Random access method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a random access method and device, and relates to the field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: the random access configuration information of a first cell and the random access configuration information of a second cell are the same, and if the random access configuration information of the first cell is first random access configuration information and the random access configuration information of the second cell is second random access configuration information, the first random access configuration information and the second random access configuration information are the same. According to the embodiment of the invention, the terminal equipment can obtain the first random access configuration information in the first cell, and sends the random access channel in the second cell based on the first random access configuration information, so that the terminal equipment can send the random access channel even if the terminal equipment does not obtain the PCI of the second cell, and the time delay for initiating random access can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Before performing random access in a cell, a terminal device can first receive a broadcast signal of System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) sent by the cell's network equipment. SIB1 includes random access configuration information. The terminal device can parse SIB1 to obtain the random access configuration information and then send a random access channel based on that information.

[0003] Currently, when a terminal device resolves SIB1, it needs to first obtain the synchronization signal block (SSB) sent by the network device of the cell, obtain the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the cell based on the SSB, and then resolve SIB1 based on the PCI.

[0004] However, this method is relatively complex. When a terminal device moves from one cell to another and has a random access requirement in the other cell, the terminal device needs to receive SSB and SIB1 in the other cell before it can obtain the random access configuration of the other cell, resulting in a long delay for the terminal device to perform random access. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a random access method and apparatus, which helps to reduce the latency of terminal devices performing random access.

[0006] Firstly, a random access method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal-side communication device, or by other entities, without limitation in this application. The terminal-side communication device can be a terminal device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) within the terminal device, or a functional module within the terminal device capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a terminal device as an example. The method may include: obtaining first random access configuration information of a first cell, the first random access configuration information being used to configure one or more of the time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, or sequence information of a random access channel; and transmitting a random access channel in a second cell based on the first random access configuration information, the second random access configuration information of the second cell being the same as the first random access configuration information.

[0007] The random access method provided in this application uses the same second random access configuration information for the second cell as the first random access configuration information for the first cell. When a terminal device moves from the first cell to the second cell, if there is a need for random access, the terminal device can use the first random access configuration information of the first cell to send a random access channel in the second cell without waiting to receive the SSB of the second cell. This helps reduce the latency of the terminal device performing random access. Furthermore, since the random access configuration information does not depend on receiving the SSB, the method provided in this application also helps the network device extend the SSB transmission period, thereby achieving network energy saving.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first cell and the second cell are located in the same area. In this way, the random access configuration information of different cells within the same area is identical. Regardless of which cell the terminal device moves to within the area, it can transmit a random access channel in the current cell based on the random access configuration information obtained from the previous cell, without needing to receive the current cell's SSB, which helps reduce the latency of random access by the terminal device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the area is a tracking area or a wireless access network notification area.

[0010] In one possible implementation, before receiving the random access response, the method further includes receiving the physical cell identifier of a second cell. The physical cell identifier of the second cell can be used to respond to the random access channel, and the physical cell identifier of the second cell is the same as the physical cell identifier of the second cell carried in the SSB periodically transmitted by the network device to which the second cell belongs.

[0011] In this way, the terminal device can obtain the physical cell identifier of the second cell without waiting to receive periodic SSBs. In other words, the configuration of the physical cell identifier is triggered by the random access channel, rather than having to obtain it by receiving SSBs. This is beneficial for the terminal device to obtain the physical cell identifier of the second cell in a timely manner, and also for the network device to extend the SSB transmission period, thereby achieving network energy saving.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the physical cell identifier of the second cell is carried in a signal used for synchronization.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the signal used for synchronization is a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) or a Tracking Reference Signal (TRS). This allows for easy implementation by reusing existing information-carrying rules and using the synchronization signal to transmit the PCI of the second cell.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the time-domain resource information includes one or more of the following: frame structure allocation, time-domain location of random access channel resources, random access response receiving window, or, mapping relationship between SSB and random access channel resources.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the frequency domain resource information includes one or more of the following: subcarrier spacing, frequency domain bandwidth, frequency domain location of random access channel resources, or the number of times random access channel resources are repeated in the frequency domain.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the sequence information includes one or more of the following: the number of available sequences, the sequence format, the number of cyclic shifts, the root sequence index, or a constraint set configuration; wherein the number of cyclic shifts is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate, and the constraint set configuration is used to configure the number of cyclic shifts for different cells.

[0017] Optionally, the sequence information can be preamble sequence information. In one possible implementation, when the cell radius of the first cell is smaller than the cell radius of the second cell, the number of cycle shifts is determined by the cell radius of the first cell; or, when the cell radius of the second cell is smaller than the cell radius of the first cell, the number of cycle shifts is determined by the cell radius of the second cell.

[0018] In this way, determining the number of cyclic displacements based on the smaller cell radius of the first cell and the second cell is beneficial to making the number of cyclic displacements of the first cell and the second cell the same.

