Communication method and corresponding device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network NTN, and comprises the following steps: a service satellite can obtain beam superposition levels corresponding to various types of signals or channels, and then sends the beam superposition levels corresponding to the various types of signals or channels to adjacent satellites; the adjacent satellites can simultaneously activate the corresponding number of wave beams to send the corresponding types of signals or channels by using the wave beam superposition levels, so that the downlink coverage is improved in a wave beam superposition mode, time domain resources and frequency domain resources can be saved, the adjacent satellites do not need to collect the wave beam superposition levels corresponding to different types of signals or channels, and the cost of the adjacent satellites is reduced. The power consumption of the adjacent satellites can be reduced, and the communication time delay between the adjacent satellites and the terminal equipment can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method and corresponding device. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have extensive coverage capabilities, covering remote areas (such as mountains, deserts, airplanes, and oceans) that terrestrial networks cannot reach, as well as areas with poor service (such as suburbs and rural areas), further enhancing the coverage of new radio (NR).

[0003] Taking satellite communication equipment as an example in NTN, the distance from the satellite to the terminal device is much greater than that from the ground base station, and the satellite moves much faster. This inevitably brings some problems, one of the most important being downlink coverage. Because satellite transmission power is limited, and the link between the satellite and the ground is more complex than a terrestrial link, including many additional influencing factors such as cloud attenuation, rain attenuation, and atmospheric loss, the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) reaching the ground is very limited, affecting the communication quality of the terminal device.

[0004] Therefore, improving downlink coverage in NTN scenarios has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method for enhancing downlink coverage in non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products.

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a communication method, comprising: the method being applied to a first communication device in an NTN, the first communication device being a satellite; the method comprising: receiving first information transmitted by a second communication device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one beam superposition level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or a channel type, the beam superposition level is used to indicate the number of beams simultaneously activated, and the simultaneously activated beams are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type, the first communication device being a non-terrestrial communication device; and simultaneously activating a corresponding number of beams to transmit signals or channels of the first type according to the beam superposition level of the first type; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area.

[0007] In this application, the second communication device may be a satellite, a ground station, a core network element, or other network element or equipment that can communicate with the first communication device.

[0008] In this application, the satellite can be an artificial satellite, such as a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a high Earth orbit (HEO) satellite, a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, or other spacecraft. The satellite can also be a drone, an unmanned spacecraft, a communication balloon, or other equipment.

[0009] If both the first communication device and the second communication device are satellites, the second communication device can be a serving satellite, and the first communication device can be a neighboring satellite of the serving satellite.

[0010] In this application, "simultaneous activation" is also referred to as "activation". If the beam superposition level is 1, then only one beam needs to be activated, or if the beam superposition level is greater than 1, then multiple beams can be activated simultaneously.

[0011] In this application, the first type can be any type of signal or channel that may be involved in downlink transmission.

[0012] In this application, the signal type is used to indicate various types of signals, such as: synchronization signal block (SSB), system information block 1 (SIB1), system information block 19 (SIB19), message 2 (Msg2), message 4 (Msg4), voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and other possible signals.

[0013] In this application, the channel type is used to indicate the channel, such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and other possible channel types.

[0014] In this application, "beam stacking level" usually refers to the minimum number of beam stacking operations required for a terminal device to receive a signal normally.

[0015] In this application, "beam stacking" usually refers to the simultaneous activation of multiple beams to cover the same area (wave position); "beam stacking times" usually refers to the number of beams that are simultaneously activated to cover the same area (wave position).

[0016] In this application, "multiple beams covering the same area (wave position)" means that multiple beams illuminate the same area (wave position) on the ground, and the illumination areas of the multiple beams on the ground overlap.

[0017] In this application, the first information can take various forms, each indicating at least one first type of beam stacking level. For example, if the first and second communication devices have pre-negotiated or set the order of different types of signals or channels, the first information can include multiple values ​​representing beam stacking levels. These values ​​can be represented in decimal or binary form, or other forms. If the order of different types of signals or channels has not been pre-negotiated or set, other forms of first information will include at least one first type of beam stacking level, and may also include other information.

[0018] In this application, the timing for the first communication device to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level can be: the first communication device, acting as a neighboring satellite, activates the corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel only when it moves to the location where the serving satellite collects the first information; or the first communication device, acting as a neighboring satellite, receives the first information only when it moves to the location where the serving satellite collects the first information, and then directly activates the corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level.

[0019] In the first aspect described above, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the first information. This enables the terminal device to receive the first type of signal or channel, thereby improving the downlink coverage capability in the NTN scenario. Furthermore, improving downlink coverage through beam superposition saves time and frequency domain resources. Moreover, since the first communication device can receive the first information from the second communication device, it does not need to collect beam superposition levels corresponding to different types of signals or channels, thus reducing the power consumption of the first communication device and also reducing the communication latency between the first communication device and the terminal device.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one first type.

[0021] In this possible implementation, the first information may further include information indicating a first type. The first type can be associated with a beam stacking level, allowing different signal types or channel types to be associated with their respective beam stacking levels. When transmitting a signal or channel, the first communication device can select the beam stacking level corresponding to the signal or channel to be transmitted and simultaneously activate the corresponding number of beams. In this application, because the first information can also indicate the first type, it is not necessary to pre-negotiate or set the order of different types of signals or channels, thus increasing the flexibility of the beam stacking level arrangement in the first information.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0023] In this possible implementation, the "beam scan angle" refers to the angle between the line connecting the satellite and the geometric center of the transmitted beam's half-power profile and the line connecting the satellite and the nadir point. A beam scan angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type, typically associated with beam stacking levels of various possible types of signals or channels. Different beam scan angles may be associated with the same type of signal or channel, and the beam stacking levels corresponding to each signal or channel may be the same, different, or partially the same. In this application, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scan angle, enabling differentiated beam coverage enhancement for the same type of signal or channel under different beam scan angles. This avoids using the same number of beams to cover all channels of all terminal devices, reducing beam resource waste and improving beam utilization.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate information for at least one wavelength; wherein the information for each wavelength is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0025] In this possible implementation, a "wave position" typically refers to the location or area covered by a beam in the azimuth or elevation direction. A wave position can generally be understood as a hexagonal unit that makes up a cell in a cellular network. Wave position information can include wave position identification, numbering, or indexing. The information of a wave position is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type, typically associated with beam stacking levels of various possible signal or channel types. The types of signals or channels associated with different wave positions can be the same, and the beam stacking levels corresponding to each signal or channel can be the same, different, or partially the same. In this application, the first information is also used to indicate the information of at least one wave position, enabling differentiated beam coverage enhancement for signals or channels of the same type under a given wave position. This avoids using the same number of beams to cover all channels of all terminal devices, reducing beam resource waste and improving beam utilization.

[0026] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information sent by the second communication device, the method further includes: receiving second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one first type of beam stacking level when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the additional attenuation state typically refers to a state where the first terminal device is additionally obstructed, resulting in signal attenuation. Additional obstruction means that the first terminal device experiences more obstruction compared to its state when the second communication device acquires the first information, leading to greater signal attenuation. The second information may include the identifier of the first terminal device and at least one beam superposition level of a first type. The beam superposition level of the signal or channel in the second information is typically higher than the beam superposition level of the same type of signal or channel in the first information. In this application, the first communication device can select either the first information or the second information to send a signal to the first terminal device as needed, which avoids wasting beam resources and improves the success rate of signal reception by the first terminal device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, then according to the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the second information, simultaneously activating a corresponding number of beams to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device; wherein the simultaneously activated beams each cover the first terminal device.

[0029] In this possible implementation, if it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, then using the second information to communicate with the first terminal device can improve the success rate of the first terminal device receiving signals.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first type of signal or channel to a first terminal device according to a first type of beam stacking level indicated by the first information; and determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state if no response is received from the first terminal device.

