Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a signal measurement method and device. The accuracy of a measurement result of a reference signal in a non-ground communication system can be improved. The method may comprise: sending period indication information, the period indication information being used for indicating a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; and in each of a plurality of first time periods, sending the target reference signal to a terminal device in a target area served in each first time period based on a second period, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from a coverage area of a first network device to a coverage area of a second network device, the plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period, and different first time periods in the plurality of first time periods correspond to different target areas.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and more particularly, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) include satellite communication networks, high-altitude platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. nodes, with global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, easy deployment, and no geographical conditions restrictions, etc. Significant advantages have been widely used in marine communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and earth observation, etc. Ground fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) communication networks and non-terrestrial communication networks complement each other, and together form a global seamless coverage of sea, land, air, sky, and earth integrated communication network to meet the needs of users everywhere. Various business needs.

[0003] In the NTN system, such as the satellite communication system, the movement of the satellite node will cause the group switching or group reselection problem of the users in a certain area. The user can measure the quality of the reference signal corresponding to the current serving cell and the candidate cell to decide whether to perform cell switching or cell reselection.

[0004] In the prior art, taking the NR communication network as an example, the flow of reference signal measurement can include: the network device issues a measurement configuration corresponding to a plurality of cells (including a serving cell and a neighbor cell) to a user equipment (user equipment, UE), and the UE measures the quality of the measurement-related reference signal corresponding to the cell according to the measurement configuration, wherein the measurement-related reference signal is usually a synchronization information block (synchronization signal block, SSB) signal, and the transmission period of the SSB can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms or 160ms.

[0005] Since the transmission period of the reference signal in the prior art is short (such as a millisecond-level period), and in the satellite communication system, the period of change of the satellite node and the area covered by it is long (such as a second-level period), therefore, the short period of the reference signal in the prior art does not match the long period of change of the satellite node and the area covered by it in the satellite communication system, and the reference signal measurement method in the prior art will introduce strong interference between the reference signals, affecting the accuracy of the signal measurement result, thereby causing the failure of cell switching or cell reselection, and increasing the time-frequency resource overhead occupied by the reference signal. SUMMARY

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the accuracy of reference signal measurement results in non-terrestrial communication systems, thereby increasing the success rate of cell handover or cell reselection and reducing the time and frequency resource overhead of reference signals.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which may include: sending period indication information, the period indication information being used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; in each of a plurality of first time periods, sending the target reference signal to a terminal device within a target area served in each first time period based on the second period, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device, the plurality of first time periods being determined based on the first period, and different first time periods corresponding to different target areas.

[0008] Alternatively, the method can be executed by a second network device.

[0009] By employing the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first and second periods indicated by the periodic indication information can be flexibly used to schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection for cell measurement to terminal devices in the target area, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement results and thus increasing the success rate of cell handover or cell reselection.

[0010] Optionally, the source of the target reference signal is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the target reference signal could be a newly added reference signal specifically for cell handover.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the target reference signal can be other reference signals, such as reference signals that have a quasi-co-addressable relationship with the HO-SSB.

[0013] Alternatively, the target reference signal can be deployed in one of the following ways: time-domain, spatial-domain, frequency-domain, or polarization-domain multiplexing with the SSB signal in the existing communication system.

[0014] It should be noted that the first period in the embodiments of this application is used to represent the period of change of the area covered by the beam of the second network device in the gaze communication system.

[0015] It should also be noted that the region in the embodiments of this application can be understood as a geographical location region, or wave position.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of first time periods may be determined based on the first period and the pattern information of the target reference signal, the pattern information being used to indicate the time domain position of the target reference signal.

[0017] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the second period is used to represent the transmission interval at which the second network device sends the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area of ​​the service multiple times within the first time period.

[0018] Optionally, the time-domain location of the aforementioned target reference signal can be in units such as frames, subframes, symbols, and time slots.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a first target time period, and the target area corresponding to the first target time period includes a plurality of sub-target areas. Sending the target reference signal to the terminal devices in the target area served within each of the plurality of first time periods based on a second period includes: sending the target reference signal to the terminal devices in each of the plurality of sub-target areas within each of the plurality of second time periods included in the first target time period. The plurality of second time periods are determined based on the second period and the first target time period.

[0020] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can flexibly schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection for cell measurement to terminal devices in different sub-target areas of the target area, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement results and thus increasing the success rate of cell handover or cell reselection.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before sending the period indication information, the method further includes receiving the period indication information from a first network device.

[0022] By employing the communication method provided in this application embodiment, since the second network device is to take over the service of the target area from the first network device, the second network device receives the periodic indication information from the first network device before taking over the service of the target area from the first network device, and schedules the target reference signal based on the periodic indication information, which can improve the efficiency of the first network device and the second network device working together.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a second target time period, which is determined based on the first period and latency information. The latency information is used to indicate the latency between the second target time period and a third time period. The third time period is used by the first network device to send a first reference signal to terminal devices in the target area corresponding to the second target time period. The first reference signal is used for cell access.

[0024] Using the communication method provided in this application, since the propagation delays of the first reference signal sent by the first network device and the target reference signal sent by the second network device are different, it will affect the time and signal quality at which the terminal device receives the two reference signals. Therefore, the transmission time of the target reference signal can be compensated, that is, the target reference signal can be transmitted earlier or later than the agreed transmission time. Specifically, transmitting the target reference signal earlier can increase the interval between the transmission times of the two signals, thereby reducing the influence of the first reference signal on the target reference signal; transmitting the target reference signal later can shorten the receiving window on the terminal device side, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, before sending the target reference signal to terminal devices within the target area served in each of the plurality of first time periods based on a second period, the method further includes: sending the delay information to terminal devices within the target area served in the second target time period.

[0026] Using the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the second network device sends the delay information to the terminal device in the target area served within the second target time period, so that the terminal device can adjust the time of receiving the target reference signal based on the delay information.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the latency information is determined based on the ephemeris information and area information of the first network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used to indicate at least one of the moving speed or location of the first network device, and the area information is used to indicate the area served by the first network device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0029] Using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the minimum value of the first period and the second period of the target reference signal can be greater than the transmission period of the existing first reference signal, and the target reference signal is a reference signal dedicated to cell handover or reselection, which can reduce the interference of the first reference signal to the target reference signal and reduce the time and frequency resource overhead occupied by the reference signal.

[0030] Optionally, the first network device may punch holes in the time-frequency resources of the first reference signal based on the pattern information of the target reference signal, that is, to mute the resources in the time domain, frequency domain, polarization domain (i.e. polarization mode, such as linear polarization, circular polarization, elliptic polarization, etc.) corresponding to the target reference signal, so as not to use them for data and control signaling transmission, so as to reduce interference to the target reference signal.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method for a terminal device located within a target area, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device, the method comprising: receiving periodic indication information from the second network device, the periodic indication information being used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; and receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period within a first time period, the first time period being determined based on the first period.