[0019] Secondly, a random access method is provided. This method can be executed by a network-side communication device, or by other entities, without limitation in this application. The network-side communication device can be a network device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a functional module within the network device capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a network device as an example. The method may include: determining second random access configuration information that is identical to the first random access configuration information of a first cell, wherein the first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel; and receiving a random access channel in a second cell based on the second random access configuration information, wherein the random access channel is determined based on the first random access configuration information.

[0020] In this way, the random access configuration information of different cells is the same. Even if the network device does not send periodic SSBs, the terminal device can send a random access channel, and the network device can also receive the random access channel, which helps to reduce the latency of the terminal device performing random access.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before sending the random access response, the method further includes: sending the physical cell identifier of the second cell based on the random access channel.

[0022] The effectiveness of this method can be seen in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0023] The conditions that the first and second cells meet, the signals that the physical cell identifier of the second cell can carry, and the specific information included in the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information can all be referred to the description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0024] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a module for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects.

[0025] Fourthly, this application provides another communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0026] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0027] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device. When the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device, the aforementioned communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0028] Fifthly, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method in any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0029] In the specific implementation process, the processor 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 output to, for example, but not limited 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 the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0031] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0032] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0033] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0034] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending instruction information, can be a process of outputting instruction information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0035] The communication device in the sixth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0037] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0038] It should be understood that the third to seventh aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of PCI planning between adjacent cells;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the power consumption comparison of different networks;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic interactive diagram of a random access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic interactive diagram of another random access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 6This is a schematic interactive diagram of another random access method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. For example, "first cell" and "second cell" are merely used to distinguish different cells and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0052] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, a--c, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations, such as random access configuration information and sequence information, are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0054] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, such as LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems and LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems or New Radio (NR) systems, future communication systems, etc.

[0055] The terminal equipment in this application embodiment can also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc.

[0056] The network equipment involved in this application can be a device that communicates with terminal devices. This network equipment can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device. It can be a TRP, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the network equipment can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, or network equipment in a 5G network or a network equipment in a future evolved PLMN network. It can also be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​an NR system. The above-mentioned network equipment can also be a city base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a femtobase station, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 1 The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system may also include a core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN nodes. The communication system may also include Internet 300.

[0059] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0060] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (NR) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...). Figure 1110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0061] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0062] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0063] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals 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. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0064] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0065] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, 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 terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in this application can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions. In the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" involved can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as 3GPP standard protocols, which are not limited in this application.

[0066] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals 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.

[0067] 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 can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0068] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the terminology involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0069] 1. SSB, SIB, and random access procedures

[0070] (1) Synchronization signal block (SSB) includes primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH). SSB is mainly used for cell search, cell synchronization, carrying cell identity number (CI), downlink timing, and system message acquisition. SSB has two main functions: (1) cell synchronization and master information block (MIB) acquisition; (2) network equipment transmit beam training.

[0071] Specifically, for cell synchronization and MIB acquisition: the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) is carried in the PSS and SSS, and the terminal obtains the PCI by detecting the PSS and SSS. Different SSBs within a cell are identified by SSB indices, which are carried in the SSB's PBCH. Each SSB index corresponds to a transmission location, and the terminal completes downlink timing synchronization by detecting the SSB index and the detection time.

[0072] Through the aforementioned SSB detection, the terminal device acquires the MIB. The MIB indicates the candidate time-frequency positions of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) used to receive SIB1. The terminal device blindly detects the PDCCH at the candidate time-frequency positions. If the PDCCH is detected, it can receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the specified manner on the time-frequency resources indicated by the downlink control information (DCI) in the PDCCH, thereby acquiring the SIB1 carried in the PDSCH. SIB1 contains a lot of information, but its most important function is to complete the configuration of the primary cell (PCell), facilitating the terminal device in idle state to listen for paging messages, or to complete uplink timing synchronization through random access, thereby enabling the terminal device to switch to connected state. The association between the SSB and the random access channel, as well as the resources of the random access channel, are indicated by SIB1.

[0073] 2. Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

[0074] Each cell corresponds to a PCI, used by terminal devices to distinguish the radio signals of different cells. NR can support 1008 unique PCIs, which are divided into 336 groups, with each group containing 3 PCIs. During network management configuration, a number between 0 and 1007 can be configured for each cell. The NR cell search process can retrieve PSS and SSS; the combination of PSS and SSS determines the specific cell ID. The PSS can have 3 possibilities, used to help terminal devices synchronize time and frequency. The SSS can have 336 possibilities, used to help terminal devices identify the cell ID.

[0075] During PCI usage, PCI conflicts can occur, mainly categorized as PCI collisions and PCI confusion. To reduce the probability of PCI conflicts, existing NR cell planning uses a PCI modulo 3 staggered approach. This means that the PCI of the same network device is assigned to the same PCI group, while the PCI of adjacent network devices are in different PCI groups. Typically, for a three-sector NR, the three cells are arranged clockwise from due north, with group IDs configured as 0, 1, and 2 respectively; adjacent NRs are assigned different cell group IDs and reused throughout the network.

