Communication method and device, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, a communication device, a storage medium and a computer program product, which are used for enabling a network device to send neighbor cell configuration information based on a request message, thereby reducing the transmission quantity of the neighbor cell configuration information, saving signaling overhead and reducing resource overhead. In the present application, a terminal device sends a request message when the terminal device moves to an edge area of a serving cell and / or a position change rate is greater than a first threshold. The request message is used for requesting to obtain neighbor cell configuration information. The neighbor cell configuration information comprises ephemeris information of the NTN device corresponding to the neighbor cell. The terminal device receives neighbor cell configuration information. The neighbor cell configuration information is sent by the network device in response to the request message, so that the quantity of the neighbor cell configuration information sent by the network device can be reduced, and the signaling overhead is saved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, the 5th generation (5G) New Radio (NR) technology is evolving from revision (R) 18 to revision (R19). Simultaneously, NR technology has moved from the standardization phase to the commercial deployment phase. The NR standard protocol is a wireless communication technology designed for terrestrial cellular network scenarios, providing users with ultra-low latency, ultra-reliability, ultra-high speed, and massive connectivity wireless communication services. Compared to terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication features large coverage areas and flexible networking, achieving seamless global network coverage. NTN communication utilizes equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, and satellites to provide data transmission and voice communication services to user equipment (UE). Considering the high mobility of NTN nodes, frequent cell handovers and cell reselections occur; therefore, reducing resource overhead is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product for enabling network devices to send neighbor cell configuration information based on request messages, thereby reducing the amount of neighbor cell configuration information transmitted, thus saving signaling overhead and reducing resource consumption.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device may include a terminal equipment or a chip (or chip system, or module, or circuit) inside the terminal equipment.

[0005] When the terminal device moves to the edge area of ​​the serving cell and / or its location change rate exceeds a first threshold, it sends a request message. The request message requests neighbor cell configuration information. The neighbor cell configuration information includes the ephemeris information of the NTN device corresponding to the neighbor cell. The terminal device receives the neighbor cell configuration information, which is sent by the network device in response to the request message.

[0006] The network device only sends neighbor cell configuration information to the terminal device when the terminal device sends a request message. If the terminal device does not send a request message, the network device does not need to send the neighbor cell configuration information. This scheme can reduce the amount of neighbor cell configuration information sent by the network device, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0007] In another possible implementation, neighbor cell configuration information and serving cell configuration information can be sent separately and not carried in a single system message. For example, a system message may include information about the serving cell but may not include neighbor cell configuration information. This reduces the amount of information in the system message, thereby saving resources. Furthermore, since the system message does not carry neighbor cell configuration information, changes in the satellites providing services to neighbor cells may not trigger an update to the system message, thus reducing the amount of system message updates and saving resources.

[0008] In this application, the edge region of a serving cell can refer to an area belonging to the serving cell and located at the edge of the serving cell. Alternatively, the edge region of a serving cell can refer to an area not belonging to the serving cell and located around the outer edge of the serving cell. Or, the edge region of a serving cell can include both areas belonging to the serving cell and areas not belonging to the serving cell, and the edge region of the serving cell can cross the boundary region of the serving cell.

[0009] For example, the edge region includes at least one of the following:

[0010] The region where the distance between the first reference location and the second threshold is greater than the second threshold, wherein the first reference location is located within the serving cell;

[0011] In regions where the distance to the second reference position is less than the third threshold, the second reference position is located within a neighboring region; or,

[0012] The region corresponding to a geographic region identifier that is different from the geographic region identifier of the service cell.

[0013] A terminal device can acquire information indicating a geographic area identifier. For example, after the terminal device moves to another area, the geographic area identifier received by the terminal device to indicate that area changes. Thus, the terminal device can determine that the current geographic area identifier is not the area corresponding to the previous serving cell, and consequently, it can determine that the terminal device has moved to the edge area of ​​the serving cell. A different geographic area identifier for a region may mean that the region does not belong to the serving cell, or it may belong to the serving cell, or it may still belong to the serving cell.

[0014] In the above situations, the terminal device is more likely to need neighbor cell configuration information. In these situations, sending request messages is more in line with the actual needs of the terminal device, thereby avoiding sending too many request messages that do not meet the actual needs and thus saving signaling overhead.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives a system message. The system message includes information about the serving cell. Thus, neighbor cell configuration information and serving cell configuration information can be sent separately and may not be carried in a single system message. For example, a system message may include information about the serving cell but may not include neighbor cell configuration information. This reduces the amount of information in the system message, thereby saving resources.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the system message further includes at least one of the following: the resources occupied by the request message, the timing of the random access channel (RACH) corresponding to the request message, or the transmission period corresponding to the request message. Since the system message includes configuration information for the request message, the terminal device can send the request message based on this configuration information. For example, it can send the request message on the resources corresponding to the request message, thereby improving the success rate of sending the request message and consequently increasing the success rate of obtaining neighbor cell configuration information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the serving cell information is transmitted in the form of a reference configuration and / or candidate configurations, with the reference configuration being updated periodically at specified intervals. Neighbor cell configuration information is transmitted in the form of candidate configurations. Transmitting neighbor cell configuration information in this manner reduces the frequency of transmission, thereby reducing the amount of neighbor cell configuration information transmitted and saving resource overhead.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the request message may also include the location information of the terminal device. This allows the network device to provide better services to the terminal device based on this information. For example, the network device can identify which neighboring cell the terminal device is already in or will soon be in based on the terminal device's location information, and then send the configuration information of that neighboring cell to the terminal device, without sending configuration information of other neighboring cells, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives second information. The second information is used to configure a strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighboring cell configuration information. The second information instructs the terminal device to obtain the neighboring cell configuration information via a first method, which includes obtaining the neighboring cell configuration information through a request message. The network device can configure a strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighboring cell configuration information in order to reduce the amount of neighboring cell configuration information sent, thereby saving resource overhead.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends information indicating its moving speed. The moving speed is associated with a strategy for acquiring neighbor cell configuration information. This allows for the development of a strategy more closely aligned with the actual needs of the terminal device, thereby saving signaling overhead. For example, if the terminal device's moving speed is within a first speed range, the second information instructs the terminal device to acquire neighbor cell configuration information using a first method. When the terminal device's speed is within the first speed range (e.g., low / medium speed), the network device may move out of the serving cell, but the frequency of cell switching is not particularly high. In this case, the network device can send neighbor cell configuration information to the terminal device only when it receives a request message; if it does not receive a request message, it may not send neighbor cell configuration information, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device may include a terminal equipment or a chip (or chip system, or module, or circuit) inside the terminal equipment.

[0022] The terminal device receives configuration information. This configuration information is used by the terminal device to measure at least one neighboring cell corresponding to the NTN device. The configuration information includes a measurement timing configuration offset, which is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to the at least one neighboring cell. The terminal device performs measurements on the at least one neighboring cell according to the configuration information.

[0023] Because the offset configured for measurement timing is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell, the terminal device can perform more accurate measurements based on this offset. Furthermore, since the configuration information includes the offset associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell, the network device does not need to issue other information for calculating this offset; the calculation of this offset is performed by the network device itself, thereby reducing the amount of signaling that the network device needs to transmit and saving resource overhead.

[0024] In this embodiment, the starting point corresponding to the measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) is advanced by a first offset; and / or, the ending point corresponding to the measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) is delayed by a second offset. Thus, when the terminal device performs measurements based on the configuration information without requiring ephemeris information, it can measure as many neighboring cells as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood that the terminal device will select a suitable cell to camp on, thereby meeting its own communication service needs.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the offset configured for measurement timing includes a first offset and / or a second offset. The first offset is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to the first neighboring cell. The second offset is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to the second neighboring cell. The first and second neighboring cells belong to at least one neighboring cell. The distance between the NTN device corresponding to the first neighboring cell and the terminal device is less than the distance between the NTN device corresponding to the second neighboring cell and the terminal device. In this scheme, the first offset can be associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device that is relatively close to the terminal device (e.g., the closest) within a preset time period, and the second offset can be associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device that is relatively far from the terminal device (e.g., the farthest) within a preset time period. In this way, when the terminal device performs measurements based on the configuration information without requiring ephemeris information, it can measure as many neighboring cells as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood that the terminal device will select a suitable cell to camp on, thus meeting its own communication service needs.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the offset of the measurement timing configuration is associated with the cell's frequency and / or polarization.

