Communication method and related device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a communication method and a related device. Network equipment provides a residence function through a first frequency point, and the network equipment provides a data transmission function through a second frequency point. And the second frequency point does not need to provide services such as radio resource management and / or paging, so that the power consumption of the network equipment and the terminal equipment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] To meet the ever-increasing demand for data traffic, wireless networks are constantly being built at a rapid pace. As networks grow larger, their power consumption continues to increase. For example, in 5G mobile communication technology, the large-scale commercialization of active antenna units (AAUs) has significantly increased the number of antennas on the network equipment side, leading to a substantial increase in power consumption. Furthermore, with the evolution of communication technologies, on the one hand, communication systems require higher data transmission rates and larger bandwidths, thus increasing the power consumption of network equipment. On the other hand, the application of millimeter-wave and terahertz technologies in the communication field has resulted in denser site deployments on the network equipment side, further increasing power consumption.

[0003] In real-world communication scenarios, network devices need to transmit common signals on each carrier to facilitate terminal identification and network access. For example, the common signals periodically transmitted by network devices may include synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs) and / or system information blocks (SIBs). Additionally, each carrier also needs to transmit paging signals to facilitate terminal device access to the network and data transmission. For instance, paging is used to wake up terminal devices, notify them of incoming downlink data, and for system updates. The transmission of these common signals prevents network devices from entering deep sleep mode, resulting in high power consumption. Correspondingly, terminal devices need to periodically measure and monitor these messages or signals, also leading to high power consumption.

[0004] Based on the above description, how to reduce the power consumption of network devices and terminal devices has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a communication method and related apparatus. A network device provides a camping function via a first frequency point and a data transmission function via a second frequency point. The second frequency point does not require radio resource management (RRM) and / or paging services, reducing the overhead of RRM measurement and paging signals, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device and the terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, which is applied to a first device.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first device can be a network device, a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, apparatus, chip, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. For example, the first device can be a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU).

[0008] The method includes: sending first information, the first information indicating M first frequency points, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; sending second information, the second information indicating N second frequency points, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the first frequency points are used to provide a camping function to the terminal device, and the second frequency points are used to provide a data transmission function to the terminal device. The camping function includes one or more of the following functions: random access channel (RACH), paging, or radio resource management (RRM), wake up, low power wakeup, paging, or small data transmission (SDT).

[0009] In the above technical solution, by distinguishing the communication functions of frequency points, the network device provides frequency points for camping functions and frequency points for data transmission functions respectively. This enables the network device to send common signals (or information or signals for camping) on ​​the frequency points for camping functions, while the frequency points for data transmission functions can enter a sleep state, deep hibernation, or shutdown state when there is no data transmission demand, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information indicates the first frequency point, specifically, the first information indicates whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, sending the first information includes: sending M first information messages, wherein the Kth first information message among the M first information messages indicates whether the Kth first frequency point among the M first frequency points allows the terminal device to camp, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, sending the first information includes: sending a first information indicating M first frequency points.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes a first field with a length of M bits, where each of the M bits corresponds to one of the M first frequency points. The Kth bit in the first field indicates, through different state values ​​of this bit, whether the Kth first frequency point among the M first frequency points is allowed to camp on.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the first device sends first information indicating M first frequency points, which are permitted for the terminal device to camp on. In other words, the first frequency points indicated by the first information are all first frequency points permitted for the terminal device to camp on.

[0015] In another possible implementation, the information regarding whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside can be other information besides the first information.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the first information can indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to camp on the M first frequency points in a variety of ways, which improves the flexibility of the solution implementation.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, including: the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device in a first state, the first state including at least one of the following states: idle state, inactive state, power-saving state, default state, power-saving mode, or default mode.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the first frequency point can specifically provide a dwell function for the terminal device in the first state. For example, the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function for the idle terminal device or the inactive terminal device, so as to further reduce the power consumption of the idle terminal device or the inactive terminal device.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second frequency point is used to provide data transmission functionality to the terminal device, including: the second frequency point is used to provide data transmission functionality to the terminal device in a second state, the second state including at least one of the following states: connected state, non-energy-saving state, enhanced mode, or non-energy-saving mode.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the second frequency point can also provide data transmission functionality for the terminal device in the second state. For example, the second frequency point can be used to provide data transmission functionality to the connected terminal device. In scenarios where the network device provides communication services to the connected terminal device, when the connected terminal device uses the second frequency point, the terminal device does not need to perform the relevant procedures of the camping function on the second frequency point, such as periodically measuring and monitoring paging signals, so as to reduce the power consumption of the connected terminal device and the network device.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information indicating the priority of the M first frequency points.