[0032] By employing the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first and second periods indicated by the periodic indication information can be flexibly used to schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection for cell measurement to terminal devices in the target area, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement results and thus increasing the success rate of cell handover or cell reselection.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the terminal device is located in a first sub-target area among the multiple sub-target areas. Receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period during the first time period includes: receiving the target reference signal from the second network device in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the second period, the first time period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first time period is determined based on the first period and delay information, the delay information being used to indicate the delay between the first time period and the third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to the terminal device in the target area, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

[0035] In one possible implementation, before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period during the first time period, the method further includes receiving the delay information from the second network device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0037] Optionally, the method may further include: measuring the target reference signal to obtain a measurement result.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which may include: sending a target wake-up signal, the target wake-up signal being used to wake up a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; within a first time period, sending the target reference signal to terminal devices within a target area served within the first time period based on a first cycle, the target area being an area to be switched from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device, the first time period being determined based on time offset information and duration information, the time offset information being used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information being used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0039] The communication method provided in this application can schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection to terminal devices in the target area based on the target wake-up signal, thereby improving the flexibility of reference signal scheduling.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas. Sending the target reference signal to terminal devices within the target area served within the first time period based on a first cycle during the first time period includes: sending the target reference signal to terminal devices within each of the multiple sub-target areas during each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period. The multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the first time period, the first cycle, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0041] The communication method provided in this application can schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection to terminal devices in different sub-regions of the target area based on the target wake-up signal. This can improve the flexibility of reference signal scheduling and reduce the time and frequency resource overhead of the reference signals.

[0042] In one possible implementation, before sending the target reference signal to terminal devices within the target area served during the first time period based on the first cycle, the method further includes: sending indication information, which indicates at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first cycle is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0045] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method for a terminal device located within a target area, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The method includes: detecting a target wake-up signal, the target wake-up signal being used to wake up a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover; if the target wake-up signal is detected, receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on a first period within a first time period, the first time period being determined based on time offset information and duration information, the time offset information being used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information being used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0046] Optionally, if the terminal device does not detect the target wake-up signal, the first terminal device does not need to receive the target reference signal before the next detection opportunity of the target wake-up signal arrives.

[0047] The communication method provided in this application can schedule target reference signals dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection to terminal devices in the target area based on the target wake-up signal, thereby improving the flexibility of reference signal scheduling and reducing the time and frequency resource overhead of the reference signals.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on a first period during a first time period includes: receiving the target reference signal from the second network device during each of multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the first time period, the first period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0049] In one possible implementation, before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the first cycle within a first time period if the target wake-up signal is detected, the method further includes: receiving indication information from the second network device, the indication information being used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first cycle is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0052] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may include a processor and a communication interface coupled together. The processor is configured to send periodic indication information through the communication interface. The periodic indication information is used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal. The target reference signal is used for cell handover or cell reselection. In each of a plurality of first time periods, the target reference signal is sent through the communication interface to terminal devices within a target area served in each first time period based on the second period. The target area is an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period, and different first time periods correspond to different target areas.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a first target time period, and the target area corresponding to the first target time period includes a plurality of sub-target areas. The processor is specifically configured to: send the target reference signal to the terminal device in each of the plurality of second time periods included in the first target time period through the communication interface within each of the plurality of sub-target areas. The plurality of second time periods are determined based on the second period and the first target time period.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to: receive the period indication information from the first network device via the communication interface before sending the period indication information.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a second target time period, which is determined based on the first period and latency information. The latency information is used to indicate the latency between the second target time period and a third time period. The third time period is used by the first network device to send a first reference signal to terminal devices in the target area corresponding to the second target time period. The first reference signal is used for cell access.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to: send the delay information to the terminal devices in the target area served in the second target time period via the communication interface before sending the target reference signal to the terminal devices in the target area served in the second target time period based on the second cycle in each of the plurality of first time periods.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the latency information is determined based on the ephemeris information and area information of the first network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used to indicate at least one of the moving speed or location of the first network device, and the area information is used to indicate the area served by the first network device.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for a terminal device located within a target area, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The device includes a processor and a communication interface coupled together. The processor is configured to: receive periodic indication information from the second network device via the communication interface, the periodic indication information indicating a first period and a second period of a target reference signal used for cell handover or cell reselection; and receive the target reference signal from the second network device via the communication interface based on the second period during a first time period, the first time period being determined based on the first period.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the terminal device is located in a first sub-target area among the multiple sub-target areas. The processor is specifically configured to: receive the target reference signal from the second network device through the communication interface in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the second period, the first time period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first time period is determined based on the first period and delay information, the delay information being used to indicate the delay between the first time period and the third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to the terminal device in the target area, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to: receive the delay information from the second network device via the communication interface before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second cycle during the first time period.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0064] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which may include: a processor and a communication interface coupled together. The processor is configured to: send a target wake-up signal through the communication interface, the target wake-up signal being used to wake up a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; and, within a first time period, send the target reference signal through the communication interface to terminal devices within a target area served within the first time period based on a first cycle, the target area being an area to be switched from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device, the first time period being determined based on time offset information and duration information, the time offset information being used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information being used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the processor is specifically configured to: send the target reference signal to a terminal device in each of the multiple sub-target areas via the communication interface during each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, the multiple second time periods being determined based on the order of the first time period, the first cycle, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to: send indication information through the communication interface before sending the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area served within the first time period based on the first cycle during the first time period, the indication information being used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first cycle is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0069] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for a terminal device located within a target area. The target area is an area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The device may include a processor and a communication interface coupled together. The processor is specifically configured to: detect a target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up a target reference signal, which is used for cell handover; if the target wake-up signal is detected, receive the target reference signal from the second network device based on a first period within a first time period. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information indicates the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information indicates the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the processor is specifically configured to: receive the target reference signal from the second network device through the communication interface in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, the multiple second time periods being determined based on the order of the first time period, the first period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to receive indication information from the second network device via the communication interface before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the first cycle within the first time period if the target wake-up signal is detected. The indication information is used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first cycle is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0074] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device that includes units for performing the methods provided in the foregoing aspects or their various possible implementations.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided by the foregoing aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0076] In the eleventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided by the foregoing aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0077] It is understood that any of the communication devices, computer storage media or computer program products provided above are used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 5 This is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 9 This is another flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 700 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0089] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 13This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0092] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1100 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1200 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1300 provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, some terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0097] The technical solution of this application can be applied to NTN systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and unmanned aerial vehicles, for example: integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems.

[0098] Optionally, the satellite communication system can be integrated with a traditional mobile communication system. For example, the mobile communication system can be a 4th generation (4G) communication system (such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5G communication system (such as the new radio (NR) system), or a future mobile communication system.

[0099] For example, an NTN system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. The network device can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to the terminal devices within its coverage area through multiple beams.

[0100] Optionally, the terminal device mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions. The terminal device may be user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. Terminal devices can also be satellite phones, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, wireless modems, machine-type communication devices, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices or wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminal devices in 5G networks or future communication networks, etc.

