Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps that first access network equipment sends a first request to a core network element, and the first request is used for requesting first radio frequency information related to terminal equipment; a first access network device receives first radio frequency information from a core network element, and then determines a first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information, the first cooperation set comprises the first access network device and at least one second access network device, and the first access network device is a main access network device providing services for a terminal device. The second access network equipment is auxiliary access network equipment for providing service for the terminal equipment. In the method, the network side can provide radio frequency information related to the terminal equipment for the main access network equipment, and channel measurement does not need to be executed between the access network equipment and the terminal equipment, so that the efficiency of cooperative transmission by adopting the method is higher, and extra overhead generated by the access network equipment and the terminal equipment due to measurement can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Wireless sensing technology analyzes changes in wireless signals during propagation to obtain the characteristics of the signal propagation space, thereby achieving scene perception. Radar is a classic and widely used wireless sensing method. Its basic principle is to emit electromagnetic wave signals to illuminate a target and receive its echo, thereby obtaining information such as the distance from the target to the electromagnetic wave signal emission point, the rate of change of distance (radial velocity), azimuth, and altitude. The main function of a wireless communication system is also to emit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Therefore, wireless communication and wireless sensing technologies can be combined to achieve communication while simultaneously sensing the surrounding environment.

[0003] Due to the existence of "cell boundaries" in cellular networks, network performance is limited. To improve network signal quality, a multi-station joint (cooperative) transmission scheme is proposed. In the current multi-station joint transmission scheme, before executing downlink data transmission, the master station and auxiliary station send reference signals to the terminal devices. The terminal devices measure the corresponding downlink channel state information (CSI) and then feed it back to the master station (or the terminal devices feed back their measured downlink CSI to the master and auxiliary stations respectively). The master station then sends the obtained downlink CSI to the control center for processing (or the master and auxiliary stations each send their respective downlink CSI to the control center for processing) to determine the precoding method for subsequent downlink cooperative transmission. Before executing uplink data transmission, the master station and auxiliary station receive the reference signals from the terminal devices and measure the corresponding uplink CSI, then send them to the control center for processing. The control center sends the processed information back to the master station. Finally, the master station determines the precoding method based on the processed information and allocates uplink resources to the terminal devices to achieve subsequent uplink cooperative transmission.

[0004] It can be seen that, regardless of uplink or downlink, the master station and slave station need to transmit reference signals to the terminal equipment and measure the corresponding CSI to achieve cooperative transmission. This method of cooperative transmission is inefficient. Therefore, improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a communication method and apparatus that can effectively improve the efficiency of cooperative transmission and has low implementation overhead.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first access network device, or a component of the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device, or a device compatible with the first access network device. Taking the application of this method to a first access network device as an example, the method includes: the first access network device sending a first request to a core network element, the first request being used to request first radio frequency information related to a terminal device; then the first access network device receiving the first radio frequency information from the core network element; and the first access network device determining a first cooperative set based on the first radio frequency information, the first cooperative set including the first access network device and at least one second access network device, wherein the first access network device is a primary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is a secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0007] For example, core network elements can be, but are not limited to, sensing function network elements. The specific types of access network devices (such as first access network devices, second access network devices, and third access network devices) can be base stations in wireless wide area networks, or access points (APs) in wireless local area networks, etc.

[0008] In this embodiment of the application, the first radio frequency information includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0009] Channel matrix information, rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CSI-RS resource indicator, CRI), layer indicator (LI), and reference signal receiving power (RSRP).

[0010] In this application, the first access network device, in determining the cooperative set of the serving terminal device, does not need to obtain the corresponding channel state information by measuring with the terminal device separately through measurements between the first access network device and each access network device. Instead, it can quickly obtain radio frequency information related to the terminal device and use it to determine the cooperative set of the serving terminal device. Therefore, this method effectively improves the efficiency of determining the cooperative set, thereby improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission. Furthermore, this method saves measurement overhead, such as the energy consumption incurred by the access network device and the terminal device in transmitting or receiving reference signals.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first access network device determines a first cooperation set based on first radio frequency information, including: the first access network device determining the first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information and an initial cooperation set; wherein the initial cooperation set includes the first access network device and multiple candidate access network devices, each of the multiple candidate access network devices being a secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the multiple candidate access network devices including at least one second access network device. Through this implementation, the first access network device can effectively determine the cooperation set serving the terminal device from the initial cooperation set.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device acquiring cooperation information of multiple candidate access network devices, wherein the cooperation information of each candidate access network device includes information about the candidate access network device and / or set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set to which the candidate access network device belongs; the first access network device determining an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices. Through this implementation, the first access network device can effectively obtain the initial cooperation set.

[0013] In the above context, the information of the candidate access network device may include, but is not limited to, the identification information (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information of the candidate access network device.

[0014] In the embodiments of this application, the initial cooperative set obtained by the first access network device may also be pre-configured, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the cooperation information of the candidate access network devices further includes first indication information, which indicates that the candidate access network devices are permitted to establish a cooperation set. This implementation enables the first access network device to effectively establish a cooperation set with multiple candidate access network devices.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device sending a cooperative transmission request to at least one second access network device; the cooperative transmission request includes first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the second access network device, wherein the second radio frequency information is determined based on the first radio frequency information. This implementation ensures that subsequent secondary access network devices can effectively perform cooperative transmission.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the cooperative transmission request further includes second indication information, which instructs the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission. This implementation enables the secondary access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first request includes one or more of the following:

[0019] Information of the first access network device, information of multiple candidate access network devices, information of the terminal device, or third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the core network element to determine the first radio frequency information, and the multiple candidate access network devices include at least one second access network device.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, the information of each access network device among the first access network device and multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0021] Identification information of access network equipment, address information of access network equipment, or information of each antenna of access network equipment;

[0022] For example, the identification information of access network equipment can be a Global RAN NodeID, etc. Information for each antenna may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: antenna location, height, antenna orientation angle, transmit power, and frequency used.

[0023] In this embodiment of the application, the information of the terminal device may include the terminal device's identification information, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, and is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device's identification information may be a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), a globally unique temporary identity (GUTI), a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), etc.

[0024] This implementation allows core network elements to obtain information about the primary access network device and multiple auxiliary candidate access network devices that provide services to the terminal device, as well as information about the terminal device and third indication information (optional). Consequently, core network elements can effectively obtain first radio frequency information related to the terminal device to enable subsequent cooperative transmission.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a core network element, or a component of a core network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element's functions, or a device used in conjunction with a core network element. Taking the application of this method to a core network element as an example, the method includes: the core network element receiving a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used to request first radio frequency information related to a terminal device; the core network element sending the first radio frequency information to the first access network device, the first radio frequency information being used to determine a first cooperative set, the first cooperative set including the first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being a primary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the second access network device being a secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0026] For example, core network elements can be, but are not limited to, sensing function network elements. The specific types of access network devices (such as first access network devices, second access network devices, and third access network devices) can be base stations in wireless wide area networks, or access points (APs) in wireless local area networks, etc.

[0027] In this application, a core network element receives a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used to request first radio frequency (RF) information related to a terminal device. The core network element then sends the first RF information to the first access network device, the first RF information being used to determine a first cooperative set. It is evident that the network side can provide the first access network device with RF information related to the terminal device, enabling the first access network device to quickly determine the cooperative set for cooperative transmission, without requiring separate measurements between the first access network device and each access network device and the terminal device to obtain the corresponding channel state information. Therefore, this method effectively improves the efficiency of determining the cooperative set, thereby improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission. Furthermore, this method also saves measurement overhead, such as the energy consumption incurred by the access network device and the terminal device in sending or receiving reference signals.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first request includes information about the terminal device, and the method further includes: the core network element obtaining the location information of the terminal device based on the information about the terminal device.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, the information of the terminal device may include the terminal device's identification information, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, and is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device's identification information may be a user-hidden identifier (SUCI), a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI), a permanent device identifier (PEI), etc.

[0030] This implementation method allows us to obtain the location information of the terminal device corresponding to the cooperative transmission, which can then be used to effectively generate radio frequency information related to that terminal device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first request further includes information about a first access network device and / or information about multiple candidate access network devices; the method further includes: a core network element determining first radio frequency information based on one or more of the location information of the terminal device, the information about the first access network device, and the information about multiple candidate access network devices.

[0032] In this implementation, the information of the first access network device and / or the information of each access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to: the identification information of the access network device, and / or the information of each antenna of the access network device; wherein, the information of each antenna includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the antenna's location information, altitude information, orientation angle, transmission power, or operating frequency.

[0033] Through this implementation, core network elements can effectively obtain radio frequency information related to terminal devices to determine the cooperative set.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first request further includes third indication information, which instructs the core network element to determine the first radio frequency information. This implementation enables the core network element to determine the radio frequency information.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first radio frequency information includes one or more of the following:

[0036] Channel matrix information, rank indicator RI, precoding matrix indicator PMI, channel quality indicator CQI, channel state information reference signal resource indicator CRI, layer indicator, and reference signal received power RSRP.

[0037] With this implementation, since the first radio frequency information includes information such as channel information between the terminal device and the access network device, and the reference signal receiving power of the access network device, the first radio frequency information can be used to effectively determine the cooperative transmission set with better communication quality (or the secondary access network device with better communication quality) to achieve efficient cooperative transmission.

[0038] This application also provides a communication method, which can be found in the third and fourth aspects and possible implementations thereof described below.

[0039] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first access network device, or a component of the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device, or a device compatible with the first access network device. Taking the application of this method to a first access network device as an example, the method includes: the first access network device sending a first request to a core network element, the first request being used to request the core network element to determine a cooperative set that provides services to a terminal device; the first access network device receiving a second request from the core network element, the second request being used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission, the second request including first radio frequency information related to the terminal device and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device, the first radio frequency information being determined based on the first request, and the second radio frequency information being determined based on the first radio frequency information; wherein, the cooperative set determined by the core network element for the terminal device is the first cooperative set, and the first cooperative set includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being the primary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the second access network device being the secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0040] For example, core network elements can be, but are not limited to, sensing function network elements. The specific types of access network devices (such as first access network devices, second access network devices, and third access network devices) can be base stations in wireless wide area networks, or access points (APs) in wireless local area networks, etc.