[0022] Optionally, the third information indicates the priority of each of the M first frequency points.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is also used to indicate whether a terminal device of the first type is allowed to reside on the first frequency point.

[0024] Through the above technical solution, the first device can indicate whether the first type of terminal device is allowed to reside on the first frequency point through the first information, so that the specific type of terminal device resides on the specific first frequency point, and the first device can control the number of first frequency points to be turned on in order to reduce power consumption.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate whether a terminal device of the first type is allowed to use the dwell function, or the fourth information indicating the type of terminal device that is allowed to use the dwell function.

[0026] Through the above technical solution, the first device can also indicate which types of terminal devices are allowed to use the resident function in order to adapt to different business needs and thus improve the flexibility of business implementation.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is carried in a master information block (MIB), a system message block, a paging message, paging downlink control information (paging DCI) scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI), a wake-up signal (WUS), or a low-power signal. The low-power signal includes a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second information is further used to indicate the type of the second frequency point, which includes one or more of the following: a second type, a third type, or a fourth type, wherein the second type of the second frequency point supports providing data transmission in a first direction, from the terminal device to the network device; the third type of the second frequency point supports providing data transmission in a second direction, from the network device to the terminal device; and the fourth type of the second frequency point supports providing data transmission in both the first and second directions.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the second frequency point can be further divided into various types according to the data transmission direction to adapt to different business needs and improve the flexibility of the solution implementation.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second information is also used to indicate a portion of the bandwidth (BWP) of a second frequency point, which is used to transmit reference signals and / or transmit data.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a fifth message, specifically used to indicate that the second frequency point is in an on state, or, the fifth message is used to indicate that the second frequency point is in a off state.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the first device can also shut down one or more second frequency points to further reduce the power consumption of the first device.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the fifth information is carried in a paging message, downlink control information paging DCI scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier, a wake-up signal WUS, or a low-power signal.

[0034] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the transmission timing of the fifth information. When the fifth information is carried on an LP-WUS, the first device determines the LP-WUS occasion, which corresponds to one or more LP-WUS, and sends the one or more LP-WUS according to the LP-WUS occasion.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second information is carried in one of the following signals or messages: System Message Block (SIB), paging message, downlink control information (paging DCI) scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier, wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power signal.

[0036] Optionally, the second and fifth information may be carried in the same information, message, or signal, for example, the second and fifth information may be carried in paging DCI.

[0037] Optionally, the second and fifth information are carried in different information, messages or signals, for example, the second information is carried in paging DCI and the fifth information is carried in LP-WUS.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, which is applied to a second device.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first device may be a terminal device, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, device, chip, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0040] The method includes: receiving first information indicating M first frequency points, the first frequency points being used to provide a dwell function to a terminal device, the dwell function including one or more of the following functions: random access channel, radio resource management, wake-up, low-power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission; receiving second information indicating N second frequency points, the second frequency points being used to provide data transmission function to the terminal device; dwelling on one or more of the M first frequency points according to the first information; and / or, using one or more of the N second frequency points for data transmission according to the second information.

[0041] In one example, the second device determines a first frequency point based on first information and a second frequency point based on second information. If the second device supports multi-carrier capability, the second device resides on the first frequency point and uses the second frequency point for data transmission.

[0042] In the above technical solution, by distinguishing the communication functions of frequency points, the network device provides frequency points for camping functions and frequency points for data transmission functions respectively. The terminal device measures or monitors camping-related information or signals on the frequency point providing camping functions. When there is no data transmission requirement, the terminal device does not need to monitor camping-related information or signals on the second frequency point, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, residing on the first frequency point according to the first information includes: residing on the first frequency point according to the first information, the second device performs one or more of the following operations: the second device performs monitoring of the Synchronous Broadcast Block (SSB), the second device performs monitoring of paging messages, or the second device performs measurement.

[0044] Furthermore, the terminal device residing on the first frequency point specifically refers to the terminal device using the residing function provided by the first frequency point.