[0027] This allows for configuration of measurement timing based on frequency and / or polarization. For example, two frequency points can be configured with different measurement timing configurations, or two polarization modes can be configured with different measurement timing configurations. This greater flexibility in measurement timing configuration allows for better matching of actual needs and improves the success rate of measurements.

[0028] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The network device may include a network equipment or a chip (or chip system, module, or circuit) within the network equipment. The network equipment may include NTN equipment or terrestrial network (TN) equipment. For example, the network equipment may include equipment deployed on satellites, drones, or high-altitude platforms, and may also include ground-deployed mobile network equipment. The satellite or satellite terminal may operate in transparent mode or regenerative mode.

[0029] The network device receives a request message, which requests neighbor cell configuration information, including ephemeris information of the corresponding non-terrestrial network (NTN) device. In response to the request message, the network device sends the neighbor cell configuration information.

[0030] The network device only sends neighbor cell configuration information to the terminal device when the terminal device sends a request message. If the terminal device does not send a request message, the network device does not need to send the neighbor cell configuration information. This scheme can reduce the amount of neighbor cell configuration information sent by the network device, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0031] In another possible implementation, neighbor cell configuration information and serving cell configuration information can be sent separately and not carried in a single system message. For example, a system message may include information about the serving cell but may not include neighbor cell configuration information. This reduces the amount of information in the system message, thereby saving resources. Furthermore, since the system message does not carry neighbor cell configuration information, changes in the satellites providing services to neighbor cells may not trigger an update to the system message, thus reducing the amount of system message updates and saving resources.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the network device sends a system message, which includes information about the serving cell.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the network device sends second information. The second information configures a strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighbor cell configuration information. The second information instructs the terminal device to obtain the neighbor cell configuration information via a first method, which includes the terminal device obtaining the neighbor cell configuration information through a request message.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the network device receives information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device, the moving speed of the terminal device being associated with a strategy for the terminal device to acquire neighboring cell configuration information. If the moving speed of the terminal device is within a first speed range, the network device determines that the terminal device acquires the neighboring cell configuration information via a first method.

[0035] For details regarding the transmission methods of edge areas, system messages, serving cells, neighbor cell configuration information, and request messages, please refer to the descriptions in the first aspect and its possible implementations, which will not be repeated here.

[0036] The description and beneficial effects of the third aspect and its possible implementations can be found in the description of the first aspect and its possible implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The terminal device may include a network device or a chip (or chip system, or module, or circuit) within the network device. The network device may include an NTN device or a TN device.

[0038] The network device sends configuration information. The configuration information is used by the terminal device to measure at least one neighboring cell corresponding to the non-terrestrial network (NTN) device. The configuration information includes an offset configured for measurement timing, which is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell. The configuration information is used to enable the terminal device to measure at least one neighboring cell.

[0039] Other relevant information regarding the measurement of the timing configuration offset can be found in the third aspect and the description of possible implementations of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] The description and beneficial effects of the fourth aspect and its possible implementations can be found in the description of the second aspect and its possible implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects. The communication unit is used to perform functions related to sending and receiving. The communication unit may be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be the input / output circuit, input / output interface, or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0042] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0043] Optionally, the communication device may also include modules that can be used to perform any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects.

[0044] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device may include at least one processor and a memory to execute any one of the first to fourth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects. The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program or instructions from the memory. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions in the memory, the communication device executes any one of the first to fourth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects.

[0045] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0046] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0047] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver. The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned terminal device or network device. The communication device may include at least one processor to execute any one of the first to fourth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, and the processor is coupled to the memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0049] In one implementation, when the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0050] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be manifested as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0051] Eighthly, a system is provided, which includes the aforementioned terminal device.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the system may also include a network device.

[0053] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed, causes a computer to perform any one of the first to fourth aspects, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to fourth aspects.

[0055] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising: an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, thereby enabling any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation thereof, to be implemented.

[0056] In practical implementation, the aforementioned communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0057] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device or a network device. The interface circuit can be an RF processing chip in the terminal device or network device, and the processing circuit can be a baseband processing chip in the terminal device or network device.

[0058] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component within a terminal device or network device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or communication chip. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pins, or related circuits on the chip or chip system. The processing circuit can be the logic circuit on the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0061] Figure 1C This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0062] Figure 1D This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0063] Figure 1E This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0064] Figure 1F This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0065] Figure 1G This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 2 A possible flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 This application provides yet another scenario illustration;

[0068] Figure 4 A possible flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 5 A possible flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 6 A possible flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a measurement timing configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a conventional measurement timing configuration provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 This is a possible schematic diagram illustrating a terminal device using a relaxed measurement timing configuration and a legacy measurement timing configuration in conjunction with an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The terms and nouns used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0078] (1) Region.

[0079] Region: Unless otherwise specified, "region" in the following embodiments of this application refers to a geographical region. A region is fixed relative to the Earth, or can be understood as a geographical area that is fixed relative to the Earth. For example, a region may have at least one of the following attributes: shape, outline, size, radius, area, geographical location, etc.

[0080] The term "region" can also have an altitude attribute, meaning a region can be understood as a geographical area at a given altitude or altitude range. By default, a region can refer to a geographical area on the ground with an altitude of 0 kilometers (km) or an altitude around 0 km (e.g., within the range of [-2, 2] km), or a geographical area with a certain average altitude. Additionally, it can refer to geographical areas at other specific altitudes or altitude ranges, such as a geographical area with an altitude of 10 km, or a geographical area with an altitude around 10 km (e.g., within the range of [7, 13] km).

[0081] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned region fixed relative to the Earth can also be referred to as a "wave position," "geographical region," etc. Of course, other names are also possible, and this application does not specifically limit the name of the region fixed relative to the Earth.

[0082] Different regions may have the same or different shapes, outlines, sizes, radii, and areas. Different regions may be geographically different. Different regions may or may not overlap.

[0083] In one possible implementation, "region fixed relative to the Earth" can be understood as follows: the region's outline, size, or geographical location remains unchanged; for example, the region's outline, size, or geographical location does not change over time. Alternatively, "region fixed relative to the Earth" can be understood as follows: the region's outline and the points within it can be described using a fixed Earth coordinate system, or the coordinates of each point on the region's outline in the fixed Earth coordinate system remain constant.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the shape of the region can be a regular hexagon, or other shapes such as a regular pentagon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the shape of the region can also be irregular, without limitation.

[0085] For example, the shape of a region can be defined by a protocol or by a network device. Regions defined by different network devices can have the same or different shapes. The same network device can also define multiple region shapes. Similarly, the size, radius, and area of ​​a region can also be defined by a protocol or by a network device. Regions defined by different network devices can have the same or different sizes, radii, or areas. The same network device can also define multiple region sizes, multiple region radii, or multiple region areas.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the Earth's surface can be divided into multiple regions, and these regions can be indexed (e.g., numbered). Terminal devices and network devices can agree on the numbering method for these regions (e.g., starting from 1 or 0) and the correspondence between regions and indexes. Alternatively, the protocol can define the numbering method for these regions and the correspondence between regions and indexes. Based on the region indexes, information such as the region's geographical location can be determined.

[0087] Optionally, the multiple regions can completely cover the Earth's surface, such that any location on the Earth's surface belongs to a certain region; or, the multiple regions can also cover part of the geographical location on Earth, for example, the multiple regions may not cover the Earth's South Pole and / or North Pole, that is, the South Pole and / or North Pole may not exist in the region.

[0088] Optionally, the method of dividing the network into multiple zones can be defined by a protocol or by the network device. Different network devices can define the same or different division methods. The same network device can also define multiple division methods.

[0089] As a first possible method of partitioning, the Earth's surface can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity, for example, a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 1 degree. If only this discretization method is used, the globe can be divided into 360×360=129600 regions. Terminal devices and network devices can define the indexes of these 129600 regions as 0,1,…,129599, or they can also define them as 1,2,…,129600.