[0076] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of PCI planning for adjacent small intervals is shown. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Four network devices are shown. Network device 1 has three cells arranged clockwise from due north, with PCI values ​​of 51, 52, and 53. Network device 2 has three cells arranged clockwise from due north, with PCI values ​​of 69, 70, and 71. Network device 3 has three cells arranged clockwise from due north, with PCI values ​​of 48, 49, and 50. Network device 4 has three cells arranged clockwise from due north, with PCI values ​​of 75, 76, and 77.

[0077] These four network devices show that each network device's PCI is allocated within the same PCI group, while different network devices have their PCI allocated within different PCI groups.

[0078] Because adjacent cells have different PCIs, network devices can use the PCI to scramble the common signals transmitted by the currently camped cell, ensuring that the terminal device can identify the common signals transmitted by the currently camped cell, such as SIB1 and paging messages. The terminal device can obtain the cell's PCI from the SSB when receiving the cell synchronization signal block, and then use the PCI to decode all common signals transmitted by that cell. If the terminal device moves to another cell, it needs to reacquire the PCI of that cell before using it to receive common signals.

[0079] 3. Power consumption of network devices

[0080] Compared to LTE networks, NR networks offer a significantly increased transmission bandwidth, and the higher peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) further reduces the efficiency of power amplifiers (PAs). These factors contribute to a sharp increase in the transmit power consumption of NR network devices. Simultaneously, the dramatically increased number of transmission channels in network devices also leads to a sharp increase in the system's static power consumption. Finally, the higher deployment frequency bands and smaller coverage area of ​​NR networks, along with the increasingly dense deployment of base stations, further increase the overall power consumption of the entire network.

[0081] Currently, the power consumption of a single NR base station is typically 2 to 3 times that of a typical LTE base station. For example, Figure 3 A schematic diagram comparing the power consumption of different networks is shown. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the typical power consumption of a single remote radio unit (RRU) in the LTE era is 660W, while in the NR era, the typical power consumption of a single active antenna unit (AAU) increases to 1400W. Such high energy consumption is detrimental to environmental protection and sustainable social development, and also results in enormous electricity costs.

[0082] Currently, energy costs account for 23% of operators' overall operating expenses. Therefore, reducing the power consumption of network equipment is particularly important for the continued evolution of NR.

[0083] Currently, network devices need to continuously and periodically transmit public information to facilitate network identification and access by terminal devices. These continuously and periodically transmitted public signals incur significant signaling overhead for network devices. One possible way to reduce the power consumption of network devices is to lengthen the transmission period of the public signals. For example, the transmission period of the SSB can be extended from 20 milliseconds (ms) to 320ms, 640ms, or 1280ms. While this effectively reduces the power consumption of network devices, if a terminal device moves too quickly, it may move from its current cell to another cell within a single period. In this case, the terminal device may need to initiate random access in the other cell, but without receiving the SSB, it cannot obtain the PCI of that cell, thus failing to resolve the SIB1 of that cell and consequently, cannot obtain the random access configuration information, preventing access to other cells. A better solution is for the terminal device to receive the SSB when its transmission period ends, obtain the PCI of other cells based on the SSB, resolve the SIB1 of other cells based on the PCI, obtain the random access configuration information, and then access other cells. This results in a long delay for the terminal device to send a random access message when it needs to wait for the SSB period to arrive.

[0084] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a random access method. Terminal devices can access new cells based on the random configuration information of previously camped cells. In other words, the random access configuration information is set to be the same for different cells, thereby avoiding the problem of long delays caused by the need for SSB and SBI1 to send random access channels when the terminal accesses a new cell.

[0085] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the following is combined with... Figures 4 to 6 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail. The embodiments shown in this application illustrate the methods provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device interaction. The specific forms and quantities of the devices shown are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. Below, taking network devices and terminal devices as the execution subjects as examples, the methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0086] It should be understood that the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device; the network device can be the network device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device, and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0087] For example, Figure 4 A schematic interactive diagram of a random access method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be applied to the above-described... Figure 1 The communication system shown is not limited to this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, this method can be applied to a communication system including a terminal device, network device 1, and network device 2. The area covered by network device 1 can be referred to as the first cell, and the area covered by network device 2 can be referred to as the second cell.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0089] S401, Network device 2 determines second random access configuration information that is the same as the first random access configuration information of the first cell. The first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel.

[0090] If the random access configuration information of the first cell and the second cell is the same, and the random access configuration information of the first cell is called the first random access configuration information, and the random access configuration information of the second cell is called the second random access configuration information, then the first random access configuration information is equal to the second random access configuration information.

[0091] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the first cell and the second cell are used as examples for illustration. However, there may be one or more other cells with the same random access configuration information as the first and second cells. In other words, multiple cells may have the same random access configuration information. These multiple cells can be based on the cell where the terminal device may move to.