[0041] In this application, when the first access network device determines that cooperative transmission is required, it does not need to perform additional measurement steps between the first access network device and each candidate access network device and the terminal device, nor does the first access network device need to determine the cooperative set for serving the terminal device. Instead, the core network element provides the radio frequency information related to the terminal device and / or the first access network device, and determines the cooperative set to achieve cooperative transmission. Therefore, this method can make the determination of the cooperative set more efficient, thereby improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission. In addition, it can further save the transmission overhead and equipment power consumption generated in this process.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first request includes information for indicating an initial cooperative set, which includes a first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, each of which is a secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the plurality of candidate access network devices includes at least one second access network device.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the information used to indicate the initial cooperative set may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the initial cooperative set, and / or the information of each access network device in the initial cooperative set (such as identification information and / or location information).

[0044] Through this implementation, the primary access network device of the service terminal device can provide an initial cooperation set to the core network element, thereby enabling the core network element to effectively determine a suitable first cooperation set from the initial cooperation set in order to achieve cooperative transmission.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device acquiring cooperation information of multiple candidate access network devices, wherein the cooperation information of each candidate access network device includes information about the candidate access network device and / or set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set to which the candidate access network device belongs; the first access network device determines an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices. Through this implementation, the primary access network device of the serving terminal device can effectively obtain the initial cooperation set. In the above, the information of the candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information of the candidate access network devices.

[0046] In this embodiment of the application, the initial collaboration set may also be pre-configured.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first access network device sending cooperation information of the first access network device to the core network element, the cooperation information of the first access network device including information of the first access network device and / or set information of the first access network device, the set information being used to indicate the cooperation set to which the first access network device belongs.

[0048] Similarly, multiple candidate access network devices can also report their respective cooperation information to the core network element by referring to the first access network device, so that the core network element can effectively determine / establish the initial cooperation set.

[0049] This implementation method enables the core network element side to effectively determine or establish an initial cooperative set.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first request may also include one or more of the following:

[0051] Information of the first access network device, information of multiple candidate access network devices, information of the terminal device, or third indication information;

[0052] The third instruction information is used to instruct core network elements to generate the first radio frequency information.

[0053] In this implementation, the information of the first access network device and / or the information of each access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to: the identification information of the access network device, and / or the information of each antenna of the access network device; wherein, the information of each antenna includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the antenna's location information, altitude information, orientation angle, transmission power, or operating frequency.

[0054] The information of the aforementioned terminal device may include the terminal device's identification information, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, and is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device's identification information may be a user-hidden identifier (SUCI), a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI), a permanent device identifier (PEI), etc.

[0055] Through this implementation, core network elements can effectively obtain radio frequency information related to terminal devices to determine the cooperative set.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the second request further includes fourth instruction information, which instructs the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission. This implementation enables the primary access network device of the serving terminal device to effectively perform cooperative transmission.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the first radio frequency information includes one or more of the following:

[0058] Channel matrix information, rank indicator RI, precoding matrix indicator PMI, channel quality indicator CQI, channel state information reference signal resource indicator CRI, layer indicator, and reference signal received power RSRP.

[0059] With this implementation, since the first radio frequency information includes information such as channel information between the terminal device and the access network device, and the reference signal receiving power of the access network device, the first radio frequency information can be used to effectively determine the cooperative transmission set with better communication quality (or the secondary access network device with better communication quality) to achieve efficient cooperative transmission.

[0060] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a core network element, or a component of a core network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network element's functions, or a device used in conjunction with a core network element. Taking the application of this method to a core network element as an example, the method includes: the core network element receiving a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used to request the core network element to determine a cooperative set that provides services to a terminal device; the core network element generating first radio frequency information related to the terminal device according to the first request; the core network element determining a first cooperative set according to the first radio frequency information; the first cooperative set including a first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being a primary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the second access network device being a secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device; the core network element sending a second request to the first access network device, the second request being used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission, the second request including the first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device, the second radio frequency information being determined based on the first radio frequency information.

[0061] For example, core network elements can be, but are not limited to, sensing function network elements. The specific types of access network devices (such as first access network devices, second access network devices, and third access network devices) can be base stations in wireless wide area networks, or access points (APs) in wireless local area networks, etc.

[0062] In this application, the core network element generates first radio frequency information related to the terminal device based on the first request from the first access network device. Then, based on the first radio frequency information, it determines the cooperative set that provides services to the terminal device, thereby achieving cooperative transmission. As can be seen, this method eliminates the need for additional measurement steps between the first access network device and each candidate access network device and the terminal device, and also eliminates the need for the first access network device to determine the cooperative set serving the terminal device. Instead, the network side provides the first access network device with radio frequency information related to the terminal device and / or the first access network device for cooperative transmission. This method makes the determination of the cooperative set more efficient, thereby improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission. In addition, it can further save on transmission overhead and equipment power consumption generated in this process.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the first request includes information about the terminal device, and the method further includes: the core network element obtaining the location information of the terminal device based on the information about the terminal device.

[0064] In this implementation, the terminal device information can be its identification information, such as the user-hidden identifier SUCI, the globally unique temporary identifier GUTI, or the permanent device identifier PEI.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first request further includes information about a first access network device and / or information about multiple candidate access network devices. The core network element generates first radio frequency (RF) information related to the terminal device based on the first request, including: the core network element generating the first RF information based on one or more of the terminal device's location information, the first access network device's information, and the information of multiple candidate access network devices. Through this implementation, the core network element can effectively obtain RF information related to the terminal device.

[0066] In this implementation, the information regarding the first access network device and / or the information of each access network device among multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to: the identification information of the access network device, and / or the information of each antenna of the access network device; wherein, the information of each antenna includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the antenna's location information, altitude information, orientation angle, transmission power, or operating frequency. The information of the terminal device may include the identification information of the terminal device, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, etc., and is not limited thereto. For example, the identification information of the terminal device may be a user-hidden identifier SUCI, a globally unique temporary identifier GUTI, a permanent device identifier PEI, etc.

[0067] Through this implementation method, core network elements can effectively generate radio frequency information related to terminal devices.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the core network element determines a first cooperation set based on first radio frequency information, including: the core network element determining the first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information and an initial cooperation set; wherein the initial cooperation set includes a first access network device and multiple candidate access network devices, each of the multiple candidate access network devices being a secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the multiple candidate access network devices including at least one second access network device. Through this implementation, the core network element can effectively determine the cooperation set serving the terminal device from the initial cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: core network elements obtaining an initial cooperation set; the core network elements obtaining the initial cooperation set includes the following methods:

[0070] Method 1: Obtain the cooperation information of the first access network device and the cooperation information of multiple candidate access network devices; wherein, the cooperation information of the first access network device includes the information of the first access network device and / or the set information of the first access network device, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set of the first access network device; the cooperation information of each candidate access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices includes the information of the candidate access network device and / or the set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set of the candidate access network devices; then, determine the initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the first access network device and the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices.

[0071] In Method 1, the information of the first access network device and / or each candidate access network device may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the access network device (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information.

[0072] Method 2: The initial collaboration set is pre-configured.

[0073] Method 3: The first request also includes information to indicate the initial set of collaborations.

[0074] In Method 3, the information used to indicate the initial cooperative set may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the initial cooperative set, and / or the information of each access network device in the initial cooperative set (such as identification information and / or location information).

[0075] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a core network element sending a third request to at least one second access network device, the third request including one or more of first radio frequency information, radio frequency information related to the second access network device, and fifth indication information; wherein the radio frequency information related to the second access network device is determined based on the first radio frequency information, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the second request further includes fourth instruction information, which is used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the first radio frequency information includes one or more of the following:

[0078] Channel matrix information, rank indicator RI, precoding matrix indicator PMI, channel quality indicator CQI, channel state information reference signal resource indicator CRI, layer indicator, and reference signal received power RSRP.

[0079] With this implementation, since the first radio frequency information includes information such as channel information between the terminal device and the access network device, and the reference signal receiving power of the access network device, the subsequent core network elements can use the first radio frequency information to determine a cooperative transmission set with better communication quality (or an auxiliary access network device with better communication quality) for the terminal device, so as to achieve efficient cooperative transmission.

[0080] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a first access network device or a chip corresponding to the first access network device. The communication device has the function of implementing the first aspect and any of the possible implementations therein, or the communication device has the function of implementing the third aspect and any of the possible implementations therein. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0081] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the first access network device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0082] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0083] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] Sixthly, this application also provides a communication device, which is a core network element or a chip corresponding to a core network element. The communication device has the function of implementing the second aspect and any of the possible implementations described above, or the communication device has the function of implementing the fourth aspect and any of the possible implementations described above. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0085] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the core network elements in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes interface circuitry for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0086] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0087] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the first aspect and any of the possible implementations thereof through logic circuits or executable code instructions, or the processor is used to implement the methods of the third aspect and any of the possible implementations thereof through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0089] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the second aspect and any of the possible implementations thereof through logic circuits or executable code instructions, or the processor is used to implement the methods of the fourth aspect and any of the possible implementations thereof through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0090] Ninthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof, or implement the methods of any one of the third and fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0091] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods in the first and second aspects and any possible implementations thereof, or implement the methods in the third and fourth aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0092] Eleventhly, this application provides a chip system including a processor for implementing the methods in the first and second aspects and any possible embodiments thereof, or for implementing the methods in the third and fourth aspects and any possible embodiments thereof. Optionally, the chip system may further include a memory.

[0093] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0094] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a communication system, which includes the first access network device described in the first aspect and the core network element described in the second aspect.

[0095] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a communication system, which includes the first access network device described in the third aspect and the core network element described in the fourth aspect.

