Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the field of communication, and the communication method comprises the steps: a network device indicates N matrixes determined based on N turn-off patterns of an antenna to a terminal device, and transmits a channel state information reference signal to the terminal device, according to the invention, the terminal device can determine the N pieces of channel state information based on the received N matrixes and the channel state information reference signal, and the network device does not need to actually send signals under N turn-off patterns to the terminal device, thereby reducing the overhead of pilot frequency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of communication technology, the importance of low-carbon and environmentally friendly concepts in communication network construction is increasing. Especially in the base station field, with the continuous upgrading of cellular communication technologies, such as the widespread application of new radio (NR) technology in 5G mobile communication systems, the increased spectrum utilization and the surge in the number of antennas have led to a sharp increase in base station energy consumption. To address this challenge, researchers have proposed diverse antenna shutdown strategies. By intelligently managing and dynamically shutting down unnecessary antennas, they can effectively reduce base station energy consumption while ensuring communication quality. The core of this strategy lies in reducing the number of antennas used for broadcasting reference signals to achieve energy savings. However, diverse antenna shutdown modes mean that base stations need to adjust the transmission of channel state information resources according to the antenna shutdown status to adapt to different antenna configurations.

[0003] While diverse antenna shutdown strategies demonstrate significant advantages in base station energy saving, they also reveal new problems during implementation. Specifically, to accurately obtain channel state information under each antenna shutdown mode, the base station needs to frequently send corresponding channel state information resources to the terminal equipment. This frequent transmission of channel state information resources increases pilot overhead between the base station and the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing pilot overhead between a base station and a terminal under various antenna shutdown modes.

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

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device. The execution subject of the method can be the terminal device, a component or device applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The communication method includes: receiving first indication information for indicating N matrices, where N is a positive integer; receiving a channel state information reference signal; determining N channel state information items based on the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal; and transmitting the N channel state information items.

[0007] In the first aspect, the network device indicates to the terminal device N matrices determined based on N antenna shutdown patterns and sends a channel state information reference signal to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine N channel state information items based on the received N matrices and the channel state information reference signal, without the network device actually sending signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, thus reducing pilot overhead.

[0008] In one possible design, the number of ports for the channel state information reference signal is M, and the dimension of any matrix among the N matrices is M×Ki, where M is a positive integer and i takes the values ​​0, 1, ..., N-1. The number of antenna ports corresponding to the N channel state information items obtained from the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal are K0, K1, ..., K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, K1, K1, K2, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, K1, K9, K1, K2 ... N-1 .

[0009] In this design, for the N matrices, the first dimension is M, which is the same as the number of ports on the network device that will actually transmit CSI-RS. The second dimension should be Ki, which is the same as the number of ports on each of the N "signals to be modulated" if they are actually transmitted. That is, the first dimension of each of the N matrices is M, and the second dimensions are K0, K1, ..., K... N-1 Where M is a positive integer. Based on the above design, the network device can determine N matrices according to the N turn-off patterns of the antenna.

[0010] In one possible design, N channel state information items are determined based on N matrices and channel state information reference signals, including: converting the channel state information reference signals into N transformed channel state information reference signals based on the N matrices; determining N precoding matrices based on the N matrices and channel state information reference signals; and determining channel quality indication information based on each precoding matrix and the corresponding transformed channel state information reference signal, thereby obtaining N channel quality indication information items, where the N channel state information items include the N precoding matrices and the N channel quality indication information items.

[0011] In this design, for application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown strategies, the terminal device converts the channel state information reference signal into N transformed channel state information reference signals based on N matrices, thereby simulating the signals corresponding to the N shutdown patterns that are not actually transmitted. This eliminates the need for the network device to actually transmit the signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, reducing pilot overhead.

[0012] In one possible design, the channel state information reference signal is converted into N transformed channel state information reference signals based on N matrices, including: for the first matrix among the N matrices, the channel state information reference signal of dimension M is converted into the channel state information reference signal of dimension Ki based on the first matrix, resulting in N transformed channel state information reference signals, wherein the first matrix is ​​any matrix among the N matrices, the dimension of the first matrix is ​​M×Ki, M is a positive integer, and i takes the values ​​0, 1, ..., N-1.

[0013] In this design, the channel state information reference signal of dimension M is converted into a channel state information reference signal of dimension Ki according to the first matrix, resulting in N converted channel state information reference signals. The terminal device does not need to actually send N converted channel state information reference signals, thus reducing the overhead of pilot signals.

[0014] In one possible design, the method may further include: determining channel state information based on a channel state information reference signal; and transmitting the channel state information determined based on the channel state information reference signal.

[0015] In this design, after the terminal device determines the channel state information corresponding to the channel state information reference signal, it can report it to the network device so that the network device can perform channel evaluation based on the channel state information, thereby flexibly adjusting the antenna shutdown strategy and dynamically optimizing system performance.

[0016] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a network device. The execution subject of the method can be the network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The communication method includes: determining N matrices based on N antenna turn-off patterns, where the dimension of any of the N matrices is M×Ki, M and N are positive integers, and i takes values ​​of 0, 1, ..., N-1; sending first indication information to indicate the N matrices; sending a channel state information reference signal with M ports; and receiving N channel state information items, wherein the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N channel state information items are K0, K1, ..., K... N-1 .

[0017] In the second aspect, the network device instructs the terminal device to determine N matrices based on N antenna shutdown patterns and sends a channel state information reference signal to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine N channel state information items based on the received N matrices and the channel state information reference signal, without the network device actually sending signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, thus reducing pilot overhead.

[0018] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving channel state information determined based on a channel state information reference signal.

[0019] In this design, network devices can perform channel assessment based on received channel state information, thereby flexibly adjusting antenna shutdown strategies and dynamically optimizing system performance.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in the first or second aspect. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal device, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be a network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0021] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0022] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0023] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0024] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be a network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a network device, such as a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0025] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor are two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or within the communication device.

