Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first SSB in a first area; and obtaining first information based on the first SSB. Wherein the first information can be used for determining a corresponding relation between a plurality of areas and a plurality of SSB periods. The plurality of regions may include a first region and a second region. When the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, the second SSB can be received based on the SSB period corresponding to the second area in the corresponding relation. The SSB periods corresponding to different areas are indicated for the terminal, so that the terminal can receive the SSB by adopting the SSB period corresponding to the area under the condition that the terminal moves to any area, and the access efficiency 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, each with significantly different coverage requirements. Terminals using the same synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) period to scan for SSBs are not suitable for all environments. For example, network equipment might configure longer SSB periods for environments with lower access demands and shorter periods for environments with higher access demands. When a terminal moves from an environment with higher access demands to one with lower demands, but still receives SSBs using the shorter period, it may find no SSBs after several SSB periods. This leads to loss of downlink synchronization, and the terminal may assume there are no available SSBs on the network, potentially requiring it to switch frequencies to search for SSBs again. This impacts terminal performance, as it becomes unavailable during the synchronization loss period, thus affecting communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that, by indicating the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) period corresponding to different areas to the terminal, enables the terminal to receive SSB using the SSB period corresponding to any area when moving to that area, thereby improving access efficiency.

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

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to a terminal, or it can be a component of the terminal (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a terminal. The method may include: receiving a first SSB in a first area; obtaining first information based on the first SSB. The first information can be used to determine a correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include a first area and a second area. When the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, a second SSB can be received based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0007] This application improves access efficiency by indicating the SSB period corresponding to different areas to the terminal, so that the terminal can receive SSB using the SSB period corresponding to the area when moving to any area.

[0008] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0009] This application provides a variety of possible ways to indicate the first information, so as to indicate the correspondence between the region and the SSB cycle in different scenarios in an appropriate manner.

[0010] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information corresponding to different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different. Here, the wave position can be considered as the area covered by a beam.

[0011] This application provides multiple configuration methods for the first information, so as to use the appropriate method to configure the first information in different scenarios and improve communication efficiency.

[0012] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0013] This application can indicate the correspondence between different cells and SSB cycles, so that when a terminal moves to other cells, it can use an appropriate SSB cycle to receive SSBs, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0014] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0015] This application provides a way to implicitly indicate the correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles, which can reduce the resource consumption of indication signaling.

[0016] 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 to terminals within a first area; sending first information to terminals within the first area. The first information can be used to determine the correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include the first area and a second area. Based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence, a second SSB is sent to terminals within the second area.

[0017] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0018] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0019] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0020] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0021] 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 in a first area; and a processing unit for acquiring first information based on the first SSB. The first information can be used to determine the correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include a first area and a second area. The transceiver unit is further configured to, when the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, control the transceiver unit to receive a second SSB based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0022] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0023] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0024] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0025] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0026] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which may be equipped with network equipment, or a communication module within a network device, or a chip within a 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 a network device. It includes: a transceiver unit, configured to transmit a first SSB to a terminal within a first area. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first information to a terminal within the first area. The first information may be used to determine a correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include the first area and a second area. A processing unit is configured to control the transceiver unit to transmit a second SSB to a terminal within the second area based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0027] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0028] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0029] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0030] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0031] 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 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 terminal's functions. For ease of description, the following description assumes execution by the terminal. It includes: a transceiver for receiving a first SSB in a first area; and a processor for acquiring first information based on the first SSB. The first information may be used to determine a correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include a first area and a second area. The transceiver is further configured to, when the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, control the transceiver to receive a second SSB based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0032] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0033] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0034] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0035] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0036] 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, used to transmit a first SSB to a terminal within a first area. The transceiver is also used to transmit first information to a terminal within the first area. The first information may be used to determine a correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include the first area and a second area. A processor is used to control the transceiver to transmit a second SSB to a terminal within the second area based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0037] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0038] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0039] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0040] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0041] A seventh aspect provides a communication system, comprising: a network device transmitting a first SSB; a terminal receiving the first SSB within a first area; and the network device transmitting first information to the terminal within the first area. The first information can be used to determine a correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles. The multiple areas may include a first area and a second area. The network device transmits a second SSB based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence. When a terminal moves from the first area to the second area, the terminal receives the second SSB based on the SSB cycle corresponding to the second area in the correspondence.

