that the RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle include RO#0-3, and the RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle include RO#4-7, and the cycle length of the first SSB cycle is shorter than the cycle length of the second SSB cycle. Figure 14 The difference is that, Figure 16 The RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle can correspond to the same time-domain resources but use different frequency-domain resources. For example, the RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle correspond to frequency band 1, and the RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle correspond to frequency band 2. That is to say, the RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured on different frequency bands, but can reuse the same time-domain resources. Figure 16 The method shown for configuring RO resources allows for more RO resources to be allocated in SSB cycles with shorter durations, thereby further improving the access efficiency of terminals in the area corresponding to that SSB cycle and increasing access capacity.

[0181] For example, one configuration method allows for independent configuration of RO resources corresponding to each SSB cycle using the format {SSB cycle: RO resource cycle}. Figure 14 The configuration method in the corresponding example is similar, and will not be repeated here. Since FDM is used to configure RO resources corresponding to different SSB periods, it is also necessary to indicate the frequency domain position relationship between RO resources corresponding to different SSB periods during the RO resource configuration process. For example, the frequency domain position of RO resources corresponding to different SSB periods can be directly indicated. Alternatively, the frequency domain position of RO resources corresponding to one or more SSB periods can be indicated, along with one or more frequency domain offsets. This allows the terminal to determine the frequency domain position of RO resources corresponding to other SSB periods based on the frequency domain offset and the indicated frequency domain position of the RO resources.

[0182] For example, the frequency domain position of the first RO resource can be determined by indicating the frequency domain position of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB period and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource. It is understood that any RO resource among the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period can become the first RO resource, which corresponds to the first SSB. Similarly, any RO resource among the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period can become the second RO resource, which corresponds to the second SSB.

[0183] This application provides various FDM methods for configuring RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles. This allows for the use of appropriate methods to configure RO resources for different SSB cycles via FDM in different scenarios.

[0184] In some examples, using methods such as TDM and FDM, network devices can configure RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles to the terminal via system messages.

[0185] S102, the terminal determines the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle.

[0186] Among them, the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle include the first RO resource.

[0187] For example, the terminal can determine the resource location of RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles through system messages. For instance, when configuring RO resources for different SSB cycles using TDM, if according to... Figure 14 RO resources are configured as shown, and system messages can directly indicate the status of RO resources for each SSB cycle, allowing the terminal to directly determine the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB. For example, if configured according to... Figure 15 The RO resources are configured as shown. System messages can indicate the RO resources corresponding to the total RO configuration period and the second SSB period. Based on the RO resources corresponding to the total RO configuration period and the second SSB period, the terminal determines the RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period, i.e., determines the first RO resources corresponding to the first SSB. For example, when configuring RO resources for different SSB periods using FDM, if according to... Figure 16The RO resources are configured as shown. System messages can directly indicate the status of RO resources corresponding to each SSB cycle, allowing the terminal to directly determine the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB. Alternatively, system messages can indicate the frequency domain position of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB cycle, as well as the frequency domain offset between the frequency domain positions of the first and second RO resources. The terminal then determines the frequency domain position of the first RO resource. For details, please refer to the description of the relevant embodiments in S101; the embodiments in this application will not be repeated here.

[0188] S103, the terminal sends a PRACH to the network device based on the first RO resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the PRACH based on the first RO resource.

[0189] For example, the terminal can send a PRACH to the network device based on the first RO resource determined in S102. This may include sending a preamble to complete random access. The specific random access process can be found in relevant technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0190] This application embodiment configures different RO resources for different SSB cycles, so that the terminal can select the RO resource that is compatible with the SSB cycle for random access, thereby avoiding resource waste and improving resource utilization.

[0191] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, for the aforementioned embodiments, when different SSB cycles correspond to different RO resources, the association cycle can be configured in the following way, that is, the association cycle from SSB to RO is configured. That is, the SSB cycle is taken into consideration when configuring the association cycle.

[0192] In some embodiments, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period duration among the various SSB periods. The various SSB periods may include the first SSB period and the second SSB period.

[0193] For example, the first association period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of all SSBs to RO resources once within one period of the first SSB period. For details, please refer to the aforementioned description of the SSB-to-RO association period. The embodiments in this application will not be repeated here.

[0194] For example, the first correlation period can be considered as the correlation period from the SSB to the RO corresponding to the first SSB. The longest SSB period among the various SSB periods can be taken as the period length of this first correlation period. For example, see Formula 2.

[0195] T SSB-RO关联周期 =max(T) SSB周期1 ,TSSB周期2 ,…,T SSB周期N-1 )...Formula 2

[0196] Here, it is assumed that there are N types of SSB cycles, where N is a positive integer. T SSB-RO关联周期 T represents the duration of the associated cycle from SSB to RO. SSB-RO关联周期 It can also be written as T SSB-RO mapping T SSB周期N-1 T represents the period duration of the Nth type of SSB cycle. SSB Period 1 can also be denoted as T SSBperiod#1 The marking methods for other SSB cycles follow the same principle, and will not be exhaustively described in the embodiments of this application.