[0101] Optionally, the network equipment mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be satellite or ground station equipment. Satellites can be low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellites, etc. Ground station equipment can also be referred to as core network equipment, such as equipment in the core network (CN) of existing mobile communication architectures (e.g., the 3GPP access architecture of 5G networks) or equipment in the core network of future mobile communication architectures. The core network, as the bearer network, provides the interface to the data network, providing user equipment (UE) with communication connections, authentication, management, policy control, and the ability to carry data services. The CN can further include: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function (UPF), and other network elements. Among them, the AMF network element is used to manage the access and mobility of UEs, and is mainly responsible for UE authentication, UE mobility management, UE paging and other functions.

[0102] Optionally, the network equipment may also include, but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), transmission reception point (TRP), integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or wireless access and backhaul (WAB) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system. This network equipment may also be a gNB, TRP, or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. Furthermore, this network equipment may also be a network node constituting a gNB or TP, such as a BBU, or a distributed unit (DU). Alternatively, the network device can also be a device that performs network-side functions in a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0103] Alternatively, based on the operating mode of the payload (such as a beam), communication systems can generally be divided into gaze (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) communication systems and non-gaze (earth-moving) communication systems.

[0104] In a non-staring communication system, the coverage area of ​​the network device's beam moves along with the network device over a period of time; in a staring communication system, the network device dynamically adjusts the beam direction to make the beam approximately cover the same area of ​​the ground over a period of time.

[0105] For example, the following description will use a gaze communication system as an example to illustrate the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0106] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the system 100 may include a network device 111 and a terminal device 121. The movement direction of the network device 111 is as follows: Figure 1As shown by the middle arrow. During time period T1, the beam coverage area 1 of network device 111 is located within area 1. Terminal device 121 is located within area 1. Terminal device 121 can access network device 111 through existing reference signals (such as SSB signals). That is, network device 111 can communicate with terminal device 121 within area 1 or provide related services (such as communication services, navigation services, or positioning services) to terminal device 121.

[0107] However, as network device 111 moves, area 1 will move out of the coverage area of ​​network device 111, that is, network device 111 will no longer provide services to terminal device 121. Therefore, terminal device 121 needs to perform cell measurement on neighboring cells and select a target cell for handover based on the measurement results.

[0108] Optionally, the system 100 may further include a network device 122, the network device 112 moving in the direction of motion as follows: Figure 1 As indicated by the middle arrow, within time period T1, the beam coverage area of ​​network device 112 is 2. Network device 112 and network device 111 can communicate via inter-satellite links. The cell of network device 112 is adjacent to the cell of network device 111. Therefore, terminal device 121 can measure the cell of network device 112 and determine whether it is possible to switch from the cell of network device 111 (i.e., the source cell) to the cell of network device 112 (i.e., the target cell) based on the measurement results.

[0109] For example, system 100 can be a satellite communication system, each network device in system 100 can be a satellite, and each terminal device can be a mobile station. For example, terminal device 121 can be a mobile station, network device 111 can be satellite 1, and network device 112 can be satellite 2.

[0110] It should be noted that system 100 only schematically shows network device 111 covering one area (i.e., area 1), but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Optionally, network device 111 may cover multiple (i.e., two or more) areas, or area 1 may include multiple sub-areas.

[0111] It should also be noted that system 100 only schematically shows that area 1 includes one terminal device (i.e., terminal device 121), but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Optionally, area 1 may also include multiple (i.e., two or more) terminal devices.

[0112] It should also be noted that the system 100 only schematically shows the coverage area 2 of the network device 112, and terminal devices are not shown in this area 2, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Optionally, this area 2 may include at least one terminal device.

[0113] Optionally, only two network devices (i.e., network device 111 and network device 112) are schematically shown in system 100, but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. Optionally, system 100 may also include other numbers of network devices.

[0114] In the prior art, taking NR communication as an example, the process of terminal device 121 measuring the cell of network device 112 may include: network device 112 sending the cell measurement configuration to terminal device 121, and terminal device 121 measuring the quality of the measurement-related reference signal corresponding to the cell according to the measurement configuration, such as one or more of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The measurement-related reference signal is usually an SSB signal, and the transmission period of the SSB signal can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms.

[0115] Because the reference signals in existing technologies have short transmission periods (such as milliseconds or minutes), while in satellite communication systems, the period of change between the satellite and the area it covers is longer (such as seconds), the short period of the reference signals in existing technologies does not match the long period of change between the satellite and the area it covers in satellite communication systems. Using existing reference signal measurement methods will introduce strong interference between reference signals, affecting the accuracy of signal measurement results, leading to cell handover or cell reselection failures, and wasting time and frequency resources.

[0116] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method may include sending periodic indication information, which indicates a first period and a second period of a target reference signal used for cell handover or cell reselection. Within each of a plurality of first time periods, the target reference signal is sent to terminal devices within a target area served in each first time period based on the second period. The target area is an area to be switched or reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period, and different first time periods correspond to different target areas. By flexibly scheduling the target reference signal dedicated to cell handover or cell reselection for cell measurement using the first and second periods, the accuracy of the measurement results can be improved, thereby increasing the success rate of cell handover or cell reselection.

[0117] The communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below. Two communication methods are provided in the embodiments of this application; the first method will be introduced first. It is worth noting that the following explanation uses cell handover as an example; the same method can also be applied to other mobility management processes such as cell reselection.

[0118] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, method 200 may include steps S201 and S202. The steps of method 200 are described in detail below.

[0119] S201. Send period indication information, the period indication information being used to indicate the first period and the second period of the target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover.

[0120] Optionally, the method 200 can be executed by a second network device.

[0121] For example, the method 200 can be applied to the system 100 described above, and the second network device can be network device 112 in the system 100. For example, the second network device can be satellite 2.

[0122] Optionally, the second network device may send the periodic indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the second network device can broadcast or multicast the periodic indication information.

[0124] In another possible implementation, the second network device may send the periodic indication information to at least one terminal device within the currently served area.

[0125] Optionally, the source of the target reference signal is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the target reference signal could be a newly added reference signal specifically for cell handover.

[0127] For example, the target reference signal can be a handover synchronization information block (HO-SSB), a non-cell-defining SSB (NCD-SSB), or an on-demand SSB, etc.

[0128] In another possible implementation, the target reference signal can be other reference signals, such as reference signals that have a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship with the HO-SSB.

[0129] For example, the target reference signal can be a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), a phase-tracking reference signal (PTRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), etc.

[0130] Alternatively, the target reference signal can be deployed in one of the following ways: time-domain, spatial-domain, frequency-domain, or polarization-domain multiplexing with the SSB signal in an existing communication system (such as an NR communication system).

[0131] S202. In each of the plurality of first time periods, the target reference signal is sent to the terminal devices within the target area served in each of the plurality of first time periods based on the second period. The target area is the area to be switched from the coverage of the first network device to the coverage of the second network device. The plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period. Different first time periods in the plurality of first time periods correspond to different target areas.

[0132] For example, the first network device can be network device 111 in the system 100 described above. For instance, the first network device can be satellite 1.