[0096] It should be noted that the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the fifth to thirteenth aspects or any of the fifth to thirteenth aspects can be referred to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the first to fourth aspects or any of the first to fourth aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0097] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of several key indicators for perception measurement in a V2X scenario.

[0098] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of key indicators for perception measurement in a V2X scenario;

[0099] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture to which the method of the embodiments of this application can be applied;

[0100] Figure 4A A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 4B A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow provided for Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0103] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow provided for Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0104] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the method flow provided for Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0105] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0109] The following section introduces the relevant technical background involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0110] The wireless frequency bands used by base stations or terminals (such as millimeter-wave bands, terahertz bands, etc.) possess sensing capabilities. Wireless communication systems can perceive and identify specific areas, objects, or events, addressing sensing needs in many scenarios, such as autonomous driving and safety monitoring. In terms of sensing capabilities, examples include speed-measuring radar (used for speed measurement, triggering photography, etc.), surveillance radar (used for target trajectory, lane counting, coarse-grained classification of moving targets, etc.), and imaging radar (used for fine-grained classification of moving targets, 3D point cloud imaging, etc.). Essentially, these systems utilize wireless frequency bands for sensing and detection.

[0111] The current integrated sensing and communication process (sense execution by the wireless access network device RRN) generally includes: Step 1, allocation of base station sensing resources; Step 2, base station sensing detection; Step 3, base station acquiring sensing data. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) scenario as an example, the following key performance indicators of perception are illustrated:

[0112] Range resolution α: The ability to distinguish nearby targets by distance, usually measured by the smallest resolvable distance interval. For example, ... Figure 1 As shown, range resolution α can be used to identify different vehicles. Velocity resolution β: the ability to distinguish targets in radial velocity, typically measured by the smallest resolvable velocity interval. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, velocity resolution β can be used to distinguish between different vehicles traveling at different speeds. Angular accuracy θ: the error between the measured value and the true value of the angle of the measured target. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the angular accuracy θ can be used to determine the lane in which a vehicle is located. Horizontal FOV: The area that a sensing device (such as a base station) can cover. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, with a horizontal FOV of 120° and a two-way road width of 30 meters, the blind spot range in both directions is less than 18 meters, and the blind spot area ratio is less than 1%.

[0113] In future wireless communications, base stations will likely use, for example, millimeter-wave frequency bands to communicate with terminal devices. Therefore, base stations naturally possess radar-like sensing capabilities, meaning they simultaneously have wireless communication capabilities and the ability to sense objects. When base stations possess the sensing capabilities provided by millimeter-wave frequency bands, they can perceive and identify specific areas, objects, or events. Fifth-generation (5G) networks can leverage this sensing capability as a new ability to address the various scenarios and needs mentioned above.

[0114] Due to the existence of "cell boundaries" in cellular networks, network performance is limited. To improve network signal quality, a multi-station joint (cooperative) transmission scheme is proposed. In the current multi-station joint transmission scheme, before executing downlink data transmission, the master station and auxiliary station send reference signals to the terminal devices. The terminal devices measure the corresponding downlink channel state information (CSI) and then feed it back to the master station (or the terminal devices feed back their measured downlink CSI to the master and auxiliary stations respectively). The master station then sends the obtained downlink CSI to the control center for processing (or the master and auxiliary stations each send their respective downlink CSI to the control center for processing) to determine the precoding method for subsequent downlink cooperative transmission. Before executing uplink data transmission, the master station and auxiliary station receive the reference signals from the terminal devices and measure the corresponding uplink CSI, then send them to the control center for processing. The control center sends the processed information back to the master station. Finally, the master station determines the precoding method based on the processed information and allocates uplink resources to the terminal devices to achieve subsequent uplink cooperative transmission.

[0115] It can be seen that, regardless of uplink or downlink, the master station and slave station need to transmit reference signals to the terminal equipment and measure the corresponding CSI to achieve cooperative transmission. This method of cooperative transmission is inefficient. Therefore, improving the efficiency of cooperative transmission has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0116] This application proposes a communication method and apparatus, which can effectively improve the efficiency of cooperative transmission while saving equipment costs. The method and apparatus are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the principles by which the method and apparatus solve the problem are similar, the implementation of the apparatus and method can be mutually referred to, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0117] The technologies provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), and future communication systems. They can also be LTE and NR hybrid architectures, or new communication systems emerging in future communication developments. Communication systems can also include machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, machine-type communication (MTC) networks, or other networks.

[0118] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0119] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information or data; a network element can also be referred to as an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a network element as an example for description.

[0120] To support selective traffic routing to the data network or session continuity mode, SMF network elements can insert multiple UPF network elements controlled by the SMF network element into the user plane of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. This controls the user plane path of the PDU session, allowing a PDU session to access the data network (DN) simultaneously through multiple N6 interfaces. Each UPF network element accessing the DN needs to support the PDU session anchor point function, meaning a PDU session needs to access the same DN through multiple anchor points.

[0121] For example, Figure 3 This paper illustrates a network architecture to which the solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied. This network architecture includes at least one of the following: a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a network repository function (NRF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, an application function (AF) network element, a sensing function (SF) network element, a network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a service communication proxy (SCP) network element, a network slice admission control function (NSACF) network element, and a user equipment (user) device. Equipment (UE) (or terminal), radio access network (RAN), user plane function (UPF) network element, and data network (DN).

[0122] The functions of network elements in the core network are briefly introduced below (see 3GPP TS23.501 for details):

[0123] NSSF network element: used to select the set of network slice instances to serve the UE, determine the allowed NSSAI, and when necessary determine the mapping to the S-NSSAI of the subscribed subscription, determine the configured NSSAI, and when necessary determine the mapping of the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of the subscription, determine the AMF set that may be used to query the UE, or determine the list of candidate AMFs based on the configuration, etc.

[0124] NEF (Network Element): Used to securely expose services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions to the outside world.

[0125] NRF network elements are responsible for the registration and discovery functions of network elements and maintain information about the network elements, such as the instance identifier, type, PLMN, slice-related identifier, IP address or FQDN, capabilities of the network element, and supported services.

[0126] PCF network element: A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.).

[0127] UDM network elements are used to handle user identification, subscription, access authentication, registration, or mobility management, etc.

[0128] AF network element: used for data routing affected by applications, accessing network open functions, or interacting with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0129] SF network element: It is responsible for sensing authorization, capability interaction, network element selection, control and data processing, etc.

[0130] For example, SF can be used to generate radio frequency (RF) maps (or radio frequency information) for a specific area, which include electromagnetic information content such as RSRP, RSRQ, spatial eigenvalues, channel matrix, large-scale fading information, small-scale fading information, multipath information, interference information, etc.

[0131] NSSAAF network element: Used to handle authentication and authorization of network slices.

[0132] AUSF network element: Supports unified authentication service function, realizing access authentication of 3GPP and non-3GPP, etc.

[0133] AMF network elements are responsible for user mobility management, including mobility state management, assigning temporary user identities, authenticating and authorizing users, and also for user access management.

[0134] SMF network elements are mainly used for session management, IP address allocation and management of terminals, selection of manageable user equipment plane functions, policy control, or terminal points for charging function interfaces, as well as downlink data notification, etc.

[0135] SCP network element: Supports HTTP signaling indirect communication function, providing signaling message routing and forwarding between NFs of 5GC.

[0136] NSACF network elements are used to monitor and control the number of registered UEs on each network slice; monitor and control the number of PDU sessions established on each network slice; and provide event-based network slice status notifications and reports to user NFs, etc.

[0137] UPF network elements are used for packet routing and forwarding, or for quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data.

[0138] DN: A data network that provides business services to users. Generally, the client is located at the terminal, and the server is located in the data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network (LAN), an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as a network that provides Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) services.

[0139] The network architecture shown in this application embodiment may also include a location management network element with positioning functionality, such as a location management function (LMF) or a location management component (LMC), or it may be a local location management function (LLMF) located in a network device, or a positioning server. This application embodiment does not limit this. For ease of description, the following embodiments will use an LMF as an example for illustration.

[0140] In one possible implementation, Figure 3 The core network shown also includes LMF network elements, which are used to provide different types of location services for terminals.

[0141] The terminal in the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal device, user apparatus, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal apparatus, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus. The terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal may also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions. For example, the terminal in the embodiments of this application can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (e.g., game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal functionality. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal equipment.

[0142] In the network architecture diagram of the communication system of this application, the (R)AN network element can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. The (R)AN network element can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0143] The (R)AN network element involved in this application embodiment can be a RAN node. A RAN node, also known as a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminals access a communication system wirelessly. In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, or a donor node.

[0144] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0145] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). CU-control panel (CU-CP) can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-user panel (CU-UP) can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0146] In the above architecture, the communication interfaces between various functional network elements are indicated, including, for example, the following:

[0147] N1: This is the interface between the UE (User Equipment) and the AMF (Access Provider), primarily used for NAS (Navigation Attached Function) layer signaling transmission. In the 5G core network architecture, the N1 interface is the logical interface between the UE and the AMF, and most NAS signaling is transmitted through the N1 interface. N2: This is the interface between the AMF and (R)AN (Access Provider Interface), the interface that carries the control plane in the 5G core network architecture. It is responsible for executing management functions between the gNB and the AMF, such as NG setup, reset, error indication, and load balancing. N3: This is the interface between (R)AN (Access Provider Interface) and UPF (User Platform Provider), primarily used for transmitting user plane data. N4: This is the interface between SMF (Service Provider Interface) and UPF, crucial for further separating core network control functions from forwarding functions. N5: This is the interface between PCF (PCF) and AF (Action Provider Interface), belonging to the non-roaming scenario, primarily used for transmitting user data. N6: This is the interface between UPF and DN (Data Network Provider Interface).

[0148] Figure 3 Other interfaces (such as N7, N8, etc.) can be found in the descriptions of the interfaces mentioned above, corresponding to their respective network elements. They will not be detailed here.