[0026] The communication device is used to implement the method described in the first or second aspect. For example, the communication device can be a terminal device as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal device, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device can be a network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in either aspect.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0029] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0030] It is understandable that when the communication device provided by any of the third to fifth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0031] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects four through eight can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through two, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, which includes the terminal equipment and network equipment described in the preceding aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0046] 1. Antenna port:

[0047] Antenna ports can also be simply referred to as ports. Unless otherwise specified, antenna ports in the embodiments of this application refer to logical antenna ports, not physical antenna ports. An antenna port can be associated with one or more transmission channels. The signal on each antenna port is transmitted through one or more transmission channels associated with it. When an antenna port is associated with multiple transmission channels, the signal on that antenna port is weighted by weighting coefficients and then transmitted through the multiple transmission channels associated with it. It can also be understood that multiple physical antennas are weighted by weighting coefficients to form a logical antenna. The weighting coefficients here can be complex numbers or real numbers, and the weighting coefficients on different physical antennas may be the same or different. Each antenna port has corresponding time-frequency resources and a reference signal. The time-frequency resources corresponding to different antenna ports can be the same or different. The reference signal transmitted by the base station through antenna port A can be used by the terminal device to estimate the characteristics of the wireless channel from antenna port A to the terminal device. The characteristics of the wireless channel can be used by the terminal device to estimate the physical channel transmitted through antenna port A, or to determine the modulation order, code rate, and other information during data transmission. A reference signal can correspond to one or more antenna ports, or it can be understood that a reference signal can be transmitted through one or more antenna ports.

[0048] 2. Channel State Information (CSI):

[0049] During the process of a wireless signal traveling from the transmitter to the receiver through a wireless channel, fading occurs due to scattering, reflection, and energy attenuation with distance. Furthermore, the wireless signal may be interfered with by other signals at the receiver, affecting reception. Signal attenuation and interference characteristics can be characterized by Channel Quality Indicator (CSI). Specifically, CSI may include at least one of the following: Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), Rank Indicator (RI), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and Signal-to-Interference Plus Noise Ratio (SINR). These CSIs can be transmitted by the terminal device to the base station via the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). In the embodiments of this application, unless there is a logical conflict, the terms "CQI" and "CQI Index" are interchangeable, as are the terms "reporting," "feedback," and "transmission."

[0050] 3. Reference signal (RS):

[0051] A reference signal is a known signal provided by the transmitter to the receiver for channel estimation or channel sounding. In the embodiments of this application, the reference signal can be used for channel measurement, interference measurement, etc., such as measuring CSI-related parameters. Common reference signals include cell-specific reference signals (CRS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS), or synchronization signal blocks (SSB), etc.

[0052] 4. Reference signal resources:

[0053] The reference signal resource may specifically include at least one of the following: time-frequency resources, antenna ports, power resources, and scrambling codes. The base station can transmit the reference signal based on the reference signal resource. In the embodiments of this application, one or more antenna ports corresponding to the reference signal resource can also be understood as one or more antenna ports included in the reference signal resource.

[0054] For example, the reference signal involved in the embodiments of this application can be CSI-RS or SSB. Correspondingly, the reference signal resource can be CSI-RS resource or SSB resource.

[0055] 5. Antenna shutdown pattern:

[0056] An antenna shutdown pattern refers to a specific combination or scheme in which individual antenna elements in an antenna array are selectively turned off or on in a particular communication scenario or system. This specific combination or scheme is usually set according to certain strategies, algorithms, or requirements to achieve purposes such as reducing power consumption, reducing interference, optimizing signal transmission direction, and improving system performance.

[0057] 6. Relationship between antenna turn-off pattern and CSI:

[0058] On the one hand, the antenna shutdown pattern affects CSI measurement and feedback. When the antenna shutdown pattern changes, such as when some antennas are turned off, the characteristics of the wireless channel also change. This directly affects the receiver's measurement of channel state information. Because CSI reflects the amplitude and phase characteristics of the wireless channel, and antenna shutdown changes the signal propagation path and received strength, thus changing the CSI value. On the other hand, CSI can provide a basis for optimizing the antenna shutdown pattern. By analyzing the CSI, the quality and characteristics of the current wireless channel can be understood. Based on this information, the antenna shutdown pattern can be adjusted to achieve better system performance. For example, if the CSI shows that the signal quality of some antennas is poor, these antennas can be considered for shutdown to reduce interference and power consumption. At the same time, based on the trend of CSI changes, the antenna shutdown pattern can be dynamically adjusted to adapt to different communication environments and service requirements.

[0059] 7. The role of matrices in wireless communication:

[0060] Matrices can serve as signal carriers. Specifically, in wireless communication, signals can be viewed as changes in the time or spatial domains, and these signals can be represented by matrices. For example, one-dimensional signals (such as time series) can be represented by one-dimensional matrices (vectors), while multi-dimensional signals (such as images, videos, or signals from multi-antenna systems) can be represented by multi-dimensional matrices.

[0061] Matrices can also be used to process signals to achieve various purposes. For example, matrices can be used to transform signals to modify them. In signal processing, it is often necessary to transform signals from one form to another, such as from the time domain to the frequency domain, or to transform the ports of a signal. In these cases, matrix-based signal transformations can be performed. Furthermore, matrices can be used to optimize signals; by applying matrices to filtering and equalization, the quality of the original signal can be restored.

[0062] In another example, the matrix can also be a precoding matrix, which is a matrix used at the transmitting end of a wireless communication system to perform a linear transformation on the transmitted signal. This transformation aims to optimize the spatial distribution of the signal, improving transmission efficiency, signal quality, and system capacity. Precoding matrices are typically designed based on CSI (Content Separation and Induction) and specific optimization criteria (such as maximizing throughput and minimizing bit error rate). As a key technology, precoding matrices can utilize CSI to preprocess the transmitted signal, effectively combating multipath effects, signal attenuation, and interference in the channel, significantly improving the signal quality at the receiving end. In complex multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, precoding matrices can be used to achieve precise spatial separation of data signals, greatly reducing inter-user interference and thus multiplying system capacity. Furthermore, precoding matrices can dynamically adjust the power allocation of the transmitted signal, optimizing resource utilization based on real-time CSI, ensuring signal transmission efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

[0063] 8. Dimension:

[0064] Dimension is a term used to describe the size of a matrix. The dimension of a matrix is ​​usually represented by two numbers, called the "first dimension" and the "second dimension", which correspond to the number of rows and columns of the matrix, respectively.