[0133] For example, taking the multiple first time periods including time period T1 in the system 100 as an example, the target area served within the first time period can be area 1 in the system 100.

[0134] It should be noted that the first period in the embodiments of this application is used to represent the period of change of the area covered by the beam of the second network device in the gaze communication system.

[0135] For example, if the area covered by the beam of the second network device changes every 10 seconds, or the area served by the second network device changes every 10 seconds, then the first period is 10 seconds.

[0136] It should also be noted that the region in the embodiments of this application can be understood as a geographical location region, or wave position.

[0137] Optionally, the shape of the wave position or region is not limited in the embodiments of this application, such as circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon (such as regular pentagon, regular hexagon, etc.).

[0138] For example, the first period may include, but is not limited to, the following values: 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds.

[0139] Optionally, the plurality of first time periods may be determined based on the first period and the pattern information of the target reference signal, the pattern information being used to indicate the time domain position of the target reference signal.

[0140] Optionally, the temporal location of the aforementioned target reference signal can be measured in units such as frames, subframes, symbols, or time slots. For example, in an NR communication system, the frame length is 10 ms.

[0141] For example, if the pattern information of the target reference signal indicates that the time domain position of the target reference signal is frame 1 to frame 20000 and the first period is 10s, the plurality of first time periods may include: frame 1 to frame 10000, frame 10001 to frame 20000.

[0142] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the second period is used to represent the transmission interval at which the second network device sends the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area of ​​the service multiple times within the first time period.

[0143] For example, if the second network device sends a target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area corresponding to the first time period every 20ms, then the second period is 20ms.

[0144] For example, the second period may include, but is not limited to, the following values: 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0145] Optionally, the plurality of first time periods may include a first target time period, and the target area corresponding to the first target time period includes a plurality of sub-target areas. S202 may include: the second network device sending the target reference signal to the terminal device in each of the plurality of second time periods included in the first target time period within each of the plurality of second time periods, wherein the plurality of second time periods are determined based on the second period and the first target time period.

[0146] Optionally, prior to S201, the second network device may obtain the period indication information in various ways, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the second network device may be pre-configured or preset with the periodic indication information.

[0148] In another possible implementation, since the second network device is serving the target area in place of the first network device, the second network device can receive the periodic indication information from the first network device.

[0149] Optionally, the plurality of first time periods include a second target time period, which is determined based on the first period and delay information. The delay information is used to indicate the delay between the second target time period and the third time period. The third time period is used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to the terminal device in the target area corresponding to the second target time period. The first reference signal is used for cell access.

[0150] Because the propagation delays of the first reference signal sent by the first network device and the target reference signal sent by the second network device are different, they affect the time and signal quality at which the terminal device receives the two reference signals. Therefore, the transmission time of the target reference signal can be compensated, i.e., the target reference signal can be sent earlier or later than the agreed transmission time. Sending the target reference signal earlier increases the interval between the transmission times of the two signals, thereby reducing the influence of the first reference signal on the target reference signal; sending the target reference signal later shortens the receiving window on the terminal device side, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0151] Optionally, the latency information is determined based on the ephemeris information and area information of the first network device. The ephemeris information is used to indicate at least one of the moving speed or location of the first network device, and the area information is used to indicate the area served by the first network device.

[0152] For example, the time delay t can be determined based on the satellite's position (Sx, Sy, Sz) and the regional reference position (Rx, Ry, Rz), for example:

[0153] t = sqrt[(Sx-Rx)^2+(Sy-Ry)^2+(Sz-Rz)^2] / c, where c corresponds to the speed of light.

[0154] Optionally, the second network device may obtain the latency information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the second network device can receive the latency information from the first network device.

[0156] In another possible implementation, the second network device can receive the ephemeris information and the area information from the first network device; and determine the delay information based on the ephemeris information and the area information.

[0157] Optionally, the method 200 may further include: the second network device sending the delay information to terminal devices within the target area served during the second target time period. In this way, the terminal devices can adjust the time for receiving the target reference signal based on the delay information.

[0158] Optionally, the first network device may punch holes in the time-frequency resources of the first reference signal based on the pattern information of the target reference signal, that is, to mute the resources in the time domain, frequency domain, polarization domain (i.e. polarization mode, such as linear polarization, circular polarization, elliptic polarization, etc.) corresponding to the target reference signal, so as not to use them for data and control signaling transmission, so as to reduce interference to the target reference signal.

[0159] Optionally, the method 200 may further include: sending a reporting instruction to a terminal device within the target area, the reporting instruction indicating the reporting method of the measurement results of the target reference signal, the reporting method including periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or event-triggered reporting.

[0160] Optionally, the method 200 may further include: receiving the measurement result of the target reference signal sent by a terminal device within the target area.

[0161] Optionally, the event-triggered reporting can be time-based (if the clock of the terminal device in the target area is within a given time period, the measurement result is reported), location-based (if the terminal device is located in a given geographical location area, the measurement result is reported), or signal quality-triggered (if the signal quality of the target reference signal measured by the terminal device is greater than a given threshold, the measurement result is reported).

[0162] Optionally, the measurement result of the target reference signal can be the measurement result of event L1 or event L3.

[0163] For example, event L1 can be that the quality of the target reference signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0164] For example, event L3 can be that the quality of the target reference signal is greater than the quality of the first reference signal.

[0165] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 As shown, method 300 may include steps S301 and S302. The steps of method 300 are described in detail below.

[0166] S301. Receive period indication information from the second network device, the period indication information being used to indicate the first period and the second period of the target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover.

[0167] Optionally, the method 300 can be executed by a terminal device located in a target area, which is the area to be switched from the coverage of the first network device to the coverage of the second network device.

[0168] For example, the method 300 can be applied to the system 100 described above. The terminal device can be terminal device 121 in the system 100, the first network device can be network device 111 in the system 100, and the second network device can be network device 112 in the system 100. For example, the second network device can be satellite 2, the first network device can be satellite 1, and the terminal device can be a mobile station.

[0169] S302. During a first time period, the target reference signal is received from the second network device based on the second cycle, wherein the first time period is determined based on the first cycle.

[0170] Optionally, the first time period can be determined based on the pattern information of the first period and the target reference signal.

[0171] Optionally, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the terminal device is located in a first sub-target area among the multiple sub-target areas. S302 may include: the terminal device receiving the target reference signal from the second network device in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the second period, the first time period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0172] Optionally, the first time period is determined based on the first period and delay information, the delay information being used to indicate the delay between the first time period and the third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to the terminal device in the target area, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

[0173] Optionally, prior to S302, method 300 may further include: receiving the latency information from the second network device.

[0174] Optionally, the method 300 may further include: measuring the target reference signal to obtain a measurement result.

[0175] Optionally, the method 300 may further include: receiving reporting indication information from the second network device, the reporting indication information being used to indicate the reporting method of the measurement result of the target reference signal, the reporting method including periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting or event-triggered reporting; and reporting the measurement result of the target reference signal to the second network device based on the reporting indication information.