[0092] Optionally, the aforementioned multiple cells can be located in the same area, meaning that different cells within the same area have the same random access configuration information. For example, if the first cell and the second cell are located in the same area, then the random access configuration information of the first cell and the second cell is the same.

[0093] The area here can be used to represent a group of physically close or geographically adjacent cells that together cover a large geographical area. Terminal devices may move randomly within this large geographical area, possibly moving from one cell to another.

[0094] In this way, the random access configuration information of different cells in the same area is the same. No matter which cell the terminal device moves to, it can send a random access channel in the current cell based on the random access configuration information obtained from the previous cell, without needing to receive the SSB of the current cell, which helps to reduce the latency of the terminal device performing random access.

[0095] In some examples, the aforementioned area can be a tracking area (TA) or a radio access network notification area (RNA).

[0096] A Location Area (TA) is a geographical area in a mobile communication network, consisting of one or more cells, used to manage the mobility and location updates of terminal devices. Within a TA, terminal devices may not need to perform area updates. Random access configuration information can be identical across different cells within a TA.

[0097] An RNA (Radio Access Region) is a specific geographic area used for mobility management of terminal devices. Generally, an RNA can be a smaller area than a TA (Traffic Access Region), but its function is similar. Random access configuration information can be identical for different cells within an RNA.

[0098] The first random access configuration information is used to indicate the information required for the terminal device to perform random access. That is, the first random access configuration information can be used to indicate one or more of time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, or sequence information. The time-domain resource information is used to indicate the time-domain resources required for the terminal device to perform random access, the frequency-domain resource information is used to indicate the frequency-domain resources required for the terminal device to perform random access, and the sequence information is used to indicate the sequence required for the terminal device to perform random access.

[0099] It is understandable that terminal devices can perform random access on time-domain and frequency-domain resources, and network devices, such as network device 1 or network device 2, can receive random access on these same resources. When performing random access, the terminal device can carry a sequence to allow the network device to distinguish between different terminal devices. In some examples, the sequence information can be a preamble sequence. This reuses existing technologies and is easy to implement.

[0100] Optionally, the time-domain resource information may include one or more of the following: frame structure ratio, time-domain location of random access channel resources, random access response (RAR) receive window, or the mapping relationship between SSB and random access channel resources.

[0101] The frame structure ratio is used to represent the uplink and downlink frame structure. In other words, the frame structure ratio is used to define the time allocation of uplink and downlink transmission within a frame period.

[0102] Random access channel resources can also be called physical random access channel (PRACH) resources, or random access occasion (RACH occasion, RO), and this application does not limit them.

[0103] The time-domain location of random access channel resources can also be referred to as the location of time-domain RO or the time-domain location of RO. This application does not limit this.

[0104] The temporal location of a random access channel resource can include the frame, subframe, time slot, and symbol in which the random access channel resource resides. In some examples, the terminal device can obtain the temporal location of the random access channel resource from the prach-CongigurationIndex cell in SIB1.

[0105] The terminal device can determine its specified time domain position based on the RAR receiving window in order to receive the RAR sent by the base station. In other words, the RAR receiving window is used to indicate the time domain position of the terminal device to receive the RAR sent by the base station.

[0106] The mapping relationship between SSB and random access channel resources can also be called the mapping relationship between SSB and RO. Terminal equipment can determine the corresponding random access channel resources based on the received SSB and the mapping relationship between SSB and random access channel resources.

[0107] Optionally, the frequency domain resource information may include one or more of the following: subcarrier spacing, frequency domain bandwidth, frequency domain location of random access channel resources (RO), or the number of times the random access channel resources (RO) are repeated in the frequency domain.

[0108] The frequency domain location of random access channel resources may include the number of random access channel resources in the frequency domain and the starting position of the resource block (RB).

[0109] The frequency repetition count of a random access channel resource in the frequency domain indicates whether the random access channel resource can be multiplexed in the frequency domain. In one example, the terminal device can obtain the frequency repetition count of the random access channel resource in the frequency domain from the msg1-FDM cell in SIB1.

[0110] Optionally, the sequence information includes one or more of the following: the number of available sequences, the sequence format, the number of cyclic shifts, the root sequence index, or the constraint set configuration; wherein the number of cyclic shifts is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate, and the constraint set configuration is used to configure the number of cyclic shifts for different cells.

[0111] The number of available sequences indicates the total number of sequences that can be used.

[0112] The cyclic shift number is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate. In one example, the cyclic shift number is determined based on the radius of the cell.

[0113] For example, if the cell radii of the first cell and the second cell are the same, then the cyclic shift numbers of the first cell and the second cell are the same, and therefore the number of root sequences of the first cell and the second cell are also the same. For example, if the cyclic shift number is 46 and the sequence length is 839, then the number of sequences that a single root sequence can generate can be: rounding down 839 / 46 to get 18, then the required number of root sequences is: rounding up 64 / 18 to get 4.