[0031] In this possible implementation, the first communication device can first send a signal to the first terminal device under normal conditions. If it receives a response from the first terminal device, it indicates that the first terminal device is not in an additional attenuation state, and normal communication is possible. If it does not receive a response from the first terminal device, it indicates that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, and it can communicate with the first terminal device using the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the second information. In this way, beam resources are not wasted, and the success rate of signal reception by the first terminal device can be improved.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the second communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, and the first information is also used to indicate the altitude of the second communication device above the ground.

[0033] In this possible implementation, when the second communication device is a serving satellite, the first information may also include the altitude of the serving satellite above the ground, i.e., its orbital altitude. In this way, the first communication device can determine appropriate first information based on the orbital altitude and its own orbital altitude, thereby improving the accuracy of downlink communication.

[0034] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method applicable to a second communication device in an NTN (Network Telecommunication Network), the second communication device being a non-terrestrial communication device, such as a service satellite. The method includes: acquiring first information; wherein the first information indicates at least one beam superposition level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or channel type, the beam superposition level indicates the number of simultaneously activated beams, and the simultaneously activated beams are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type; transmitting the first information; wherein the first information is used by the first communication device to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams according to the beam superposition level of the first type to transmit signals or channels of the first type; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area, and the first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device.

[0035] In the first aspect, the second communication device can send the acquired first information to the first communication device. Upon receiving the first information, the first communication device can simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the beam superposition level indicated by the first information. This enables the terminal device to receive the first type of signal or channel, thereby improving downlink coverage in the NTN scenario. Furthermore, improving downlink coverage through beam superposition saves time and frequency domain resources. Moreover, since the first communication device can receive the first information from the second communication device, it does not need to collect beam superposition levels corresponding to different types of signals or channels, reducing the power consumption of the first communication device and also reducing communication latency between the first communication device and the terminal device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one first type.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the above step of obtaining first information includes: measuring the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a signal or channel of the first type is received by a terminal device under the corresponding beam scanning angle, according to each beam scanning angle of at least one beam scanning angle, so as to obtain at least one beam superposition level of the first type associated with each beam scanning angle.

[0038] In this possible implementation, the second communication device can collect at least one first-type beam superposition level associated with each beam scanning angle by measuring the first type of signal or channel one by one at each beam scanning angle. This can achieve differentiated coverage enhancement of beam superposition, reduce the waste of beam resources, and improve beam utilization.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the above step of obtaining first information includes: measuring the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a signal or channel of the first type is received by the terminal device of the corresponding wave position for each wave position, so as to obtain at least one beam superposition level of the first type associated with the information of each wave position.

[0041] In this possible implementation, the second communication device can collect at least one first-type beam superposition level associated with the information of each wave position by measuring the first type of signal or channel one by one at each wave position. This can achieve differentiated coverage enhancement of beam superposition, reduce the waste of beam resources, and improve beam utilization.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate information for at least one wavelength; wherein the information for each wavelength is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, the additional attenuation state being used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is being interfered with; sending second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one first type of beam superposition level when the first terminal device is in the additional attenuation state.

[0044] In this possible implementation, after the second communication device determines that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, it can send the second information to the first communication device. In this way, the first communication device can send a signal to the first terminal device based on the second information, which can improve the success rate of communication between the first communication device and the first terminal device.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the above step of determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state includes: sending a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device according to the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the first information; if no response is received from the first terminal device, then determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0046] In this possible implementation, the second communication device can first send a signal to the first terminal device under normal conditions. If it receives a response from the first terminal device, it means that the first terminal device is not in an additional attenuation state. If it does not receive a response from the first terminal device, it means that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state. The second information can be collected and sent to the first communication device, thereby improving the success rate of communication between the first communication device and the first terminal device and reducing the communication latency between the first communication device and the first terminal device.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the above step of determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state includes: if an alarm message is received from the first terminal device, then determining that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state; wherein the alarm message is used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0048] In this possible implementation, when the first terminal device determines that it is in an additional attenuation state, it can actively report alarm information to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can collect the second information in a timely manner.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate the height of the second communication device above the ground.

[0050] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0051] A transceiver unit is used to receive first information sent by a second communication device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one beam superposition level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or a channel type, the beam superposition level is used to indicate the number of beams that are activated simultaneously, and the beams that are activated simultaneously are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type, and the first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device.

[0052] The processing unit is configured to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit a first type of signal or channel according to a first type of beam superposition level; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one first type.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate information for at least one wavelength; wherein the information for each wavelength is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information after receiving first information sent by the second communication device; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one first type of beam stacking level when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device according to the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the second information; wherein the simultaneously activated beams each cover the first terminal device.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device according to the first type of beam stacking level indicated by the first information.

[0059] The processing unit is further configured to determine that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state if no response is received from the first terminal device.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the second communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, and the first information is also used to indicate the altitude of the second communication device above the ground.

[0061] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0062] A processing unit is configured to acquire first information; wherein the first information is configured to indicate at least one beam stacking level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or a channel type, the beam stacking level is configured to indicate the number of beams that are activated simultaneously, and the beams that are activated simultaneously are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type.

[0063] A transceiver unit is used to transmit first information; wherein the first information is used by a first communication device to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit a first type of signal or channel according to a first type of beam superposition level; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area, and the first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one first type.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to measure, for each of at least one beam scanning angle, the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a first type of signal or channel is received by a terminal device at the corresponding beam scanning angle, so as to obtain at least one first type of beam superposition level associated with each beam scanning angle.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to measure, for each of at least one wavelet, the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a signal or channel of the first type is received by the terminal device of the corresponding wavelet, so as to obtain at least one beam superposition level of the first type associated with the information of each wavelet.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first information is also used to indicate information for at least one wavelength; wherein the information for each wavelength is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, the additional attenuation state being used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is being interfered with.

[0070] The transceiver unit is also used to transmit second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one first type of beam stacking level when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device according to the first type of beam stacking level indicated by the first information.

[0072] The processing unit is further configured to determine that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state if no response is received from the first terminal device.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state if it receives an alarm message from the first terminal device; wherein the alarm message is used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, and the first information is also used to indicate the altitude of the non-terrestrial communication device above the ground.

[0075] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, causing the processor to implement as described in the first aspect or any of the implementations of the first aspect.

[0076] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0077] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0078] The communication device mentioned in the fifth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0079] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, causing the processor to implement as described in the second aspect or any of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0080] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0081] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0082] The communication device described in the sixth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0083] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a first communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first communication device that corresponds to the execution of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect.

[0084] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a second communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second communication device that corresponds to the execution of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect.

[0085] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0086] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0087] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0088] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0089] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0090] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0091] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0092] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0093] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to execute the first aspect or any one of the implementations of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the second aspect or any one of the implementations of the second aspect.

[0094] The technical effects of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, the fifth aspect, the seventh aspect, the ninth aspect, the eleventh aspect, the thirteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] The technical effects of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, the twelfth aspect or the fourteenth aspect can be found in the technical effects of the second aspect or different possible implementations of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the NTN transparent transmission network structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the NTN regeneration network structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 1C This is a structural diagram of the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Example diagram of beam stacking levels provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figure 3C A schematic diagram of the beam scanning angle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figures 4A to 4D This is a schematic diagram of the transmission scenario of the first information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0103] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0104] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0105] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0106] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0107] Figures 9 to 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. As those skilled in the art will recognize, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0109] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0110] This application provides a communication method for enhancing downlink coverage in NTN scenarios. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products. These will be described in detail below.