[0176] Optionally, the event-triggered reporting can be time-based (if the clock of the terminal device in the target area is within a given time period, the measurement result is reported), location-based (if the terminal device is located in a given geographical location area, the measurement result is reported), or signal quality-triggered (if the signal quality of the target reference signal measured by the terminal device is greater than a given threshold, the measurement result is reported).

[0177] Optionally, the measurement result of the target reference signal can be the quality of the target reference signal (such as RSRP and / or RSRQ and / or SINR, etc.), the measurement result of event L1 or event L3.

[0178] For example, event L1 can be that the quality of the target reference signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0179] For example, event L3 can be that the quality of the target reference signal is greater than the quality of the first reference signal.

[0180] It should be noted that for any content not detailed in Method 300, please refer to the corresponding content in Method 200.

[0181] For example, taking the first period as T1 and the second period as T2, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in the target area 1 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the shaded area within the first time period t1 to t2; the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in the target area 2 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the shaded area within the first time period t3 to t4, and so on. The length of each first time period is T1, and the time interval between multiple time-domain positions indicated by the shaded area within the same first time period is T2.

[0182] Accordingly, the terminal device in target area 1 can receive the target reference signal from the second network device at multiple time domain positions indicated by the slanted shaded portion during the first time period t1 to t2; the terminal device in target area 2 can receive the target reference signal from the second network device at multiple time domain positions indicated by the slanted shaded portion during the first time period t3 to t4.

[0183] For example, taking the first period as T1, the second period as T2, and each target region including two sub-target regions as an example, Figure 5 Another schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in sub-target areas 1 of the target area 1 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded area within the first time period t1 to t2; the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in sub-target areas 2 of the target area 1 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the black shaded area within the first time period t1 to t2; the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in sub-target areas 1 of the target area 2 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded area within the first time period t3 to t4; the second network device can send target reference signals to terminal devices in sub-target areas 2 of the target area 2 at multiple time-domain positions indicated by the black shaded area within the first time period t3 to t4; and so on. The length of each first time period is T1, and the time interval between multiple time-domain positions indicated by each shaded area within the same first time period is T2.

[0184] Accordingly, terminal devices in sub-target areas 1 of target area 1 can receive target reference signals from the second network device at multiple time-domain locations indicated by the shaded portion during the first time period t1 to t2; terminal devices in sub-target areas 2 of target area 1 can receive target reference signals from the second network device at multiple time-domain locations indicated by the black shaded portion during the first time period t1 to t2; terminal devices in sub-target areas 1 of target area 2 can receive target reference signals from the second network device at multiple time-domain locations indicated by the shaded portion during the first time period t3 to t4; terminal devices in sub-target areas 2 of target area 2 can receive target reference signals from the second network device at multiple time-domain locations indicated by the black shaded portion during the first time period t3 to t4; and so on.

[0185] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 6As shown, method 400 may include steps S401 to S402. The steps of method 400 are described in detail below.

[0186] S401. Send a target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the target reference signal, which is used for cell handover.

[0187] Optionally, the method 400 can be executed by a second network device.

[0188] For example, the method 400 can be applied to the system 100 described above, and the second network device can be network device 112 in the system 100. For example, the second network device can be satellite 2.

[0189] Optionally, S401 may include: the second network device sending the target wake-up signal based on configuration information, the configuration information being used to indicate at least one of the period of the target wake-up signal or a detection event.

[0190] Optionally, the source of the target reference signal is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the target reference signal could be a newly added reference signal specifically for cell handover.

[0192] For example, the target reference signal can be HO-SSB, NCD-SSB, or on-demand SSB.

[0193] In another possible implementation, the target reference signal can be other reference signals, such as a reference signal that has a QCL relationship with the HO-SSB.

[0194] For example, the target reference signal can be CSI-RS, TRS, PTRS, DMRS, etc.

[0195] Alternatively, the target reference signal can be deployed in one of the following ways: time-domain, spatial-domain, frequency-domain, or polarization-domain multiplexing with the SSB signal in the existing NR communication system.

[0196] S402. During a first time period, the target reference signal is sent to terminal devices within the target area served during the first time period based on a first cycle. The target area is the area to be switched from the coverage of the first network device to the coverage of the second network device. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0197] For example, the first network device can be network device 111 in the system 100 described above. For instance, the first network device can be satellite 1.

[0198] It should be noted that the first cycle described in method 400 corresponds to the second cycle in method 300.

[0199] For example, the first period can be 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0200] Optionally, prior to S402, the method 400 may further include: sending indication information, which indicates at least one of the target wake-up signal, time offset information, duration information, first period, or configuration information, wherein the time offset information indicates the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information indicates the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0201] Optionally, the second network device may send the indication information in a variety of ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the second network device may broadcast or multicast the instruction information.

[0203] In another possible implementation, the second network device can send the instruction information to terminal devices within the target area currently being served.

[0204] Optionally, the target wake-up signal can be a wake-up signal based on a reference signal (RS); or, the target wake-up signal can be a wake-up signal based on downlink control information (DCI).

[0205] In one possible implementation, if the target wake-up signal is a DCI-based wake-up signal, the indication information can be carried in the payload of the DCI.

[0206] Optionally, if the target wake-up signal is a DCI-based wake-up signal, the indication information is also used to indicate the time domain position, frequency domain position, polarization mode, pattern, associated bitmap, etc. of the target reference signal, in order to determine the specific time-frequency position and structure of the target reference signal, so as to reduce measurement overhead.

[0207] It should be noted that for any content not detailed in Method 400, please refer to the corresponding content in Method 200.

[0208] Figure 7A schematic flowchart of the communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method 500 may include steps S501 to S502. The steps of method 500 are described in detail below.

[0209] S501. Detect the target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the target reference signal, which is used for cell handover.

[0210] Optionally, the method 500 can be executed by a terminal device located within a target area, which is the area to be switched from the coverage of the first network device to the coverage of the second network device.

[0211] For example, the method 500 can be applied to the system 100 described above. The terminal device can be terminal device 121 in the system 100, the first network device can be network device 111 in the system 100, and the second network device can be network device 112 in the system 100. For example, the second network device can be satellite 2, the first network device can be satellite 1, and the terminal device can be a mobile station.

[0212] Optionally, S501 may include: the terminal device receiving the target wake-up signal based on configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the period of the target wake-up signal or a detection event.

[0213] S502. If the target wake-up signal is detected, the target reference signal is received from the second network device within a first time period based on a first cycle. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0214] Optionally, if the terminal device does not detect the target wake-up signal, the first terminal device does not need to receive the target reference signal before the next detection opportunity of the target wake-up signal arrives.

[0215] Optionally, the target area may include multiple sub-target areas, and S502 may include: receiving the target reference signal from the second network device in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the first time period, the first period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0216] Optionally, prior to S502, the method may further include: receiving indication information from the second network device, the indication information being used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0217] Optionally, the target wake-up signal is an RS-based wake-up signal; or, the target wake-up signal is a DCI-based wake-up signal.

[0218] For example, the first period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0219] It should be noted that for any content not detailed in Method 500, please refer to the corresponding content in Method 200.