[0045] Using the above method, the second device can quickly determine whether it is allowed to camp on the first frequency point based on the first information, thereby reducing processing latency and improving the efficiency of mobility management.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information indicating the priority of M first frequency points; and determining one or more first frequency points with the highest priority among the M first frequency points based on the third information.

[0047] Optionally, the second device resides on one or more of the highest priority first frequencies among the M first frequencies.

[0048] Using the above method, the second device selects the highest priority first frequency point to camp on based on the priority of the M first frequency points, thereby improving the communication quality of the second device.

[0049] Optionally, the second device determines the priority of the M first frequency points based on the third information. Further, the second device combines the measurement results of the M first frequency points and the priority of the M first frequency points to select one or more first frequency points with better measurement results and higher priority among the M first frequency points to stay.

[0050] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to use the camping function; if the type of the second device belongs to the type of terminal device indicated by the fourth information that is allowed to use the camping function, then camping on one or more of the M first frequency points according to the first information; or, if the type of the second device is the first type, then camping on one or more of the M first frequency points according to the first information.

[0051] Through the above technical solution, the first device can also indicate which types of terminal devices are allowed to use the camping function to adapt to different services. The second device determines whether to use the camping function based on its own type to ensure that the second device can communicate normally.

[0052] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the second information is also used to indicate a portion of the bandwidth BWP of the second frequency point, which is used to transmit reference signals and / or transmit data.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in an on state, or the fifth information being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in a off state.

[0054] In the above technical solution, the first device can also shut down the first frequency point to further reduce the power consumption of the first device. The second device can determine the state of the first frequency point based on the fifth information, avoiding the second device from residing in the first frequency point in the off state, and ensuring that the second device can communicate normally.

[0055] The second aspect provides some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects that can be referred to in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0056] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a communication system comprising: a first device and a second device. The communication system includes: the first device sending first information to the second device, the first information indicating M first frequency points, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the first frequency points being used to provide a dwell function to a terminal device, the dwell function including one or more of the following functions: random access channel, radio resource management, wake-up, low-power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission; the first device sending second information to the second device, the second information indicating N second frequency points, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the second frequency points being used to provide data transmission function to the terminal device. The second device dwells on one or more of the M first frequency points according to the first information; or, the second device uses one or more of the N second frequency points for data transmission according to the second information.

[0057] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication system performs the methods shown in the first and / or second aspects described above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0058] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a first device. The device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The components of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0059] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a second device. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to execute the steps performed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding first aspects.

[0062] In an eighth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0063] In a ninth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes the first device and / or the second device described above.

[0065] Eleventhly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first and / or second aspects above.

[0066] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0067] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first and / or second aspects described above.

[0068] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0069] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through thirteen can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction between an access network device and a terminal device in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the RRC status;

[0073] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of one embodiment of the communication method in this application.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first information in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 7 This is yet another schematic diagram of the first information in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 8 This is yet another schematic diagram of the first information in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 10 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 11 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0082] First, the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application is introduced. This application can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, New Radio (NR) systems, or future communication systems after 5G, such as 5G-Advanced systems. The communication system includes at least one of an access network device or a terminal device.

[0083] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one access network device (which can also be understood as a network device, such as...). Figure 1 The 110a and 110b mentioned above may also include at least one terminal (which can also be understood as the terminal device described above, such as...). Figure 1 (e.g., 120a-120j). Furthermore, the access network equipment (or wireless access network equipment) can be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b) in the above can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the wireless access network device.

[0085] For ease of description, Figure 1 The illustrated communication system is described using the example of an access network device as a base station and terminal devices as terminals. It is understood that when the communication system includes an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, the base station can be an IAB node. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base station and the access network device can be interchanged.

[0086] In this application, the base station and the terminal can be fixed or mobile. The base station and the terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted, on water, or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base station and the terminal.

[0087] 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; that is, 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, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. 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 the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0088] 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 achieved 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0091] The technical solution of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond the 5th generation. For example, future communication systems. For example, 4th generation communication systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems. 5th generation communication systems may include New Radio (NR) communication systems. The technical solution of this application can also be applied to wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, communication systems supporting the convergence of multiple wireless technologies, device-to-device (D2D) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, satellite communication systems, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), or reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication.

[0092] The terminal equipment and access network equipment involved in this application are described below.

[0093] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes.