[0111] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0112] 1. Non-terrestrial network (NTN):

[0113] NTN is a network that uses transmission equipment on airborne or spaceborne aircraft as relay nodes or base stations. NTN applications include low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high Earth orbit (HEO) satellites, geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, high altitude platform stations (HAPS) base stations, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

[0114] This NTN can be found at [link / reference]. Figure 1A and Figure 1B To understand, Figure 1AThis is a schematic diagram of an NTN transparent network structure. The NTN transparent network includes terminal equipment, a radio access network (RAN), a core network, and a data network. The RAN includes satellites, gateways, and base stations. Terminal equipment can communicate with satellites, satellites can communicate with base stations through gateways, base stations can communicate with the core network, and the core network connects to the data network. Figure 1A In the network architecture shown, the base stations are still located on the ground, and the satellites can relay signals for both terminal devices and base stations. The gateway is used to receive information from the satellites and then forward it to the ground base stations; or it can send signals from the ground base stations to the satellites.

[0115] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the NTN regeneration network structure. In this NTN regeneration network, the base station is integrated on the satellite, and the terminal equipment can communicate directly with the satellite without relaying to the ground. In addition, the satellite can also communicate with the core network through a gateway, and the core network is connected to the data network.

[0116] Terminal devices communicate with satellites. For example, a satellite can transmit downlink data to a terminal device, where the downlink data can be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded downlink data is transmitted to the terminal device after constellation modulation; the terminal device can also transmit uplink data to the satellite, where the uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded uplink data is transmitted to the satellite after constellation modulation.

[0117] Wireless links exist between different satellites to facilitate signaling exchange and user data transmission. Satellites connect to the ground-based core network via these wireless links. The core network is used to implement services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and accounting. The core network comprises multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The control plane functional entity can be the Access and Mobility Management Unit (AMF), responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The control plane functional entity can also be the User Plane Function (UPF), responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics.

[0118] The above Figure 1A and Figure 1B The RAN in this context can be an open radio access network (O-RAN), such as... Figure 1CAs shown, Open RAN includes at least one open control unit (O-CU), at least one open distributed unit (O-DU), and at least one open radio unit (O-RU). The O-CU may include a control plane (C-plane) and a user plane (U-plane). The O-CU C-plane and the O-CU U-plane can communicate via the E1 interface. The O-CU and the O-DU can communicate via the F1 interface. The O-DU and the O-RU can communicate via the Open Fronthaul interface.

[0119] O-RAN also defines an orchestration layer with a non-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller and a functional layer with a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller, and defines the exchange interface A1 between the two layers; in addition, it defines the E2 interface between the near-real-time RAN controller and O-CU and O-DU.

[0120] Among them, the terminal device can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0121] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be called subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0122] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0123] Terminals can also be drones, robots, devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicles to everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0124] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in future communication systems beyond the fifth generation (5G) (such as 5G Advanced communication systems) or in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). For example, 5G Advanced networks can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals. 5G Advanced terminals include, but are not limited to, vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as electronic tags or RFID tags.

[0125] In this embodiment, the terminal device can also obtain artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal device can also have AI processing capabilities.

[0126] In this application, "base station" is just one example of network equipment. Network equipment can refer to devices within a wireless network, such as RAN nodes (or devices) that connect terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called base stations. Examples of RAN equipment include: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), gNBs (gNodeBs) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs, or homeNode Bs, HNBs), base band units (BBUs), and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (APs). Furthermore, in a network architecture, network equipment can include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes.

[0127] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, micro base station, indoor station, relay node, donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0128] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0129] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0130] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0131] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0132] Table 1

[0133] ORAN network elements 3GPP protocol layer functions O-CU-CP RRC+PDCP-Control Plane (PDCP-C) O-CU-UP SDAP+PDCP - User Plane (PDCP-U) O-DU RLC+MAC+PHY-high O-RU PHY-low

[0134] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0135] In addition, the network equipment in the core network may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN Gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0136] In this embodiment of the application, the network device may also have network nodes with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminal devices or other network devices. For example, it may be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0137] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be disposed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0138] 2. Satellite:

[0139] This typically refers to a celestial body that orbits a planet and performs periodic orbits in closed orbits. The satellites mentioned in this application may include artificial satellites, drones, unmanned spacecraft, communication balloons, and other similar equipment.

[0140] 3. Artificial satellite:

[0141] Artificial satellites generally refer to spacecraft orbiting the Earth in space. They can include LEO, MEO, HEO, or GEO satellites.

[0142] 4. Beam:

[0143] A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types of beams, and the technology used to form a beam can be beamforming technology or other techniques. Beamforming technology can be specifically categorized as digital beamforming, analog beamforming, and hybrid digital / analog beamforming. Different beams can be considered different resources.

[0144] In the NR protocol, a beam can be referred to as a spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial domain parameter, spatial parameter, spatial domain setting, spatial setting, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL hypothesis, or QCL indication, etc. The beam can be indicated by TCI state parameters or spatial relation parameters. Therefore, in this application, beam can be replaced by spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL hypothesis, QCL indication, TCI-state (including uplink TCI-state and downlink TCI-state), or spatial relation, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. Beam can also be replaced with other beam-related terms, which are not limited herein.

[0145] The beam used to transmit signals can be called the transmission beam (Tx beam), spatial domain transmission filter, spatial transmission filter, spatial domain transmission parameter, spatial transmission parameter, spatial domain transmission setting, or spatial transmission setting. The downlink beam can be indicated by TCI-state.

[0146] The beam used to receive signals can be called a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial domain reception filter, a spatial reception filter, a spatial domain reception parameter, a spatial reception parameter, a spatial domain reception setting, or a spatial reception setting. The uplink beam can be indicated by any of the following: spatial relation, uplink TCI-state, or a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource (indicating the transmit beam using that SRS). Therefore, the uplink beam can also be replaced by an SRS resource.

[0147] The transmitting beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while the receiving beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of a wireless signal received from an antenna.

[0148] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, hybrid digital beamforming technology, or hybrid analog beamforming technology, etc.

[0149] Beams generally correspond to resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal device provides feedback on the measured resource quality, allowing the network device to determine the quality of the corresponding beam. During data transmission, beam-related information can also be indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, the network device uses the TCI field in the downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) beam information of the terminal device. Optionally, in this application, the network device can be an access network device.

[0150] In one possible implementation, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics are considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. The one or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0151] 5. Beam stacking:

[0152] Beam stacking typically refers to activating multiple beams simultaneously to cover the same area (wavelength), which can improve the link budget, i.e., improve the downlink coverage capability of that area or wavelength, and increase CNR.

[0153] 6. Number of beam superpositions:

[0154] The number of beam superpositions usually refers to the number of beams that can be activated simultaneously to cover the same area (wave position).

[0155] 7. Beam stacking level:

[0156] Beam stacking level usually refers to the minimum number of beam stacking operations required for a terminal device to receive a signal normally.

[0157] 8. Wave position:

[0158] A beam position usually refers to the location or area covered by a beam in the azimuth or elevation direction. A beam position can usually be understood as a hexagonal unit that makes up a cell in a cellular network.

[0159] 9. Ground motion wave position:

[0160] Ground-moving wavefront refers to a situation where the direction of each beam emitted by the satellite remains unchanged, and in this case, the wavefront on the ground moves continuously with the satellite.

[0161] 10. Ground-based fixed wave position:

[0162] A fixed ground position refers to a situation where, when a satellite serves a fixed area, each beam it transmits always points to a fixed position within that fixed area, and in this case, the ground position is fixed.

[0163] 11. Beam scanning angle:

[0164] The beam scanning angle is the angle between the line connecting the satellite and the geometric center of the half-power profile of the emitted beam and the line connecting the satellite and the nadir point.

[0165] 12. Signal type:

[0166] Signal type is used to indicate various types of signals, such as: synchronization signal block (SSB), system information block 1 (SIB1), system information block 19 (SIB19), message 2 (Msg2), message 4 (Msg4), voice over internet protocol (VoIP), and other possible signals.