[0220] For example, taking the first cycle as T1, Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the time period t1 to t3 is the first cycle of the target wake-up signal. The second network device sends the target wake-up signal to the terminal device in the target area at the time domain position indicated by the dashed line in the time period t1 to t2; and sends the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area at multiple time domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded part in the first time period. The first time period is determined based on the sending time of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, and the duration information. The time interval of the multiple time domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded part included in the first time period is T1.

[0221] Accordingly, taking the target wake-up signal as an RS-based wake-up signal as an example, the terminal device in the target area can blindly detect the target wake-up signal on the pre-configured time-frequency resources shown by the dashed part during the time period t1 to t2; if the target wake-up signal is detected, the terminal device receives the target reference signal from the second network device at multiple time-domain positions shown by the shaded part during the first time period; if the target wake-up signal is not detected, the terminal device does not need to receive the target reference signal before the next detection period (or detection opportunity) of the target wake-up signal arrives.

[0222] For example, taking the first period as T1, and the target area including two sub-target areas as an example, Figure 9 This document illustrates another flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9As shown, the time period t1 to t3 is the first cycle of the target wake-up signal. The second network device sends the target wake-up signal to the terminal device in the target area at the time domain position indicated by the dashed line in the time period t1 to t2. At multiple time domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded area in the first time period, the target reference signal is sent to the terminal device in the sub-target area 1. At multiple time domain positions indicated by the black shaded area in the second time period, the target reference signal is sent to the terminal device in the sub-target area 2. The first time period is determined based on the sending time of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, and the duration information. The time interval of each of the multiple time domain positions indicated by the diagonal shaded area in the first time period is T1.

[0223] Accordingly, taking the target wake-up signal as an RS-based wake-up signal as an example, the terminal devices in the target area can blindly detect the target wake-up signal on the pre-configured time-frequency resources shown by the dashed part during the time period t1 to t2. If the terminal devices in the target area detect the target wake-up signal, the terminal devices in the sub-target area 1 receive the target reference signal from the second network device at multiple time-domain positions shown by the diagonal shaded part during the first time period, and the terminal devices in the sub-target area 2 receive the target reference signal from the second network device at multiple time-domain positions shown by the black shaded part during the first time period. If the target wake-up signal is not detected, the terminal devices in the target area do not need to receive the target reference signal before the next target wake-up signal detection cycle (or detection opportunity) arrives.

[0224] It should be noted that the first communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been introduced above through methods 200 and 300, and the second communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been introduced through methods 400 and 500, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0225] For example, the second network device can use different communication methods for terminal devices in different target areas. It can use the first communication method for terminal devices in target area 1 corresponding to the first time period and the second communication method for terminal devices in target area 2 corresponding to the second time period.

[0226] The above combination Figures 2 to 9 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been introduced. The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described below.

[0227] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the device 600 may include a transmitting unit 601.

[0228] Optionally, the device 600 can be used in the aforementioned communication system 100. Further, the device 600 can be used in the network device 112 in the aforementioned communication system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by the processor or controller on the network device 112.

[0229] The transmitting unit 601 is used to transmit period indication information, which indicates a first period and a second period of a target reference signal. The target reference signal is used for cell handover or cell reselection. In each of a plurality of first time periods, the target reference signal is transmitted to terminal devices within the target area served in each first time period based on the second period. The target area is the area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​the first network device to the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period, and different first time periods in the plurality of first time periods correspond to different target areas.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a first target time period, and the target area corresponding to the first target time period includes a plurality of sub-target areas. The sending unit is specifically used to: send the target reference signal to the terminal device in each of the plurality of second time periods included in the first target time period within each of the plurality of second time periods in the plurality of sub-target areas. The plurality of second time periods are determined based on the second period and the first target time period.

[0231] Optionally, the device 600 may also include a receiving unit 602.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 602 is used to receive the period indication information from the first network device before the sending unit 601 sends the period indication information.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the plurality of first time periods include a second target time period, which is determined based on the first period and latency information. The latency information is used to indicate the latency between the second target time period and a third time period. The third time period is used by the first network device to send a first reference signal to terminal devices in the target area corresponding to the second target time period. The first reference signal is used for cell access.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 601 is further configured to send the delay information to the terminal devices in the target area served in the second target time period before sending the target reference signal to the terminal devices in the target area served in the second target time period based on the second cycle in each of the plurality of first time periods.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the latency information is determined based on the ephemeris information and area information of the first network device, wherein the ephemeris information is used to indicate at least one of the moving speed or location of the first network device, and the area information is used to indicate the area served by the first network device.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0237] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the method 200 embodiment of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 600 can specifically be the second network device in the above-mentioned method 200 embodiment. The device 600 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second network device in the above-mentioned method 200 embodiment. To avoid repetition, these will not be repeated here.

[0238] Figure 10 One or more of the modules in the illustrated embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits such as central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0239] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The device 700 may include a processor 701 and a communication interface 702, which are coupled together.

[0240] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 700 may specifically be the second network device in the above-described method 200 embodiments, and the device 700 may be the physical hardware structure of the second network device. The device 700 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second network device in the above-described method 200 embodiments, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0241] The processor 701 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0242] For example, the processor 701 is used to send period indication information through the communication interface. The period indication information is used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, which is used for cell handover or cell reselection. In each of a plurality of first time periods, the processor sends the target reference signal to terminal devices within the target area served in each first time period based on the second period through the communication interface. The target area is the area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​a first network device to the coverage area of ​​a second network device. The plurality of first time periods are determined based on the first period, and different first time periods correspond to different target areas.

[0243] Optionally, the device 700 may also include a memory 703.

[0244] The memory 703 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0245] Specifically, memory 703 is used to store program code and instructions of device 700. Optionally, memory 703 is also used to store data obtained by processor 701 during the execution of the above method 200, such as cycle indication information.

[0246] Alternatively, the memory 703 may be a separate device or integrated into the processor 701.

[0247] It should be noted that, Figure 11 Only a simplified design of the device 700 is shown. In practical applications, the device 700 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 700 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0248] In one possible design, the device 700 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions, which, when the chip device is running, can be executed by a processor to cause the chip to perform the steps performed by the second network device as described in method 200 above.

[0249] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0250] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 12 As shown, the device 800 may include a receiving unit 801. The device 800 is located within a target area, which is the area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​the first network device to the coverage area of ​​the second network device.

[0251] Optionally, the device 800 can be used in the aforementioned communication system 100. Further, the device 800 can be used in the terminal device 121 in the aforementioned communication system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by a processor or controller on the terminal device 121.

[0252] The receiving unit 801 is used to receive period indication information from the second network device. The period indication information is used to indicate a first period and a second period of the target reference signal, which is used for cell handover or cell reselection. During a first time period, the receiving unit 801 receives the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period. The first time period is determined based on the first period.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the terminal device is located in a first sub-target area among the multiple sub-target areas. The receiving unit 801 is specifically used to receive the target reference signal from the second network device in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period. The multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the second period, the first time period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the first time period is determined based on the first period and delay information, the delay information being used to indicate the delay between the first time period and the third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to the terminal device in the target area, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 801 is further configured to receive the delay information from the second network device before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period during the first time period.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0257] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the method 300 embodiment of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 800 can specifically be the terminal device in the above-mentioned method 300 embodiment. The device 800 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above-mentioned method 300 embodiment. To avoid repetition, these will not be repeated here.