[0114] For example, if the cell radii of the first cell and the second cell are different, the number of cyclic displacements can be determined by the smaller cell radius. That is, when the cell radius of the first cell is smaller than the cell radius of the second cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the first cell; or, when the cell radius of the second cell is smaller than the cell radius of the first cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the second cell.

[0115] In other words, if the cell radii of the first cell and the second cell are different, the number of cyclic displacements of the first cell and the second cell will be different, and thus the number of root sequences of the first cell and the second cell will also be different. The number of cyclic displacements of the first cell and the second cell need to be the same. Therefore, the number of cyclic displacements can be determined based on the smaller cell radius, or in other words, the number of cyclic displacements can be obtained by generating fewer root sequences.

[0116] For example, if the first cell requires 4 root sequences and the second cell requires 6 root sequences, then 4 is taken as the number of root sequences for the supercell. The number of sequences that can be generated by 4 root sequences is the number of cyclic shifts in the sequence information.

[0117] The root sequence index is used to identify the root sequence. The root sequence is related to the cell radius.

[0118] For example, if the first cell and the second cell have the same cell radius, then the first cell and the second cell have the same number of root sequences, and the root sequence index configured for each cell is the same. For example, if the number of root sequences is 4, then the root sequence index can be configured to 10-13.

[0119] For example, if the cell radii of the first cell and the second cell are different, the minimum set of root sequence indices for each cell can be used as the root sequence index. For instance, if the first cell has 4 root sequences and root sequence indices of 10-13, and the second cell has 6 root sequences and root sequence indices of 10-15, then the root sequence index in the sequence information of the first and second cells can be 10-13. The constraint set configuration is used to set specific signal parameters for terminal devices at different speeds. For example, for cells with low-speed movement and cells with high-speed movement, network devices can configure different cyclic shift values ​​to optimize signal transmission and reception.

[0120] The network device 2 may determine the second random access configuration information that is the same as the first random access configuration information of the first cell in a variety of ways.

[0121] In one possible implementation, network device 2 can negotiate with network device 1 via the backhaul link to determine the same random access configuration information. In this way, network device 1 and network device 2 can negotiate the same random access configuration information without relying on other devices, offering greater flexibility.

[0122] In another possible implementation, after determining the random access configuration information, network device 3 sends the random access configuration information to network device 1 and network device 2, so that network device 2 can determine the second random access configuration information that is the same as the first random access configuration information of the first cell. In this way, there is no need for interaction between network device 1 and network device 2, which helps to reduce signaling complexity.

[0123] In another possible implementation, network device 1 and network device 2 can be a single device, which can be configured with random access configuration information by default. For example, a device includes one CU and two DUs, which can be DU1 and DU2. DU1 can correspond to the first cell, and DU2 can correspond to the second cell. DU2 can be the aforementioned network device 2. The PCIs of the first cell and the second cell are different. These two DUs can be configured by default with the same random access configuration information. In this case, network device 2 determines a second random access configuration information that is the same as the first random access configuration information of the first cell.

[0124] S402, Network device 1 can send the first random access configuration information to the terminal device.

[0125] When the terminal device is in the first cell, the terminal device can receive the first random access configuration information sent by network device 1.

[0126] For example, network device 1 can broadcast SIB1 in a first cell. SIB1 includes first random access configuration information. Terminal devices in the first cell can receive SIB1 and obtain the first random access configuration information in SIB1.

[0127] It is understandable that before receiving SIB1, the terminal device can also receive the SSB broadcast by network device 1, obtain the PCI of the first cell based on the SSB, parse SIB1 based on the PCI, and obtain the first random access configuration information in SIB1.

[0128] S403. The terminal device can send a random access channel in the second cell based on the first random access configuration information.

[0129] The first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel. The terminal device can transmit the random access channel in the second cell based on the first random access configuration information. For example, the first random access configuration information can be used to indicate time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, and sequence information. The terminal device can transmit the random access channel on the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources, and the random access channel can carry the sequence from the sequence information.

[0130] When a terminal device moves from the first cell to the second cell, if there is a need for random access, it can send a random access channel in the second cell based on the first random access configuration information without waiting to receive the SSB of the second cell, which helps to reduce the latency of the terminal device performing random access.

[0131] The terminal device can send a random access channel in the second cell, and network device 2 can send a PCI before sending a random access response to the terminal device. In other words, when the terminal device sends a random access channel to network device 2, it triggers network device 2 to send a PCI to the terminal device. Or, the terminal device can receive the PCI from the second cell sent by network device 2 before receiving the random access response from the random access channel. This allows the terminal device to obtain the PCI even before the SSB period arrives, determine the initial scrambling sequence for DMRS based on the PCI, and demodulate the signal sent by the network device.

[0132] For example, Figure 5 A schematic interactive diagram of a random access method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0133] S501, The terminal device can send a random access channel to the network device 2.

[0134] This step can be referenced from S403 above.

[0135] If the sequence information is preamble sequence information, the random access channel may include the preamble sequence from the preamble sequence information.