[0090] Optionally, when introducing the altitude attribute of a geographic region, multiple grids can be defined to divide the Earth's surface. For example, a grid at an altitude of 0 km or within the range of [-2, 2] km can be divided into 1-degree latitude and longitude grids, generating 129,600 regions. At an altitude of 10 km or within the range of [7, 13] km, further division using 1-degree latitude and longitude grids generates another 129,600 regions. When indexing these regions, the index range needs to be expanded. For example, the total index could be 0, 1, ..., 129,599, 129,600, 129,601, ..., 259,199, where the first 129,600 indices represent the region index at an altitude of 0 km or within the range of [-2, 2] km, and the last 129,600 indices represent the region index at an altitude of 10 km or within the range of [7, 13] km.

[0091] For example, the granularity of the latitude and longitude grid can be determined based on the type of network device. For instance, a relatively small granularity can be used for discretization when the network device is a LEO satellite, and a relatively large granularity can be used when the network device is a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite.

[0092] As a second possible method of division, the Earth's surface can be divided using latitude and longitude grids of various granularities. For example, a portion of the Earth's surface or a portion of its administrative region can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 1 degree, while another portion of the surface or administrative region can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 2 degrees.

[0093] Alternatively, by introducing the altitude attribute of a geographic region, the Earth's surface can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 1 degree at an altitude of 0 km, and the Earth's surface can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 2 degrees at an altitude of 10 km.

[0094] As a third possible method of division, the Earth's surface can be divided by administrative regions. For example, a township-level administrative region could be considered as a region.

[0095] As a fourth possible division method, for GEO satellites, the projection of one of the GEO satellite's beams onto the ground can be considered as a region. Since GEO satellites are stationary relative to the Earth, the projection of the GEO satellite's beams onto the ground can be considered fixed relative to the Earth.

[0096] In practical applications, the Earth's surface can be divided using a combination of different methods. For example, a portion of the Earth's surface or a part of its administrative region can be divided using a latitude and longitude grid with a granularity of 1, while another portion of the surface or administrative region can be divided according to its administrative region.

[0097] In one possible implementation, when the Earth's surface is divided into multiple regions, different levels of region division can be applied to the same surface area. For example, for a given surface area, a first level of region division can be performed using a 10-degree granularity latitude and longitude grid, a second level using a 6-degree granularity grid, and a third level using a 1-degree granularity grid. In this case, within the surface area, the number of regions at the first level is greater than the number at the second level, and the number of regions at the second level is greater than the number at the third level. Furthermore, in this scenario, each level of region can be individually numbered.

[0098] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as terrestrial communication systems, NTN communication systems, and satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with mobile communication systems. For example, mobile communication systems can be 4th Generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., New Radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems. Mobile communication systems can also be vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

[0099] Figure 1A An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 to which this application embodiment applies is shown. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (such as...). Figure 1A 110a and 110b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1A (Referring to 120a-120j in the original text). Terminal devices connect wirelessly to wireless access network (WLAN) devices, which in turn connect wirelessly or via wired connections to the core network. The core network devices and WLAN devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of the core network devices and the logical functions of the WLAN devices onto a single physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some WLAN device functions. Terminal devices and WLAN devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections. Figure 1A This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1A It is not shown in the middle.

[0100] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application include, for example, radio access network (RAN) devices. RAN devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), base stations in 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems; they can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station, for example, they can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). The CU (Radio Control Unit) performs the functions of the radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU (Radio Link Control Unit) performs the functions of the radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU (Radio Receiver Unit) can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in the remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (open-DU, O-DU), and a RU can also be called an open RU (open-RU, O-RU).In this application, any of the following units—CU (or CU control plane (CU-CP), CU user plane (CU-UP), DU, and RU)—can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU-CP can also be called open-CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-UP can also be called open-CU-UP (O-CU-UP).

[0101] Figure 1B An exemplary diagram illustrates an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. The O-RAN system in the embodiments provided in this application may include... Figure 1B Other components besides those shown. For example... Figure 1B As shown, the access network equipment (RAN, such as an eNB, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or access network equipment in a future mobile communication system) communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with the user equipment (UE) via an air interface. For example, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may be co-located or not. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can send signaling, etc., to the terminal device (e.g., UE). The transmission of this signaling can be carried out by the CU and / or DU in the network device to the terminal device.

[0102] Figure 1C An exemplary diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1CAs shown, O-RAN can include O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU. The system architecture can also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework, an open eNB (O-eNB), a near-real-time (RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and a non-real-time RIC. The non-RTIC can monitor, configure, manage, and control radio resources of at least one of multiple O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, DU, or O-eNB. Figure 1C As shown, the interfaces defined by 3GPP include, for example, E1, F1 (e.g., F1-c, F1-u), NG (e.g., NG-c, NG-u), Xn (e.g., Xn-c, Xn-u), and X2 (e.g., X2-c, X2-u). For example, O-RAN communication systems also include interfaces such as O1, O2, E2, A1, and Open Fronthaul (FH) interfaces (e.g., Open-FH Control (M)-plane, and Open-FH Control, User and Synchronization (CUS)-plane). Figure 1C The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown are examples. In actual applications, O-RAN systems may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0103] Wireless access network equipment can be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1A 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1A 110b) in the text can also be a relay device, relay node, or donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of a wireless access network device.

[0104] Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, sensors, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0105] The aforementioned terminal devices can establish connections with the operator's network through interfaces provided by the operator's network (such as N1), and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator's network. The terminal devices can also access the Domain Name System (DNS) through the operator's network, and use operator services deployed on the DNS, and / or services provided by third parties. These third parties can be service providers outside of the operator's network and the terminal devices, and can provide other data and / or voice services to the terminal devices. The specific form of these third parties can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0106] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0107] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1A The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1AThe 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1A The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0108] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0110] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal device, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal device needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal device has established a radio connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device. When the terminal device communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0111] The core network involved in this application embodiment may include network devices that process and forward user signaling and data. For example, it includes core network devices such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), user plane gateways, and location management devices. The user plane gateway can be a server with functions such as mobility management, routing, and forwarding of user plane data, generally located on the network side, such as a serving gateway (SGW), packet data network gateway (PGW), or user plane function (UPF). AMF and SMF are equivalent to the mobility management entity (MME) in a long-term evolution (LTE) system. AMF is mainly responsible for admission aspects, and SMF is mainly responsible for session management. Of course, the core network may also include other network elements, which are not listed here.

[0112] Figure 1D and Figure 1E The diagram illustrates network architectures for several communication systems applicable to embodiments of this application. These communication systems may include satellites, network devices, and terminal devices. They may also include gateways and core network devices. Figure 1D and Figure 1E An exemplary network architecture combining NTN and terrestrial networks is illustrated below. This will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0113] The satellite can be a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, or a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This application does not limit the satellite's operating mode; for example, the satellite can operate in transparent mode or regenerative mode. Figure 1D This illustration uses the satellite's transparent transmission mode as an example. Figure 1E This illustration uses the satellite's operating mode as the regeneration mode as an example.

[0114] When a satellite operates in transparent mode, it provides transparent relay forwarding functionality. A gateway possesses the functions of a network device (such as a base station) or some of the functions of a network device (such as a base station); in this case, the gateway can be considered a network device (such as a base station). Alternatively, the network device (such as a base station) can be deployed separately from the gateway. In this case, the feeder link latency includes both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB. The transparent mode discussed later assumes that the gateway and gNB are located together or close to each other. For cases where the gateway and gNB are far apart, the feeder link latency is simply the sum of the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB.

[0115] When a satellite is operating in regenerative mode, it has data processing capabilities and functions as a network device (such as a base station) or partially functions as a network device (such as a base station). In this case, the satellite can be regarded as a network device (such as a base station).

[0116] Satellites can communicate wirelessly with terminal devices via broadcast communication signals and navigation signals. Optionally, each satellite can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to terminal devices through multiple beams. For example, each satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and the relationship between different beams can be one or more of time-division, frequency-division, and space-division.

[0117] A gateway (also known as a ground station, earth station, or gateway) is a network device used to connect satellites and ground-based network equipment (such as ground base stations). One or more satellites can connect to one or more ground-based network devices (such as ground base stations) through one or more gateways; this is not a limitation. The link between the satellite and the terminal device is called a service link, and the link between the satellite and the gateway is called a feeder link. Network equipment can be deployed separately from the gateway; therefore, the latency of the feeder link can include both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the network equipment.