[0149] It is understandable that the above Figure 3 The network architecture shown is used as an example, compared to Figure 3 In practical applications, the network architecture may include more or fewer network elements or entities, and this application does not limit this.

[0150] It should be noted that the names of the network elements in this application are merely examples, and this application does not preclude the possibility of using other names for the network elements in the future, or the merging of functions between the network elements. With the evolution of technology, any device or network element capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned network elements is within the scope of protection of this application. Figure 3 The interface names between the various network elements are merely examples; in actual implementations, the interface names may differ, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on them. Furthermore, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the aforementioned network elements are also merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

[0151] It should be understood that the embodiments described below in this application can be understood through... Figure 3 Implemented on all network elements, or through Figure 3 This application does not limit the implementation of certain network elements.

[0152] For ease of description, each network element will be referred to by its corresponding English abbreviation in the following text. For example, "AF" represents the application function network element and "SMF" represents the session management function network element.

[0153] The relevant technologies, terms, and features involved in the embodiments of this application are explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0154] 1) Channel matrix information: The channel matrix refers to the channel coefficient matrix through which the wireless transmission signal passes during transmission in the channel. It describes the attenuation, phase delay, and other conditions of each carrier during channel transmission. In the embodiments of this application, channel matrix information can refer to the channel matrix itself, or information used to represent or indicate the channel matrix.

[0155] 2) RI: RI is an important parameter in communication, especially in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. RI is used to indicate the rank of the transmission channel, that is, the degree of correlation of the channel, which is particularly important for downlink scheduling and improving communication performance.

[0156] 3) PMI: CSI-RS is used to evaluate channel quality. Under the CSI-RS mechanism, PMI is used to inform the transmitter how to select a precoding matrix to achieve the best wireless channel transmission effect. Typically, PMI is an indicator used to represent a coding matrix in a predefined set of precoding matrices.

[0157] 4) CQI: CQI is one of the indicators for evaluating the quality of a network's communication channel. The quality of the channel can be judged based on the CQI value. Generally speaking, for users, the higher the CQI, the better the quality of the communication channel.

[0158] 5) CRI: Used to indicate the resources corresponding to the channel state information reference signal, such as the best beam for transmission, time and frequency domain resources, etc.

[0159] 6) LI: In the field of communications, the layer indicator is used to indicate the PMI corresponding to a specific layer, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of communication. In short, the role of LI is to provide a clear indication of the specific layer used by the system in the current communication link, thereby improving current communication quality and transmission efficiency.

[0160] 7) RSRP: RSRP reflects the power level of the reference signal received by the receiver, which can then be used to assess the coverage and quality of the network. A higher RSRP value indicates a stronger signal and faster data transmission speed. However, an excessively high RSRP value can also lead to signal interference and quality degradation.

[0161] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one (item) or more (items), and "more (items)" refers to two (items) or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0162] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," or "1," "2," etc. (except in special cases indicating numerical values) mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first indication information and the second indication information are only used to distinguish different phase information, and do not indicate that the size, priority, or importance of the two indication information are different.

[0163] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0164] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Furthermore, the term "for indicating" used in the description of embodiments of this application can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message for indicating A, it may include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0165] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of information / data / signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include receiving directly from YY or receiving indirectly from YY through other units or modules. Furthermore, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between devices, such as a base station and a terminal transmitting or receiving data via an air interface. "Send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, such as transmitting or receiving data between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0166] It should be understood that the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes in this application are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, no matter how the names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0167] The solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0168] This application provides a communication method, which can be applied to, but is not limited to, other methods. Figure 3 The network architecture is shown. This method can be executed by a first access network device (or a core network element), by a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) of the first access network device (or core network element), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device (or core network element). Furthermore, this application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subjects (first access network device, core network element) or the number of each execution subject (first access network device, core network element) provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the interaction between the first access network device and the core network element is used as an example in the following description. The order of steps in the following processes is only an example; in actual applications, the execution order of steps in each process can be adjusted, and all or part of the following steps can be adaptively executed.

[0169] See Figure 4AAs shown, the method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0170] S401A: The first access network device sends a first request to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the first request from the first access network device. The first request is used to request first radio frequency information related to the terminal device.

[0171] For example, core network elements can be, but are not limited to, sensing function network elements. The specific types of access network devices (such as first access network devices, second access network devices, and third access network devices) can be base stations in wireless wide area networks, or access points (APs) in wireless local area networks, etc.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the first request includes one or more of the following:

[0173] (1) Information about the first access network device;

[0174] (2) Information on multiple candidate access network devices; wherein, the multiple candidate access network devices include at least one second access network device.

[0175] (3) Information about the terminal equipment.

[0176] In this implementation, the information of the first access network device and / or the information of each access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the access network device and / or the information of each antenna of the access network device; wherein, the information of each antenna includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the antenna's location information, altitude information, orientation angle, transmission power, or operating frequency.

[0177] The information of the aforementioned terminal device may include the terminal device's identification information, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, and is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device's identification information may be SUCI, 5G-GUTI, PEI, etc.

[0178] Optionally, the first request may also include third indication information, which is used to instruct the core network element to determine the first radio frequency information.

[0179] S402A: The core network element sends first radio frequency information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first radio frequency information. The first radio frequency information is used to determine a first cooperative set, which includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device. The first access network device is the primary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is the secondary access network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the first request includes information about the terminal device, and the method further includes: the core network element obtaining the location information of the terminal device based on the terminal device information. Optionally, this implementation can be performed after S401A and before S402A (or before the core network element generates the first radio frequency information).

[0181] For example, the SF sends a location request to the LMF network element, which carries the identification information of the terminal device. After receiving the location request, the LMF sends the location information of the terminal device to the SF. The SF can be an example of a core network element in the method of this application embodiment.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the first request further includes information about a first access network device and / or information about multiple candidate access network devices; the method further includes: a core network element generating first radio frequency information based on one or more of the location information of the terminal device, the information about the first access network device, and the information about multiple candidate access network devices.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first radio frequency information may include one or more of the following:

[0184] Channel matrix information, RI, PMI, CQI, CRI, layer indicator, RSRP.

[0185] S403A: The first access network device determines a first cooperative set based on the first radio frequency information; the first cooperative set includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device is the primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is the secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the first access network device determines a first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information, including: the first access network device determines the first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information and an initial cooperation set; wherein the initial cooperation set includes the first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, each of the plurality of candidate access network devices being an auxiliary access network device providing services to the terminal device, and the plurality of candidate access network devices including at least one second access network device.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first access network device acquiring cooperation information of multiple candidate access network devices, wherein the cooperation information of each candidate access network device includes information about the candidate access network device and / or set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set to which the candidate access network device belongs; and then determining an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before S403A (i.e., the first access network device determines the first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information). In this implementation, the information of the aforementioned candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information of the candidate access network devices.

[0188] Optionally, the cooperation information of the candidate access network devices mentioned above may also include first indication information, which is used to indicate that the candidate access network devices are allowed to establish a cooperation set.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes: a first access network device sending a cooperative transmission request to at least one second access network device, the cooperative transmission request including first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the second access network device, the second radio frequency information being determined based on the first radio frequency information.

[0190] Optionally, the aforementioned cooperative transmission request may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0191] Based on the above scheme, the network side can provide the primary access network device (i.e., the first access network device) with radio frequency information related to the terminal device without the need for channel measurement between each access network device (i.e., the primary access network device and the secondary access network device) and the terminal device. Therefore, this method is more efficient for cooperative transmission and can also save the additional overhead caused by measurement to the access network device and the terminal device, such as the energy consumption (or power consumption) of the access network device and the terminal device in sending or receiving reference signals.

[0192] This application also provides a communication method, compared to the above. Figure 4A The main difference between the scheme shown and the following methods is that the first cooperative set for cooperative transmission can also be determined by the core network elements. This method can also be applied to, but is not limited to, other methods. Figure 3 The network architecture is shown. The execution entities and the number of execution entities for this method can be referenced above. Figure 4A The details of the proposed solution will not be elaborated here. See also... Figure 4B As shown, the method also provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0193] S401B: The first access network device sends a first request to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the first request from the first access network device. The first request is used to request the core network element to determine a set of cooperative partners to provide services to the terminal device.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the first request includes information for indicating an initial cooperative set, which includes a first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, each of which is a secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the plurality of candidate access network devices includes at least one second access network device.

[0195] In this implementation, the information used to indicate the initial cooperative set may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the initial cooperative set, and / or the information of the first access network device in the initial cooperative set (such as identification information and / or location information) and the information of multiple candidate access network devices (such as identification information and / or location information).

[0196] In one possible implementation, the method of this application embodiment further includes: a first access network device acquiring cooperation information of multiple candidate access network devices, wherein the cooperation information of each candidate access network device includes information of the candidate access network device and / or set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set to which the candidate access network device belongs; and then determining an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before S401B (the first access network device sends a first request to the core network element). In this implementation, the information of the candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information of the candidate access network devices.

[0197] In another possible implementation, the method may further include: a first access network device sending its cooperation information to a core network element. This cooperation information includes the first access network device's information and / or set information, which indicates the cooperation set to which the first access network device belongs. Similarly, multiple candidate access network devices may report their respective cooperation information to the core network element with reference to the first access network device, enabling the core network element to effectively determine / establish an initial cooperation set.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the first request may also include one or more of the following:

[0199] Information about the first access network device, information about multiple candidate access network devices, or information about the terminal device;

[0200] In this implementation, the information of the first access network device and / or the information of each access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the access network device and / or the information of each antenna of the access network device; wherein, the information of each antenna includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the antenna's location information, altitude information, orientation angle, transmission power, or operating frequency.

[0201] The information of the aforementioned terminal device may include the terminal device's identification information, or other information used to indicate or represent the terminal device, and is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device's identification information may be SUCI, 5G-GUTI, PEI, etc.

[0202] Optionally, the first request may also include third instruction information, which is used to instruct the core network element to generate the first radio frequency information.