[0258] Figure 12 One or more of the modules in the illustrated embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits such as CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, or ASICs.

[0259] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The device 900 may include a processor 901 and a communication interface 902, which are coupled together.

[0260] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 900 can specifically be the terminal device in the above-described method 300 embodiments, and the device 900 can be the physical hardware structure of the terminal device. The device 900 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above-described method 300 embodiments, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0261] The processor 901 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0262] For example, the processor 901 is configured to receive periodic indication information from the second network device via a communication interface 902, the periodic indication information being used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell handover or cell reselection; and to receive the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period within a first time period via the communication interface 902, the first time period being determined based on the first period.

[0263] Optionally, the device 900 may also include a memory 903.

[0264] Memory 903 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both. Non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory may be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and DR RAM.

[0265] Specifically, memory 903 is used to store program code and instructions of device 900. Optionally, memory 903 is also used to store data obtained by processor 901 during the execution of the above-described method 300 embodiment, such as cycle indication information.

[0266] Alternatively, the memory 903 can be a separate device or integrated into the processor 901.

[0267] It should be noted that, Figure 13Only a simplified design of the device 900 is shown. In practical applications, the device 900 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 900 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0268] In one possible design, the device 900 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions. When the chip device is running, the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memories to cause the chip to perform the steps performed by the terminal device as described in method 300 above.

[0269] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0270] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 14 As shown, the device 1000 may include a transmitting unit 1001.

[0271] Optionally, the device 1000 can be used in the aforementioned communication system 100. Further, the device 1000 can be used in the second network device 121 in the aforementioned communication system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by a processor or controller on the second network device 121.

[0272] The transmitting unit 1001 is used to transmit a target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up a target reference signal. The target reference signal is used for cell handover or cell reselection. During a first time period, the target reference signal is transmitted to terminal devices within the target area served during the first time period based on a first cycle. The target area is the area to be switched from the coverage of the first network device to the coverage of the second network device. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0273] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the sending unit 1001 is specifically used to: send the target reference signal to the terminal device in each of the multiple sub-target areas within each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the first time period, the first period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1001 is further configured to send indication information before sending the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area served within the first time period based on the first cycle during the first time period. The indication information is used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the first period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0277] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the method 400 embodiment of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 1000 may specifically be the second network device in the above method 400 embodiment. The device 1000 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second network device in the above method 400 embodiment. To avoid repetition, these will not be repeated here.

[0278] Figure 14 One or more of the modules in the illustrated embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits such as CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, or ASICs.

[0279] Figure 15 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The device 1100 may include a processor 1101 and a communication interface 1102, which are coupled together.

[0280] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1100 may specifically be the second network device in the above-described method 400 embodiments, and the device 1100 may be the physical hardware structure of the second network device. The device 1100 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second network device in the above-described method 400 embodiments, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0281] The processor 1101 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0282] For example, the processor 1101 is used to send a target wake-up signal through a communication interface 1102. The target wake-up signal is used to wake up a target reference signal, which is used for cell handover or cell reselection. During a first time period, the processor 1101 sends the target reference signal to terminal devices within a target area served during the first time period through the communication interface 1002 based on a first cycle. The target area is the area to be switched from the coverage of a first network device to the coverage of a second network device. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0283] Optionally, the device 1100 may also include a memory 1103.

[0284] Memory 1103 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory may be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and DR RAM.

[0285] Specifically, memory 1103 is used to store program code and instructions of device 1100. Optionally, memory 1103 is also used to store data obtained by processor 1101 during the execution of the above-described method 400 embodiment, such as time offset information and duration information.

[0286] Alternatively, the memory 1103 may be a separate device or integrated into the processor 1101.

[0287] It should be noted that, Figure 15 Only a simplified design of the device 1100 is shown. In practical applications, the device 1100 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 1100 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0288] In one possible design, the device 1100 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions, which, when the chip device is running, can be executed by a processor to cause the chip to perform the steps performed by the second network device as described in method 400 above.

[0289] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0290] Figure 16 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 16 As shown, the device 1200 may include a detection unit 1201 and a receiving unit 1202. The device 1200 is located within a target area, which is the area to be switched / reselected from the coverage area of ​​the first network device to the coverage area of ​​the second network device.

[0291] Optionally, the device 1200 can be used in the aforementioned communication system 100. Further, the device 1200 can be used in the terminal device 121 in the aforementioned communication system 100, such as a virtual device formed by software executed by a processor or controller on the terminal device 121.

[0292] The detection unit 1201 is used to detect the target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up the target reference signal and is used for cell handover.

[0293] The receiving unit 1202 is used to receive the target reference signal from the second network device within a first time period based on a first cycle if the target wake-up signal is detected. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the target area includes multiple sub-target areas, and the receiving unit 1202 is specifically configured to: receive the target reference signal from the second network device in each of the multiple second time periods included in the first time period, wherein the multiple second time periods are determined based on the order of the first time period, the first period, and the multiple sub-target areas.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 1202 is further configured to receive indication information from the second network device before receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the first cycle within the first time period if the target wake-up signal is detected. The indication information is used to indicate at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the duration information, or the first cycle.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the reference signal RS; or, the target wake-up signal is a wake-up signal based on the downlink control information DCI.

[0297] In one possible implementation, the first cycle is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

[0298] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices are based on the same concept as the method 500 embodiment of this application. Their specific functions and technical effects can be found in the method embodiment section, and will not be repeated here. In an optional example, the device 1200 can specifically be the terminal device in the above method 500 embodiment. The device 1200 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method 500 embodiment. To avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0299] Figure 16 One or more of the modules in the illustrated embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The software or firmware includes, but is not limited to, computer program instructions or code, and can be executed by a hardware processor. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, various integrated circuits such as CPUs, DSPs, FPGAs, or ASICs.

[0300] Figure 17 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The device 1300 may include a processor 1301 and a communication interface 1302, which are coupled together.

[0301] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1300 can specifically be the terminal device in the above-described method 500 embodiments, and the device 1300 can be the physical hardware structure of the terminal device. The device 1300 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above-described method 500 embodiments, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0302] The processor 1301 in this embodiment may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processing unit may include, but is not limited to, a CPU, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any conventional processor.

[0303] For example, the processor 1301 is used to detect a target wake-up signal, which is used to wake up a target reference signal, and the target reference signal is used for cell handover; if the target wake-up signal is detected, the processor 1301 receives the target reference signal from the second network device through the communication interface 1302 based on a first period within a first time period. The first time period is determined based on time offset information and duration information. The time offset information is used to indicate the offset of the transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to the transmission time of the target reference signal, and the duration information is used to indicate the transmission duration of the target reference signal.