[0167] 13. SSB:

[0168] The SSB consists of three parts: the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The SSB is typically used for time-frequency synchronization and cell search.

[0169] 14.SIB1:

[0170] SIB1 typically carries information related to assessing whether a terminal device is allowed to access the cell, and defines the scheduling of other system information.

[0171] 15. SIB19:

[0172] SIB19 typically contains satellite-aided information such as ephemeris data, common timing advance parameters, and cell reference positions.

[0173] 16. Msg2:

[0174] After the terminal device sends a Msg1 random access request to the network device, the network device can obtain the uplink timing offset of the terminal device. The network device sends a random access response to the terminal device via Msg2 on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), indicating that the network device has received Msg1, and carries the timing offset value to the terminal device via Msg2 to adjust the terminal device's transmission timing.

[0175] 17.Msg4:

[0176] Msg4 is a contention resolution message sent by the network device to the terminal device after the terminal device sends Msg3 during a contention-based random access process.

[0177] 18.1Mbps:

[0178] A network device sends a PDSCH signal with a data rate of 1 Mbps to a specific terminal device.

[0179] 19. VoIP:

[0180] The PDSCH signal sent by network devices to specific terminal devices carries voice services.

[0181] 20. Channel type:

[0182] Channel type is used to indicate the channel, such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), PDSCH, and other possible channel types.

[0183] 21. PDCCH: Can be used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel.

[0184] 22. PDSCH: Can carry SIB1, SIB19, Msg2, Msg4, 1Mbps, VoIP and other signals.

[0185] 23. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after 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, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects.

[0186] 24. In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly via the air interface or sending indirectly via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY via the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0187] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0188] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0189] 25. In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0190] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0191] 26. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR):

[0192] SNR refers to the ratio of signal to noise in an electronic device or system. The unit of measurement for SNR is decibels (dB), and it is calculated as 10lg(Ps / Pn), where Ps represents the effective power of the signal and Pn represents the effective power of the noise. It can also be converted to a voltage amplitude ratio: 20lg(Vs / Vn), where Vs represents the "RMS value" of the signal voltage and Vn represents the "RMS value" of the noise voltage. Generally, a higher SNR is better. In communication systems, network devices need a certain SNR to send signals to terminal devices for the terminal devices to receive them correctly; this SNR is usually called the demodulation threshold.

[0193] 27. Demodulation threshold (required SNR):

[0194] The demodulation threshold is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for a terminal device to receive a signal normally. In other words, the demodulation threshold is the minimum SNR required for a terminal device to receive a downlink signal transmitted by a network device normally. It is measured in decibels (dB). Different channels / signals have different payload sizes and / or different modulation and coding schemes; therefore, the demodulation thresholds for different signals or channels transmitted by network devices vary.

[0195] 28. Carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR):

[0196] In satellite communication scenarios, the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) usually refers to the ratio of the carrier power of the satellite signal reaching the ground to the noise power, or the result of the link budget of the satellite signal reaching the ground, and is measured in decibels (dB).

[0197] 29. Covering gaps:

[0198] Coverage gap typically refers to the difference between the demodulation threshold and the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), i.e., coverage gap = demodulation threshold - CNR. If the coverage gap is less than or equal to 0, it means that the CNR is greater than the demodulation threshold, and the terminal equipment can receive the signal normally without needing downlink coverage enhancement. Conversely, if the coverage gap is greater than 0, it means that the terminal equipment cannot receive the signal normally and downlink coverage enhancement is required.

[0199] Regarding downlink coverage enhancement, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) discussed three satellite parameter assumptions (Set1-1 / Set1-2 / Set1-3) at an orbital altitude of 600km at the RAN1#116 meeting and reached a consensus, as shown in Table 2.

[0200] Table 2: Three Satellite Parameter Assumptions Defined by 3GPP

[0201]

[0202] As shown in Table 2, all three satellite parameters support the simultaneous activation of multiple beams, as the satellites need to cover a very large area. Set1-2 is suitable for transmission scenarios with low user density, thus supporting fewer beams to be activated simultaneously. Set1-3 satellites have lower effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) density, resulting in a more limited link budget to the ground. Calculations show that the link budgets for Set1-1, Set1-2, and Set1-3 at a 30° elevation angle are -1.9 dB, -1.9 dB, and -9.9 dB, respectively.

[0203] Because different channels have different modulation and coding schemes and different payload sizes, the demodulation threshold (i.e., the minimum signal-to-noise ratio required for the terminal device to receive the signal normally) varies. Table 3 summarizes the demodulation thresholds and coverage gaps obtained from link-level simulations of different channels at the RAN1#117 conference, and averages the results from various companies.

[0204] Table 3: Demodulation thresholds and coverage gaps for different channels

[0205]

[0206] As can be seen from Table 3, Set1-1 / Set1-2 have higher link budgets and no coverage gaps in any of the channels; while Set1-3 has a lower link budget, resulting in coverage gaps in PDCCH, 1Mbps, Msg4, SIB1, and SIB19, requiring downlink coverage enhancement.

[0207] Although coverage enhancement is not required for each channel under the Set1-1 / Set1-2 parameters under the above conditions, in real-world scenarios, obstructions such as leaves, backpacks, pockets, and people can cause an additional loss of approximately 7dB to 10dB to the terminal device, and the link budget may not reach the demodulation threshold. In this case, downlink coverage enhancement is required for each channel under all satellite parameters.

[0208] As can be seen from the above introduction, downlink coverage enhancement is usually required during satellite-terminal communication to improve the communication quality between satellite and terminal equipment.

[0209] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide corresponding communication methods, which are described below from the interaction process of the first communication device and the second communication device. The first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, such as a satellite, and the second communication device can be a satellite, a ground station, a core network element, or other network element or device that can communicate with the first communication device. If both the first and second communication devices are satellites, the second communication device can be a serving satellite, and the first communication device can be a neighboring satellite of the serving satellite.

[0210] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0211] S201. The second communication device acquires first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one beam stacking level of a first type.

[0212] The first type is a signal type or channel type, and the beam overlay level is used to indicate the number of beams that are activated simultaneously, and the simultaneously activated beams are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type.

[0213] In this application, the first type can be any possible signal type or channel type involved in downlink transmission. The signal type indicates various signal types, such as SSB, SIB1, SIB19, Msg2, Msg4, 1Mbps, VoIP, and other possible signals. The channel type indicates the channel, such as PDCCH, PDSCH, and other possible channel types.

[0214] In this application, beam stacking level generally refers to the minimum number of beam stacking operations required for a terminal device to receive a signal normally. The number of beam stacking operations generally refers to the number of beams that can simultaneously activate multiple beams to cover the same area (wavelength).

[0215] For information on beam stacking levels, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3A and Figure 3B To understand, such as Figure 3A As shown, when the satellite simultaneously activates beam 1 and beam 2 to superimpose and illuminate the same area, the terminal equipment in that area can normally receive the type 1 signal. Therefore, the beam superposition level of the type 1 signal is 2.

[0216] like Figure 3B As shown, when a satellite simultaneously activates beams 1, 2, and 3 to superimpose and illuminate the same area, the terminal equipment in that area can normally receive the type 2 signal. Therefore, the beam superposition level of the type 2 signal is 3.

[0217] In this application, the first information can take various forms, each indicating at least one first type of beam stacking level. For example, if the first and second communication devices have pre-negotiated or set the order of different types of signals or channels, the first information can include multiple values ​​representing beam stacking levels. These values ​​can be represented in decimal or binary form, or other forms. If the order of different types of signals or channels has not been pre-negotiated or set, other forms of first information will include at least one first type of beam stacking level, and may also include other information.