[0065] The first dimension (or number of rows): This refers to the number of rows in the matrix horizontally. For example, in a 3x4 matrix, the first dimension is 3, meaning the matrix has 3 rows. The second dimension (or number of columns): This refers to the number of columns in the matrix vertically. In the same 3x4 matrix example, the second dimension is 4, meaning the matrix has 4 columns.

[0066] With the continuous advancement of communication technology, the importance of low-carbon and environmentally friendly practices in communication networks is becoming increasingly prominent. Especially for base stations, a critical network device, effectively reducing their energy consumption has become a focus of industry attention. As cellular communication technology evolves to higher levels, the increased spectrum utilization and the increase in the number of antennas directly lead to a significant increase in base station power consumption. To address this issue, researchers have proposed an antenna shutdown strategy for energy saving: by dynamically managing and shutting down some unnecessary transmitting antennas, the energy consumption of the base station can be effectively reduced while ensuring communication quality. When some antennas are intelligently shut down, the number of antennas used by the base station to broadcast reference signals decreases, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. Since the antennas shut down may differ each time, the antenna shutdown pattern under this strategy is also diverse; this strategy is also known as a diversified antenna shutdown strategy.

[0067] In wireless communication systems, base stations send reference signals to terminal devices. The terminal devices receive and measure these signals, then feed back the resulting Communication Service Index (CSI) to the base station in the form of a CSI report. This process is crucial for base station data scheduling and optimization. The CSI report contains a wealth of information, including the CSI-RS resource index (CRI), CQI, and / or PMI, which together form the key basis for base stations to optimize communication efficiency.

[0068] In 5G mobile communication systems using New Radio (NR) technology, base stations instruct user equipment (terminal equipment) to report CSI (Channel Information System) data by configuring Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer parameters, particularly CSI-ReportConfig. The CSI-ReportConfig configuration includes one or more CSI-ResourceConfigIds, which serve as identifiers pointing to specific CSI resource configurations. Each CSI-ResourceConfigId corresponds to a set of CSI resource configurations, containing resources for channel measurement and / or interference measurement. These resources typically consist of one or more non-zero power channel state information-reference signal resource sets (nzp-CSI-RS-resourcesets).

[0069] Depending on the reporting type (periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic), the resource configuration pointed to by the CSI-ResourceConfigId associated in CSI-ReportConfig may vary. The terminal device will perform channel quality assessment and measurement on the resources in the specified NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet based on these configurations, and then report the measurement results (such as CRI, CQI, or PMI) to the base station. The specific content and level of detail reported by the terminal device depend on the base station's configuration requirements and the current network conditions. This design allows the base station to flexibly control the CSI measurement and reporting behavior of the terminal device to optimize link performance and network resource management.

[0070] In the process of advancing base station energy-saving technologies, the following drawbacks have been discovered: When base stations enable diverse antenna shutdown strategies to save energy, in order to accurately obtain the CSI under each antenna shutdown mode, the base station needs to frequently send the corresponding CSI-RS to the terminal. This significantly increases the pilot overhead between the base station and the terminal, which may weaken the overall operating efficiency and performance of the network.

[0071] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method. The method provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5G mobile communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems. This application does not limit the application to these systems. 5G can also be referred to as NR.

[0073] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), machine-type communication (MTC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), and Internet of Things (IoT).

[0074] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, Figure 1 The application scenario used in this application is illustrated using the communication system architecture shown below. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 3000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one network device (such as...). Figure 1 101a and 101b (collectively referred to as 101) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 102a-102j, collectively referred to as 102, are included in RAN 100. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 102 is connected to network device 101 wirelessly. Network device 101 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network device in core network 200 and network device 101 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0075] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or evolution systems beyond 5G. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0076] The apparatus provided in this application embodiment can be applied to network device 101 or to terminal 102. It is understood that... Figure 1 This application only illustrates one possible communication system architecture that can be applied to an embodiment of the present application. In other possible scenarios, the communication system architecture may also include other devices.

[0077] Network device 101 is a node in the RAN, also known as an access network device or RAN node (or device). Network device 101 is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple network devices 101 in the communication system 3000 can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of network device 101 and terminal 102 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 102i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 102j that access RAN 100 through network element 102i, network element 102i is a base station; however, for base station 101a, network element 102i is a terminal. Network device 101 and terminal 102 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 101a and 101b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 102a-102j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0078] In one possible scenario, network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or network equipment in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, meaning it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 In V2X technology, the access network device can be a relay node or donor node (e.g., 110b), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Network devices can also function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, network devices can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the access network device can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0079] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices in the access network (RAN) or the core network (CN), without limitation.

[0080] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called an O-RAN central unit (O-CU) (open CU), DU can also be called an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0081] In this embodiment, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0082] Terminal equipment 102, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users, and can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device. For example, terminal equipment includes handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0083] The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the terminal device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0084] The preceding text has introduced the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application from a macro-architectural perspective. To help deepen the understanding of this system in a practical application environment, the following will provide a more specific explanation of the communication system through several examples. It should be noted that the communication system examples listed below are for illustrative purposes and are intended to provide an intuitive understanding. The actual application scope of this application is far greater than this, and it is also compatible and adaptable to other types of communication systems, and is not limited thereto.

[0085] For example, the communication system described in the embodiments of this application can be an O-RAN system, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the innovation of O-RAN compared to traditional RAN architecture lies in the fact that traditional RAN is treated as a whole, focusing on overall reception and output performance, while the interconnection and cooperation between internal modules (such as antennas, RRUs, or BBUs) are relatively neglected, and a complete solution is usually provided by a single vendor. O-RAN, on the other hand, pioneered the definition of standardized architectural interfaces between internal RAN modules. This not only makes RAN modularization possible but also greatly enhances the system's flexibility and openness. Thanks to the standardized interfaces, equipment modules from different vendors (such as antennas from Company A, RRUs from Company B, and BBUs from Company C) can be seamlessly integrated to build a complete RAN system.