[0203] S402B: The core network element generates first radio frequency information related to the terminal equipment based on the first request.

[0204] In one possible implementation, if the first request includes information about the terminal device, the method further includes: the core network element obtaining the location information of the terminal device based on the terminal device information (e.g., the identification information of the terminal device).

[0205] In one possible implementation, if the first request also includes information about a first access network device and / or information about multiple candidate access network devices, the core network element generates first radio frequency information related to the terminal device according to the first request, including: the core network element generates the first radio frequency information based on one or more of the terminal device's location information, the first access network device's information, and the information about multiple candidate access network devices.

[0206] S403B: The core network element determines a first cooperative set based on the first radio frequency information; the first cooperative set includes a first access network device and at least one second access network device, wherein the first access network device is a primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is a secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the core network element determines a first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information, including: the core network element determines the first cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information and the initial cooperation set; wherein, the initial cooperation set includes a first access network device and multiple candidate access network devices, each of the multiple candidate access network devices being an auxiliary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the multiple candidate access network devices including at least one second access network device.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the core network element obtaining an initial cooperation set. In this embodiment, the core network element obtaining the initial cooperation set can be, but is not limited to, the following methods:

[0209] Method 1 (Core Network Element Determines Initial Cooperation Set): The first access network device and multiple candidate access network devices respectively send their cooperation information to the core network element; correspondingly, the core network element obtains the cooperation information of the first access network device and the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices; wherein, the cooperation information of the first access network device includes the information of the first access network device and / or the set information of the first access network device, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set of the first access network device; the cooperation information of each candidate access network device among the multiple candidate access network devices includes the information of the candidate access network device and / or the set information of the candidate access network devices, and the set information is used to indicate the cooperation set of the candidate access network devices; further, the core network element determines or establishes an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation information of the first access network device and the cooperation information of the multiple candidate access network devices.

[0210] In Method 1, the information of each access network device among the first access network device and the candidate access network devices may include, but is not limited to, the identification information of the access network device (e.g., Global RAN Node ID) and / or location information.

[0211] Method 2: The initial collaboration set can be pre-configured.

[0212] Method 3: The first request also includes information to indicate the initial set of collaborations.

[0213] In Method 3, the first access network device can provide an initial cooperation set to the core network element. This initial cooperation set can be established by the first access network device or pre-configured on the first access network device side.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the first radio frequency information may include one or more of the following:

[0215] Channel matrix information, RI, PMI, CQI, CRI, layer indicator, RSRP.

[0216] S404B: The core network element sends a second request to the first access network device. The second request is used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission. The second request includes first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device. The second radio frequency information is determined based on the first radio frequency information.

[0217] Optionally, the second request may also include fourth instruction information, which is used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a core network element sending a third request to at least one second access network device, the third request instructing the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission, the third request including one or more of the following:

[0219] The first radio frequency information, the second radio frequency information related to the access network equipment, or the fifth indication information;

[0220] Among them, the radio frequency information related to the second access network device is determined based on the first radio frequency information, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

[0221] Optionally, this implementation can be performed before, after, or synchronously with S404B.

[0222] Based on the above scheme, in the cooperative transmission scenario, the network side determines the radio frequency information related to the terminal device and determines the cooperative set of the serving terminal device, without the need for channel measurement between each access network device (i.e., the primary access network device and the secondary access network device) and the terminal device, and without the need for the access network device to determine the cooperative set. This method of cooperative transmission is more efficient and can save more equipment costs, such as the energy consumption (or power consumption) of the access network device and the terminal device.

[0223] The following is based on Figure 4A and Figure 4B Taking the scheme shown as an example of a collaborative sensing scenario, several specific implementation methods are used to illustrate it. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The proposed solution will be described in detail.

[0224] Implementation Method 1:

[0225] In implementation method one, based on the above... Figure 4A The embodiment of this application shown uses a sensing function network element (hereinafter referred to as SF) as an example for the core network element and UE1 as an example for the terminal device. UE1 accesses base station 1 (i.e., the aforementioned...). Figure 4A Taking the example of the first access network device in the scheme shown, base station 1 can be referred to as the main base station below, and the candidate auxiliary base stations are base station 2, base station 3 and base station 4 (i.e., the above-mentioned...). Figure 4A Taking the example of multiple candidate access network devices in the illustrated scheme, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail. See also Figure 5 As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 1 may include the following steps:

[0226] S500a: Interactive and collaborative messages between base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4.

[0227] For example, base station 1 sends cooperation messages to base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 respectively; similarly, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 can all send their own cooperation messages to other base stations in the same way as base station 1.

[0228] Correspondingly, base station 1 receives cooperation messages from base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4. Similarly, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 also receive cooperation messages from the other base stations.

[0229] In the above, the cooperation messages of each base station may include base station information and / or group information.

[0230] The base station information may include base station identification information (such as GlobalRAN Node ID) and / or location information (such as geographic coordinates).

[0231] Group information (i.e., the above) Figure 4A (An example of set information in the illustrated scheme) could be group identification information (e.g., a collaboration set ID), which can be used to identify a set of collaborations. For example, the group identification information for each base station can be pre-configured by the gateway.

[0232] In this application, the collaborative set can be uniquely identified by group information, or it can be identified without group information; there is no limitation on this.

[0233] Optionally, the cooperation message of each base station may also include indication information 1 (as described above). Figure 4A (Example of the first indication information in the scheme shown) Indication information 1 is used to instruct the receiving base station and the transmitting base station to build a cooperative set. For example, when base station 1 receives cooperative information from base station 2, indication information 1 is used to instruct base station 1 and base station 2 to build a cooperative set.

[0234] S500b: Base station 1 establishes an initial cooperative set.

[0235] In one possible implementation, base station 1 establishes an initial cooperation set, which includes: base station 1 can establish an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation messages of base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4.

[0236] In another possible implementation, the initial collaboration set is pre-configured, meaning that S500a-S500b may not be executed.

[0237] Similarly, base stations 2, 3, and 4 can establish their own initial cooperation sets in the same way as base station 1, or the initial cooperation sets can be pre-configured.

[0238] In the above S500a-S500b, the establishment of an initial cooperative set among four base stations, namely base station 1, base station 2, base station 3 and base station 4, is used as an example for introduction. In actual applications, there may be more or fewer base stations. The establishment of the initial cooperative set among these base stations can be performed in accordance with S500a-S500b, which will not be described in detail here.

[0239] S500c: UE1 accesses base station 1, and UE1 can perform cooperative transmission.

[0240] UE1 interacts with base station 1 to complete cell search and random access steps (which can be implemented with reference to existing technologies). If base station 1 determines that UE1 can perform cooperative transmission, then for UE1, base station 1 can be the primary base station for cooperative transmission, and base stations 2, 3 and 4 can be candidate secondary base stations for cooperative transmission.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the network side determines that it is capable of performing cooperative transmissions for UE1.

[0242] In Implementation Method 1, taking UE1 accessing base station 1 as an example, in actual applications, the base station accessed by UE1 is not limited to base station 1, and the number of base stations accessed by UE1 is also limited to 1. UE1 may also access multiple base stations. Therefore, for UE1, the main base station for cooperative transmission is not limited to base station 1. Each base station that serves as the main base station can refer to the steps of base station 1 to perform the operation, or select at least one main base station for subsequent cooperative transmission. There is no limitation on this.

[0243] S501: When base station 1 determines that cooperative transmission needs to be performed, it sends a first request message (i.e., the above) to SF. Figure 4A (Example of the first request in the illustrated scheme). Accordingly, the SF receives the first request message. The first request message is used to request first RF information related to UE1.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the first request message may include information about base station 1 (primary base station), information about candidate secondary base stations (i.e., base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4), and identification information of UE1.

[0245] In the above, the information of each of the base stations in base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0246] The base station's identification information (such as Global RAN Node ID), location information, or information about each antenna of the base station.

[0247] The information of each antenna of the base station may include at least one of the following: antenna location, height, antenna orientation angle, transmission power, and frequency used.

[0248] Optionally, the first request message may also include instruction information 2, which is used to instruct the SF to generate first RF information.

[0249] In the first embodiment of this application, base station 1 can directly send the first request message to SF, or indirectly send the first request message to SF through other core network elements (such as AMF, NEF), and there is no limitation on this.

[0250] S502: SF obtains the location information of UE1.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the SF obtains the location information of UE1 by: the SF first sending a location request message to the AMF, which requests the location information of UE1 and may carry the identification information of UE1; the AMF then forwards the location request message to the LMF; after the LMF receives the location request message from the SF through the AMF, it sends the location information of UE1 to the SF through the AMF.

[0252] In another possible implementation, the SF obtains the location information of UE1 by: the SF directly sending a location request message to the LMF, which requests the location information of UE1 and may carry the identification information of UE1; after receiving the location request message, the LMF sends the location information of UE1 to the SF.

[0253] S503: SF generates the first RF information for UE1.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the SF generates first RF information for UE1, including: the SF generating first RF information based on at least one of the following: UE1's location information, base station 1 (primary base station) information, candidate secondary base station information (base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4), and environmental perception information. Figure 4A (Example of the first radio frequency information in the scheme shown).

[0255] The first RF information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0256] Channel matrix, RI, PMI, CQI, CRI, RSRP, layer indication.

[0257] The information in the first RF information mentioned above can be information between UE1 and the base station.

[0258] For example, the aforementioned channel matrix may include the channel matrix between UE1 and base station 1, and / or the channel matrix between UE1 and each candidate secondary base station. The PMI may include the PMI used by base station 1 when transmitting signals or data to UE1, and / or the PMI used by each candidate secondary base station when transmitting signals or data to UE1. The RSRP may include the RSRP corresponding to communication between base station 1 and UE1, and / or the RSRP corresponding to communication between each candidate secondary base station and UE1. The layer indication may be used to indicate the layer in which base station 1 communicates with UE1, and / or the layer in which each candidate secondary base station communicates with UE1.