[0118] The network devices in this application embodiment may include network devices deployed on satellites (such as satellite base stations), network devices deployed on gateways, or network devices deployed on the ground (such as ground base stations). For example, the network devices may be... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D or Figure 1E This includes radio access network (RAN) nodes and RAN nodes in the O-RAN system. See the foregoing description for relevant details, which will not be repeated here.

[0119] The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D or Figure 1E The terminals, terminal equipment, or terminal devices involved are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0120] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication system architectures, such as air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems, which include at least one network device and at least one high-altitude terminal device. High-altitude terminal devices include, for example, high-altitude aircraft and onboard terminal devices.

[0121] Satellite movement will cause the serving cell and the corresponding satellites of the terminal device to change. Figure 1F An exemplary schematic diagram of a possible communication system is shown. For example... Figure 1F As shown, at time t1, SAT-1 provides service to area Z1, and SAT-2 provides service to area Z2. The UE cluster within a single beam in area Z2 is denoted as UE-G1, which contains multiple UEs. At time t1, UE-G1 is served by one or more beams of satellite SAT-2. As the satellite moves, at time t2, the movement of satellite SAT-2 causes area Z2 to become unserviceable, and one or more beams of satellite SAT-1 take over the service from UE-G1. Furthermore, due to the high speed of satellite movement, the frequency of serving cell and neighbor cell changes is also relatively high.

[0122] Figure 1G An exemplary scenario is illustrated, to which an embodiment of this application applies. For example... Figure 1G As shown, UE-1 is located in cell SC#i, and the serving cell of UE-1 is SC#i. This SC#i has multiple neighboring cells, for example... Figure 1G The diagram shows neighboring cells SC#j, SC#k, and SC#l of SC#i. The network device can provide communication services to the cell. Figure 1G The example used is a satellite, but this network device can also be replaced by other mobile devices that can provide communication services, such as drones or equipment on high-altitude mobile platforms. Figure 1G The table below shows the serving cell and neighboring cells corresponding to UE-1 at times t1 and t2, respectively. Tables 1 and 2 below further illustrate this. Figure 1G At times t1 and t2, the serving cell and neighboring cells corresponding to UE-1, as well as the corresponding satellite and physical cell identifier (PCI).

[0123] Table 1 shows the serving cell and neighboring cells of UE-1 at time t1, as well as the corresponding satellite and PCI.

[0124]

[0125] Table 2 shows the serving cell and neighboring cells of UE-1 at time t2, as well as the corresponding satellite and PCI.

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] It can be seen that if UE-1's location does not change significantly, for example, if UE-1 does not move out of its serving cell, UE-1's serving cell will generally not change. However, the satellite providing service to a cell will frequently change. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, UE-1's neighboring cell SC#j is provided with communication services by satellite SAT-12 at time t1 and by satellite SAT-22 at time t2, but SC#j's PCI remains unchanged, being PCI-2 at both times t1 and t2. The situation for other neighboring cells is similar and will not be elaborated further.

[0129] Figure 1G This is one possible example. In actual applications, the frequency of satellite replacement for the serving cell and neighboring cells may be different. For example, at time t2, the satellite corresponding to the serving cell may not be replaced (e.g., the serving cell SC#i of UE-1 provides communication services on satellite SAT-11 at both time t1 and time t2, and the PCI of SC#i is PCI-1 in both cases), or the satellite corresponding to a certain neighboring cell of UE-1 may not be replaced.

[0130] In one possible approach, the serving cell's information and the configuration information of at least one neighboring cell (e.g., ephemeris information of the satellite providing communication services to the neighboring cell) are bound to the same message and transmitted at the same frequency. Any change in the satellite providing services to any neighboring cell will trigger an update of the system message (e.g., system information block (SIB) 19), resulting in significant signaling overhead.

[0131] Based on the above problems, this application provides several possible implementation methods. For example, in one possible implementation, the information of the serving cell and the configuration information of neighboring cells can be sent separately and may not be carried in a single system message. For example, a single system message may include the information of the serving cell but may not include the configuration information of neighboring cells. This reduces the amount of information in the system message, thereby saving resources. As another example, since the system message does not carry the configuration information of neighboring cells, changes in the satellites providing service to neighboring cells may not trigger an update to the system message, thus reducing the amount of system message updates and saving resources. For yet another example, the network device only sends the configuration information of neighboring cells to the terminal device when the terminal device sends a request message. If the terminal device does not send a request message, the network device may not send the configuration information of neighboring cells. This scheme can reduce the amount of neighboring cell configuration information sent by the network device, thereby saving signaling overhead. Related implementation methods can be found in the following sections. Figure 2 The content provided will not be described here.

[0132] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the network can be configured to provide a strategy for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information for the terminal device, thereby reducing the amount of neighboring cell configuration information sent and saving resource overhead. Related implementation methods can be found in the following sections. Figure 4 The content provided will not be described here.

[0133] For example, the configuration information of the serving cell and neighboring cells can be sent at different transmission frequencies, thereby reducing signaling overhead and saving resources.

[0134] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F and Figure 1G At least one of the contents shown in the above, as well as the other contents mentioned above, Figure 2 An exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. For ease of understanding, Figure 2 This section uses the interaction between a terminal device and a network device as an example for explanation. The terminal device may include... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F or Figure 1G The terminal equipment involved, or the chip (or chip system, or module, or circuit) within the terminal equipment, may be included. Network devices may include... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F or Figure 1G This refers to network equipment or chips (or chip systems, modules, or circuits) within network equipment. Network equipment can include NTN equipment or TN equipment. For example, network equipment includes equipment deployed on satellites, drones, or high-altitude platforms, and can also include ground-deployed mobile network equipment. The satellite or satellite terminal can operate in transparent mode or regenerative mode.

[0135] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes steps 201 and 202.

[0136] Step 201: The terminal device sends a request message.

[0137] Correspondingly, the network device receives the request message.

[0138] The request message is used to request neighbor cell configuration information. In this embodiment, the neighbor cell configuration information can also be replaced with other names, such as neighbor cell auxiliary information. The neighbor cell configuration information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information, epoch information, timing advance (TA) / TA report information, uplink synchronization validity period, and scheduling offset information of the NTN device corresponding to the neighbor cell. The request message can be called a system information (SI) request message. For example, the scheduling offset information may include K_mac and / or K_offset. K_offset is the scheduling offset used for timing, and K_mac is the scheduling offset caused by misalignment of uplink and downlink frame boundary timing on the network side. For example, the ephemeris information may include at least one of the following: ephemeris validity period, time information, position information, velocity information, and orbital related parameter information (such as semi-major axis, eccentricity, orbital inclination, pericentric argument, ascending node longitude, and true anomaly angle).

[0139] In step 201, in one possible implementation, the terminal device may send a request message upon the occurrence of a first event. The first event in this application embodiment can be implemented in various ways. For example, the first event includes / is the terminal device moving to the edge area of ​​the serving cell (see Implementation A for details), and / or, the terminal device's position change rate being greater than (or not less than) a first threshold (Implementation B). The first condition in this application embodiment may also have other names, such as a triggering event.

[0140] In this application, the edge region of a serving cell can refer to an area belonging to the serving cell and located at its edge. Alternatively, the edge region of a serving cell can refer to an area not belonging to the serving cell and located around its outer edge. Alternatively, the edge region of a serving cell can include both areas belonging to the serving cell and areas not belonging to the serving cell, and this edge region can cross the boundary region of the serving cell. In the embodiments of this application, the edge region is the name of a region. For ease of understanding, it is referred to as an edge region in this document. However, the edge region in the embodiments of this application can also be replaced with other names, such as Region One or First Region.

[0141] In implementation method A, the first event includes the terminal device moving to the edge area of ​​the serving cell.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the edge region includes at least one of the following regions: region A1, region A2, or region A3.

[0143] Region A1 is a region whose distance from the first reference location is greater than (or not less than) the second threshold, and the first reference location is located within the serving cell.