[0042] In one possible design, the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, and may include: the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles; and / or, the first information indicating that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. Wherein, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0043] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell; or, the first information is specific to a first region. For example, if the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different cells can be different. As another example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. The first information corresponding to different regions can be different. In some examples, regions can be divided according to wave positions, such as one region corresponding to one wave position, or one region including multiple wave positions. In some examples, region groups can also be constructed, such as each region within a region group having the same first information. The first information corresponding to different region groups is different. For example, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then the first information corresponding to region 1, region 2, and region 3 is the same; similarly, the first information corresponding to region 4, region 5, and region 6 is the same. The first information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, is different.

[0044] In one possible design, the first information is specific to the terminal's serving cell. The first information may also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, and the multiple cells may include the terminal's serving cell.

[0045] In one possible design scheme, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple areas and the identifiers of multiple SSBs.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a synchronization grid and a channel grid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an SSB pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating differences in access requirements.

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of region division provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This application provides a schematic diagram of a communication scenario.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8A schematic diagram of SSB distribution provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an SSB cycle indicator provided in this application embodiment;

[0059] Figure 10 Another schematic diagram of SSB cycle indication provided in this application embodiment;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] 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 RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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."

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 several massive machine-type communication (mMTC) scenarios were also defined.

[0079] 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 (TN), NTN systems have wider coverage, greater transmission loss, and faster mobility. Unlike terrestrial networks, which define a maximum of 8 SSBs for frequency range (FR) 1 or a maximum of 64 SSBs for FR 2 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 with an orbital altitude of 600 kilometers can provide a service area of ​​hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. To overcome the path loss caused by transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites typically use 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, even more scanning beams are required. For example, 64, 128, 256, or 512 beams might be needed; this application does not limit the number of beams.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In related technologies, a channel raster can be used to place data, reference signals (RS), control channels, etc. Because NR cells have relatively wide bandwidths, if the terminal performs blind SSB detection according to the channel raster, the random access speed will be very slow. Therefore, to enable the terminal to search for cells more quickly, i.e., to detect SSBs more quickly, a synchronization raster was proposed. The synchronization raster defines the center frequency of the SSB and the frequency domain spacing between adjacent synchronization rasteres. In some examples, the spacing can be 1200 kHz, 1.44 MHz, 17.28 MHz, etc. (Reference) Figure 2 The relationship between the synchronization grid and the channel grid is shown. Figure 2 The arrows can be seen as different center frequencies. In various embodiments of this application, the center frequency can also be referred to as the center frequency point, frequency point, etc.

[0082] During SSB scanning, the terminal can scan according to a synchronization grid, and SSBs can be placed according to the synchronization grid. Different synchronization grids can be identified by a Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN). That is, one GSCN frequency point number corresponds to one synchronization grid. In some examples, the center frequency of the SSB can be identified by the SSCN frequency. REF It indicates that, among them, SS REF The relationship between the frequency points and GSCN can be found in Table 1.

[0083] Table 1

[0084]

[0085] Understandably, Table 1 represents only one type of SS. REF The possible relationship between the frequency point and the GSCN is illustrated, but the embodiments in this application are not limited here.

[0086] In some cases, different frequency ranges can be divided into different frequency bands, or operating frequency bands. Different frequency bands have different radio frequency performance requirements, as well as different sub-carrier spacing (SCS), duplex modes, application scenarios, etc. Tables 2, 3, and 4 show the possible divisions of different frequency bands.

[0087] Table 2

[0088]

[0089] Table 2 primarily applies to the NR operating frequency band corresponding to FR1. Uplink can be considered as the signal received by network devices, such as a base station; and the signal transmitted by the terminal. It is understood that the duplex modes in Table 2 only show frequency division duplex (FDD), and this application embodiment does not limit this to specific modes.

[0090] Table 3

[0091] NR operating frequency band Uplink and downlink operating frequency bands (base station receive / transmit, terminal transmit / receive) duplex mode n1 26500MHz-29500MHz TDD n2 24250MHz-27500MHz TDD n3 39500MHz-43500MHz TDD n5 37000MHz-40000MHz TDD n7 27500MHz-28350MHz TDD n8 47200MHz-48200MHz TDD n12 57000MHz-71000MHz TDD

[0092] Table 3 primarily applies to the NR operating frequency band corresponding to FR2. It should be understood that the duplex modes in Table 2 only show time division duplex (TDD), and this application's embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0093] In some cases, Table 4 shows the operating frequency bands applicable to NTN satellite scenarios in FR1.