[0259] S504: SF sends the first RF information to base station 1; correspondingly, base station 1 receives the first RF information.

[0260] S505: Base station 1 determines the target cooperative set based on the first RF information.

[0261] In one possible implementation, base station 1 determines the target cooperation set based on the first RF information, including: base station 1 determines the target cooperation set based on the initial cooperation set and the first RF information.

[0262] For example, taking RSRP as an example, the candidate secondary base stations in the initial cooperation set are base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4; the first radio frequency information includes the RSRP corresponding to base station 2, the RSRP corresponding to base station 3, and the RSRP corresponding to base station 4. Base station 1 determines whether the RSRP of these three base stations is greater than a preset RSRP threshold, and determines the base station corresponding to the RSRP greater than the preset RSRP threshold as the secondary base station for cooperative transmission corresponding to UE1. Alternatively, base station 1 determines whether the error between the RSRP of these three base stations and the preset RSRP is less than a certain threshold (e.g., 10dB). If it is less than the threshold, the base station corresponding to it is determined as the secondary base station for cooperative transmission corresponding to UE1.

[0263] For example, based on the first RF information, base station 1 determines that the RSRP corresponding to base station 2 in the initial cooperation set is greater than a preset RSRP threshold, while the RSRPs corresponding to base station 3 and base station 4 are both less than the preset RSRP threshold. Then, base station 1 determines base station 2 as the secondary base station for cooperative transmission corresponding to UE1. Alternatively, based on the first RF information, base station 1 determines that the error between the RSRP corresponding to base station 2 in the initial cooperation set and the preset RSRP is less than 10dB, while the errors between the RSRPs corresponding to base station 3 and base station 4 and the preset RSRP are both greater than 10dB. Then, base station 1 determines base station 2 as the secondary base station for cooperative transmission corresponding to UE1.

[0264] In the first embodiment of this application, the auxiliary base station in the target cooperative set determined by base station 1 is described using base station 2 as an example.

[0265] S506: Base station 1 sends a cooperative transmission request message to base station 2 (secondary base station) in the target cooperative set. Accordingly, the secondary base station receives the cooperative transmission request message.

[0266] The cooperative transmission request message includes first RF information and / or RF information related to base station 2 (secondary base station) (i.e., Figure 4A (Example of the second radio frequency information in the scheme shown); the RF information related to base station 2 can be obtained by base station 1 processing the first RF information for base station 2, so the RF information can be used exclusively by base station 2.

[0267] Optionally, the cooperative transmission request message may also include indication information 3 (as described above). Figure 4A Example of the second instruction information in the scheme shown), instruction information 3 is used to instruct base station 2 (secondary base station) to perform cooperative transmission.

[0268] In Implementation Method 1, when the primary base station 1 serving UE1 determines that cooperative transmission is required, it sends a first request message for first radio frequency information to the SF on the network side to request radio frequency information related to UE1. Then, the SF can generate / determine the first radio frequency information based on the first request message and feed the first radio frequency information back to the primary base station 1. The primary base station 1 can directly determine the cooperative set based on the first radio frequency information provided by the SF and realize cooperative transmission. This avoids the primary base station and each candidate auxiliary base station obtaining channel state information with UE1E through measurement to determine the cooperative set with better communication quality. This can effectively improve the efficiency of determining the cooperative set and thus improve the efficiency of cooperative transmission. At the same time, it can also save the additional overhead generated by measurement, such as the energy consumption generated by the base station and UE1 sending or receiving reference signals during measurement, and the energy consumption generated by the base station and UE1 calculating CSI and other information.

[0269] Implementation Method Two:

[0270] In the second implementation method, based on the above... Figure 4B The embodiment of this application shown uses a sensing function network element (hereinafter referred to as SF) as an example for the core network element and UE1 as an example for the terminal device. UE1 accesses base station 1 (i.e., the aforementioned...). Figure 4B Taking the example of the first access network device in the scheme shown, base station 1 can be referred to as the main base station below, and the candidate auxiliary base stations are base station 2, base station 3 and base station 4 (i.e., the above-mentioned...). Figure 4B Taking the example of multiple candidate access network devices in the illustrated scheme, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail. See also Figure 6As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method Two may include the following steps:

[0271] S600a: Interactive and collaborative messages between base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4.

[0272] S600b: Base station 1 establishes an initial cooperative set.

[0273] S600c: UE1 accesses base station 1, and UE1 can perform cooperative transmission.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the network side determines that it is capable of performing cooperative transmissions for UE1.

[0275] S600a-S600b and S600c can be implemented one by one by referring to the above S500a-S500b and S500c, which will not be described in detail here.

[0276] In the second embodiment of this application, the initial cooperation set can also be pre-configured, that is, S600a-S600b and S600c can be omitted, and there is no limitation on this.

[0277] S601: When base station 1 determines that cooperative transmission needs to be performed, it sends a first request message to SF (i.e., Figure 4B (Example of the first request in the illustrated scheme) The first request message is used to request the core network to determine the target cooperative set. Accordingly, the SF receives the first request message.

[0278] In one possible implementation, the first request message may include information about base station 1 (primary base station), information about candidate secondary base stations (i.e., base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4), and identification information of UE1.

[0279] In one possible implementation, the network side determines that base station 1 needs to perform cooperative transmission.

[0280] Unlike S501 in the first embodiment described above, in S601, the first request message may further include information indicating the initial collaboration set. If the initial collaboration set on the SF side can be pre-configured, then the first request message may not include information indicating the initial collaboration set.

[0281] For example, the information used to indicate the initial set of collaborations may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0282] (1) Identification information of the initial collaboration set (or the corresponding group information (i.e., the above) Figure 4B Example of set information in the scheme shown);

[0283] (2) Information of base station 1 in the initial cooperative set (such as the identification information and location information of base station 1) and information of each candidate auxiliary base station (such as the identification information and location information of the candidate auxiliary base station).

[0284] In the above, the information of each base station in base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0285] The base station's identification information (such as Global RAN Node ID), location information, and information about each antenna of the base station.

[0286] The information of each antenna of the base station may include at least one of the following: antenna location, height, antenna orientation angle, transmission power, and frequency used.

[0287] Furthermore, unlike S501 in the first embodiment described above, in S601, optionally, the first request message also includes indication information 4, which is used to instruct SF to generate first RF information related to UE1 and to determine the target cooperative set based on the first RF information.

[0288] In the second embodiment of this application, base station 1 can directly send the first request message to SF, or indirectly send the first request message to SF through other core network elements (such as AMF, NEF), and there is no limitation on this.

[0289] S602: SF obtains the location information of UE1.

[0290] S602 can be implemented with reference to S502 in the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] S603: SF generates the first RF information for UE1.

[0292] S603 can be implemented with reference to S503 in the above-described implementation method one, and will not be described again here.

[0293] S604: Based on the first RF information, SF determines the target cooperation set, which includes base station 1 and base station 2.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the SF determines the target collaboration set based on the first RF information, including: the SF can determine the target collaboration set based on the initial collaboration set and the first RF information.

[0295] The example of SF determining the target cooperative set can be referred to in S505 of the above implementation method, which describes the example of base station 1 determining the target cooperative set, and will not be repeated here.

[0296] In the second embodiment of this application, the auxiliary base station in the target cooperative set determined by SF is described using base station 2 as an example.

[0297] S605: SF sends a first cooperative transmission request message to base station 1 (as described above) Figure 4B (Example of the second request in the illustrated scheme). Accordingly, base station 1 receives the first cooperative transmission request message.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the first cooperative transmission request message includes first RF information and / or radio frequency information related to base station 1 (or radio frequency information of dedicated master base station 1). The RF information related to base station 1 can be obtained by SF processing the first RF information for base station 1.

[0299] In one possible implementation, the radio frequency information associated with base station 1 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0300] The channel matrix, RI, PMI, CQI, CRI, RSRP, or layer indication of base station 1.

[0301] The radio frequency information related to base station 1 can be information between UE1 and base station 1. For example, the channel matrix refers to the channel matrix between UE1 and base station 1, and so on, which can be used exclusively by base station 1.

[0302] Optionally, the first cooperative transmission request may also include indication information 5, which is used to instruct base station 1 (master base station) to perform cooperative transmission.

[0303] S606: SF sends a second cooperative transmission request message to base station 2 (secondary base station) in the target cooperative set. Accordingly, base station 2 receives the second cooperative transmission request message.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the second cooperative transmission request message includes first RF information and / or radio frequency information related to base station 2. The RF information related to base station 2 can be obtained by SF processing the first RF information for base station 2.

[0305] In one possible implementation, the radio frequency information associated with base station 2 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0306] The channel matrix, RI, PMI, CQI, CRI, RSRP, or layer indication of base station 2.

[0307] The radio frequency information related to base station 2 can be information between UE2 and base station 2. For example, the channel matrix refers to the channel matrix between UE1 and base station 2, and so on, which can be used exclusively by base station 2.

[0308] Optionally, the second cooperative transmission request also includes indication information 6, which instructs base station 2 (secondary base station) to perform cooperative transmission.

[0309] The above S605 and S606 can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific limitation on the order of execution.

[0310] In Implementation Method 2, the primary base station 1 serving UE1 can establish an initial cooperation set with each candidate base station (or the initial cooperation set is pre-configured). When the primary base station 1 determines that cooperative transmission is required, it can send a first request message to the SF on the network side to request the SF to generate first radio frequency information related to UE1 and to determine the target cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information. The primary base station not only carries one or more of the information of the primary base station, the information of each candidate base station, and the identification information of the UE in the first request message, but also carries the initial cooperation set. This ensures that the SF can effectively generate the first radio frequency information related to UE1 and determine the target cooperation set based on the first radio frequency information. After that, the SF can directly request the primary base station and the auxiliary base stations in the target cooperation set to perform cooperative transmission and provide the corresponding radio frequency information. In this way, it is not necessary for the primary base station and the candidate base stations to determine the cooperation set with UE1 by measuring channel state information, nor is it necessary for the primary base station 1 to determine the target cooperation set and instruct the auxiliary base stations to perform cooperative transmission. Implementation Method 2 can further improve the efficiency of cooperative transmission performed by the base station side, and in addition to saving measurement overhead, it can also further reduce the energy consumption and other overhead of the base station and the UE side.