[0304] Optionally, the device 1300 may also include a memory 1303.

[0305] Memory 1303 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory may be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and DR RAM.

[0306] Specifically, memory 1303 is used to store program code and instructions of device 1300. Optionally, memory 1303 is also used to store data obtained by processor 1301 during the execution of the above-described method 500 embodiment, such as time offset information and duration information.

[0307] Alternatively, the memory 1303 may be a separate device or integrated into the processor 1301.

[0308] It should be noted that, Figure 17 Only a simplified design of the device 1300 is shown. In practical applications, the device 1300 may also include other necessary components, including but not limited to any number of communication interfaces, processors, selectors, memories, etc., and all devices 1300 that can implement this application are within the protection scope of this application.

[0309] In one possible design, the device 1300 can be a chip. Optionally, the chip may further include one or more memories for storing computer-executable instructions. When the chip device is running, the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memories to cause the chip to perform the steps performed by the terminal device as described in method 500 above.

[0310] Optionally, the chip device can be a field-programmable gate array, a dedicated integrated circuit, a system-on-a-chip, a central processing unit, a network processor, a digital signal processing circuit, a microcontroller, or a programmable controller or other integrated chip to implement the relevant functions.

[0311] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, implement the communication method described in the above method embodiments.

[0312] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a processor, implements the communication method described in the above method embodiments.

[0313] The communication device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, or chip provided in the embodiments of this application are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects described in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0314] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0315] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0316] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0317] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0318] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0319] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0320] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0321] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology 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: sending period indication information, the period indication information being used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell switching or cell reselection; in each of a plurality of first time periods, sending the target reference signal to terminal devices in a target area served in each of the first time periods based on the second period, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from a coverage range of a first network device to a coverage range of a second network device, the plurality of first time periods being determined based on the first period, different first time periods of the plurality of first time periods corresponding to different target areas.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first time periods comprises a first target time period, a target area corresponding to the first target time period comprising a plurality of sub-target areas, and the sending the target reference signal to terminal devices in a target area served in each of the plurality of first time periods based on the second period comprises: in each of a plurality of second time periods included in the first target time period, sending the target reference signal to terminal devices in each of the plurality of sub-target areas, the plurality of second time periods being determined based on the second period and the first target time period.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the sending the period indication information, the method further comprises: receiving the period indication information from the first network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The plurality of first time periods comprises a second target time period, the second target time period being determined based on the first period and latency information, the latency information being used to indicate a latency between the second target time period and a third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to terminal devices in a target area corresponding to the second target time period, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Before the sending the target reference signal to terminal devices in a target area served in each of the plurality of first time periods based on the second period, the method further comprises: sending the latency information to terminal devices in a target area served in the second target time period.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The latency information is determined based on ephemeris information and area information of the first network device, the ephemeris information being used to indicate at least one of a moving speed or a position of the first network device, and the area information being used to indicate an area served by the first network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds, or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

8. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is used for a terminal device located in a target area, the target area being an area to be switched / reselected from a coverage range of a first network device to a coverage range of a second network device, and the method comprises: receiving periodic indication information from the second network device, the periodic indication information being used to indicate a first period and a second period of a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell switching or cell reselection; receiving, in a first time period, the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period, the first time period being determined based on the first period.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The target area includes a plurality of sub-target areas, the terminal device is located in a first sub-target area of the plurality of sub-target areas, and the receiving, in the first time period, the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period includes: receiving, in each of a plurality of second time periods included in the first time period, the target reference signal from the second network device, the plurality of second time periods being determined based on the second period, the first time period, and an order of the plurality of sub-target areas.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first time period is determined based on the first period and latency information, the latency information being used to indicate a time delay between the first time period and a third time period, the third time period being used for the first network device to send a first reference signal to terminal devices in the target area, the first reference signal being used for cell access.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, Before the receiving, in the first time period, the target reference signal from the second network device based on the second period, the method further includes: receiving the latency information from the second network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The first period is 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 80 seconds, 160 seconds, or 320 seconds; or the second period is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

13. A communication method characterized by comprising: includes: sending a target wake-up signal, the target wake-up signal being used to wake up a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell switching or cell reselection; sending, in a first time period, the target reference signal to terminal devices in a target area served in the first time period based on a first period, the target area being an area to be switched from a coverage range of a first network device to a coverage range of a second network device, the first time period being determined based on time offset information and time length information, the time offset information being used to indicate an offset amount of a sending time of the target wake-up signal relative to a sending time of the target reference signal, and the time length information being used to indicate a sending time length of the target reference signal.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The target area includes a plurality of sub-target areas, and the sending, in the first time period, the target reference signal to terminal devices in the target area served in the first time period based on the first period includes: sending, in each of a plurality of second time periods included in the first time period, the target reference signal to terminal devices in each of the plurality of sub-target areas, the plurality of second time periods being determined based on the first time period, the first period, and an order of the plurality of sub-target areas.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Before the transmitting the target reference signal to the terminal device in the target area served in the first time period based on the first periodicity in the first time period, the method further comprises: transmitting indication information, the indication information being used for indicating at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the time length information, or the first periodicity.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized by, The target wake-up signal is a reference signal (RS)-based wake-up signal, or the target wake-up signal is a downlink control information (DCI)-based wake-up signal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized by, The first periodicity is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

18. A method of communication, comprising: The method is used for a terminal device located in a target area, the target area being an area to be handed over / reselected from a coverage range of a first network device to a coverage range of a second network device, and the method comprises: detecting a target wake-up signal, the target wake-up signal being used for waking up a target reference signal, the target reference signal being used for cell switching; if the target wake-up signal is detected, receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on a first periodicity in a first time period, the first time period being determined based on time offset information and time length information, the time offset information being used for indicating an offset amount of a transmission time of the target wake-up signal relative to a transmission time of the target reference signal, and the time length information being used for indicating a transmission time length of the target reference signal.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The target area comprises a plurality of sub-target areas, and the receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the first periodicity in the first time period comprises: receiving the target reference signal from the second network device in each of a plurality of second time periods included in the first time period, the plurality of second time periods being determined based on the first time period, the first periodicity, and an order of the plurality of sub-target areas.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein, Before the receiving the target reference signal from the second network device based on the first periodicity in the first time period if the target wake-up signal is detected, the method further comprises: receiving indication information from the second network device, the indication information being used for indicating at least one of the target wake-up signal, the time offset information, the time length information, or the first periodicity.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein, The target wake-up signal is a reference signal (RS)-based wake-up signal, or the target wake-up signal is a downlink control information (DCI)-based wake-up signal.

22. The method of any one of claims 18-21, wherein, The first periodicity is 160 milliseconds, 320 milliseconds, 640 milliseconds, or 1 second.

23. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor and a communication interface, the processor and the communication interface being coupled, and the processor is configured to execute the method in any one of claims 1-22.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program for storing, when executed by a processor, implements the method in any one of claims 1-22.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product is executed on the processor, the method in any one of claims 1-22 is implemented.

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