[0094] Table 4

[0095]

[0096] For the various frequency bands illustrated in the different tables above, their corresponding SCS, synchronization grid, SSB pattern, GSCN range, and spacing of the synchronization grid can be different. For example, Table 5 shows the corresponding SSB, SCS, SSB pattern, and GSCN range for different NR operating frequency bands:

[0097] Table 5

[0098]

[0099] For example, the synchronization grids for different operating frequency bands in FR2 can be found in Table 6.

[0100] Table 6

[0101]

[0102] Table 7

[0103]

[0104] Here, floor() represents rounding down. It is understood that Tables 2 to 7 only show the parameters corresponding to some frequency bands, and the response values ​​in the tables are merely exemplary descriptions; this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0105] The aforementioned SSB pattern defines the SSB within a half-frame. The first symbol index of a 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, case A corresponds to an SCS of 15kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB can be {2,8}+14*d. For channel access in licensed spectrum, d = 0,1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3GHz; and d = 0,1,2,3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3GHz. For channel access in unlicensed spectrum, d = 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 during 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 application.

[0106] In other examples, mode C corresponds to an SCS of 30 kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB can be {2,8} + 14*d. For channel access to licensed spectrum, for paired spectrum (e.g., FDD), when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz, d = 0,1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz, d = 0,1,2,3. For unpaired spectrum (e.g., TDD), when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 1.88 GHz, d = 0,1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 1.88 GHz, d = 0,1,2,3. For channel access to unlicensed spectrum, d = 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

[0107] The pattern of an SSB burst set can be cyclical, with each burst set consisting of one time slot. An SSB burst set can be considered a collection of SSBs required to complete one beam scan. The pattern of an SSB burst set can be understood as the positional distribution of the SSBs within that burst set. Within each time slot, the relative positions of the SSBs are the same. In other words, in different SSB burst sets, SSBs with the same relative position have the same offset from the starting position of their respective burst sets. Each SSB can be considered a candidate SSB, and the index of a candidate SSB indicates its position, transmission timing, etc.

[0108] refer to Figure 3The example shown is the SSB pattern corresponding to mode C with an SCS of 30kHz. It can be seen that a time slot may include two candidate SSBs, and each candidate SSB corresponds to four symbols. The specific time-frequency resource positions of each candidate SSB can be determined by referring to the relevant description for mode C above. This application embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0109] During the initial terminal access phase, taking a satellite as an example as the network device, the satellite can sequentially scan all beams and configure corresponding random access resources to the terminal. For the terminal, an SSB search can be performed. For example, scanning can be performed on each synchronization grid in the corresponding frequency band. The terminal can determine the range of the synchronization grid and the corresponding SSB pattern based on the frequency band and SCS. Different SSB patterns define different maximum candidate SSB numbers, symbol positions occupied by the SSBs, etc. Of course, the SSB scanning period corresponding to different maximum candidate SSB numbers is also different, and the access latency will also differ accordingly. For example, the SSB scanning period can also be called the SSB cycle.

[0110] For example, during the initial access process, the terminal performs cell synchronization by searching for Service Blocks (SSBs). Once the frequency band is determined, the SSB pattern is also determined. The terminal determines the number of SSBs and the symbol positions occupied by each SSB based on the SSB pattern. The terminal searches for SSBs based on the SSB pattern and parses the found SSBs to obtain SSB indexes in order to complete communication processes such as cell search and downlink synchronization.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 4 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] In subsequent embodiments, the equivalent duration of the SSB cycle will be used as an example for description.

[0115] refer to Figure 5 As shown, the satellite coverage area is assumed to be... Figure 5 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 5 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 5 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.

[0116] However, when the terminal is Figure 5When a terminal moves between different wavelengths within a network, the SSB period may change. If the terminal uses the default SSB period to receive SSBs, it may fail to receive them, leading to access failure. For example, if a terminal moves from area A to area B and still receives SSBs according to the SSB period corresponding to area A, and if the SSB period for area A is shorter than that for area B, the terminal will not receive SSBs using the shorter period. This results in loss of downlink synchronization and affects terminal communication performance. If the SSB period for area A is longer than that for area B, the terminal can receive SSBs using the longer period, but this leads to excessively long access times and affects communication efficiency.