[0094] In another example, the terminal device may also include: an intelligent agent, an artificial intelligence (AI) terminal device, or embodied artificial intelligence (EAI). An intelligent agent, also known as an intelligent proxy, refers to an autonomous entity that can observe its surroundings and take actions to achieve its goals. Embodied intelligence refers to the ability of an intelligent system or machine to interact with its environment in real time through perception and interaction.

[0095] The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0096] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; this application does not limit the specific application. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; this application does not limit the specific application. An access network device is an apparatus deployed in a wireless access network to provide wireless communication functions for a terminal device. An access network device can connect a terminal device to a radio access network (RAN) node in a wireless network, and can also be called an access network device, RAN entity, access node, network node, or communication device, etc.

[0097] Specifically, access network equipment can be access network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4G communication systems, 5G communication systems, or future communication systems. Access network equipment can also be access network equipment in open RAN (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, access network equipment can also be access network equipment in a communication system resulting from the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0098] Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home-evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be access network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), TRPs, and TPs in NR systems; or antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of base stations in 5G mobile communication systems; or, access network equipment can also be network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points. Examples include centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), centralized unit control planes (CU-CPs), centralized unit user planes (CU-UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). Alternatively, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). It should be understood that the aforementioned TRP can be a device or module located on the network side of the communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. The TRP typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions.The TRP can also be configured with program instructions for the corresponding communication functions.

[0099] It should be noted that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not impose any specific limitations on these details. Any of the units CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0100] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element can implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0101] Table 1

[0102]

[0103] It should be noted that in the ORAN system, the access network equipment in this application can be one or more network elements listed in Table 1 above.

[0104] The architecture of the CU and DU of the access network equipment is described below. An access network equipment includes at least one CU and at least one DU. Optionally, the access network equipment may also include at least one RU.

[0105] The following description uses an access network device consisting of one CU and one DU as an example. The CU has some core network functions and may include CU-CP and CU-UP. The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., at least one of the RRC or SDAP layers). The DU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer below the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RLC, MAC, or physical (PHY) layers). Alternatively, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer above the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RRC or SDAP layers), and the DU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer below the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers).

[0106] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0107] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF in a 5G system. The AMF is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0108] CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices.

[0109] Optionally, the ORAN architecture also includes a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) module.

[0110] It should be noted that the access network equipment can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; this application does not impose any specific limitation. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "access network equipment" can refer to the access network equipment itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the access network equipment that performs the method provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitation.

[0111] The core network may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following devices or network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), or location management function (LMF), etc. The AMF is primarily responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as user location updates, user registration with the network, and user handover.

[0112] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction between an access network device and a terminal device in an embodiment of this application. The access network device and the terminal device may include a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling interaction module, a Media Access Control (MAC) signaling interaction module, and a Physical Layer (PHY) signaling and data interaction module.

[0113] The RRC signaling interaction module refers to the module used by access network equipment and terminal equipment to send and receive RRC signaling. For example, the access network equipment sends RRC signaling to the terminal equipment, and the terminal equipment receives RRC signaling from the access network equipment.

[0114] The MAC signaling interaction module refers to the module used by access network equipment and terminal equipment to send and receive Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE) signaling. For example, the access network equipment sends MAC CE signaling to the terminal equipment, and the terminal equipment receives MAC CE signaling (or MAC CE message) from the access network equipment.

[0115] The PHY signaling and data interaction module refers to the module used by access network equipment and terminal equipment to send and receive uplink / downlink control signaling and uplink / downlink data. For example, the access network equipment sends the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to the terminal equipment, including downlink control information (DCI) within the PDCCH; the access network equipment sends the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to the terminal equipment, including downlink data within the PDSCH. Similarly, the terminal equipment sends the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) to the access network equipment, including uplink control information (UCI) within the PUCCH; and the terminal equipment sends the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) to the access network equipment, including uplink data within the PUSCH.

[0116] Before introducing the embodiments, some terms involved in this application will be explained in detail.

[0117] (1) Frequency point.

[0118] In this application's embodiments, a frequency point can be understood as a portion of frequency domain resources. Exemplarily, the frequency point can also be replaced by: layer, frequency band, frequency range, sub-band, carrier group, carrier, cell, sector, or region, wherein the cell, sector, or region corresponds to the frequency point. Optionally, a cell includes one or more sectors. Optionally, a cell includes one or more regions.