[0218] S202. The second communication device sends first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information sent by the second communication device.

[0219] If the second communication device is a serving satellite and the first communication device is a neighboring satellite of the serving satellite, and if an inter-satellite link exists between the serving satellite and the neighboring satellite, then when the inter-satellite link communication quality is good, the first information can be transmitted via... Figure 4A The method shown is to send information via an inter-satellite link between the serving satellite and neighboring satellites. This method can reduce the transmission latency of the first message.

[0220] If the second communication device is a serving satellite and the first communication device is a neighboring satellite of the serving satellite, and if there is no inter-satellite link between the serving satellite and the neighboring satellite, or if the inter-satellite link communication quality is poor, the first information can be transmitted via... Figure 4B The information is sent in the manner shown, that is, the service satellite sends the first information to the ground station, and the ground station then forwards the first information to the neighboring satellite.

[0221] If the second communication device is a ground station and the first communication device is a satellite, then the first information can be transmitted via... Figure 4C The method shown is as follows: the ground station sends the first information to the satellite.

[0222] If the second communication device is a core network element (or other device or equipment that cannot communicate directly with the satellite), then the first information can be transmitted through the satellite. Figure 4D The information is sent in the following manner: the core network element sends the first information to the ground station, and the ground station then forwards the first information to the satellite.

[0223] S203. The first communication device simultaneously activates a corresponding number of beams according to the first type of beam superposition level, wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area.

[0224] In this application, "simultaneous activation" is also referred to as "activation". If the beam superposition level is 1, then only one beam needs to be activated, or if the beam superposition level is greater than 1, then multiple beams can be activated simultaneously.

[0225] In this application, "multiple beams covering the same area (wave position)" means that multiple beams illuminate the same area (wave position) on the ground, and the illumination areas of the multiple beams on the ground overlap.

[0226] In this application, the timing for the first communication device to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level can be: the first communication device, acting as a neighboring satellite, activates the corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel only when it moves to the location where the serving satellite collects the first information; or the first communication device, acting as a neighboring satellite, receives the first information only when it moves to the location where the serving satellite collects the first information, and then directly activates the corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level.

[0227] For information on simultaneously activating multiple beams to cover the same area, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3A and Figure 3B To understand.

[0228] S204. The first communication device uses a simultaneously activated beam to send a first type of signal or channel to the terminal device.

[0229] In the solution provided in this application embodiment, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to transmit the first type of signal or channel according to the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the first information. This enables the terminal device to receive the first type of signal or channel, thereby improving the downlink coverage capability in the NTN scenario. Furthermore, improving downlink coverage through beam superposition saves time and frequency domain resources. Moreover, the first communication device can receive the first information from the second communication device without needing to collect beam superposition levels corresponding to different types of signals or channels, thus reducing the power consumption of the first communication device and lowering the communication latency between the first communication device and the terminal device.

[0230] In this application, the first information can take many forms. Several possible examples are described below:

[0231] Example 1: The first information is used to indicate at least one type of beam stacking level.

[0232] If the first communication device and the second communication device have pre-negotiated or set the order of different types of signals or channels, the first information may include multiple values ​​representing beam superposition levels. For example, if the pre-negotiated or set order of signals or channels is signal 1, signal 2, signal 3, signal 4, signal 5, ... signal m, and if the beam superposition level is represented in decimal form, the beam superposition levels included in the first information are 2, 3, 1, 4, 2, ... 2, then it can be said that the beam superposition level of signal 1 is 2, the beam superposition level of signal 2 is 3, the beam superposition level of signal 3 is 1, the beam superposition level of signal 4 is 4, the beam superposition level of signal 5 is 2, ..., and the beam superposition level of signal m is 2.

[0233] If we want to represent the correspondence between signal type and beam stacking level in a table, we can refer to Table 4 for understanding.

[0234] Table 4:

[0235] Type 1 Signal 1 Signal 2 Signal 3 Signal 4 Signal 5 … signal m Beam stacking level 2 3 1 4 2 … 2

[0236] Among them, signal 1, signal 2, ... signal m can be various possible forms of signals or channels introduced above. In the examples in Table 4, m is an integer greater than 5.

[0237] The first information may include the content of the second row in Table 4, but not the content of the first row. However, according to pre-negotiation or setting, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine the correspondence between the signal type or channel type and the beam superposition level.

[0238] If the beam stacking level is represented in binary, then Table 4 can be represented in the form of Table 5.

[0239] Table 5:

[0240] Type 1 Signal 1 Signal 2 Signal 3 Signal 4 Signal 5 … signal m Beam stacking level 010 011 001 100 010 … 010

[0241] Example 2: Building on Example 1, the first information is also used to indicate at least one first type.

[0242] In the form described in Example 2, the first information may include both at least one first type and the beam stacking level corresponding to each first type. The arrangement of the first type and the corresponding beam stacking level in the first information may be as shown in Table 6, where at least one first type is arranged first, and then at least one beam stacking level is arranged in sequence. Alternatively, as shown in Table 7, the first type and the beam stacking level may be arranged interspersed, with the corresponding beam stacking level arranged after each first type.

[0243] Table 6:

[0244] Signal 1 Signal 2 … signal m 2 3 … 2

[0245] Table 7:

[0246] Signal 1 2 Signal 2 3 … … signal m 2

[0247] Tables 6 and 7 illustrate the concept using decimal notation, but in practice, beam stacking levels can also be represented in other forms.

[0248] Example 3: Building on Example 1 or Example 2, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

[0249] In this application, the beam scanning angle can be referred to... Figure 3C To understand. Figure 3C In this context, "beam scanning angle" refers to the angle θ between the line connecting the satellite and the geometric center of the half-power profile of the transmitted beam (line 301) and the line connecting the satellite and the nadir point (line 302).

[0250] A beam scan angle is associated with at least one type of beam stacking level. Typically, a beam scan angle is associated with beam stacking levels of various possible types of signals or channels. Different beam scan angles may be associated with the same type of signal or channel, and the beam stacking levels corresponding to each signal or channel may be the same, different, or partially the same.

[0251] The following example, based on Example 2, includes at least one beam scanning angle, each beam scanning angle being associated with at least one first type, and the beam stacking level corresponding to each first type. The correspondence between these three can be understood by referring to Table 8.

[0252] Table 8:

[0253]

[0254]

[0255] In this table, signal 1, signal 2, signal 3, signal 4, ..., signal m can be any of the possible forms of signals or channels described earlier, n can be an integer greater than 2, and angle 1, angle 2, ..., angle n represent different angles. The following uses specific signals (SSB, PDCCH, PDSCH SIB1, PDSCH Msg4, PDSCH SIB19) and specific angles as examples; Table 8 can be represented as Table 9.

[0256] Table 9:

[0257]

[0258] Table 9 is a detailed explanation of Table 8. The beam scanning angle can have multiple values; for LEO scenarios, it is typically between 0° and 60°. Table 9 only lists 60°, but this should not be interpreted as a limitation on the beam scanning angle. Furthermore, the interval between beam scanning angle values ​​is not limited to the 10° shown in Table 9.

[0259] In this application, the first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, which can realize differentiated beam coverage enhancement for the same type of signal or channel under different beam scanning angles. In this way, it is not necessary to use the same number of beams to cover all channels of all terminal devices, which can reduce the waste of beam resources and improve beam utilization.

[0260] Example 4: Based on Example 1 or Example 2, the first information is also used to indicate information for at least one wave position; wherein the information for each wave position is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

[0261] In this application, a beam position typically refers to the location or area covered by a beam in the azimuth or elevation direction. A beam position can generally be understood as a hexagonal cell that makes up a cell in a cellular network. The information of a beam position can be its identifier, number, or index. The information of a beam position is associated with at least one beam stacking level of a first type, typically associated with beam stacking levels of various possible types of signals or channels. The types of signals or channels associated with the information of different beam positions can be the same, and the beam stacking levels corresponding to each signal or channel can be the same, different, or partially the same.