[0144] In this embodiment, the reference location can be a location within the serving cell (e.g., the central area or a relatively central area). For example, the first reference location can be the cell center point or beam center point of the serving cell, or other preset reference geographical locations. The second threshold can also be called the first distance threshold.

[0145] The first reference position and / or the second threshold may be pre-configured to the terminal device, pre-defined, or indicated to the terminal device by other devices. For example, a network device may send information indicating the first reference position and / or the second threshold to the terminal device via signaling. In another possible implementation, if the first reference position and / or the second threshold are not configured, the terminal device may reuse the reference position of the measurement-related serving cell in SIB19 as the first reference position, and / or reuse the threshold corresponding to the measurement-related serving cell in SIB19 as the second threshold. The threshold in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a threshold, etc.

[0146] Area A1 is a region that is far from the first reference position of the serving cell. In this area, the terminal device is more likely to move to a neighboring cell and will likely need neighboring cell configuration information. Therefore, it is more in line with the actual needs of the terminal device to send a request message to obtain neighboring cell configuration information in this area. This can avoid sending too many request messages that do not meet the actual needs, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0147] Region A2 is a region whose distance from the second reference position is less than (or not greater than) the third threshold, and the second reference position is located within a neighboring region.

[0148] In this embodiment, the reference location can be a location within a neighboring cell (e.g., the central area or a more central area). For example, the second reference location can be the cell center point or beam center point of a neighboring cell, or other preset reference geographical locations. The third threshold can also be called the second distance threshold.

[0149] The second reference position and / or the third threshold can be pre-configured to the terminal device, pre-defined, or indicated to the terminal device by other devices. For example, the network device can send information indicating the second reference position and / or the third threshold to the terminal device via some signaling. In another possible implementation, if the parameter is not configured for the second reference position and / or the third threshold, the terminal device can reuse the reference position of the measurement-related neighboring cell in SIB19 as the second reference position, and / or reuse the threshold corresponding to the measurement-related neighboring cell in SIB19 as the third threshold. The threshold in the embodiments of this application can also be called a threshold, etc.

[0150] Area A2 is a region that is relatively close to the second reference position of the neighboring cell. In this area, the terminal device is more likely to move to the neighboring cell and will likely need the neighboring cell configuration information. Therefore, it is more in line with the actual needs of the terminal device to send request messages in this area, thereby avoiding sending too many request messages that do not meet the actual needs and thus saving signaling overhead.

[0151] Region A3 is the region corresponding to a geographic region identifier that is different from the geographic region identifier of the serving cell.

[0152] Region A3 can also be replaced with: the region whose geographic region identifier has changed.

[0153] In this embodiment, the terminal device can obtain the geographic region identifier corresponding to the area where the terminal device is located. For example, the terminal device can obtain the geographic region identifier based on some positioning technology, or determine the geographic region identifier based on received signals, or determine the geographic region identifier through some identification rules, or determine the geographic region identifier based on pre-configured information. The geographic region identifier corresponding to a region can identify the geographical location of that region, and the geographic region identifier can also be replaced by a wave position identifier in a satellite scenario.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the geographic area identifier corresponding to its current location by receiving a list of area scope / system information area identifications. For example, if the terminal device is camped on a serving cell, the geographic area identifier indicated by the received list of area scope / system information area identifications is the geographic area identifier of the serving cell. When the terminal device moves to a new area, the list of area scope / system information area identifications received in that area may change (e.g., the geographic area identifier indicated by the list is different from the geographic area identifier in the previous list). In this case, the terminal device can determine that the area is one where the geographic area identifier has changed.

[0155] When the geographic region identifier of a terminal device changes, it indicates that the device has moved from one region to another. There is a high probability that the device has moved from the serving cell to a neighboring cell, in which case it is more likely to require neighboring cell configuration information. Therefore, sending request messages in regions where the geographic region identifier may change (e.g., region A3) better suits the actual needs of the terminal device, thus avoiding sending too many unrelated request messages and saving signaling overhead.

[0156] The edge region can also be replaced by multiple regions A1, A2, or A3 mentioned above. For example, when the terminal device is located in the intersection of region A1 and region A2, a request message is sent. Another example is when the terminal device is located in the intersection of region A2 and region A3, a request message is sent. Yet another example is when the terminal device is located in the intersection of region A1 and region A3, a request message is sent. And yet another example is when the terminal device is located in the intersection of region A1, region A2, and region A3, a request message is sent.

[0157] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram illustrates a scenario to which embodiments of this application may be applied. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the serving cell for UE-1 is SC#i. UE-1 is located in area #1 at time t3 and in area #2 at time t4. When UE-1 is in area #1, it does not need to send a request message, thus reducing signaling overhead. When UE-1 moves to area #2, it can send a request message. Figure 3Region #2 in the above embodiment may include, for example, at least one of region A1, region A2, or region A3 as defined in the above embodiment. For example, part or all of region #2 may belong to the serving cell SC#i and not to a neighboring cell (e.g., neighboring cell SC#j). Alternatively, part or all of region #2 may not belong to the serving cell SC#i and belong to a neighboring cell (e.g., neighboring cell SC#j). Again, part or all of region #2 may belong to the serving cell SC#i and belong to a neighboring cell (e.g., neighboring cell SC#j). Figure 3 The area #2 in the example is an example. In actual applications, area #2 may be an irregular area, such as an area on one side of the serving cell. Figure 3 This can be considered as the aforementioned Figure 1G In one example of the scenario shown, time t3 precedes time t4, and times t3 and t4 are not sequentially related to either time t1 or t2. For instance, time t1-t2 may fall between time t3 and time t4. That is, between time t3 and time t4, the satellite corresponding to the serving cell of UE-1 may have changed. The information of the serving cell can be transmitted through system messages. Although the satellite corresponding to the neighboring cells has changed during this period, in this embodiment of the application, the change of the satellite corresponding to the neighboring cells will not trigger the transmission of system messages or the transmission of neighboring cell configuration information. It can be seen that this scheme can reduce the signaling transmission volume between time t3 and time t4, thereby saving resources.

[0158] In implementation method B, the first event includes a terminal device position change rate greater than (or not less than) a first threshold.

[0159] The rate of change of the terminal device's position can also be replaced by the range of movement of the terminal device within a unit of time. The rate of change of the terminal device's position being greater than (or not less than) the first threshold can also be replaced by: the amount of position change of the terminal device within a specified time (e.g., a unit of time) being greater than (or not less than) the fourth threshold.

[0160] In these situations, the terminal device operates at a higher speed and is more likely to move to a neighboring cell, thus requiring neighboring cell configuration information. Therefore, sending request messages in these scenarios better aligns with the terminal device's actual needs, avoiding the sending of excessive unrelated request messages and saving signaling overhead.

[0161] Sending a request message when the terminal device moves to the edge area of ​​the serving cell and / or the rate of change of location is greater than a first threshold may also include / be replaced by: the terminal device sending a request message when at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0162] The distance between the first reference position and the second threshold is greater than (or not less than) the second threshold.

[0163] The distance between the second reference position and the third threshold is less than (or not greater than) the third threshold.

[0164] Received a geographic area identifier that is different from the geographic area identifier of the serving cell (or the geographic area identifier has changed); or,

[0165] The rate of change of the terminal device position is greater than (or not less than) the first threshold.

[0166] In another possible implementation, the terminal device may not send a request message if the first event is not met. When the terminal device does not send a request message, the network device may not send neighbor cell configuration information, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the request message is carried on MSG1 or MSG3. This ensures compatibility with existing technologies.

[0168] In another possible implementation, the request message may also carry other information, such as the location information of the terminal device or the movement trajectory information of the terminal device, so that the network device can provide better services to the terminal device based on this information. For example, the network device can identify which neighboring cell the terminal device is already in or will soon be in based on the location information of the terminal device, and then send the configuration information of that neighboring cell to the terminal device, without sending the configuration information of other neighboring cells, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0169] In another possible implementation, the terminal device may also receive information about the serving cell. This information may also be referred to as auxiliary information about the serving cell, or configuration information about the serving cell, etc.

[0170] Information about the serving cell can be sent via system messages. For example, a network device sends a system message that includes information about the serving cell. Correspondingly, a terminal device receives the system message. This system message can be sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, for example. The system message may include, for example, SIB19 or SIB31.