[0136] If the preamble sequence information includes multiple preamble sequences, the terminal device can select one preamble sequence from the multiple preamble sequences to send to the random access channel.

[0137] In this embodiment of the application, the sequence information is described using the preamble sequence information as an example.

[0138] S502 and Network Device 2 can send the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device based on the random access channel.

[0139] It should be noted that network device 2 can periodically send a broadcast SSB, which carries the PCI of the second cell. In S602, the network device sends the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device, and the PCI of the second cell is the same as the PCI of the second cell carried in the broadcast SSB sent by network device 2. However, in S602, the network device 2's sending of the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device is not broadcast, nor is it periodic. Instead, it is sent to the terminal device based on the random access channel, or in other words, it is in response to the random access channel sent by the terminal device, or it is triggered by the random access channel.

[0140] Network device 2 sends the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to wait for the periodic SSB to obtain the PCI of the second cell, which is beneficial for the terminal device to obtain the PCI in a timely manner to determine the initial scrambling sequence of DMRS.

[0141] In one example, the PCI of the second cell can be carried in a synchronization signal. Optionally, the synchronization signal can be an SSB or a tracking reference signal (TRS); in other words, the PCI of the second cell can be carried in either an SSB or a TRS. This allows for easy implementation by reusing existing information carrying rules and using the synchronization signal to transmit the PCI of the second cell.

[0142] It should be noted that when network device 2 sends the PCI of the second cell via the SSB based on the random access channel, or in other words, when network device 2 sends the PCI of the second cell via the SSB before sending the random access response, this SSB is not periodic and may not be broadcast; it is used to respond to the random access channel sent by the terminal device. That is to say, this SSB is different from the SSBs that network device 2 periodically sends.

[0143] When the PCI of the second cell is carried in the TRS, in one example, the TRS can be the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) used for tracking.

[0144] In this example, network device 2 sends an additional TRS based on the random access channel sent by the terminal device, so that the terminal device does not need to obtain the PCI of the second cell based on the periodic SSB, which helps to reduce the latency of completing random access.

[0145] S503 and Network Device 2 can also send RAR to the terminal device based on the random access channel. The RAR can be used to indicate one or more of the following information: the preamble sequence included in the random access channel, timing adjustment information, the temporarily assigned cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), or the uplink resource allocation (UL Grant).

[0146] The RAR (Random Access Response) is used to indicate the preamble sequence included in the random access channel, signifying that the RAR is a response to the preamble sequence included in the random access channel. Timing adjustment information is used to adjust the uplink transmission timing of the terminal device so that the uplink signal can be correctly synchronized with network device 2. TC-RNTI is a temporary identifier assigned by network device 2 to the terminal device, used to identify the terminal device in subsequent steps of the random access procedure. UL Grant can provide uplink resources to the terminal device to facilitate the sending of subsequent messages such as radio resource control (RRC) connection requests.

[0147] S504. The terminal device can send uplink signals to network device 2 based on RAR and the PCI of the second cell. The initial scrambling sequence of DMRS in the uplink signal is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

[0148] Terminal devices can acquire uplink resources based on RAR and determine the initial scrambling sequence of the uplink signal's DMRS based on the PCI of the second cell, and then transmit uplink signals on the uplink resources.

[0149] The uplink signal can be an RRC reconstruction information request, an RRC establishment request, or an RRC resume request, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0150] S505. Based on the uplink signal, network device 2 can send a contention resolution message to the terminal device.

[0151] Within the second cell covered by network device 2, there may be multiple terminal devices. If these terminal devices select the same preamble sequence to transmit the random access channel at the same time, network device 2 can simultaneously receive two uplink signals. Since network device 2 can only detect uplink signals transmitted by one terminal device at a time when detecting uplink resources, receiving two uplink signals simultaneously will cause a collision. Therefore, network device 2 can use a collision resolution message after receiving the uplink signal to avoid the collision.

[0152] For example, network device 2 receives multiple uplink signals. After successfully decoding one of these uplink signals, network device 2 can truncate the first X bits of the successfully decoded uplink signal, scramble these X bits using TC-RNTI, and then carry them in a conflict resolution message before sending it to the terminal device. Upon receiving the conflict resolution message, the terminal device can check whether the information carried in the conflict resolution message matches the uplink signal it sent. If they match, random access is successful; otherwise, random access fails.

[0153] In some examples, the random access channel in S501 can be called message 1 (msg1), the RAR in S503 can be called message 2 (msg2), the uplink signal in S504 can be called message 3 (msg3), and the collision resolution message in S505 can be called message 4 (msg4).

[0154] exist Figure 5 In the method shown, network device 2 can send the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device based on the random access channel. The terminal device can use the PCI of the second cell to determine the initial scrambling sequence of DMRS in the uplink signal, which is convenient for subsequent signal demodulation. In this way, the terminal device does not need to wait for the SSB period to arrive before it can obtain the PCI of the second cell. Obtaining the PCI of the second cell in advance helps to reduce the latency of the terminal device to complete random access.