[0197] Taking two SSB cycles as examples, assuming SSB cycle 1 has a cycle length of 20ms and SSB cycle 2 has a cycle length of 160ms, then T... SSB-RO关联周期 It can be equal to 160ms.

[0198] In other embodiments, the period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the period durations corresponding to the various SSB periods.

[0199] For example, the least common multiple of the period lengths corresponding to various SSB periods can be used as the period length of the first associated period. Taking two SSB periods as an example, assuming that the period length of SSB period 1 is 20ms and the period length of SSB period 2 is 160ms, then T SSB-RO关联周期 It can be equal to 20ms.

[0200] This application provides multiple methods for determining the association period to be applicable to scenarios where different SSB periods correspond to different RO resources, thereby setting a more suitable association period for different SSB periods and improving the efficiency of random access.

[0201] In some other embodiments, the larger the duration of the SSB cycle in the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the smaller the number of RO resources.

[0202] For example, the number of RO resources corresponding to different SSB cycles can have the relationship shown in Formula 3 with the SSB cycle.

[0203] RO 组1 RO 组2 :…:RO 组N =T SSB周期N-1 :…:T SSB周期2 :T SSB周期1 ...Formula 3

[0204] Among them, RO 组NThis represents the quantity of RO resources corresponding to the Nth SSB cycle. RO 组N It can also be written as RO group#N When there are two types of SSB cycles, Equation 3 can be simplified to Equation 4.

[0205]

[0206] For example, the duration of SSB cycle 1 is 20ms, and the duration of SSB cycle 2 is 160ms. The number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycle 1 can be determined using formula 4, with a ratio of 8:1 to the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycle 2. That is, the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycle 1 is 8 times the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycle 2. Of course, the number of RO resources corresponding to SSB cycle 2 can be configured for the terminal via system messages; specific implementation methods can be found in relevant technologies, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0207] This application embodiment can configure the relationship between the number of RO resources corresponding to the SSB cycle and the SSB cycle, thereby enabling different RO resource quantities to be configured for different SSB cycles, achieving more reasonable resource allocation, improving resource utilization, and avoiding resource waste.

[0208] In some other embodiments, the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period.

[0209] For example, different associated periods can be configured for different SSB periods. The duration of one SSB period can be used as the duration of the associated period corresponding to that SSB within that SSB period. For instance, if the first SSB period is 20ms, then the duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB can be configured to be 20ms. Similarly, if the second SSB period is 160ms, then the duration of the second associated period corresponding to the second SSB can be configured to be 160ms. The SSB period of the second SSB is different from that of the first SSB.

[0210] It is clear that a cycle can include multiple cycles (or cycle segments), each with the same duration. This cycle can be an SSB cycle, a related cycle, etc.

[0211] In other embodiments, the period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the period duration of the first SSB period. Where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0212] For example, the duration of the first associated period and the duration of the first SSB period can have a multiple relationship. For instance, there could be an M-fold relationship. For example, T... SSB-RO关联周期1 =T SSB周期1 ×M, or T SSB-RO关联周期1 ÷T SSB周期1 =M. Assuming M=2, if the first SSB period corresponding to the first SSB is 20ms, then the period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB can be configured to 40ms; if the second SSB period corresponding to the second SSB is 160ms, then the period duration of the second associated period corresponding to the second SSB can be configured to 320ms.

[0213] In some examples, the value of M can be the same or different for different SSB periods. In this embodiment, the network device can send information indicating M to the terminal. For example, the value of M can be carried in a system message, or the value of M can be indicated by a separate message; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0214] This application provides various possible relationships between association periods and SSB periods to configure appropriate association periods for different SSB periods and improve random access efficiency.

[0215] Next will be through Figure 17 Showing compared to Figure 13 A more complete communication process.

[0216] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0217] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 9 The method can be applied to LTE, LTE FDD, LTE TDD, 5G systems or NR systems, future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X (where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, etc.), LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, LTE-M, M2M, D2D, and other wireless communication scenarios, as shown in the embodiments of this application. In various embodiments of this application, the network device can generally be considered as an access network device. Of course, in some cases, the network device can also be a core network device. In various embodiments of this application, the terminal can also be a chip system in the terminal, and the network device can also be a chip system in the network device. The method can include the following steps:

[0218] S201, the network device sends the first SSB to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first SSB from the network device.

[0219] S202, the network device sends the first information to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first information from the network device.

[0220] For example, the first information could be SIB 1 or SIB 19. For instance, the terminal can determine the correspondence between various SSB cycles and RO resources based on this first information. This might include the resource location of the RO resources, the quantity of the RO resources, etc. For details, please refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments; the embodiments in this application will not be repeated here.

[0221] S203, the terminal determines the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle.

[0222] S204, the terminal sends a PRACH to the network device based on the first RO resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the PRACH based on the first RO resource.

[0223] It is understood that the specific implementation process of S201-S204 can be referred to the description of the corresponding embodiments in S101-S103, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0224] It is understood that each of the above embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination with each other; there is no absolute subordinate relationship between the embodiments, and they can be combined with each other under any conditions to obtain the corresponding effect.