[0171] The system message also includes configuration information for some request messages. For example, the system message may include at least one of the following: resources occupied by the request message (e.g., preamble), access timing associated with the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) (this parameter can be denoted as ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex) (i.e., the mapping relationship between SSB and access timing), information about the RACH timing corresponding to the request message, or the transmission period corresponding to the request message. The resources occupied by the request message can be bound to the cell PCI; if the PCI remains unchanged, the resources occupied by the request message can also remain unchanged. Because this system message includes configuration information for request messages, the terminal device can send request messages based on this configuration information. For example, it can send request messages on the resources corresponding to the request message, thereby improving the success rate of request message transmission and, consequently, the success rate of obtaining neighbor cell configuration information.

[0172] Below is an example of a system message:

[0173]

[0174] As shown above, system messages can include information about the serving cell, such as the reference location (first reference location) and the distance threshold (second threshold) corresponding to the serving cell. The system message can also include request message information (SIBxx-requestConfig). Below is a possible example of request message information (SIBxx-requestConfig):

[0175]

[0176] As shown above, the configuration information of neighboring cells can include the reference location (second reference location) of the neighboring cell, the distance threshold (third threshold) of the neighboring cell, etc.

[0177] Step 202: The network device sends neighbor cell configuration information.

[0178] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives neighboring cell configuration information.

[0179] In step 202, the network device sends neighbor cell configuration information in response to the request message. If the network device does not receive the request message, it may choose not to send neighbor cell configuration information. The neighbor cell configuration information can be carried in broadcast, multicast, or unicast signaling. For example, it can also be carried in system messages. After obtaining the neighbor cell configuration information, the terminal device can perform cell reselection as needed.

[0180] Since the serving cell information and neighboring cell configuration information can be sent separately, they don't need to be carried in a single system message. For example, a system message can include the serving cell information but not the neighboring cell configuration information. This reduces the amount of information in the system message, thus saving resources. Furthermore, because the system message does not carry neighboring cell configuration information, changes in the satellites providing service to neighboring cells do not trigger an update to the system message, further reducing the amount of system message updates and saving resources.

[0181] For example, the network device only sends neighbor cell configuration information to the terminal device when the terminal device sends a request message. If the terminal device does not send a request message, the network device does not need to send the neighbor cell configuration information. This scheme can reduce the amount of neighbor cell configuration information sent by the network device, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0182] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 2 and Figure 3 At least one of the contents shown in the above, as well as the other contents mentioned above, Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram of a possible communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 The content shown is described from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices; see the aforementioned content for more details. Figure 2 The description will not be repeated here.

[0183] Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the network device can configure a strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighbor cell configuration information, thereby reducing the amount of neighbor cell configuration information sent and saving resource overhead. The following section will further elaborate on this strategy. Figure 4 Let me introduce it.

[0184] like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes steps 401 and 402.

[0185] Step 401: The terminal device sends information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0186] Correspondingly, the network device receives information used to indicate the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0187] In step 401, the terminal device can report capability information, such as whether the terminal device is a fixed terminal device or a mobile terminal device, and the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0188] Step 402: The network device sends the second information.

[0189] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information.

[0190] The second piece of information is used to configure the terminal device's strategy for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information.

[0191] exist Figure 4 In the given example, the network device can configure a strategy for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information based on the terminal device's movement speed. This allows for the development of a strategy more closely aligned with the actual needs of the terminal device, thereby saving signaling overhead. For example, the terminal device's movement speed can be correlated with its strategy for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information.

[0192] The following table 3 illustrates several possible examples of a strategy for a terminal device to obtain neighboring cell configuration information, along with the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0193] Table 3. Several possible examples of terminal device movement speed and strategies for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information.

[0194]

[0195] As shown in Table 3, when the terminal device is stationary, such as a non-movable terminal device fixed in a certain location, since it will not move out of the serving cell, a "policy of not obtaining neighboring cell configuration information" can be configured for it. The second message received by the terminal device indicates this policy, so the terminal device will not use either the first or second method to obtain neighboring cell configuration information. Therefore, the network device can send system messages without carrying neighboring cell configuration information. Changes in the network device providing communication services to neighboring cells will also not trigger the automatic transmission of system messages, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0196] As shown in Table 3, when the terminal device's speed falls within the first speed range (e.g., low / medium speed), the network device will move out of the serving cell. However, the frequency of cell switching is not particularly high. In this case, the network device can send neighbor cell configuration information to the terminal device only when it receives a request message. If it does not receive a request message, it does not need to send neighbor cell configuration information, thus saving signaling overhead. Changes in the network device providing communication services to neighbor cells can also avoid triggering the automatic delivery of system messages, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0197] As shown in Table 3, when the terminal device's speed falls within the second speed range (e.g., high speed), the maximum value of the first speed range is less than the minimum value of the second speed range. Due to the high movement speed of the terminal device, it may frequently change its physical area. For high-speed mobile terminal devices (such as airplanes and high-speed trains), neighbor cell auxiliary information can be sent to the terminal device via RRC reconfiguration using dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC configuration messages). This dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC configuration messages) can carry neighbor cell configuration information for a future time period (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour), thus saving signaling overhead. Furthermore, prohibiting the terminal device from obtaining neighbor cell configuration information via request messages further reduces signaling overhead. Changes in network devices providing communication services to neighbor cells can also avoid triggering automatic system message delivery, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0198] Figure 4 The provided implementation methods and the foregoing Figure 2 The provided implementation methods can be used separately or in combination. For example, when used in combination, the terminal device can execute the method when the second information instructs the terminal device to obtain neighbor cell configuration information through the first method. Figure 2 The given implementation method. If the second information does not indicate the first method, the terminal device does not execute. Figure 2 The given implementation methods include, for example, a second information indication not to obtain neighbor cell configuration information or an indication of a second method.

[0199] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 At least one of the contents shown in the above, as well as the other contents mentioned above, Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of a possible communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5 The content shown is described from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices; see the aforementioned content for more details. Figure 2 The description will not be repeated here.

[0200] Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the network device can transmit neighbor cell configuration information in the form of candidate configurations. This reduces the frequency of neighbor cell configuration information transmission, thereby reducing the amount of neighbor cell configuration information transmitted and saving resource overhead. The following section will further elaborate on this. Figure 5 Let me introduce it.

[0201] like Figure 5As shown, the method includes steps 501 and 502.

[0202] Step 501: The network device determines the transmission format of the serving cell information and / or neighboring cell configuration information.

[0203] Step 502: The network device transmits information about the serving cell in the form of a reference configuration and / or a candidate configuration, and sends neighbor cell configuration information in the form of a candidate configuration.

[0204] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information about the serving cell and / or neighboring cell configuration information. When the network device sends information about the serving cell, the terminal device receives that information. When the network device sends neighboring cell configuration information, the terminal device receives that information.

[0205] In this application's embodiments, the reference configuration can be written as "reference configuration". The reference configuration can be a general configuration provided by the network to a group of UEs within the same cell, serving as a reference for incomplete candidate configurations. The reference configuration is updated periodically at specified intervals. For example, an update to the reference configuration can be associated with a fixed modification period.

[0206] In this application embodiment, candidate configurations can be referred to as "candidate configurations" in English. These can be configuration portions of the RRC configuration information associated with a candidate cell, such as those used for LTM or subsequent CPAC. Candidate configurations can be complete configurations or incremental configurations relative to a reference configuration. Neighbor cell configuration information is transmitted in the form of candidate configurations (e.g., broadcast), thereby further reducing the transmission overhead of neighbor cell configuration information.

[0207] For example, information about the serving cell is transmitted in the form of a reference configuration and / or a candidate configuration. Figure 5 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The illustrated embodiments can be executed individually or in combination. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiments incorporate instructions, such as information about the serving cell and information about the request message, which are transmitted in the form of a reference configuration (e.g., broadcast).

[0208] In another possible implementation, the cell configuration information can be associated with {reference configuration, candidate configuration} related identification information to indicate the transmission format of the information. For example, the serving cell information includes information indicating which formats of {reference configuration, candidate configuration} the serving cell information (or the serving cell information and the request message information) are transmitted in. Similarly, the neighboring cell configuration information includes information indicating which formats of {reference configuration, candidate configuration} the neighboring cell configuration information is transmitted in.