[0262] The following example, based on Example 2, includes at least one wave position, each wave position being associated with at least one first type, and the beam stacking level corresponding to each first type. The correspondence between these three elements can be understood by referring to Table 10.

[0263] Table 10:

[0264]

[0265] In Table 10, taking the information of the wave position as the wave position number as an example, signal 1, signal 2, signal 3, signal 4, ... signal m can be various possible forms of signals or channels introduced earlier, where X is an integer greater than 2. Taking specific signals (SSB, PDCCH, PDSCH SIB1, PDSCH Msg4, PDSCH SIB19) as an example, Table 10 can be represented as Table 11.

[0266] Table 11:

[0267]

[0268] Table 11 is a further detail of Table 10.

[0269] In this application, the first information is also used to indicate information of at least one wavelength, which can realize differentiated beam coverage enhancement for the same type of signal or channel under the wavelength. In this way, it is not necessary to use the same number of beams to superimpose coverage for all channels of all terminal devices, which can reduce the waste of beam resources and improve beam utilization.

[0270] Example 5: Based on Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 or Example 4, when the second communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, the first information is also used to indicate the height of the second communication device above the ground, that is, the orbital height.

[0271] If we take Example 3 above as an example, the corresponding relationship after adding the track height can be understood by referring to Table 12.

[0272] Table 12:

[0273]

[0274] Table 12 adds the orbital altitude to Table 8 above. In Table 12, the orbital altitude is 600 kilometers (kilometers, KM). In fact, the orbital altitude can be other values, which are not limited in this application.

[0275] If we take Example 4 above as an example, the corresponding relationship after adding the track height can be understood by referring to Table 13.

[0276] Table 13:

[0277]

[0278] Table 13 adds the track altitude to Table 10. In Table 13, the track altitude is 600 km. In fact, the track altitude can be other values, which are not limited in this application.

[0279] The first information includes the track height. The first communication device can determine the appropriate first information based on the track height and its own track height, thereby improving the accuracy of downlink communication of the first communication device.

[0280] Examples 1 to 5 above illustrate several possible contents of the first information. Of course, the first information may also contain other contents, which this application does not limit.

[0281] There are multiple ways for the second communication device to obtain the first information in S201 above. For example, the chip of the second communication device may be configured with the first information. In this case, the first information can be prior information. The second communication device can have any of the possible contents described in Tables 4 to 13 above when it leaves the factory.

[0282] Typically, the first information is obtained by the second communication device through measurement. Taking the second communication device as a serving satellite and the first communication device as a neighboring satellite as an example, the process of the second communication device obtaining the first information is introduced.

[0283] The process of obtaining the first information typically includes: measuring, for each of at least one beam scanning angle, the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a first type of signal or channel is received by a terminal device at the corresponding beam scanning angle, in order to obtain at least one first type of beam superposition level associated with each beam scanning angle. Alternatively,

[0284] For each of at least one wave position, measure the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when a signal or channel of the first type is received by the terminal device of the corresponding wave position, so as to obtain at least one beam superposition level of the first type associated with the information of each wave position.

[0285] The following is through Figure 5 This section describes the process of acquiring first information for different beam scanning angles, and how to do so... Figure 6 This section describes the process of obtaining the first information for different wave positions.

[0286] like Figure 5 As shown, taking the initial access process as an example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0287] The S501 service satellite transmits SSB, PDCCH, and PDSCHSIB1 sequentially using a single beam at a beam scanning angle θ1.

[0288] During the initial access phase, the serving satellite broadcasts the SSB signal for the terminal equipment to perform cell search and time-frequency synchronization, and uses the PDCCH to schedule PDSCH SIB1, waiting for the terminal equipment to provide access information. During this phase, the serving satellite is unsure of the beam superposition level of the above channels, and first attempts to use one beam to continuously send the SSB, PDCCH, and PDSCH SIB1 signals to the terminal equipment at a specified beam scanning angle θ1.

[0289] S502. The service satellite receives the Preamble sequence sent by the terminal equipment.

[0290] The Preamble sequence represents the initial access request. If the serving satellite receives the Preamble sequence sent by the terminal device, it means that the terminal device has received PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1. This indicates that the terminal device can receive PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1 normally when using one beam to send them.

[0291] S503. The service satellite determines that the beam stacking level of PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1 is 1.

[0292] S504. The service satellite transmits PDCCH, PDSCH msg4 using one beam at a beam scanning angle θ1.

[0293] It should be noted that the instruction here takes sending PDSCH msg4 as an example. In reality, before sending PDSCH msg4, the serving satellite will also send PDSCH msg2 to the terminal device, and the terminal device will also send PUSCH msg3 to the serving satellite.

[0294] The serving satellite can continue to detect the beam overlay level of msg4. Since msg4 is carried on PDSCH, it needs to be scheduled by PDCCH. The serving satellite has determined that the beam overlay level of PDCCH is 1, but it is uncertain about the beam overlay level of the msg4 signal. Therefore, the serving satellite first sends PDCCH and PDSCH msg4 signals with a beam overlay level of 1 to the terminal device. If a hybrid automatic repeat reQuest (HARQ) request is received from the terminal device, it means that the beam overlay level of PDSCH msg4 is 1. If no HARQ request is received from the terminal device, it means that the beam overlay level of PDSCH msg4 is greater than 1.

[0295] The S505 service satellite transmits PDCCH and PDSCH msg4 using two superimposed beams at a beam scanning angle θ1.

[0296] As a possible scenario, the serving satellite may not receive the PUSCH HARQ from the terminal device, thus requiring the serving satellite to increase the beam stacking count. Therefore, in this step, the serving satellite continues to transmit the PDCCH signal with a beam stacking count of 1 and the msg4 signal with a beam stacking count of 2. If the HARQ from the terminal device is still not received, it indicates that the beam stacking level of PDSCH msg4 is greater than 2.

[0297] S506. The service satellite transmits PDCCH, PDSCH msg4 using three superimposed beams at a beam scanning angle θ1.

[0298] As a possible scenario, the serving satellite still has not received the PUSCH HARQ feedback from the UE, so the serving satellite needs to continue to increase the number of beam overlays; therefore, in this step, the serving satellite continues to send the PDCCH signal with 1 beam overlay and the PDSCH msg4 signal with 3 beam overlays.

[0299] S507. The service satellite receives the PUSCH HARQ sent by the terminal equipment.

[0300] S508. The service satellite determined that the beam stacking level of PDSCH msg4 is 3.

[0301] Then, different signals can be used to repeat the above steps S501 to S508 until the beam superposition level of all possible signals has been measured. Then, the beam scanning angle can be changed to measure the beam superposition level of each signal under θ2 until the required beam scanning angle has been measured to obtain the first information.

[0302] For the first information in this case, please refer to Tables 8, 9, or 12 for clarification.

[0303] The service satellite can transmit the initial information to neighboring satellites directly via inter-satellite links or through relays via ground stations. This process can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B To understand.

[0304] If transmission is via inter-satellite link, then S509a and S509b are executed. If transmission is via ground station relay, then S510a, S510b, and S510c are executed.

[0305] S509a. The service satellite sends the first message to the neighboring satellite.

[0306] S509b. Neighboring satellites communicate with terminal equipment based on the first information.

[0307] If the serving satellite receives the first information and then sends it to the neighboring satellite, the neighboring satellite can use the first information to communicate with the terminal device after moving to the location where the serving satellite measured the first information. If the serving satellite sends the first information only after the neighboring satellite moves to the location where the serving satellite measured the first information, then the neighboring satellite will become the serving satellite of the terminal device and can use the first information to communicate with the terminal device after receiving it.