[0086] against Figure 2 The O-RAN system architecture presented, along with its core network elements (network components), collectively support the efficient operation and flexible expansion of the O-RAN system. The network elements in the O-RAN system are introduced below:

[0087] Non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RTRIC): Used for non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions. It enables AI / ML workflows including model training and updates, and guides applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. The Non-RT RIC is located within the SMO module.

[0088] Near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RTRIC): Used to achieve near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0089] O-CU: Used to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard.

[0090] O-CU-CP: Similar to CU-CP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of O-CU.

[0091] O-CU-UP: Similar to CU-UP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of O-CU.

[0092] O-DU: Based on low-layer function segmentation, it is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0093] O-RU: Based on low-layer function segmentation, it is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. For example, low physical layer functions include one or more of the following: fast fourier transform (FFT) / inverse fast fourier transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH). O-RU is similar to TRP or RRH in 3GPP, but includes low physical layer functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0094] O-RAN Cloud (O-Cloud): As a cloud computing platform, it includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC or O-DU; it supports software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, container runtimes), management and orchestration functions.

[0095] against Figure 2 The O-RAN architecture diagram, with the interfaces described below:

[0096] A1 Interface: The interface between Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC, used for intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to Near-RT RIC through the A1 interface, while Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to Non-RT RIC through the A1 interface.

[0097] E2 Interface: The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example: CU and DU in 5G; O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G; O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) and / or O-DU in O-RAN, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0098] O1 Interface: The interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. FCAPS management, software management, or file management can be achieved through this interface.

[0099] O2 Interface: The interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functionality.

[0100] E1 interface: The interface between O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP.

[0101] F1-c interface: The interface between O-CU-CP and O-DU.

[0102] F1-u interface: The interface between O-CU-UP and O-DU.

[0103] In the O-RAN architecture, a network element with sensing capabilities may be an RT RIC, where the O-DU performs multipath measurement and reports the measurement results to the RT RIC; a network element with sensing capabilities may also be an O-CU, where the O-CU receives the multipath measurement results reported by the O-DU and performs sensing calculations. In this application embodiment, no specific limitation is made on which network element has sensing capabilities in the O-RAN architecture.

[0104] In one implementation, the communication system provided in this application can be based on baseband. For example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a baseband-based communication system includes the following components:

[0105] Processors: As the brain of the system, multiple processors are flexibly configured according to task requirements. They individually or jointly execute a series of baseband processing operations such as encoding, decoding, modulation, and demodulation. Each type of processor has its unique advantages, collectively building a powerful processing platform. Processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to various functions. In other words, the processors used in baseband can be used to implement the processes described below and any one or more of those processes.

[0106] Memory: A memory module closely connected to each processor, providing the necessary storage space for high-speed data processing. Memory not only temporarily stores data and instructions in progress, but also ensures rapid response to data access, making it a key guarantee of system performance.

[0107] Bus and Bus Interface: The bus, as the nerve center of the system, tightly connects components such as processors, memory, and peripherals through the bus interface. Bus design is flexible and can include any number of interconnect buses and bridging elements depending on the specific application requirements and overall architecture constraints of the processing system. Its core function is to act as a communication hub, tightly coupling various circuit components (such as one or more processors, memory units, or computer-readable media). Furthermore, the bus has expansion capabilities, able to connect a range of other standard circuit components, such as timers, peripheral modules, voltage regulators, and power management circuits. The bus interface, acting as a bridge, ensures efficient and orderly transmission of data and instructions between components. Simultaneously, it integrates key circuits such as timing sources and voltage regulators, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the system.

[0108] Computer-readable medium (CCM): As a carrier of software, CCMs (such as hard disks and solid-state drives) store software programs that drive the processor to complete complex baseband processing tasks. These programs are carefully designed, covering all aspects from encoding to channel equalization, and are the source of system intelligence and functionality.

[0109] As the core control unit of the system, the processor is responsible for bus management and overall data processing tasks, including executing software programs stored on computer-readable media. When executed by the processor, these software programs endow the processing system with the ability to perform diverse functions, such as encoding, decoding, rate matching / dematching, scrambling / descrambling, modulation / demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping / demapping, channel equalization, digital beamforming (BF), or the addition and removal of cyclic prefixes (CP), among other communication processing functions.

[0110] In conjunction with the above-described communication system, this application provides a communication method in which a network device indicates to a terminal device N matrices determined based on N antenna shutdown patterns, and sends a channel state information reference signal to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine N channel state information items based on the received N matrices and the channel state information reference signal, without the network device actually sending signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, thus reducing pilot overhead.

[0111] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples. Other names may also be used in other embodiments. The communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0112] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] It is understood that this application uses terminal devices and network devices as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device; similarly, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. This application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0114] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0115] S410, the network device determines N matrices based on N antenna shutdown patterns.

[0116] As mentioned earlier, in application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown strategies, the antenna shutdown patterns of network devices are varied. This application uses an example with N antenna shutdown patterns for illustration. If the network device sends signals corresponding to different N shutdown patterns, the signal ports corresponding to the different shutdown patterns will also be different. The network device can determine the number of ports to send the corresponding signal based on the N shutdown patterns. For simplicity, this is referred to as the number of ports corresponding to the signals of the shutdown patterns. In this case, the number of ports corresponding to the signals of the N shutdown patterns is Ki, where i takes values ​​of 0, 1, ..., N-1. Here, N and K are positive integers.

[0117] It is understood that in this embodiment, the network device does not actually transmit the signals corresponding to the N different shutdown patterns. The "signals" corresponding to the N shutdown patterns that are not actually transmitted are referred to as "signals to be modulated" to distinguish them from the CSI-RS actually transmitted by S430. The "signals to be modulated" are equivalent to the channel state information reference signals for ports other than port M that the network device transmits. It should be understood that the "signals to be modulated" can also have other commands, without limitation.