[0209] Below is an example of a system message:

[0210]

[0211] As shown above, the system message may include information about the serving cell, such as the reference location (first reference location) and the distance threshold (second threshold) corresponding to the serving cell. This configuration information also includes the parameters {referenceconfiguration, candidate configurations}, which can be used to configure which forms of {reference configuration, candidate configurations} are used to transmit the information about the serving cell and the request message.

[0212] This system message can also include request message information (SIBxx-requestConfig). Below is a possible example of request message information (SIBxx-requestConfig):

[0213]

[0214]

[0215] As shown above, the configuration information of a neighboring cell can include the reference location (second reference location) and the distance threshold (third threshold) corresponding to the neighboring cell. This configuration information also includes the parameters {reference configuration, candidate configurations}, which can be used to configure which forms of {reference configuration, candidate configurations} are used to transmit the configuration information of the neighboring cell and the information in the request message.

[0216] Figure 5 , Figure 2 or Figure 4 At least one of the embodiments provided can be used separately or in combination. For example, step 202 described above can be adopted... Figure 5 The proposed solution.

[0217] pass Figure 5As can be seen from the provided implementation method, the neighbor cell configuration information can be transmitted in the form of candidate configurations, thereby reducing the transmission frequency of the neighbor cell configuration information and thus reducing the amount of neighbor cell configuration information sent, thereby saving resource overhead.

[0218] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 At least one of the contents shown in the above, as well as the other contents mentioned above, Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram of a possible communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 6 The content shown is described from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices; see the aforementioned content for more details. Figure 2 The description will not be repeated here.

[0219] like Figure 6 As shown, the method includes steps 601 and 602.

[0220] Step 601: The network device sends configuration information.

[0221] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives configuration information.

[0222] Configuration information can be sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. For example, network devices can broadcast the configuration information via system messages (such as SIB19).

[0223] Step 602: The terminal device measures at least one neighboring cell according to the configuration information.

[0224] Configuration information is used by the terminal device to measure at least one neighboring cell corresponding to the NTN device. Each cell periodically transmits multiple SSB beams in the time domain (i.e., SSB beam scanning), and the SSB beams of each cell are configured with the same frequency domain position in the frequency domain. To ensure accurate and complete measurement of all SSB beams under each cell, when the base station issues the measurement configuration, it not only indicates the SSB frequency points to be measured, but also indicates the timing position and duration of initiating SSB measurement, thus introducing a new concept: measurement timing configuration. SMTC can be a technology in the communication network used to manage the timing configuration of terminal device SSB measurement. SMTC can be used to configure the measurement time configuration of SSBs and can be used to indicate the time domain position of SSB occurrence. Measurement timing configuration may include, for example, SSB measurement timing configuration (SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration, SMTC). Measurement timing configuration can effectively indicate the time window for the terminal device to search for SSBs, reducing unnecessary measurement power consumption of the terminal device.

[0225] In another possible implementation, the offset of the measurement timing configuration is associated with the cell's frequency and / or polarization. This allows the measurement timing configuration to be configured according to the frequency and / or polarization; for example, two frequencies can be configured with different measurement timing configurations, or two polarizations can be configured with different measurement timing configurations. The measurement timing configuration can be more flexible, thus better matching actual needs and improving the measurement success rate.

[0226] For example, configuration information can be used to configure the SSB measurement timing configuration (SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration, SMTC). The measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) may include, for example, an offset. The measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) may also include other information, such as the period and / or duration of the measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC).

[0227] In this embodiment, the offset configured for measurement timing is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell. Because the offset configured for measurement timing is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell, the terminal device can perform more accurate measurements based on this offset. Furthermore, since the configuration information includes the offset associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell, the network device does not need to issue other information for calculating this offset; the calculation of this offset is performed by the network device, thereby reducing the amount of signaling that the network device needs to transmit, and thus saving resource overhead.

[0228] The offset configured for measurement timing can be at least one offset, for example, it may include a first offset and / or a second offset. In one possible implementation, the first offset may be smaller than the second offset.

[0229] The first offset is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to the first neighboring cell. The distance between the NTN device corresponding to the first neighboring cell and the terminal device is less than the distance between the NTN device corresponding to the second neighboring cell and the terminal device. For example, the first offset is determined by the distance between the nearest satellite in the neighboring cell and the UE during the dwell time period. For example, the first offset is the minimum offset, denoted as offset_min. For example, the second offset is associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device corresponding to the second neighboring cell. For example, the second offset is determined by the distance between the farthest satellite in the neighboring cell and the UE during the dwell time period. For example, the second offset is the maximum offset, denoted as offset_max. The first neighboring cell and the second neighboring cell belong to at least one neighboring cell. In this scheme, the first offset can be associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device that is closer to the terminal device, and the second offset can be associated with the distance between the terminal device and the NTN device that is farther from the terminal device. In this way, when the terminal device performs measurements based on the configuration information without requiring ephemeris information, it can measure as many neighboring cells as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood that the terminal device can select a suitable cell to stay in, and thus meet its own communication service needs.

[0230] In this embodiment, the starting point of the measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) is advanced by a first offset; and / or, the ending point of the measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) is delayed by a second offset. Thus, when the terminal device performs measurements based on the configuration information without requiring ephemeris information, it can measure as many neighboring cells as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood that the terminal device will select a suitable cell to camp on, thus meeting its communication service needs. Compared to the offset of a traditional measurement timing configuration (e.g., legacy SMTC), the offset of the measurement timing configuration configured in the configuration information is more lenient, and therefore can be called a relaxed measurement timing configuration or other names; for example, SMTC can also be called a relaxed SMTC. The name of the measurement timing configuration in this embodiment can be replaced with other names; for example, the relaxed measurement timing configuration can be called the first measurement timing configuration, and the legacy measurement timing configuration can be called the second measurement timing configuration, etc.

[0231] There are multiple ways to determine the measurement timing configuration in this application embodiment. For example, the measurement timing configuration in this application embodiment can be called a relaxed measurement timing configuration. In one possible implementation, the terminal device can first determine the start and end points of the legacy measurement timing configuration, and then adjust the start and / or end points of the legacy measurement timing configuration to obtain the start and / or end points of the relaxed measurement timing configuration.

[0232] Figure 7 An exemplary diagram illustrates the start and end points of a relaxed measurement timing configuration and a legacy measurement timing configuration. Figure 7 The diagram below illustrates the measurement timing configuration using SMTC as an example.

[0233] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in case (a), the starting point obtained by advancing the starting point of the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) by a first offset can be regarded as the starting point of the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC). The ending point of the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) can be regarded as the ending point of the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC).

[0234] For example, such as Figure 7As shown in case (b), the starting point corresponding to the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) can be regarded as the starting point corresponding to the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC). The endpoint obtained by delaying the endpoint corresponding to the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) by a second offset can be regarded as the endpoint corresponding to the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC).

[0235] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in case (c), the starting point obtained by advancing the starting point of the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) by a first offset can be regarded as the starting point of the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC), and the ending point obtained by delaying the ending point of the legacy measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC) by a second offset can be regarded as the ending point of the relaxed measurement timing configuration (e.g., SMTC).

[0236] For ease of understanding, Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of a traditional measurement timing configuration is shown. Figure 8 The following example illustrates the measurement timing configuration using SMTC. Figure 8 As shown, the vertical axis represents the system frame number, and the horizontal axis represents the subframe. Figure 8 The example shown in the figure illustrates an SMTC time window (SMTC window for short), with an SMTC duration of 2 milliseconds (ms), an SMTC offset of 1 ms, and an SMTC period of 20 ms.

[0237] In this embodiment, the terminal device can measure neighboring cells according to a relaxed measurement timing configuration, or use a combination of a relaxed measurement timing configuration and a legacy measurement timing configuration. Figure 9 An exemplary diagram illustrates a scheme for a terminal device that combines a relaxed measurement timing configuration with a legacy measurement timing configuration. Figure 9As shown, for example, the terminal device uses a relaxed measurement timing configuration to measure neighboring cells in the edge area of ​​the serving cell (e.g., area #2). In the central area of ​​the serving cell (e.g., area #1, which can also be called a non-edge area, or an area in the serving cell excluding the edge area), if the terminal device needs to measure neighboring cells, it can use a legacy measurement timing configuration. In this implementation, the configuration information can configure both a relaxed measurement timing configuration and a legacy measurement timing configuration.