[0311] Implementation Method 3:

[0312] Compared to implementation method two described above, implementation method three differs in that the SF side can independently establish an initial cooperation set. See also... Figure 7 As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 3 may include the following steps:

[0313] S700a: Base stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 report cooperation messages to SF respectively.

[0314] In one possible implementation, each of the base stations in base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4 can send cooperation messages to the AMF, which then forwards them to the SF.

[0315] In the above, the cooperation messages of each base station may include base station information and / or group information.

[0316] The base station information may include base station identification information (such as GlobalRAN Node ID) and / or location information (such as geographic coordinates).

[0317] Group information (i.e., the above) Figure 4B An example of the set information included in the cooperation information in the illustrated scheme can be group identification information (e.g., cooperation set ID), which can be used to identify a set of cooperation sets. For example, the group identification information of each base station can be pre-configured by the gateway.

[0318] In the embodiments of this application, group information can be used to uniquely identify a collaboration set, or the collaboration set may be identified without group information, and there is no limitation on this.

[0319] In one possible implementation, if the cooperation message sent to the AMF by one or more of the base stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 includes identification information but not location information, the AMF can determine the corresponding location information based on the identification information provided by the base station. Then, the AMF carries the identification information and / or location information of the base station in the cooperation message and sends it to the SF.

[0320] For example, the cooperation message sent by base station 1 to AMF includes the identification information of base station 1, but does not include the location information of base station 1. Then, AMF can determine the location information of base station 1 based on the identification information of base station 1, and then AMF sends the cooperation message of base station 1 to SF. The cooperation message of base station 1 may include the identification information and / or the location information of base station 1.

[0321] Optionally, the cooperation message of one or more of the base stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 may also include indication information 7, which is used to instruct the SF to establish a cooperation set (or an initial cooperation set).

[0322] S700b: The SF establishes an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation messages reported by each base station.

[0323] In one possible implementation, SF establishes an initial cooperation set based on the cooperation messages from base stations 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0324] For example, if SF determines that the group information (e.g., group identification information) of base stations 1, 2, 3, and 4 is the same, then base stations 1, 2, 3, and 4 are established as a cooperative set. This cooperative set can then be identified using the group information, or other information can be used to identify the cooperative set, without limitation.

[0325] In S700a-S700b, base stations 1, 2, 3, and 4 are used as examples to illustrate the process of establishing a cooperative set (or initial cooperative set). In actual applications, it is not limited to these base stations. There may be other base stations that can also report their own cooperative messages to the SF for the SF to establish the corresponding cooperative set. This will not be elaborated here.

[0326] Of course, the cooperative set (or initial cooperative set) established by SF is not limited to the cooperative set consisting of base station 1, base station 2, base station 3 and base station 4. SF may also establish other cooperative sets (or initial cooperative sets), which can also be implemented in the manner shown in S700a-S700b, and will not be described in detail here.

[0327] Of course, one or more cooperative sets (or initial cooperative sets) on the SF side can also be pre-configured, meaning that during cooperative transmission, the above S700a-S700b or similar steps may not be performed.

[0328] In the third embodiment of this application, when each base station acts as the master base station for cooperative transmission, it may have one or more initial cooperative sets on the SF side. In the following description, base station 1 acts as the master base station for cooperative transmission, and one initial cooperative set is provided on the SF side as an example.

[0329] S700c: UE1 accesses base station 1, and UE1 can perform cooperative transmission.

[0330] In one possible implementation, the network side determines that it is capable of performing cooperative transmissions for UE1.

[0331] S700c can be implemented with reference to S600c in the above-described second embodiment (or S500c in the first embodiment), and will not be described in detail here.

[0332] S701: When base station 1 determines that cooperative transmission needs to be performed, it sends a first request message to SF (as described above). Figure 4B (Example of the first request in the illustrated scheme) The first request message is used to request the core network to determine the target cooperative set. Accordingly, the SF receives the first request message.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the network side determines that base station 1 needs to perform cooperative transmission.

[0334] S701 can refer to the first request message described in S601 of the above-described embodiment 2, but unlike the first request message in S601, in S701, the first request message does not include the initial cooperation set corresponding to base station 1.

[0335] S702: SF determines the initial cooperative set corresponding to base station 1, which includes base station 1, base station 2, base station 3, and base station 4.

[0336] In the third embodiment of this application, the SF side can pre-establish or configure one or more initial cooperation sets, and each initial cooperation set can correspond to one or more base stations.

[0337] In one possible implementation, the SF determines the initial cooperative set corresponding to base station 1, including: the SF can determine the initial cooperative set corresponding to base station 1 based on the identification information of base station 1, the initial cooperative set including base station 1, base station 2, base station 3 and base station 4.

[0338] For example, the SF side stores a correspondence or mapping relationship between the identification information of base station 1 and the identification information of the initial cooperative set corresponding to base station 1. Alternatively, the SF side uses the group information of base station 1 to identify its corresponding initial cooperative set.

[0339] Based on the above, if the SF receives the identification information of base station 1, the SF can determine its corresponding initial cooperative set based on the identification information of base station 1. If the SF receives the group information of base station 1, the SF can determine its corresponding initial cooperative set based on the group information of base station 1.

[0340] S703: SF obtains the location information of UE1.

[0341] S703 is similar to S602 in the second embodiment described above, and can be implemented by referring to S602.

[0342] S704: SF generates the first RF information for UE1.

[0343] S704 can be implemented with reference to the content described in S603 of the above-described embodiment 2 (or S503 of the above-described embodiment 1), and will not be repeated here.

[0344] S705: Based on the first RF information, SF determines the target cooperative set, which includes base station 1 and base station 2.

[0345] S705 can be implemented with reference to the content described in S604 of the above-described implementation method 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0346] Unlike the source of the initial cooperation set used by the SF in S604 (which can come from base station 1), the initial cooperation set used by the SF in S705 is not sent by base station 1, but is established or pre-configured by the SF side.

[0347] S706: SF sends a first cooperative transmission request message to base station 1 (as mentioned above) Figure 4B(Example of the second request in the illustrated scheme). Accordingly, base station 1 receives the first cooperative transmission request message.

[0348] S706 can be implemented with reference to the content described in S605 of the above-described implementation method 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] S707: SF sends a second cooperative transmission request message to base station 2 (secondary base station) in the target cooperative set. Accordingly, base station 2 receives the cooperative transmission request message.

[0350] S707 can be implemented with reference to the content described in S606 of the above-described implementation method 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0351] Furthermore, S706 and S707 can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, and there is no specific limitation on the order of their execution.

[0352] Compared to implementation method two, in implementation method three, the SF side can establish one or more initial cooperation sets for use by the base station during cooperative transmission, without the base station having to provide them, thereby further reducing the energy consumption overhead generated by the main base station establishing the initial cooperation set.

[0353] Regarding the above-described embodiments one to three, it should be noted that:

[0354] (1) The above-described embodiments one to three can be implemented separately or in combination, without any specific limitation. For example, the initial cooperation set used by base station 1 in embodiment two (or embodiment one) may also be established and provided by SF, that is, S600a and S600b (or S500a and S500b) are not executed, but S700a and S700b in embodiment three are executed instead.

[0355] (2) The above focuses on describing the differences between implementation methods one to three. Except for the differences, implementation methods one to three can be referred to each other.

[0356] (3) The step numbers of the flowcharts described in Embodiments 1 to 3 above are merely examples of the execution flow and do not constitute a restriction on the order of execution of the steps. There are no temporal dependencies between the steps in the various implementations of this application, and there is no strict execution order between them. In addition, not all the steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory steps, and some steps can be added or deleted based on the actual needs of each flowchart.

[0357] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments or implementations of this application, the first access network device or core network element may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0358] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments or implementations of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0359] Similar to the above concept, such as Figure 8 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 800 for implementing the functions of the first access network device or core network element in the above method. For example, the communication device 800 can be a software module or a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 800 may include: a communication unit 801 and a processing unit 802.

[0360] In this embodiment, the communication unit 801, also referred to as the transceiver unit, may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to execute the sending and receiving steps of the first access network device or core network element in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 802 may be used to read instructions and / or data from the storage module so that the communication device 800 implements the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0361] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage unit 803, which is equivalent to a storage module and can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0362] The following, combined with Figures 8 to 9 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be found above. Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The method shown is used to achieve this, and for the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0363] The communication unit 801 can also be called a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 801 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 801 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit can sometimes also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0364] When the communication device 800 performs the above embodiment Figure 4A When the first access network device is in the process shown:

[0365] The communication unit 801 is used to send a first request to the core network element, the first request being used to request first radio frequency information related to the terminal device;

[0366] The communication unit 801 is also used to receive the first radio frequency information from the core network element;

[0367] The processing unit 802 is configured to determine a first cooperative set based on the first radio frequency information. The first cooperative set includes a first access network device and at least one second access network device. The first access network device is a primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is a secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0368] When the communication device 800 performs the above embodiment Figure 4A When the core network element is in the process shown:

[0369] The communication unit 801 is configured to receive a first request from a first access network device, wherein the first request is used to request first radio frequency information related to a terminal device;

[0370] The communication unit 801 is further configured to send the first radio frequency information to the first access network device. The first radio frequency information is used to determine a first cooperative set. The first cooperative set includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device. The first access network device is a primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is a secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0371] The processing unit 802 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0372] When the communication device 800 performs the above embodiment Figure 4BWhen the first access network device is in the process shown:

[0373] The communication unit 801 is used to send a first request to the core network element, the first request being used to request the core network element to determine a cooperative set that provides services to the terminal device.