[0118] This application embodiment uses N matrices to convert the number of CSI-RS ports, thereby simulating the aforementioned N "signals to be modulated". For the design of the N matrices, the first dimension is the same as the number of CSI-RS ports the network device is preparing to actually transmit, which is M. The second dimension should be the same as the number of ports for each of the N "signals to be modulated" if they are actually transmitted, which is Ki. That is, the first dimension of each of the N matrices is M, and the second dimensions are K0, K1, ..., K... N-1 Where M is a positive integer. Based on the above design, the network device can determine N matrices according to the N turn-off patterns of the antenna.

[0119] In one possible interpretation, the matrix can also be understood as having the following function: being able to simulate the above-mentioned "signal to be modulated" based on a CSI-RS with M ports. Therefore, the matrix can also be called an analog matrix or an analog weight matrix, etc.

[0120] In another possible interpretation, the matrix is ​​used to transform the M-port CSI-RS to Ki-port. The CSI-RS has a dimension of 1×M, and the matrix has a dimension of M×Ki. Through matrix multiplication of the CSI-RS and the matrix, the CSI-RS becomes 1×Ki in dimension, resulting in N "signals to be modulated".

[0121] In one possible design, K is less than M, meaning the number of ports for the N “signals to be modulated” is less than the number of ports for CSI-RS.

[0122] Based on the above description, it is easy to understand that the embodiments of this application involve a total of N+1 shutdown patterns. The CSI-RS corresponding to one of the shutdown patterns is actually sent from the network device to the terminal device, and the N "modulated signals" corresponding to the remaining N shutdown patterns are simulated by N matrices.

[0123] S420: The network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the network device accordingly.

[0124] The first indication information is used to indicate N matrices. Once the network device determines the N matrices, it can send the first indication information indicating the N matrices to the terminal device. The specific content of the first indication information may include specific values ​​or parameters corresponding to the "N matrices," or it may be index identifiers corresponding to the "N matrices" that have been pre-negotiated and established between the network device and the terminal device. These index identifiers serve as a bridge for consensus between the two parties, allowing the terminal device to determine the corresponding N matrices by parsing the index identifiers.

[0125] S430: The network device sends CSI-RS to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the CSI-RS from the network device accordingly.

[0126] As described in step S410, the network device will actually send a CSI-RS to the terminal device, and the number of ports of the CSI-RS is M. This CSI-RS can serve as the basis for the terminal device to determine N "signals to be modulated".

[0127] In practice, terminal devices can flexibly select and transmit CSI-RS corresponding to specific antenna shutdown patterns to accurately reflect the channel state without restriction. For example, the antenna shutdown pattern signal in the fully active state can be selected as the actual transmitted CSI-RS.

[0128] For example, a network device can send CSI-RS to a terminal device based on physical layer signaling.

[0129] S440, the terminal device determines N channel state information items based on N matrices and CSI-RS.

[0130] In this process, once the terminal device obtains N matrices and CSI-RS based on steps S420 and S430 respectively, it can determine N "signals to be modulated" and, based on these N "signals to be modulated," determine N channel state information items. The specific process for determining these N channel state information items will be described below and will not be detailed here. The N channel state information items correspond one-to-one with the N "signals to be modulated," and the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N "signals to be modulated" are K0, K1, ..., K... N-1 Therefore, it can be described as follows: the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N channel state information items are K0, K1, ..., K N-1 .

[0131] S450: The terminal device sends N channel state information items to the network device, and the network device receives N channel state information items from the terminal device accordingly.

[0132] Once the terminal device determines N channel state information items, it can send them to the network device. The base station can utilize these N channel state information items to achieve various purposes, such as channel assessment and selection, beamforming and beam management, resource allocation and scheduling, transmission parameter adjustment, and joint optimization and coordinated transmission. Taking channel assessment and selection as an example, the base station can assess channel quality based on the N channel state information items: by comparing the channel state information under different shutdown patterns, the base station can assess the quality of each channel. This includes signal strength, phase information, and channel coherence. Furthermore, the base station can also select the optimal transmission path based on the channel quality assessment results: based on the channel quality assessment results, the base station can select the optimal transmission path (i.e., antenna pattern or beam direction) to ensure that the signal can be transmitted to the terminal with minimal attenuation and interference. For details on how the base station specifically applies the N channel state information items to achieve the above objectives, please refer to relevant technologies; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0133] For example, N channel state information items can be sent in the following signaling, without limitation:

[0134] RRC signaling: RRC signaling is an important mechanism in wireless communication systems such as LTE and 5G for managing the connection between terminal devices and the network. It can carry various types of messages, including channel state information used to instruct CSI report configuration. Network devices can send channel state information to terminal devices via RRC signaling.

[0135] Media Access Control - Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling: MAC-CE signaling is a control element at the MAC layer used to transmit control information between terminal devices and the network. In some cases, the network may choose to use MAC-CE signaling to quickly indicate CSI-related configurations or trigger CSI reports, i.e., send channel state information. This method is more flexible and faster than RRC signaling and is suitable for scenarios requiring rapid response.

[0136] Dedicated signaling: In certain specific scenarios, the network may configure dedicated signaling resources for terminal devices to send channel state information. This dedicated signaling can be custom signaling based on specific protocols or standards to meet the needs of specific application scenarios.

[0137] In this embodiment, the network device indicates to the terminal device N matrices determined based on N antenna shutdown patterns and sends CSI-RS to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine N channel state information based on the received N matrices and CSI-RS, without the network device actually sending the signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, thus reducing pilot overhead.

[0138] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, step S440 may include:

[0139] S4401, the terminal device converts the CSI-RS into N converted CSI-RS according to N matrices.

[0140] The converted CSI-RS is the "signal to be modulated" mentioned above. During the conversion, for the first matrix among the N matrices (the first matrix can be any matrix among the N matrices), the CSI-RS of dimension M is converted into CSI-RS of dimension Ki according to the first matrix, resulting in N converted CSI-RS.

[0141] S4402, the terminal device determines N precoding matrices based on N matrices and CSI-RS.