[0117] Therefore, this application provides a communication method that, by indicating the SSB period corresponding to different regions to the terminal, enables the terminal to receive SSB using the SSB period corresponding to any region when moving to that region, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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".

[0120] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0125] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 6The 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 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. 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. The method may include the following steps:

[0126] S101, the network device sends a first SSB to the terminal within the first area. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first SSB from the network device within the first area.

[0127] For example, the first region can be considered as the region where the terminal is currently located. Alternatively, the first region can be considered as the region where the terminal was located before it moved. For example, during the initial access process, the terminal can receive the first SSB according to the default SSB period. For example, the default SSB period can be 20ms or 160ms, etc., and this embodiment of the application does not limit it.

[0128] S102, the terminal obtains the first information based on the first SSB.

[0129] For example, the first piece of information can be used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles. For instance, the multiple regions may include the first region and the second region. In some examples, the aforementioned multiple regions may include... Figure 5 Region 1, Region 2, etc. Each region can include... Figure 5 One or more wave positions in the spectrum. For example, the second region can be considered as the region where the terminal will move to. Or, the second region can be considered as the region where the terminal will be after it moves.

[0130] It is understandable that the correspondence between the area determined by the first information and the SSB period may include the first SSB period corresponding to the first area. This first SSB period is the SSB period for receiving the first SSB. This first SSB period may be the same as or different from the default SSB period. It should be understood that during the initial access process, since the terminal does not obtain this information, the terminal uses the default SSB period to receive the SSB. When the terminal subsequently receives an SSB again in the first area, since the terminal has already obtained the first SSB period corresponding to the first area, the terminal can use the first SSB period to receive the first SSB.

[0131] For example, multiple regions include region 1, region 2, and region 3. The first information can be used to determine SSB cycle 1 corresponding to region 1, SSB cycle 2 corresponding to region 2, and SSB cycle 3 corresponding to region 3. Of course, the specific number of regions and the number of SSB cycles are not limited in this embodiment.

[0132] In some examples, the first piece of information can be a system message, such as System Information Block (SIB) 1 or Other System Information (OSI). For instance, OSI could be SIB 19. SIB 19 could be system information relevant to a satellite communication scenario.

[0133] For example, the terminal determines a 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 receive SIB 1 and / or SIB 19 carried in the PDSCH based on the time-frequency resources of this PDSCH.

[0134] In some examples, SIB19 can be received from the PDSCH directly indicated by the DCI in the PDCCH received from CORESET 0. Alternatively, SIB1 in PDSCH 1 can be received directly from the DCI 1 in PDCCH 1 received from CORESET 0. Then, DCI 2 in PDCCH 2 is received through the search space corresponding to SIB19 indicated by SIB1, and SIB19 in PDSCH 2 is received from DCI 2. Here, PDCCH 1 and PDCCH 2 are simply represented as different PDCCHs. DCI 1 and DCI 2 are simply represented as different DCIs. PDSCH 1 and PDSCH 2 are simply represented as different PDSCHs.

[0135] S103, when the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, the second SSB is received based on the SSB period corresponding to the second area in the correspondence relationship.

[0136] For example, when a terminal moves from a first area to a second area, the terminal can receive a second SSB in the second area according to the second SSB period corresponding to the second area obtained in S102. Upon receiving the second SSB, the terminal can perform downlink synchronization, random access, and SSB maintenance. For instance, SSB maintenance can be optimal SSB maintenance, such as selecting the SSB with the best reception quality for random access based on the received SSB. The specific implementation process can be found in relevant technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0137] For example, let's continue with the example of multiple regions, including Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3. If the terminal moves from Region 1 to Region 2, then Region 1 becomes the first region, and Region 2 becomes the second region. If the terminal moves from Region 1 to Region 3, then Region 1 becomes the first region, and Region 3 becomes the second region. If the terminal moves from Region 2 to Region 3, then Region 2 becomes the first region, and Region 3 becomes the second region.

[0138] In some embodiments, there may be cases where different regions have the same SSB period. In such cases, it can still be considered that the second SSB is received according to the SSB period corresponding to the second region. It is clear that in this situation, the SSB period corresponding to the second region can be the same as the SSB period corresponding to the first region. For example, if the terminal moves from region 1 to region 2, the SSB periods corresponding to both regions 1 and 2 can be 20ms. Then, the terminal in region 2 will still receive the SSB according to the 20ms SSB period.