[0238] Figure 6 , Figure 5 , Figure 2 or Figure 4 At least one of the implementation methods provided can be used separately or in combination.

[0239] pass Figure 6 The provided implementation allows the network device to configure a more lenient measurement timing configuration for the terminal device, which can be understood as an enhancement of the traditional measurement timing configuration. Since the configuration information includes an offset related to the distance between the terminal device and the network device corresponding to at least one neighboring cell, the network device does not need to send ephemeris information of the neighboring cells. The calculation of this offset is performed by the network device, thereby reducing the amount of signaling that the network device needs to transmit and avoiding the update of the serving cell system message caused by neighboring cell ephemeris updates, thus saving resource overhead.

[0240] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0241] Based on the same concept Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The communication devices shown can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F or Figure 1G The terminal device shown, or the chip (or chip system, or unit module, or circuit) inside the terminal device, can also be as follows: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F or Figure 1G The network device shown or the chip (or chip system, or unit module, or circuit) inside the network device.

[0242] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the terminal device or network device. The transceiver unit 1320 can also be referred to as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 1320 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit.

[0243] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In one possible implementation of the method embodiment shown, when the terminal device functions as described, the processing unit 1310 is used to send a request message via the transceiver unit 1320 when the terminal device moves to the edge area of ​​the serving cell and / or the rate of change of location is greater than a first threshold. The transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive neighbor cell configuration information.

[0244] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the terminal device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive system messages.

[0245] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the terminal device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive second information.

[0246] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5In the method embodiment shown, when the terminal device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to transmit information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device.

[0247] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 6 In the method embodiment shown, when the terminal device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive configuration information, and the processing unit 1310 is used to measure at least one neighboring cell according to the configuration information.

[0248] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In one possible implementation of the method embodiment shown, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive a request message and send neighbor cell configuration information in response to the request message.

[0249] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the network device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send system messages.

[0250] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the network device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send second information.

[0251] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, when the network device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device, and when the moving speed of the terminal device is within a first speed range, determines that the terminal device obtains neighbor cell configuration information through a first method.

[0252] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 6 In the method embodiment shown, when the network device functions as described, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send configuration information.

[0253] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0254] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 may include one or more processors. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1420 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information; output can be understood as sending, and input can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410, or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0255] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 In the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0256] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 The communication device shown can also be a schematic diagram of a possible baseband architecture. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the communication device may include a processing system, which may include one or more processors, which may be used to execute processes, such as... Figure 12 The process shown is #1...process #N.

[0257] Processing systems can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by a bus. A bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system. The bus communicatively couples various circuits together, including one or more processors (typically represented by a processor), memory, and computer-readable media (typically represented by a computer-readable medium, such as…). Figure 12 The computer-readable media #1...computer-readable media #N shown are illustrated. The bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. The bus interface provides the interface between the bus and the transceiver, as well as between the bus and the interface.

[0258] The communication device may also include a transceiver ( Figure 12(Not shown in the image), the transceiver can also be replaced by interface circuitry or a communication interface, etc. The transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together for communication with the corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium.

[0259] The processor is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software stored on a computer-readable medium. When executed by the processor, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. Functions that can be implemented by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium may include: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding a cyclic prefix (CP), removing CP, and one or more of the following.

[0260] The signaling involved in the embodiments of this application (such as first configuration information, second configuration information, first data, and second data) can be implemented by a processor, a memory, and a computer-readable medium. For example, the aforementioned signaling sent by a network device (e.g., a satellite device) to a terminal device is implemented by... Figure 12 The processor, memory, and computer-readable medium in the device process the above parameters and then send them to the terminal device.

[0261] when Figure 12 The communication device shown is used to achieve Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 In the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0262] When the above-mentioned communication device (e.g.) Figure 10 , Figure 11 or Figure 12When the communication device shown is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0263] When the above-mentioned communication device (e.g.) Figure 10 , Figure 11 or Figure 12 When the communication device shown is a chip applied to a base station (e.g., a satellite base station), the base station chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0264] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0265] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application provide a system including the aforementioned terminal device. In one possible implementation, the system may further include a network device.

[0266] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when run, causes the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6The possible implementations are shown.

[0267] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned... Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 or Figure 6 The possible implementations are shown.

[0268] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application (e.g.) Figure 11 The processor 1410 and / or Figure 12 The processor in the processing system can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0269] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0270] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of this application are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0271] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0272] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0273] It is understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of this application (such as the numerical numbers "first" and "second", and the letter numbers "A1" and "A2") are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the above-mentioned process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to terminal devices, and the method includes: When the terminal device moves to the edge area of ​​the serving cell and / or the rate of change of location is greater than a first threshold, a request message is sent. The request message is used to request the acquisition of neighbor cell configuration information. The neighbor cell configuration information includes the ephemeris information of the non-terrestrial network NTN device corresponding to the neighbor cell. The neighbor cell configuration information is received, which is sent by the network device in response to the request message.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge region includes at least one of the following: The region where the distance between the first reference location and the second threshold is greater than the second threshold, wherein the first reference location is located within the serving cell; The region where the distance between the second reference position and the third threshold is less than the distance to the second reference position, wherein the second reference position is located within the neighboring region; or, The region corresponding to a geographic region identifier that is different from the geographic region identifier of the serving cell.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive system messages, the system messages including information about the serving cell.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The system message also includes at least one of the following: the resources occupied by the request message, the timing of the random access channel (RACH) corresponding to the request message, or the transmission period corresponding to the request message.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The information of the serving cell is transmitted in the form of a reference configuration and / or a candidate configuration, and the reference configuration is updated periodically for a specified duration. The neighbor cell configuration information is transmitted in the form of the candidate configuration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The request message also includes the location information of the terminal device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before sending the request message, the method further includes: The terminal device receives a second message, which is used to configure a strategy for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information. The second message instructs the terminal device to obtain the neighboring cell configuration information through a first method, wherein the first method includes the terminal device obtaining the neighboring cell configuration information through the request message.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Before receiving the second information, the process also includes: Send information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device; The moving speed of the terminal device is associated with the strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighboring cell configuration information; When the terminal device's moving speed is within the first speed range, the second information instructs the terminal device to obtain the neighboring cell configuration information through the first method.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to network devices, and the method includes: Receive a request message, the request message being used to request the acquisition of neighbor cell configuration information, the neighbor cell configuration information including the ephemeris information of the non-terrestrial network NTN device corresponding to the neighbor cell; In response to the request message, the neighbor cell configuration information is sent.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The edge region includes at least one of the following: The region where the distance between the first reference location and the second threshold is greater than the second threshold, wherein the first reference location is located within the serving cell; The region where the distance between the second reference position and the third threshold is less than the distance to the second reference position, wherein the second reference position is located within the neighboring region; or, The region corresponding to the geographic region identifier that is different from the geographic region identifier of the serving cell is received.

11. The method as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a system message, which includes information about the serving cell.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The system message also includes at least one of the following: resource information occupied by the request message, information on the timing of the random access channel (RACH) corresponding to the request message, or the transmission period corresponding to the request message.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The information of the serving cell is transmitted in the form of a reference configuration and / or a candidate configuration, and the reference configuration is updated periodically for a specified duration. The neighbor cell configuration information is transmitted in the form of the candidate configuration.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The request message also includes the location information of the terminal device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to configure the strategy for the terminal device to obtain neighbor cell configuration information, the second message instructing the terminal device to obtain the neighbor cell configuration information through a first method, the first method including the terminal device obtaining the neighbor cell configuration information through the request message.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Before receiving the second information, the process also includes: Receive information indicating the moving speed of the terminal device, the moving speed of the terminal device being associated with the strategy of the terminal device for obtaining neighboring cell configuration information; When the moving speed of the terminal device is within a first speed range, it is determined that the terminal device obtains the neighboring cell configuration information through the first method.

17. 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 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, the processor being used to 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 16, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores a computer program, which includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16, to be implemented.

Images