[0142] Specifically, for each of the N matrices, a precoding matrix is ​​determined based on each matrix in conjunction with CSI-RS, resulting in a total of N precoding matrices. Specifically, let Q... i Let H be the i-th matrix among N matrices. Assume the channel measured by CSI-RS is H. Then, from the N matrices, the i-th matrix corresponds to: HQ. i The terminal equipment is based on HQ i Calculate the corresponding precoding matrix for each matrix to obtain N precoding matrices.

[0143] As mentioned earlier, any matrix has a dimension of M×Ki, and the number of ports in CSI-RS is M. The determined precoding matrix consists of L spatial basis vectors, each with a dimension of Ki / 2×1. Here, L is a positive integer.

[0144] In this application, the precoding matrix can adopt precoding matrices under various codebook modes. For specific design of the precoding matrix, please refer to relevant technologies. The following is a brief introduction to two possible precoding matrices with examples:

[0145] In one example, the Codebook Mode of this precoding matrix is ​​a Type-I single-panel codebook, taking the Type-I single-panel codebook used for Level 1 CSI reporting as an example. In this case, the precoding matrix W can be represented by the following formula:

[0146]

[0147] Among them, P csi-rs Indicates the number of antenna ports, v l,m Represents the spatial basis, Let l represent the phase rotation factor, and l represent a spatial basis among the L spatial basis bases.

[0148] Furthermore, for the Type-I Single Panel codebook, a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) codebook is defined. The PMI codebook is constructed using indices i1 and i2, the values ​​of which can be found in relevant technical descriptions and will not be elaborated further. It is understood that the Codebook Mode can also have other implementations, such as a Type-I single panel codebook for 2-layer CSI reporting and a Type-I single panel codebook for 4-layer CSI reporting. These Codebook Mode implementations also have corresponding precoding matrices W, the details of which can be found in relevant technical descriptions and will not be elaborated further.

[0149] In another example, the Codebook Mode of this precoding matrix is ​​a Type-I Multi-Panel Codebook. For a Type-I multi-panel codebook used for a 2-layer CSI report, when codebookMode = 1, the precoding matrix W can be represented by the following formula:

[0150]

[0151] When codebookMode=2, the precoding matrix W can be represented by the following formula:

[0152]

[0153] in, This represents the basis vectors when codebookMode=2. N represents the basis vector when codebookMode=1. g Indicates the number of antenna arrays.

[0154] It should be understood that the above precoding matrix is ​​an exemplary illustration. Other precoding matrices, such as the Type-II codebook mode, can also be used based on actual implementation requirements, without limitation.

[0155] S4403, the terminal device determines the channel quality indication information based on each precoding matrix and the corresponding converted CSI-RS, and obtains N channel quality indication information items.

[0156] In the preceding section, when the terminal device transforms N CSI-RS based on N matrices and determines N precoding matrices based on N matrices, it can clearly identify which transformed CSI-RS and precoding matrix are determined by the same matrix. The CSI-RS and precoding matrix determined by the same matrix are referred to in this application as the corresponding precoding matrix and transformed CSI-RS. For example, if transformed CSI-RSA and precoding matrix α are determined based on matrix 1, then the transformed CSI-RSA and precoding matrix α are said to be corresponding. Furthermore, a channel quality indication information item is determined based on the corresponding precoding matrix and transformed CSI-RS. Since there are N corresponding precoding matrices and transformed CSI-RS, a total of N channel quality indication information items are determined.

[0157] Specifically, when determining any channel quality indication information, the terminal device performs channel state measurements based on the converted CSI-RS. These measurements include, for example, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and channel matrix estimation, reflecting channel quality and characteristics. Based on the measurement results, a matrix matching the current channel conditions is selected from the precoding matrix set, based on criteria such as maximizing channel capacity or minimizing mean square error. After selecting the precoding matrix, the channel quality is further evaluated, and the channel quality indication information is calculated. This information quantifies the downlink channel quality, reflecting the maximum modulation and coding scheme that the terminal device can receive, ensuring bit error rate control.

[0158] Following the process described above, after executing steps S4403 and S4402, the terminal device obtains complete N channel state information items, including N precoding matrices and N channel quality indication information items. It can then execute step S450 to report this information to the network device.

[0159] In this embodiment, for application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown strategies, the terminal device uses each precoding matrix and its corresponding converted CSI-RS to determine N CQI information items, achieving a comprehensive evaluation of channel quality under various antenna shutdown patterns. Specifically, firstly, by independently evaluating the channel quality under each precoding matrix, the true performance of the channel under different antenna shutdown patterns is mapped; secondly, the N CQI information items allow network devices to flexibly adjust antenna shutdown strategies and dynamically optimize system performance.

[0160] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the method may further include:

[0161] S460, the terminal device determines the channel status information based on CSI-RS.

[0162] Referring to the explanation in S430, the CSI-RS, as the actual transmitted signal, also corresponds to an antenna shutdown pattern. Channel state information can also be determined based on it. Compared to the process of determining channel state information based on the converted CSI-RS in step S440, since signal conversion is no longer required, step S4401 is omitted. A precoding matrix is ​​directly determined based on the CSI-RS, and then the channel state information is determined based on the determined precoding matrix and the CSI-RS. The determination process will not be repeated here; please refer to step S4403.

[0163] S470, the terminal device sends the channel state information determined according to CSI-RS to the network device, and the network device receives the channel state information from the terminal device accordingly.

[0164] Once the terminal device determines the channel state information corresponding to CSI-RS, it can report it to the network device so that the network device can perform channel evaluation based on the channel state information, thereby flexibly adjusting the antenna shutdown strategy and dynamically optimizing system performance.

[0165] It is understood that the channel state information item sent in step S470 and the N channel state information items sent in step S450 can be sent in the same signaling or in different signaling, without restriction. For example, they can be sent in...