[0308] S510a. The service satellite sends the first message to the ground station. Correspondingly, the ground station receives the first message.

[0309] S510b. The ground station sends the first message to the neighboring satellite. Correspondingly, the neighboring satellite receives the first message.

[0310] S510c. Neighboring satellites communicate with terminal equipment based on the first information.

[0311] The solution provided in this application embodiment allows the serving satellite to collect at least one first-type beam superposition level associated with each beam scanning angle by measuring the first type of signal or channel one by one at each beam scanning angle. This can achieve differentiated coverage enhancement of beam superposition, reduce the waste of beam resources, and improve beam utilization.

[0312] like Figure 6 As shown, taking the initial access process as an example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0313] S601. The service satellite uses one beam to transmit PDCCH, SSB and PDSCH SIB1 sequentially for position 1.

[0314] During the initial access phase, the serving satellite broadcasts the SSB signal for the terminal equipment to perform cell search and time-frequency synchronization, and uses the PDCCH to schedule PDSCH SIB1, waiting for the terminal equipment to provide access information. During this phase, the serving satellite is unsure of the beam superposition level of the above channels, and first attempts to use one beam to continuously send the SSB, PDCCH, and PDSCH SIB1 signals to the UE at beam position 1.

[0315] S602. The service satellite receives the Preamble sequence sent by the terminal equipment.

[0316] The Preamble sequence represents the initial access request. If the serving satellite receives the Preamble sequence sent by the terminal device, it means that the terminal device has received PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1. This indicates that the terminal device can receive PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1 normally when using one beam to send them.

[0317] S603. The serving satellite determines that the beam stacking level of PDCCH, SSB, and PDSCH SIB1 is 1.

[0318] S604. The service satellite transmits PDCCH, PDSCH msg4 using a single beam for position 1.

[0319] It should be noted that the instruction here takes sending PDSCH msg4 as an example. In reality, before sending PDSCH msg4, the serving satellite will also send PDSCH msg2 to the terminal device, and the terminal device will also send PUSCH msg3 to the serving satellite.

[0320] The serving satellite can continue to detect the beam superposition level of msg4. Since msg4 is carried on PDSCH, it needs to be scheduled by PDCCH. The serving satellite has determined that the beam superposition level of PDCCH is 1, but it is uncertain about the beam superposition level of the msg4 signal. Therefore, the serving satellite first sends PDCCH and PDSCH msg4 signals with a beam superposition level of 1 to the terminal device. If it receives PUSCH HARQ from the terminal device, it means that the beam superposition level of PDSCH msg4 is 1. If it does not receive PUSCH HARQ from the terminal device, it means that the beam superposition level of PDSCH msg4 is greater than 1.

[0321] S605. The service satellite transmits PDCCH and PDSCH msg4 using two superimposed beams for wave position 1.

[0322] As a possible scenario, the serving satellite may not receive the PDSCH HARQ from the terminal device, thus requiring the serving satellite to increase the beam stacking count. Therefore, in this step, the serving satellite continues to transmit the PDCCH signal with a beam stacking count of 1 and the msg4 signal with a beam stacking count of 2. If the PUSCH HARQ from the terminal device is still not received, it indicates that the beam stacking level of PDSCHmsg4 is greater than 2.

[0323] S606. The service satellite transmits PDCCH, PDSCH msg4 using three superimposed beams for wave position 1.

[0324] As a possible scenario, the serving satellite still has not received the PDSCH HARQ feedback from the terminal equipment, so the serving satellite needs to continue to increase the number of beam superpositions; therefore, in this step, the serving satellite continues to send the PDCCH signal with 1 beam superposition and the PDSCH msg4 signal with 3 beam superpositions.

[0325] S607. The service satellite receives the PUSCH HARQ sent by the terminal equipment.

[0326] S608. The service satellite determined that the beam stacking level of PDSCH msg4 is 3.

[0327] Then, different signals can be used to repeat the above steps S601 to S608 until the beam superposition level of all possible signals has been measured. Then, the wave position can be changed, and the beam superposition level of each signal at wave position 2 can be measured until the required wave positions have been measured to obtain the first information.

[0328] The first information for this situation can be found in Tables 10, 11, or 13.

[0329] The service satellite can transmit the initial information to neighboring satellites directly via inter-satellite links or through relays via ground stations. This process can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B To understand.

[0330] If transmission is via inter-satellite link, then execute S609a and S609b. If relayed via ground station, then execute S610a, S610b, and S610c.

[0331] S609a. The service satellite sends the first message to the neighboring satellite.

[0332] S609b. Neighboring satellites communicate with terminal equipment based on the first information.

[0333] If the serving satellite receives the first information and then sends it to the neighboring satellite, the neighboring satellite can use the first information to communicate with the terminal device after moving to the location where the serving satellite measured the first information. If the serving satellite sends the first information only after the neighboring satellite moves to the location where the serving satellite measured the first information, then the neighboring satellite will become the serving satellite of the terminal device and can use the first information to communicate with the terminal device after receiving it.

[0334] S610a. The service satellite sends the first message to the ground station. Correspondingly, the ground station receives the first message.

[0335] S610b. The ground station sends the first message to the neighboring satellite. Correspondingly, the neighboring satellite receives the first message.

[0336] S610c. Neighboring satellites communicate with terminal equipment based on the first information.

[0337] The solution provided in this application embodiment allows the serving satellite to collect at least one first-type beam superposition level associated with the information of each beam position by measuring the first type of signal or channel one by one under each beam position. This can achieve differentiated coverage enhancement of beam superposition, reduce the waste of beam resources, and improve beam utilization.

[0338] Based on the above embodiments, if the serving satellite communicates with the first terminal device using the previously measured first information, and the first terminal device does not respond, it indicates that the first terminal device may be in an additional attenuation state due to obstruction or other external interference. An additional attenuation state typically refers to a state where the first terminal device experiences signal attenuation due to additional obstruction. Additional obstruction means that the first terminal device has more obstruction compared to its state when the second communication device collected the first information, resulting in greater signal attenuation.

[0339] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0340] S701. If the serving satellite determines that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, it acquires the second information.

[0341] The second information may include the identifier of the first terminal device and at least one beamforming level of a first type. The beamforming level of the signal or channel in the second information is typically higher than the beamforming level of the same type of signal or channel in the first information.

[0342] The service satellite can further measure the beam superposition level of the signal or channel when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state. The process by which the service satellite measures the beam superposition level of the signal or channel when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 or Figure 6 The embodiments are understood.

[0343] S702. The serving satellite sends a second message to a neighboring satellite. Correspondingly, the neighboring satellite receives the second message.

[0344] The second information is used to indicate at least one first type of beam stacking level when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0345] The second piece of information can be understood by referring to Table 14.

[0346] Table 14:

[0347]

[0348] The signals 1, 2, 3, ..., m can be understood by referring to the previous introduction.

[0349] S703. Neighboring satellites determine whether the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state. If yes, proceed to S704; otherwise, proceed to S705.

[0350] When a neighboring satellite becomes the serving satellite of the first terminal device, S703 can be executed.

[0351] If a neighboring satellite communicates with the first terminal device using the first information and the first terminal device does not respond, it indicates that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

[0352] S704. Neighboring satellites, based on the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the second information, simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device; wherein the simultaneously activated beams each cover the first terminal device.

[0353] S705. Neighboring satellites, based on the first type of beam superposition level indicated by the first information, simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to send a first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device; wherein the simultaneously activated beams each cover the first terminal device.

[0354] In this application, neighboring satellites can select either first information or second information to send signals to the first terminal device as needed, which can both avoid wasting beam resources and improve the success rate of the first terminal device receiving signals.