[0374] The communication unit 801 is further configured to receive a second request from the core network element. The second request is configured to request the first access network device to cooperate in transmission. The second request includes first radio frequency information related to the terminal device and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device. The first radio frequency information is determined based on the first request, and the second radio frequency information is determined based on the first radio frequency information.

[0375] Wherein, the core network element is the first cooperation set determined by the terminal device, and the first cooperation set includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device. The first access network device is the primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is the secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0376] When the communication device 800 performs the above embodiment Figure 4B When the core network element is in the process shown:

[0377] The communication unit 801 is configured to receive a first request from a first access network device, wherein the first request is configured to request the core network element to determine a cooperative set that provides services to the terminal device.

[0378] The processing unit 802 is configured to generate first radio frequency information related to the terminal device according to the first request;

[0379] Based on the first radio frequency information, a first cooperative set is determined; the first cooperative set includes the first access network device and at least one second access network device, wherein the first access network device is the primary access network device that provides services to the terminal device, and the second access network device is the secondary access network device that provides services to the terminal device;

[0380] The communication unit 801 is further configured to send a second request to the first access network device. The second request is used to request the first access network device to cooperate in transmission. The second request includes the first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device. The second radio frequency information is determined based on the first radio frequency information.

[0381] The above is just an example. Processing unit 802 and communication unit 801 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are not repeated here.

[0382] like Figure 9 The image shown is a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The communication device shown can be Figure 8 The diagram illustrates one hardware circuit implementation of the communication device 900. This communication device 900 can be applied to the flowchart shown above, performing the functions of the first access network device or core network element in the above method embodiments. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0383] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a communication interface 901 and a processor 902. The communication interface 901 and the processor 902 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 901 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a memory 903 for storing instructions executed by the processor 902, or storing input data required by the processor 902 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 902 executes instructions.

[0384] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 In the method shown, the communication interface 901 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 801, and the processor 902 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 802.

[0385] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 901, processor 902, and memory 903. This application embodiment... Figure 9 The memory 903, processor 902, and communication interface 901 are connected via a communication bus 904. The communication bus 904 is in... Figure 9 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The communication bus 904 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0386] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip. Figure 10 A simplified schematic diagram of a chip device structure is shown. The chip 1000 includes interface circuitry 1001 and one or more processors 1002. Optionally, the chip 1000 may also include a bus. Wherein:

[0387] The processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method for determining the service node information described above can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of the processor 1002 or by instructions in software form. The processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods and steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0388] The interface circuit 1001 can be used to send or receive data, instructions or information. The processor 1002 can use the data, instructions or other information received by the interface circuit 1001 to process the data, instructions or other information, and can send the processed information out through the interface circuit 1001.

[0389] Optionally, chip 1000 also includes memory 1003, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor. A portion of memory 1003 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0390] Optionally, the memory stores executable software modules or data structures, and the processor can execute corresponding operations by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0391] Optionally, the chip can be used in the first access network device or core network element involved in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the interface circuit 1001 can be used to output the execution result of the processor 1002. For the communication methods provided by one or more embodiments of this application, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] It should be noted that the functions of the interface circuit 1001 and the processor 1002 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0393] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first access network device or core network element in the above method embodiments.

[0394] For example, when the computer program is executed by the computer, it enables the computer to implement the method executed by the first access network device or core network element in the above method embodiments.

[0395] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method described above, which is executed by the first access network device or the core network element.

[0396] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-mentioned... Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The communication method shown is a specific implementation method.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the chip's input corresponds to the above... Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The receiving operation shown in the implementation corresponds to the output of the chip described above. Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The sending operation in the implementation shown.

[0398] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0399] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0400] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figures 4A-4B as well as Figures 5 to 7 The illustrated implementation is an integrated circuit for program execution using a communication method. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0401] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding service node information determination method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0402] In this application, the communication devices may further include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0403] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0404] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

[0405] In summary, the above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the disclosure of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending a first request to a core network element, the first request being used for requesting first radio frequency information related to a terminal device; receiving the first radio frequency information from the core network element; determining a first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information, the first cooperation set comprising a first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being a primary access network device serving the terminal device, and the second access network device being a secondary access network device serving the terminal device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining of the first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information comprises: determining the first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information and an initial cooperation set; wherein the initial cooperation set comprises the first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, each of the plurality of candidate access network devices being a secondary access network device serving the terminal device, and the plurality of candidate access network devices comprising the at least one second access network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a cooperation transmission request to the at least one second access network device, the cooperation transmission request comprising the first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the second access network device, the second radio frequency information being determined according to the first radio frequency information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The cooperation transmission request further comprises second indication information, the second indication information being used for instructing the second access network device to perform cooperation transmission.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first request comprises one or more of the following: information of the first access network device, information of a plurality of candidate access network devices, information of the terminal device, or third indication information, the third indication information being used for instructing the core network element to determine the first radio frequency information, and the plurality of candidate access network devices comprising the at least one second access network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first radio frequency information comprises one or more of the following: channel matrix information, rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CRI), layer indicator, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used for requesting first radio frequency information related to a terminal device; sending the first radio frequency information to the first access network device, the first radio frequency information being used for determining a first cooperation set, the first cooperation set comprising the first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being a primary access network device serving the terminal device, and the second access network device being a secondary access network device serving the terminal device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first request comprises information of the terminal device, and the method further comprises: obtaining location information of the terminal device according to the information of the terminal device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first request further comprises information of the first access network device and / or information of a plurality of candidate access network devices, and the method further comprises: The first radio frequency information is generated based on one or more of the following: location information of the terminal device, information of the first access network device, and information of the plurality of candidate access network devices.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first request further comprises third indication information, and the third indication information is used to instruct the core network element to determine the first radio frequency information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The first radio frequency information comprises one or more of the following: Channel matrix information, rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CRI), layer indicator, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending a first request to a core network element, wherein the first request is used to request the core network element to determine a cooperation set for a terminal device; receiving a second request from the core network element, wherein the second request is used to instruct a first access network device to perform cooperation transmission, and the second request comprises first radio frequency information related to the terminal device and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device, wherein the first radio frequency information is determined based on the first request, and the second radio frequency information is determined based on the first radio frequency information; wherein the cooperation set determined by the core network element for the terminal device is a first cooperation set, and the first cooperation set comprises the first access network device and at least one second access network device, wherein the first access network device is a primary access network device for the terminal device, and the second access network device is a secondary access network device for the terminal device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first request comprises information used to indicate an initial cooperation set, and the initial cooperation set comprises the first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, wherein each candidate access network device in the plurality of candidate access network devices is a secondary access network device for the terminal device, and the at least one second access network device is included in the plurality of candidate access network devices.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The method further comprises: sending cooperation information of the first access network device to the core network element, wherein the cooperation information of the first access network device comprises information of the first access network device and / or set information of the first access network device, and the set information is used to indicate a cooperation set to which the first access network device belongs.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The first request further comprises one or more of the following: information of the first access network device, information of a plurality of candidate access network devices, information of the terminal device, or third indication information; The third indication information is used to instruct the core network element to generate the first radio frequency information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The second request further comprises fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperation transmission.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12-16, characterized by, The first radio frequency information comprises one or more of the following: Channel matrix information, rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CRI), layer indicator, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

18. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used to request a core network element to determine a cooperation set for providing service for a terminal device; generating first radio frequency information related to the terminal device according to the first request; determining a first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information, the first cooperation set including the first access network device and at least one second access network device, the first access network device being a primary access network device for providing service for the terminal device, and the second access network device being a secondary access network device for providing service for the terminal device; sending a second request to the first access network device, the second request being used to request the first access network device to perform cooperation transmission, the second request including the first radio frequency information and / or second radio frequency information related to the first access network device, the second radio frequency information being determined according to the first radio frequency information.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The first request includes information of the terminal device, and the method further includes: obtaining location information of the terminal device according to the information of the terminal device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first request further includes information of the first access network device and / or information of a plurality of candidate access network devices. The generating of the first radio frequency information related to the terminal device according to the first request includes: generating the first radio frequency information according to one or more of the location information of the terminal device, the information of the first access network device, and the information of the plurality of candidate access network devices.

21. The method of any one of claims 18-20, wherein, The determining of the first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information includes: determining the first cooperation set according to the first radio frequency information and an initial cooperation set; The initial cooperation set includes the first access network device and a plurality of candidate access network devices, each of the plurality of candidate access network devices being a secondary access network device for providing service for the terminal device, and the plurality of candidate access network devices including the at least one second access network device.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The method further includes obtaining the initial cooperation set. The obtaining of the initial cooperation set includes obtaining cooperation information of the first access network device and cooperation information of the plurality of candidate access network devices; the cooperation information of the first access network device includes information of the first access network device and / or set information of the first access network device, the set information being used to indicate a cooperation set of the first access network device; and the cooperation information of each of the plurality of candidate access network devices includes information of the candidate access network device and / or set information of the candidate access network device, the set information being used to indicate a cooperation set of the candidate access network device. The initial cooperation set is determined according to the cooperation information of the first access network device and the cooperation information of the plurality of candidate access network devices. Alternatively, the initial cooperation set is pre-configured. Alternatively, the first request further includes information used to indicate the initial cooperation set.

23. The method of any one of claims 18-22, wherein, The method further includes: sending a third request to the at least one second access network device, the third request including one or more of the first radio frequency information, radio frequency information related to the second access network device, and fifth indication information; wherein the radio frequency information related to the second access network device is determined according to the first radio frequency information, and the fifth indication information is used to instruct the second access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

24. The method of any one of claims 18-23, wherein, The second request further includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to perform cooperative transmission.

25. The method of any one of claims 18-24, wherein, The first radio frequency information includes one or more of the following: channel matrix information, rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), channel state information reference signal resource indicator (CRI), layer indicator, and reference signal received power (RSRP).

26. A communications device, characterized by The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25.

27. A communications device, characterized by The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25.

30. A chip, characterized by The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11 or the method of any one of claims 12-25.

Images