[0139] This application embodiment indicates the SSB period corresponding to different areas to the terminal, so that when the terminal moves to any area, it can use the SSB period corresponding to that area to receive SSB, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0140] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the first information can determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles in one or more of the following ways.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles. Alternatively, the first information includes the identifiers of multiple regions and the SSB cycle corresponding to the identifier of each region.

[0142] In this embodiment, the identifier can be an identity (ID) or an index. The identifier of a region can be a region ID or a region index; alternatively, if the region includes smaller units, such as wave positions, the identifier of the region can be a wave position ID. Multiple wave position IDs can form a wave position ID list, which can include wave position IDs corresponding to one or more wave positions.

[0143] For example, taking the region ID as the identifier of a region, the first piece of information indicates the region ID of region 1 and the corresponding SSB cycle for region 1, as well as the region ID of region 2 and the corresponding SSB cycle for region 2. For instance, different types of SSB cycles correspond to different cycle durations. That is, a 20ms SSB cycle and a 160ms SSB cycle are two different SSB cycles.

[0144] by Figure 5 Taking the illustrated area division as an example, the first information could indicate {Area ID 1: 160ms, Area ID 2: 20ms}. Alternatively, if the area is defined by wave positions, the first information could indicate {Wave Position ID List 1: 160ms, Wave Position ID List 2: 20ms}. For example, the first information could indicate {0-63: 160ms, 64-127: 20ms}. The wave position IDs included in each wave position ID list can be considered as wave position IDs of wave positions with the same SSB period. The wave position ID can be... Figure 5 The numbers in each of the squares.

[0145] In some examples, the terminal can determine which wavelength ID corresponds to its location based on the predefined or pre-configured association between geographical location and wavelength ID, and then determine which SSB cycle to use to receive SSB based on the first information.

[0146] For example, there can be a correlation between the SSB index and the geographical location, and between the SSB index and the wavelet ID. The terminal can determine the SSB index of the SSB it might receive based on its geographical location, and then determine the SSB period corresponding to the wavelet ID corresponding to that SSB index to receive the SSB. For instance, SSB#1 corresponds to region A, and SSB#1 corresponds to wavelet 3. The terminal can determine that SSB#1 can be received in region A, and that SSB#1 corresponds to wavelet 3. The terminal can then use the SSB period corresponding to wavelet 3 to receive SSB#1 sent by the network device in region A. Of course, the terminal can also directly determine that region A corresponds to wavelet 3 based on the fact that SSB#1 corresponds to region A and SSB#1 corresponds to wavelet 3, and receive the SSB in region A using the SSB period corresponding to wavelet 3. This embodiment of the application does not limit this approach.

[0147] In other embodiments, the first information may indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles. Here, the multiple SSBs cover multiple regions; that is, each SSB covers one region. For example, the SSB corresponding to SSB#1 can cover region 1, and the SSB corresponding to SSB#2 can cover region 2. The multiple SSBs indicated in the first information may include a first SSB and a second SSB.

[0148] For example, an SSB is identified by its SSB index. Different SSB indices can correspond to different regions, or the regions corresponding to different SSB indices can partially overlap, meaning the coverage areas of beams corresponding to different SSBs partially overlap. Taking a wave position as the regional unit, different SSB indices can correspond to different wave positions. Different wave positions may correspond to different SSB indices because the number of SSB indices is often less than the number of wave positions. Therefore, the same SSB index can be reused on different wave positions. However, it is important to note that the reuse of the same SSB index on wave positions with different SSB periods should be avoided to prevent the terminal from being unable to determine a unique SSB period based on the SSB index.

[0149] by Figure 5Taking the illustrated region division as an example, if the region is divided into wave positions, the first information can indicate {SSB index list 1: SSB period 1, SSB index list 2: SSB period 2, ..., SSB index list X: SSB period X}, where X is a positive integer. Each SSB index list includes SSB indices that have the same SSB period. One scenario is that the number of SSB indices is the same as the number of wave positions, in which case each SSB index corresponds to one wave position. Another scenario is that the number of SSB indices is greater than the number of wave positions, in which case one SSB index can still be selected to correspond to one wave position. This still ensures that each wave position can uniquely identify an SSB period. A further scenario is that the number of SSB indices is less than the number of wave positions, in which case some different wave positions may correspond to the same SSB index.