[0166] In this embodiment, for application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown modes, the network device instructs the terminal device to determine N matrices based on N antenna shutdown patterns and sends a channel state information reference signal to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine N channel state information items based on the received N matrices and the channel state information reference signal, without the network device actually sending signals under the N shutdown patterns to the terminal device, thus reducing pilot overhead. The terminal device then sends the determined channel state information to the network device (e.g., the channel state information corresponding to the actually transmitted CSI-RS and the channel state information corresponding to the N "modulated signals" that were not actually transmitted). The network device can perform channel evaluation based on the received channel state information and flexibly adjust the antenna shutdown mode accordingly, including timely shutdown of unnecessary antennas, to dynamically optimize the overall system performance and ensure efficient and stable communication services.

[0167] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been introduced from a macroscopic implementation perspective. To illustrate the specific application and practice of the embodiments of this application in a specific communication system, the implementation process of the communication method will be described below from the perspective of the execution flow. Specific explanations of each step will not be repeated here, as they have already been described in the preceding embodiments; please refer to the preceding text for details.

[0168] For example, in an O-RAN system, the O-RU acts as a network device, and the UE is the terminal device. Figure 7 As shown, communication methods in an O-RAN system may include:

[0169] The S710 O-RU determines N matrices based on the N turn-off patterns of the antenna.

[0170] S720, the O-RU sends the first indication information to the UE, and the UE receives the first indication information from the O-RU accordingly.

[0171] S730, the O-RU sends CSI-RS to the UE, and the UE receives the CSI-RS from the O-RU accordingly.

[0172] S740, the UE determines N channel state information items based on N matrices and CSI-RS.

[0173] The explanation of steps S710-S740 can be found in the explanation of steps S410-S440.

[0174] Specifically, step S740 may include:

[0175] The UE converts the CSI-RS into N transformed CSI-RS based on N matrices. The UE then determines N precoding matrices based on the N matrices and the CSI-RS. Finally, the UE determines the channel quality indication information (CMI) based on each precoding matrix and the corresponding transformed CSI-RS, resulting in N CMI information items.

[0176] The above process can be explained by referring to the description of steps S4401-S4403.

[0177] S750, the UE sends N channel state information items to the O-RU, and the O-RU receives the corresponding N channel state information items from the UE.

[0178] The explanation of step S750 can be found in the explanation of step S450.

[0179] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0180] S760, the UE determines the channel state information based on CSI-RS.

[0181] S770, the UE sends the channel state information determined according to CSI-RS to the O-RU, and the O-RU receives the channel state information from the UE accordingly.

[0182] The explanation of steps S760-S770 can be found in the explanation of steps S460-S470.

[0183] In this embodiment, for application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown strategies, the UE utilizes each precoding matrix and its corresponding converted CSI-RS to determine N CQI information items, achieving a comprehensive evaluation of channel quality under various antenna shutdown patterns. Specifically, firstly, by independently evaluating the channel quality under each precoding matrix, the actual performance of the channel under different antenna shutdown patterns is mapped; secondly, the N CQI information items allow network devices to flexibly adjust antenna shutdown strategies and dynamically optimize system performance.

[0184] In another example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to a communication system, in which the network device is a first chip and the terminal device is a second chip. For example... Figure 8 As shown, communication methods under a chip system may include:

[0185] In S810, the first chip determines N matrices based on the N turn-off patterns of the antenna.

[0186] The first chip can also be called the first chip transceiver.

[0187] S820, the first chip sends a first instruction message to the second chip, and correspondingly, the second chip receives the first instruction message from the first chip.

[0188] The second chip can also be called a second chip transceiver.

[0189] S830: The first chip sends CSI-RS to the second chip, and the second chip receives CSI-RS from the first chip.

[0190] S840, the second chip determines N channel state information items based on N matrices and CSI-RS.

[0191] The explanation of steps S810-S840 can be found in the explanation of steps S410-S440.

[0192] Specifically, step S840 may include:

[0193] The second chip converts the CSI-RS into N converted CSI-RS based on N matrices. The second chip then determines N precoding matrices based on the N matrices and the CSI-RS. Finally, the second chip determines channel quality indication information based on each precoding matrix and the corresponding converted CSI-RS, resulting in N channel quality indication information items.

[0194] The above process can be explained by referring to the description of steps S4401-S4403.

[0195] S850: The second chip sends N channel status information items to the first chip, and correspondingly, the first chip receives N channel status information items from the second chip.

[0196] The explanation of step S850 can be found in the explanation of step S450.

[0197] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0198] S860, the second chip determines the channel status information based on CSI-RS.

[0199] S870: The second chip sends the channel state information determined according to CSI-RS to the first chip, and correspondingly, the first chip receives the channel state information from the second chip.

[0200] The explanation of steps S860-S870 can be found in the explanation of steps S460-S470.

[0201] In this embodiment, for application scenarios with diverse antenna shutdown strategies, the first chip uses each precoding matrix and its corresponding converted CSI-RS to determine N CQI information items, achieving a comprehensive evaluation of channel quality under various antenna shutdown patterns. Specifically, firstly, by independently evaluating the channel quality under each precoding matrix, the true performance of the channel under different antenna shutdown patterns is mapped; secondly, the N CQI information items allow the second chip to flexibly adjust the antenna shutdown strategy and dynamically optimize system performance.

[0202] The foregoing mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It is understood that each node, such as a network device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to execute each function in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0203] This application embodiment can divide the network device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0204] In practical implementation, the network elements shown in this application, such as terminal devices, can adopt... Figure 9 The shown composition or includes Figure 9 The components shown. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. When the communication device has the functions of the terminal device described in the embodiment of this application, the communication device can be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the terminal device. When the communication device has the functions of the network device described in the embodiment of this application, the communication device can be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the network device.

[0205] For example, Figure 9A schematic diagram of a possible communication device is shown. It is understood that the communication device 900 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to perform this solution. The communication device 900 can be a terminal, network device, or server as described in the above method embodiments, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip) in these devices used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901. The processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0206] Optionally, in one design, the processor 901 may include a program 903 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 901 to cause the communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 900 includes circuitry (…). Figure 9 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the signal processing function in the above embodiments.