[0225] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0226] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be as follows: Figure 1 The terminal 120 shown can also be a communication device applied to the terminal (such as a chip). In this embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be the terminal itself, or a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In this embodiment, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1The RAN node 110 shown can also be referred to as an access network device or a network device. The communication device can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device. In this embodiment, the device used to implement the functions of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0227] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0228] like Figure 18 As shown, the communication device 1800 includes a processing unit 1810 and a transceiver unit 1820. The communication device 1800 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 13 , Figure 17 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the terminal or network device.

[0229] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement Figure 13 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal functions as follows: the transceiver unit 1820 is used to receive a first SSB. The processing unit 1810 is used to determine the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period. The processing unit 1810 is also used to control the transceiver unit 2220 to send PRACH based on the first RO resource.

[0230] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement Figure 13 In the method embodiment shown, the network device functions as follows: the transceiver unit 2220 is used to send a first SSB. The processing unit 1810 is used to control the transceiver unit 2220 to receive PRACH based on the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB.

[0231] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing unit 1810 and transceiver unit 1820, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 13 , Figure 17 The following is a description of the method embodiments shown.

[0232] like Figure 19 As shown, the communication device 1900 includes a processor 1910 and an interface circuit 1920. The processor 1910 and the interface circuit 1920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1900 may also include a memory 1930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1910, or storing input data required by the processor 1910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1910 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1920 can also be understood as part of the processor 1910, in which case the communication device 1900 includes the processor 1910.

[0233] When the communication device 1900 is used to achieve Figure 13 , Figure 17 In the method shown, the processor 1910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1810, and the interface circuit 1920 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1820.

[0234] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the network device, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent back to the network device by these modules.

[0235] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in a network device, the network device chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent to the network device chip by these modules. The network device chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, and then sent back to the terminal by these modules.

[0236] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0237] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0238] 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 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 storage medium can reside in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0239] 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. The 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 that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can 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 an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" 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.

[0242] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0243] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0244] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0245] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0246] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0247] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0248] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0249] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0250] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0251] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal or a chip system in the terminal, and the method includes: Receive a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB). The first SSB is used to obtain the first SSB period of the first SSB and the second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the multiple random access channel timing (RO) resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. Based on the first SSB cycle and the second SSB cycle, the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB is determined, wherein the plurality of RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle include the first RO resource. Based on the first RO resource, a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is transmitted.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle, including at least one of the following situations: The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM); or, The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using the frequency division multiplexing (FDM) method.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using the TDM method, wherein the resource locations include time-domain resource locations. The temporal resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from those of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period, or the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are the same in different system frames.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method of configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle using FDM further includes: The system message is determined based on the first SSB; The system message is used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message is used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period duration among the various SSB periods, wherein the various SSB periods include the first SSB period and the second SSB period; or, The period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the period durations corresponding to the various SSB periods; Wherein, the first association period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of RO resources by all SSBs within one period of the first SSB period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, In both the first and second SSB cycles, the longer the SSB cycle duration, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to it.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, The duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network device or a chip system in the network device, and the method includes: Send a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB). The first SSB is used to obtain the first SSB period of the first SSB and the second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the multiple random access channel timing (RO) resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. Physical random access channel (PRACH) is received based on the first RO resource corresponding to the first SSB, wherein the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period include the first RO resource.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle, including at least one of the following situations: The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM); or, The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using the frequency division multiplexing (FDM) method.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle are configured using the TDM method, wherein the resource locations include time-domain resource locations. The temporal resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from those of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period, or the temporal resource identifiers corresponding to the temporal resource positions of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period and the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period are the same in different system frames.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method of configuring the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB cycle and the resource locations of multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB cycle using FDM further includes: Send a system message; wherein the system message is used to indicate the frequency domain location of the first RO resource; or, the system message is used to indicate the frequency domain location of the second RO resource corresponding to the second SSB, and the frequency domain offset between the second RO resource and the first RO resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the longest SSB period duration among the various SSB periods, wherein the various SSB periods include the first SSB period and the second SSB period; or, The period duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the least common multiple of the period durations corresponding to the various SSB periods; Wherein, the first association period is the period corresponding to the complete mapping of RO resources by all SSBs within one period of the first SSB period.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, In both the first and second SSB cycles, the longer the SSB cycle duration, the smaller the number of RO resources corresponding to it.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is the same as the duration of the first SSB period; or, The duration of the first associated period corresponding to the first SSB is M times the duration of the first SSB period, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: The network device sends a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB). The first SSB is used to obtain the first SSB period of the first SSB and the second SSB period of the second SSB. The resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period are different from the resource locations of the multiple RO resources corresponding to the second SSB period. The terminal receives the first SSB; The terminal determines the first random access channel timing (RO) resource corresponding to the first SSB based on the first SSB period and the second SSB period, wherein the multiple RO resources corresponding to the first SSB period include the first RO resource. The terminal sends a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) to the network device based on the first RO resource.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

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