[0150] refer to Figure 8 Assume SSB#0-SSB#5 are transmitted and / or received with an SSB cycle of 20ms, and SSB#6-SSB#7 are transmitted and / or received with an SSB cycle of 160ms. SSB#0 in system frame number (SFN)#0 and SSB#0 in SFN#2 have the same SSB index, but can correspond to different spectral positions. Both of these different spectral positions use a 20ms SSB cycle for transmission and / or reception. This ensures that all spectral positions can be associated with their SSB indices. For example, SSB#0 in SFN#0 and SSB#0 in SFN#16 have the same SSB index, and their corresponding spectral positions can also be the same. In this case, it can be considered that 16 groups of SSBs can cover the entire potentially affected area. Therefore, each cycle can be considered to consist of 16 SFNs. The regions corresponding to each SSB in SFN#0 can be the same as the regions corresponding to each SSB in SFN#16; similarly, the regions corresponding to each SSB in SFN#2 can be the same as the regions corresponding to each SSB in SFN#18, and so on.

[0151] Accordingly, Figure 8 Since SSB#6-SSB#7 are not present in SFN#2, the corresponding time and frequency resources can be used for other data transmission or service applications. This application does not limit this.

[0152] In some other embodiments, the first information may indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles.

[0153] by Figure 5Taking the illustrated region division as an example, the first information could indicate {Region ID of Region 1, SSB index list 1: 160ms, Region ID of Region 2, SSB index list 2: 20ms}. Alternatively, if the region is defined by wavelength, the first information could indicate {Wavelength ID list 1, SSB index list 1: 160ms, Wavelength ID list 2, SSB index list 2: 20ms}. For example, the first information could indicate {0-63: 160ms, 64-127: 20ms}.

[0154] This application provides various ways to indicate the first information, so as to indicate the correspondence between the region and the SSB cycle in different scenarios in an appropriate manner.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first information can explicitly indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles, as described in the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the first information can implicitly indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles. For example, it can be pre-configured or predefined by the protocol, or the first information can also indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and the identifiers of multiple SSBs. The terminal can combine the first information involved in the foregoing embodiments to indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, or the first information to indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and multiple SSB cycles. This determines that a correspondence exists between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles.

[0156] For example, there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions and the identifiers of multiple SSBs, which can be an explicit indication, such as the first information directly indicating {region ID, SSB index}. Alternatively, region ID and SSB index can be converted to each other using formulas. Taking region ID as wave position ID as an example, wave position ID = a * SSB index + b. Where a and b are constants. Another example is wave position ID = (a * SSB index + b) mod N. N can be the upper limit of wave position ID number. Alternatively, SSB index = c * wave position ID + d, or SSB index = (c * wave position ID + d) mod M. Where c and d are constants, and M is the maximum number of SSB indices. Assuming there are 8 SSB indices, then M is 8; or if there are 128 SSB indices, then M is 128. The terminal can determine the other based on either region ID or SSB index according to the above conversion method. Of course, the above conversion method is only an exemplary description, and can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the actual situation. This application embodiment does not limit it here. In some cases, the conversion method can also be predefined by the protocol.

[0157] This application provides a method for implicitly indicating the correspondence between the identifiers of multiple regions, the identifiers of multiple SSBs, and multiple SSB cycles, which can reduce the resource consumption of indication signaling.

[0158] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the aforementioned first information may be configured according to a cell. For example, the first information may be specific to the serving cell of the terminal. Alternatively, the first information may be configured according to a region. For example, the first information may be specific to a first region.

[0159] In some embodiments, the network device can configure different first information for different cells. Within the same cell, different terminals receive the same first information. For a terminal, the first information received is specific to its serving cell. That is, within the same cell, regardless of geographical location, the first information received by the terminal is the same and specific to its serving cell.

[0160] In some cases, the initial information can indicate a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and multiple SSB cycles. These multiple cells cover multiple areas, or one cell can be considered to cover one area where the SSB cycles are identical. The multiple cells include the terminal's serving cell.

[0161] For example, the cell identifier can be a physical cell identifier (PCI). The first information includes the correspondence between the serving cell's PCI and the first SSB cycle, as well as the correspondence between the neighboring cell's PCI and the second SSB cycle. This allows the terminal to receive the second SSB using the SSB cycle corresponding to the neighboring cell when moving to a neighboring cell.