[0355] In this embodiment, the serving satellite can determine whether the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state in several ways. As previously described, if the serving satellite communicates with the first terminal device using the first information and the first terminal device does not respond, it can be determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state. Alternatively, the serving satellite can also determine that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state based on alarm information sent by the first terminal device; this process can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 To understand.

[0356] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0357] S801. The first terminal device sends an alarm message to the serving satellite. Correspondingly, the serving satellite receives the alarm message.

[0358] Terminal devices can detect the presence of obstruction in some way, such as by RRC connection loss or by the terminal device's inability to receive SSB signals; in this case, they send an uplink alarm signal to the serving satellite to inform it that it is currently in an additional attenuation state.

[0359] S802. The service satellite determines that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state based on the alarm information.

[0360] S803 to S807 are the same as S701 to S705, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] The communication system and communication method in the embodiments of this application have been described above. The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0362] Please see Figure 9 This application provides a communication device 900, which can realize the functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first or second communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the first or second communication device, such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0363] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 902 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0364] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is for performing Figure 2 When the method executed by the first communication device in the relevant embodiments is performed, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the processing unit 901 is used to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams according to a first type of beam superposition level, wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area; the transceiver unit 902 is used to send a first type of signal or channel to a terminal device using the simultaneously activated beams.

[0365] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is for performing Figure 2 When the method executed by the second communication device in the related embodiments is used, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the processing unit 901 is used to acquire first information. The transceiver unit 902 is used to transmit the first information.

[0366] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), or a SIP chip. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0367] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0368] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 900 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0369] Please see Figure 10 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in this application. The communication device 1000 includes a logic circuit 1001 and an input / output interface 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0370] in, Figure 9 The transceiver unit 902 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 10 The input / output interface 1002 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0371] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used for performing Figure 2 When the method executed by the first communication device in the related embodiments is performed, the logic circuit 1001 is used to transmit a first type of signal or channel to the terminal device using a simultaneously activated beam. The input / output interface 1002 is used to transmit the first type of signal or channel to the terminal device using a simultaneously activated beam.

[0372] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used for performing Figure 2 When the method executed by the second communication device in the related embodiments is performed, the logic circuit 1001 is used to acquire first information. The input / output interface 1002 is used to send the first information.

[0373] The logic circuit 1001 and the input / output interface 1002 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0374] In one possible implementation, Figure 9 The processing unit 901 shown can be Figure 10 The logic circuit 1001 in the middle.

[0375] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0376] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0377] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0378] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic controllers (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0379] Please see Figure 11 The communication device 1100 mentioned in the above embodiments provided for the purposes of this application can specifically be the communication device serving as a terminal device in the above embodiments. Figure 11 The example shown illustrates how a terminal device can be implemented through a terminal device (or a component within a terminal device).

[0380] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1100, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1101 and a communication port 1102.

[0381] in, Figure 9The transceiver unit 902 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 11 The communication port 1102 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1102 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0382] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1103 and a bus 1104. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1101 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1100.

[0383] Furthermore, the processor 1101 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0384] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. Figure 11 The specific implementation of the terminal device shown can be referred to the description of the first or second communication device in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0385] Please see Figure 12 The above-described embodiments of the communication device 1200, provided as an example of the present application, are structural schematic diagrams. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be a network device as described in the above embodiments. Figure 12 The example shown illustrates a network device implemented through a network device (or a component within a network device). The structure of this communication device can be referenced. Figure 12 The structure shown.

[0386] The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1211 and at least one network interface 1214. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1212, at least one transceiver 1213, and one or more antennas 1215. The processor 1211, memory 1212, transceiver 1213, and network interface 1214 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1215 is connected to the transceiver 1213. The network interface 1214 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1214 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0387] in, Figure 9 The transceiver unit 902 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 12 The network interface 1214 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1214 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0388] The processor 1211 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the communication device in performing the actions described in the embodiments. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Figure 12 The processor 1211 can integrate the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and a terminal device can include multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0389] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1212 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1211. Optionally, the memory 1212 can be integrated with the processor 1211, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1212 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1211. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1211.

[0390] Figure 12 Only one memory and one processor are shown. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0391] Transceiver 1213 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1213 can be connected to antenna 1215. Transceiver 1213 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1215 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1213 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1211 so that processor 1211 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1213 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1211, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1215. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0392] The transceiver 1213 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0393] It should be noted that, Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. Figure 12 The specific implementation of the communication device 1200 shown can be referred to the description of the first or second communication device in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0394] Please see Figure 13 The above-described embodiments of the communication device provided in this application are schematic diagrams of the structure of the communication device.

[0395] It is understood that the communication device 1300 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1300 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0396] Optionally, in one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (…). Figure 13 (Not shown).

[0397] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0398] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include AI modules 1307 and 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0399] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0400] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 1306.

[0401] in, Figure 9 The processing unit 901 shown may be a processor 1301. Figure 9 The transceiver unit 902 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 13 The transceiver 1305 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1305 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0402] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0403] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0404] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0405] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0406] Optionally, the communication system may also include a second communication device.

[0407] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0408] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0409] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes: The system receives first information sent by a second communication device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one beam stacking level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or a channel type, the beam stacking level is used to indicate the number of beams that are activated simultaneously, and the simultaneously activated beams are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type, and the first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device. According to the beam stacking level of the first type, a corresponding number of beams are simultaneously activated to transmit the first type of signal or channel; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the at least one first type.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate information about at least one wave position; wherein the information about each wave position is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, After receiving the first information sent by the second communication device, the method further includes: Receive second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the beam stacking level of at least one first type when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state, then according to the beam superposition level of the first type indicated by the second information, a corresponding number of beams are simultaneously activated to send the first type of signal or channel to the first terminal device; wherein, the simultaneously activated beams all cover the first terminal device respectively.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the beam stacking level of the first type indicated by the first information, the first type of signal or channel is sent to the first terminal device. If no response is received from the first terminal device, it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device, and the first information is also used to indicate the height of the second communication device above the ground.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Obtain first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one beam stacking level of a first type; wherein the first type is a signal type or a channel type, the beam stacking level is used to indicate the number of beams that are activated simultaneously, and the simultaneously activated beams are used to transmit signals or channels of the first type; Send the first information; wherein the first information is used by the first communication device to simultaneously activate a corresponding number of beams to send the first type of signal or channel according to the beam superposition level of the first type; wherein the simultaneously activated beams cover the same area, and the first communication device is a non-terrestrial communication device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the at least one first type.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first information includes: For each of the at least one beam scanning angle, measure the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when the first type of signal or channel is received by the terminal device at the corresponding beam scanning angle, so as to obtain the beam superposition level of the at least one first type associated with each beam scanning angle.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate at least one beam scanning angle, wherein each beam scanning angle is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first information includes: For each of at least one wave position, measure the number of beams that need to be activated simultaneously when the signal or channel of the first type is received by the terminal device of the corresponding wave position, so as to obtain the beam superposition level of the at least one first type associated with the information of each wave position.

14. The method according to claim 9, 10 or 13, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate information about at least one wave position; wherein the information about each wave position is associated with at least one beam stacking level of the first type.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal device is determined to be in an additional attenuation state, which is used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is being interfered with. Send a second message; wherein the second message is used to indicate the beam stacking level of at least one first type when the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The determination that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state includes: Based on the beam stacking level of the first type indicated by the first information, the first type of signal or channel is sent to the first terminal device. If no response is received from the first terminal device, it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The determination that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state includes: If an alarm message is received from the first terminal device, it is determined that the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state; wherein, the alarm message is used to indicate that the communication of the first terminal device is in an additional attenuation state.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9-17, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second communication device, which is a non-terrestrial communication device, and the first information is also used to indicate the height of the second communication device above the ground.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 18.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 18.

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