[0119] (2) Stay function.

[0120] Furthermore, the dwell function does not include data transmission functionality. The data transmission function in this embodiment differs from the small data transmission function; this data transmission function supports a larger data transmission volume than the small data transmission function. Alternatively, the parameter configuration supported by the data transmission function is an enhanced mode of the parameter configuration supported by the small data transmission function. For example, compared to the small data transmission function, the data transmission function supports one or more of the following: greater bandwidth, more antennas, more multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, more antenna ports, or more carriers, etc.

[0121] This residency function can also be replaced with: residency service, anchor service, or anchor function.

[0122] (3) Data transmission function.

[0123] In this application, the data transmission function is a concept corresponding to the resident function.

[0124] The second frequency band is used to provide data transmission functionality to the terminal device. This data transmission functionality does not include one or more of the following functions: random access channel, radio resource management, paging, or small data transmission. Optionally, the data transmission functionality provided by the second frequency band to the terminal device can also be replaced by a high-capacity data transmission functionality, or a large data transmission functionality, or an enhanced data transmission functionality.

[0125] (4) Type 1 terminal equipment.

[0126] This includes, but is not limited to: terminal devices that support artificial intelligence (AI) functions, terminal devices that support sensing functions, terminal devices that support redcap functions, terminal devices that support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) functions, terminal devices that support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) functions, terminal devices that support extended reality (XR) functions, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal devices, 5G terminal devices, or future terminal devices, etc., without further limitation here.

[0127] For example, a terminal device that supports AI functions refers to a terminal device that can use AI functions or perform AI tasks. For instance, a terminal device supporting AI functions can perform model training and inference of neural network models. Alternatively, a terminal device supporting AI functions can also be a terminal device with AI capabilities. A terminal device that supports sensing functions refers to a terminal device that can perform sensing tasks. For instance, a terminal device supporting sensing functions obtains the sensing results of the environment by sending and / or receiving sensing signals. Alternatively, a terminal device supporting sensing functions can also be a terminal device with sensing capabilities. A terminal device that supports URLLC functions refers to a terminal device that supports URLLC characteristics, such as an industrial robot in an URLLC scenario.

[0128] (5) Instructions.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0130] (6) Low power signal.

[0131] In this application embodiment, the low power signal can be a low power wake-up signal LP-WUS. The low power signal in this application includes, but is not limited to: a linear frequency modulation (Chirp) signal; an on-off keying (OOK) signal, such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3 or OOK-4, etc. Low-power signals can also be low-power sequence signals, such as: Gold sequence signals, M sequence signals, ZC sequence signals, Chirp sequence signals, Walsh sequence signals, Golay sequence signals, Kasami sequence signals, low-density sequence signals, Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) / Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) sequence signals, Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) signals, Symbol-based sequence signals, Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) signals, Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signals, or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signals, etc. Alternatively, low-power signals can also be signals obtained by optimizing the above signals, etc., and this application does not limit this. Optionally, the above low-power signals can be digital signals or analog signals. Alternatively, the WUS in this paper can be a non-low-power WUS or a WUS with low-power characteristics.

[0132] (7) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the access network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​of some parameters to the terminal device through messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources during transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration and can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the access network device and the terminal device have negotiated in advance, or parameter information or parameter values ​​that the access network device or the terminal device uses as specified by the standard protocol, or parameter information or parameter values ​​that are pre-stored in the access network device or the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0133] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0134] (8) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0135] (9) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0136] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0137] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0138] (10) Radio Resource Control (RRC) status.

[0139] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating the RRC states. RRC states include: connected (RRC_CONNECTED, or RRC connected), idle (RRC_IDLE, or RRC idle), and inactive (RRC_INACTIVE, or RRC inactive). The connected state indicates that a wireless link has been established between the terminal device and the network device, enabling normal communication. The idle state indicates that no wireless link has been established between the terminal device and the network device, and no communication occurs. The inactive state indicates that no wireless link has been established between the terminal device and the network device; the wireless link is suspended, but a signaling connection with the core network is maintained. The terminal device's context is retained in both the terminal device and the network device. The transition between the connected and idle states allows for a balance between efficiency and power consumption during communication between the terminal device and the network device. However, this switching process introduces additional latency; to reduce this latency, the inactive state is introduced.