[0162] For example, the first information can indicate the SSB period for different cells in the manner of {Cell 1 (or PCI#1): 160ms, Cell 2 (or PCI#2): 20ms}.

[0163] For example, if the first information is specific to the serving cell of the terminal, it can be considered cell-level information. For instance, within the same cell, the first information received by any device is the same. Different cells may correspond to different first information.

[0164] The embodiments of this application can indicate the correspondence between different cells and SSB cycles, so that when the terminal moves to other cells, it can use an appropriate SSB cycle to receive SSB, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0165] In other embodiments, the network device can configure different first information according to different regions. Within the same region, different terminals receive the same first information. For a terminal, the first information received within the first region is specific to that region. That is, within the same region, the first information received by the terminal is the same and specific to that region.

[0166] For example, a region can be divided according to wave positions. Each wave position then corresponds to a first piece of information. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown, if the terminal is located at wave position 65 (i.e. Figure 9 (See the black box in the middle). Therefore, the first information received by the terminal at wavelength 65 can include the SSB period corresponding to wavelength 65, and the SSB periods corresponding to the wavelengths surrounding wavelength 65 (i.e.,...). Figure 9 (The area is outlined in thick black lines). This includes the SSB periods corresponding to wave positions 56, 57, 58, 64, 66, 72, 73, and 74. It's important to understand that the above only presents one possible initial information; more wave positions corresponding to SSB periods can be included depending on the actual situation. The key point is that this initial information is specific to wave position 65.

[0167] For example, a region can include multiple wavelengths. If a region consists of 4 or 9 wavelengths, then the first information received by the terminal at any wavelength within that region will be the same. (See reference) Figure 10 As shown, taking four wave positions as a region as an example, wave positions 67, 68, 75, and 76 constitute a region (i.e., Figure 10 (within the black box in the middle), then the first information in this area can include the SSB periods corresponding to wave positions 67, 68, 75, and 76, respectively, and the SSB periods corresponding to wave positions 58, 59, 60, 61, 66, 69, 74, 77, 82, 83, 84, and 85, respectively (i.e., Figure 10 (The area is outlined in thick black lines). It's clear that the above is only one possible initial piece of information, and could include more SSB cycles corresponding to different wave positions depending on the actual situation. The key point is that this initial information is specific to the area formed by wave positions 67, 68, 75, and 76.

[0168] For example, if the first information is specific to a first region, it can be considered region-level information. For instance, within the same region, the first information received by any device is the same. Different regions may correspond to different first information. In some cases, regions can be divided according to wavelength, such as one region corresponding to one wavelength, or one region comprising multiple wavelengths.

[0169] In other examples, region groups can be constructed, where all regions within a region group share the same first piece of information. Different region groups may have different first pieces of information. For instance, region 1, region 2, and region 3 constitute region group 1, and region 4, region 5, and region 6 constitute region group 2. Then, the first pieces of information for regions 1, 2, and 3 are all the same, and similarly, the first pieces of information for regions 4, 5, and 6 are also the same. However, the first pieces of information for different region groups, such as region 1 and region 5, are different. For example, see reference... Figure 9 In this context, each wave position can correspond to a region. Wave positions 67, 68, 75, and 76 can be considered to constitute a group of regions.

[0170] This application provides multiple configuration methods for the first information, so that the first information can be configured in a suitable way in different scenarios to improve communication efficiency.

[0171] Next will be through Figure 11 Showing compared to Figure 7 A more complete communication process.

[0172] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0173] This communication process may be applicable to, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 1 , Figure 6The 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:

[0174] S201, the network device sends a first SSB to the terminal within the first area according to the first SSB cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first SSB from the network device within the first area.

[0175] For example, if the terminal knows the first SSB period, it can receive the first SSB according to the first SSB period. Or, if the terminal is accessing the network for the first time, it can receive the first SSB according to the default SSB period. The default SSB period can be pre-configured or predefined by the protocol; this embodiment does not limit the specific details.

[0176] S202, the network device sends first information to the terminal within the first area. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first information from the network device within the first area.

[0177] For example, the first information could be SIB 1 or SIB 19. For instance, the terminal can determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles based on this first information. Specific determination methods can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] For example, the first information can be at the cell level, such as the serving cell specific to the terminal. Or, for example, the first information can be at the region level, such as the first region specific to it.