[0207] Optionally, the communication device 900 may include one or more memories 902 storing a program 904 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 901 to cause the communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0208] Optionally, the processor 901 and / or memory 902 may include AI modules 907 and 908, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0209] Optionally, the processor 901 and / or memory 902 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0210] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 905 and / or an antenna 906. The processor 901, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device. The transceiver 905, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 906.

[0211] Figure 10 A structural diagram of a communication device 10 is shown, which is applied to a terminal device. Figure 10 Each module in the illustrated device has the function of implementing the corresponding steps in the above method embodiments and can achieve its corresponding technical effect. The beneficial effects of each module performing the steps can be referred to the descriptions of the corresponding steps in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. This communication device can be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal device. For example, the communication device includes:

[0212] The transceiver module 101 is used to receive first indication information for indicating N matrices, where N is a positive integer; and to receive channel state information reference signals. The processing module 102 is used to determine N channel state information items based on the N matrices and the channel state information reference signals. The transceiver module 101 is used to send the N channel state information items.

[0213] In one embodiment, the number of ports in the channel state information reference signal is M, and the dimension of any matrix among the N matrices is M×Ki, where M is a positive integer and i takes the values ​​0, 1, ..., N-1. The number of antenna ports corresponding to the N channel state information items obtained from the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal are K0, K1, ..., K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, K1, K1, K2, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, K1, K1, K2, K9, K1, K2, K1, K2, K3 ... N-1 .

[0214] In one embodiment, the processing module 102 is specifically configured to: convert the channel state information reference signal into N converted channel state information reference signals based on N matrices; determine N precoding matrices based on the N matrices and the channel state information reference signals; and determine channel quality indication information based on each precoding matrix and the corresponding converted channel state information reference signal to obtain N channel quality indication information items, wherein the N channel state information items include the N precoding matrices and the N channel quality indication information items.

[0215] In one embodiment, the processing module 102 is specifically used to: for the first matrix among N matrices, convert the channel state information reference signal of dimension M into a channel state information reference signal of dimension Ki according to the first matrix, and obtain N converted channel state information reference signals, wherein the first matrix is ​​any matrix among the N matrices, the dimension of the first matrix is ​​M×Ki, M is a positive integer, and i takes the values ​​0, 1, ..., N-1.

[0216] In one embodiment, the processing module 102 is used to determine channel state information based on the channel state information reference signal; the transceiver module 101 is used to transmit the channel state information determined based on the channel state information reference signal.

[0217] Figure 11 A structural diagram of a communication device 11 is shown, which is applied to a network device. Figure 11 Each module in the illustrated device has the function of implementing the corresponding steps in the above method embodiments and can achieve its corresponding technical effect. The beneficial effects of each module performing the steps can be referred to the descriptions of the corresponding steps in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. This communication device can be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a network device. For example, the communication device includes:

[0218] Processing module 111 is used to determine N matrices based on N antenna shutdown patterns, where the dimension of any of the N matrices is M×Ki, M and N are positive integers, and i takes the values ​​0, 1, ..., N-1; transceiver module 112 is used to transmit first indication information for indicating the N matrices, a channel state information reference signal with M transmission ports, and receive N channel state information items, wherein the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N channel state information items are K0, K1, ..., K N-1 .

[0219] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 112 is further configured to receive channel state information determined based on the channel state information reference signal.

[0220] This application also provides a communication system corresponding to various antenna shutdown mode scenarios. The communication system may include a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 10, and the network device may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 11.

[0221] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0222] This application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices, and terminals). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium.

[0223] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by this chip system, such as the chip system being used to implement the functions performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0224] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0225] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0226] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the communication method provided in this application to be executed.

[0227] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store instructions and / or data.

[0228] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0229] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. Furthermore, the term "connection" in the embodiments of this application refers to various connection methods, such as direct or indirect connections, to achieve communication between devices; the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0230] Unless otherwise specified, the term "transmission" in the embodiments of this application refers to bidirectional transmission, encompassing the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, "transmission" in the embodiments of this application includes sending data, receiving data, or both sending and receiving data. In other words, data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals; uplink data transmission refers to uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission refers to downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The terms "network" and "system" in the embodiments of this application refer to the same concept; a communication system is a communication network.

[0231] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0232] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0233] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0234] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device, such as a microcontroller, chip, or processor, to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0235] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate N matrices, N being a positive integer; receiving a channel state information reference signal; determining N items of channel state information according to the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal; sending the N items of channel state information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The number of ports of the channel state information reference signal is M, the dimension of any matrix in the N matrices is MxKi, M is a positive integer, i takes 0, 1, …, N-1, the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N items of channel state information obtained according to the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal are K0, K1, …, KN respectively N-1 .

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determining of the N items of channel state information according to the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal comprises: converting the channel state information reference signal into N converted channel state information reference signals according to the N matrices; determining N precoding matrices according to the N matrices and the channel state information reference signal; determining N items of channel quality indication information according to each of the precoding matrices and the corresponding converted channel state information reference signal, the N items of channel state information comprising the N precoding matrices and the N items of channel quality indication information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The converting of the channel state information reference signal into N converted channel state information reference signals according to the N matrices comprises: for a first matrix in the N matrices, converting a channel state information reference signal with a dimension of M into a channel state information reference signal with a dimension of Ki according to the first matrix, to obtain N converted channel state information reference signals, wherein the first matrix is any matrix in the N matrices, the dimension of the first matrix is MxKi, M is a positive integer, and i takes 0, 1, …, N-1.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining channel state information according to the channel state information reference signal; sending the channel state information determined according to the channel state information reference signal.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: determining N matrices according to N switching-off patterns of antennas, the dimension of any matrix in the N matrices being MxKi, M and N being positive integers, and i taking 0, 1, …, N-1; sending first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the N matrices; sending a channel state information reference signal, wherein the channel state information reference signal has M ports; receive N items of channel state information, wherein the number of antenna ports corresponding to the N items of channel state information are K0, K1,..., K N-1 .

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving channel state information determined according to the channel state information reference signal.

8. A communication device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1-5; or a module for performing the method of claim 6 or 7.

9. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises a processor and a transceiver, which are configured to support the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-7 to be performed.

11. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-7 to be performed.

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