[0155] The above combination Figure 5 This section describes the process by which a terminal device completes random access in four steps. The following section will combine... Figure 6 This section describes the process by which a terminal device completes random access in two steps.

[0156] For example, Figure 6 A schematic interactive diagram of a random access method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0157] S601, The terminal device can send a random access channel to the network device 2.

[0158] S602 and Network Device 2 can send the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device based on the random access channel.

[0159] S601 and S602 can be referred to S501 and S502 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0160] S603, The terminal device can send uplink signals to network device 2.

[0161] The uplink signal and the random access channel can be referred to as message A (msgA).

[0162] Network device 2 sends the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device. The terminal device can obtain the PCI of the second cell without waiting for the periodic SSB, which is beneficial for the terminal device to obtain the PCI in a timely manner to determine the initial scrambling sequence of DMRS in the uplink signal.

[0163] In one example, the PCI of the second cell can be carried in a synchronization signal, which can be used in response to a random access channel.

[0164] Optionally, the signal used for synchronization can be an SSB or a TRS; in other words, the PCI of the second cell can be carried in an SSB or a TRS.

[0165] S604, Network device 2 can send message B (message B, msgB) to terminal device based on uplink signals.

[0166] The information carried in msgB may include: the above Figure 5 The information included in the RAR and the information carried in conflict resolution are therefore equivalent to S503 and S505 mentioned above.

[0167] exist Figure 6In the method shown, network device 2 can send the PCI of the second cell to the terminal device based on the random access channel. In this way, the terminal device does not need to wait for the SSB period to arrive before it can obtain the PCI of the second cell. It can obtain the PCI of the second cell in advance, which helps to reduce the latency of the terminal device to complete random access.

[0168] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0169] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0170] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform 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 by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0171] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be as follows: Figure 3 The terminal 120 shown can also be as follows: Figure 3 The base station 110 shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal 120 or the base station 110.

[0172] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processing unit 710 and a transceiver unit 720. The communication device 700 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The methods illustrated in this embodiment demonstrate the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the device 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 400 described above.

[0174] The processing unit 710 is used to obtain the first random access configuration information of the first cell through the transceiver unit 720. The first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel. Based on the first random access configuration information, the transceiver unit 720 transmits the random access channel in the second cell. The second random access configuration information of the second cell is the same as the first random access configuration information.

[0175] Optionally, the first and second communities are located in the same area.

[0176] Optionally, the area can be a tracking area or a wireless access network notification area.

[0177] Optionally, before receiving the random access response, the method further includes receiving the physical cell identifier of the second cell.

[0178] Optionally, the PCI of the second cell is carried in a signal used for synchronization.

[0179] Optionally, the signal used for synchronization is a synchronization signal block SSB or a tracking reference signal TRS.

[0180] Optionally, the time-domain resource information includes one or more of the following: frame structure allocation, time-domain location of random access channel resources, random access response reception window, or the mapping relationship between SSB and random access channel resources.

[0181] Optionally, the frequency domain resource information includes one or more of the following: subcarrier spacing, frequency domain bandwidth, frequency domain location of random access channel resources, or the number of times random access channel resources are repeated in the frequency domain.

[0182] Optionally, the sequence information includes one or more of the following: the number of available sequences, the sequence format, the number of cyclic shifts, the root sequence index, or the constraint set configuration; wherein the number of cyclic shifts is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate, and the constraint set configuration is used to configure the number of cyclic shifts for different cells.

[0183] Optionally, when the cell radius of the first cell is smaller than the cell radius of the second cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the first cell; or, when the cell radius of the second cell is smaller than the cell radius of the first cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the second cell.

[0184] In another possible implementation, the device 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in the method 400 described above.

[0185] The processing unit 710 is used to determine the same second random access configuration information as the first random access configuration information of the first cell. The first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel. The transceiver unit 720 is used to receive the random access channel in the second cell based on the second random access configuration information. The random access channel is determined based on the first random access configuration information.

[0186] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is also used to transmit the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the second cell based on the random access channel.

[0187] The conditions that the first and second cells meet, the signals that the PCI of the second cell can carry, and the specific information included in the time-domain resource information, frequency-domain resource information, or sequence information can all be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] It should be understood that the communication device 700 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 700 can specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 700 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0189] The aforementioned communication device 700 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method; the above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In embodiments of this application, Figure 7 The communication device 700 in the text can also be a chip, such as a SOC.

[0190] like Figure 8 As shown, the transmission device 800 may include a processor 801, a transceiver 802, and a memory 803. The processor 801, transceiver 802, and memory 803 communicate with each other via internal interconnection. The memory 803 stores instructions, and the processor 801 executes the instructions stored in the memory 803 to control the transceiver 802 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0191] It should be understood that the communication device 800 may specifically be the terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 803 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 801 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 801 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 801 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 802 may include a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing the transmission action. For example, the transmitter may be used to send information to another device via the antenna. The receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing the reception action. For example, the receiver may be used to receive information from another device via the antenna.