[0179] S203, the network device sends the second SSB to the terminal in the second area according to the second SSB cycle.

[0180] S204, when the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, it receives the second SSB based on the second SSB cycle.

[0181] 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.

[0182] This application embodiment can transmit first information at the network cell level or region level. This allows the terminal to obtain the SSB cycles of different regions, so that the terminal can determine the appropriate SSB cycle based on its own region to receive SSBs from different regions. This maintains the optimal SSB, obtains network services, and improves communication efficiency.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] Figure 12 and Figure 13 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 1 The 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.

[0186] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0187] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes a processing unit 1210 and a transceiver unit 1220. The communication device 1200 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 7 , Figure 11 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the terminal or network device.

[0188] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement Figure 7 In the illustrated method embodiment, the terminal functions as follows: the transceiver unit 1220 is used to receive a first SSB within a first area. The processing unit 1210 is used to obtain first information based on the first SSB. The processing unit 1210 is also used to, when the terminal moves from the first area to the second area, control the transceiver unit 1220 to receive a second SSB based on the SSB period corresponding to the second area in the correspondence relationship.

[0189] When the communication device 1200 is used to implement Figure 7 In the illustrated method embodiment, the network device functions as follows: the transceiver unit 1220 is used to send a first SSB to terminals within a first area. The transceiver unit 1220 is also used to send first information to terminals within the first area. The processing unit 1210 is used to control the transceiver unit 1220 to send a second SSB to terminals within the second area based on the SSB period corresponding to the second area in the correspondence relationship.

[0190] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1210 and the transceiver unit 1220, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 7 , Figure 11 The following is a description of the method embodiments shown.

[0191] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and an interface circuit 1320. The processor 1310 and the interface circuit 1320 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1320 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1330 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1310, or storing input data required by the processor 1310 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1310 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1320 can also be understood as part of the processor 1310, in which case the communication device 1300 includes the processor 1310.

[0192] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 7 , Figure 11 In the method shown, processor 1310 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1210, and interface circuit 1320 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1220.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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 the first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel block (SSB) within the first area; First information is obtained based on the first SSB, and the first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple regions include the first region and the second region; When the terminal moves from the first region to the second region, a second SSB is received based on the SSB period corresponding to the second region in the correspondence.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, including: The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions and the multiple SSB cycles; and / or, The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and the multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple SSBs cover the multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs include the first SSB and the second SSB; and / or, The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions, the identifiers of the multiple SSBs, and the multiple SSB cycles.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is specific to the serving cell of the terminal; or, The first information is specific to the first region.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information is specific to the serving cell of the terminal, and the first information indicates that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and the multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple cells cover the multiple areas, and the multiple cells include the serving cell of the terminal.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, There is a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions and the identifiers of the multiple SSBs.

6. 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) to terminals within the first area; Send first information to terminals within the first area, the first information being used to determine the correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple areas include the first area and the second area; Based on the SSB period corresponding to the second region in the correspondence, a second SSB is sent to the terminal in the second region.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first information is used to determine the correspondence between multiple regions and multiple SSB cycles, including: The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions and the multiple SSB cycles; and / or, The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple SSBs and the multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple SSBs cover the multiple regions, and the multiple SSBs include the first SSB and the second SSB; and / or, The first information indicates a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions, the identifiers of the multiple SSBs, and the multiple SSB cycles.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first information is specific to the serving cell of the terminal; or, The first information is specific to the first region.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first information is specific to the serving cell of the terminal, and the first information indicates that there is a correspondence between the identifiers of multiple cells and the multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple cells cover the multiple areas, and the multiple cells include the serving cell of the terminal.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, There is a correspondence between the identifiers of the multiple regions and the identifiers of the multiple SSBs.

11. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes: The network device sends the first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel block (SSB); The terminal receives the first SSB within the first area; The network device sends first information to terminals within the first area, the first information being used to determine the correspondence between multiple areas and multiple SSB cycles, wherein the multiple areas include the first area and the second area; The network device sends a second SSB based on the SSB period corresponding to the second region in the correspondence; When the terminal moves from the first region to the second region, the terminal receives the second SSB based on the SSB period corresponding to the second region in the correspondence.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 6 to 10.

13. 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 5, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

14. 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 5, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

15. 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 5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

16. 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 5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

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