[0192] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0193] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0194] Furthermore, the method provided in the embodiments of this application described above can be applied to O-RAN systems. In an O-RAN system, the O-RAN device can perform the steps performed by the network device described above.

[0195] The network device in this embodiment can also be referred to as an access network device. The access network device (i.e., RAN, such as an eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network device) can communicate with the core network (CN) device through a backhaul link, or it can communicate with the terminal device through an air interface.

[0196] For example, Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an access network device is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the access network equipment includes a BBU and a RU, which can communicate via a fronthaul link. The BBU may include at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate via a midhaul link.

[0197] The BBU in the access network equipment can communicate with the CN equipment via the backhaul link. The RU in the access network equipment can communicate with at least one terminal device via the air interface. The BBU can communicate with at least one RU via the fronthaul link. The BBU and RU can be co-located or not.

[0198] In this embodiment of the application, the DU can receive a random access channel from the terminal device through the RU, and can send the cell's PCI to the terminal device based on the random access channel, and can also send a random access response.

[0199] To better understand O-RAN equipment, the following section introduces the network element function division and protocol layer of O-RAN equipment.

[0200] For example, Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the network element functional division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the CU is a logical node that carries the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU is connected to network nodes such as core network equipment through some interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc.

[0201] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (control unit-control plane) and CU-UP (control unit-user plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions.

[0202] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0203] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing, also known as an RF chain. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP TRP, a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. In some examples, the low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0204] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing the control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0205] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0206] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0207] In this embodiment of the application, DU can execute the method provided in this embodiment of the application, and the specific implementation will not be described here.

[0208] This application also provides a chip system for a terminal device. This chip system can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0209] This application also provides a processor. This processor can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0210] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for implementing the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0211] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, allows the computer to perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0212] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0213] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0215] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0216] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0217] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0218] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A random access method, characterized in that, include: Obtain the first random access configuration information of the first cell, wherein the first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel; Based on the first random access configuration information, a random access channel is transmitted in the second cell, and the second random access configuration information of the second cell is the same as the first random access configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cell and the second cell are located in the same area.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The area referred to is either a tracking area or a wireless access network notification area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before receiving the random access response, the method further includes: Receive the physical cell identifier of the second cell.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The physical cell identifier of the second cell is carried in the signal used for synchronization.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal used for synchronization is either a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a tracking reference signal (TRS).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The time-domain resource information includes one or more of the following: frame structure ratio, time-domain location of the random access channel resource, random access response receiving window, or, mapping relationship between SSB and the random access channel resource.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The frequency domain resource information includes one or more of the following: subcarrier spacing, frequency domain bandwidth, frequency domain location of the random access channel resource, or the number of times the random access channel resource is repeated in the frequency domain.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The sequence information includes one or more of the following: The number of sequences that can be used, the format of the sequences, the number of cycle shifts, the root sequence index, or, the constraint set configuration; The cyclic displacement number is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate, and the constraint set configuration is used to configure the cyclic displacement number for different cells.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the cell radius of the first cell is smaller than the cell radius of the second cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the first cell; or, When the cell radius of the second cell is smaller than the cell radius of the first cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the second cell.

11. A random access method, characterized in that, include: Determine second random access configuration information that is the same as the first random access configuration information of the first cell, wherein the first random access configuration information is used to configure one or more of the time domain resource information, frequency domain resource information, or sequence information of the random access channel; Based on the second random access configuration information, a random access channel is received in the second cell, the random access channel being determined based on the first random access configuration information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first cell and the second cell are located in the same area.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The area referred to is either a tracking area or a wireless access network notification area.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, Before sending the random access response, the method further includes: Based on the random access channel, the physical cell identifier of the second cell is transmitted.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The physical cell identifier of the second cell is carried in the signal used for synchronization.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The signal used for synchronization is either a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a tracking reference signal (TRS).

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The time-domain resource information includes one or more of the following: frame structure ratio, time-domain location of the random access channel resource, random access response receiving window, or, mapping relationship between SSB and the random access channel resource.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The frequency domain resource information includes one or more of the following: subcarrier spacing, frequency domain bandwidth, frequency domain location of the random access channel resource, or the number of times the random access channel resource is repeated in the frequency domain.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The sequence information includes one or more of the following: The number of sequences that can be used, the format of the sequences, the number of cycle shifts, the root sequence index, or, the constraint set configuration; The cyclic displacement number is used to determine the number of sequences that a root sequence can generate, and the constraint set configuration is used to configure the cyclic displacement number for different cells.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, When the cell radius of the first cell is smaller than the cell radius of the second cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the first cell; or, When the cell radius of the second cell is smaller than the cell radius of the first cell, the number of cyclic displacements is determined by the cell radius of the second cell.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or performs the method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

23. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for reading instructions stored in a memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, causing the chip to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 11 to 20 to be performed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 11 to 20 to be performed.

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