[0140] In mobile communication systems, for frequent small data packet transmissions, if terminal devices remain in the RRC connected state for extended periods to ensure control plane activity, it wastes network capacity. Migrating these terminal devices to the RRC inactive state, however, can both maintain control plane activity and improve system capacity.

[0141] In practical communication scenarios, network devices need to transmit some common signals on each carrier to facilitate terminal identification and camping. For example, network devices need to periodically transmit SSB and / or SI on each carrier. In addition, paging messages also need to be transmitted on each carrier, thus preventing network devices from entering deep sleep mode and resulting in high power consumption. Terminal device power consumption comes from the following aspects: Idle and connected terminal devices need to periodically perform cell selection or reselection. The power consumption generated in these processes includes the power consumption of periodically measuring or monitoring the aforementioned messages (or signals), which can also be referred to as radio resource management power consumption. Furthermore, idle terminal devices need to monitor paging messages in all cells within the tracking area (TA), while inactive terminal devices need to monitor paging messages in all cells within the RAN-based notification area (RNA). Both idle and inactive terminal devices need to perform random access channel procedures to obtain uplink synchronization with the network device and perform beam management.

[0142] Based on the above description, there is a problem of high power consumption between network devices and terminal devices. How to reduce the power consumption of network devices and terminal devices has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0143] Based on this, embodiments of this application propose a communication method and related apparatus. By distinguishing the communication functions of frequency points, providing frequency points for dwelling functions and frequency points for data transmission functions respectively, network devices can transmit common signals (or information or signals for dwelling) on ​​the frequency points providing dwelling functions. For the frequency points providing data transmission functions, they can enter sleep mode or deep sleep when there is no data transmission requirement, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network devices. Correspondingly, terminal devices measure or monitor dwelling-related information or signals on the frequency points providing dwelling functions. When there is no data transmission requirement, the terminal devices do not need to monitor dwelling-related information or signals on a second frequency point, which also reduces the power consumption of the terminal devices. Through the above method, the power consumption between network devices and terminal devices is reduced.

[0144] Before introducing specific embodiments, the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system according to this application includes: a first device, a second device, and a core network. The first device is connected to the second device and the core network. The first device can be a network device, such as an access network device, for example, RAN1. The first device can also be a device with a chip, or a device with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, functional module, control unit, circuit, processor, or integrated circuit that can be applied to the aforementioned network device; specific details are not limited in this application. The second device can be a terminal device, such as UE1. The second device can also be a device with a chip, or a device with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, functional module, control unit, circuit, processor, or integrated circuit that can be applied to the aforementioned terminal device; specific details are not limited in this application.

[0145] Optionally, the communication system further includes a third device and a fourth device. The third device may be a terminal device, such as UE2. The fourth device may be a network device, such as RAN2.

[0146] For example, this communication system can be applied to stand-alone (SA) scenarios. In an SA scenario, the second device is connected to the first device, and the third device is connected to the fourth device.

[0147] In another example, the communication system can also be applied to dual connectivity (DC) scenarios. In a DC scenario, the second device can connect to both the first and fourth devices simultaneously, and the third device can connect to both the first and fourth devices simultaneously.

[0148] Based on the communication system illustrated above, the following will be combined with... Figure 5 This application describes a communication method proposed in its embodiments. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of one embodiment of the communication method in this application. The communication method proposed in this application includes:

[0149] Optionally, S1, the first device determines a first frequency point and a second frequency point, the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, and the second frequency point is used to provide a data transmission function to the terminal device.

[0150] The first frequency is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, and the second frequency is used to provide a data transmission function to the terminal device.

[0151] In the embodiments of this application, the first frequency point includes one or more frequency points, and the second frequency point includes one or more frequency points.

[0152] In one example, the first frequency point can be referred to as: the first layer, the first frequency band, the first frequency range, the first sub-band, the first carrier group, the first carrier, the first cell, the first sector, or the first region. As another example, the first frequency point can also be referred to as: the coverage layer, the coverage layer frequency band, the coverage layer frequency range, the coverage layer sub-band, the coverage layer carrier group, the coverage layer carrier, the coverage layer cell, the coverage layer sector, or the coverage layer region. As yet another example, the first frequency point can also be referred to as: the residing layer, the residing layer frequency band, the residing layer frequency range, the residing layer sub-band, the residing layer carrier group, the residing layer carrier, the residing layer cell, the residing layer sector, or the residing layer region. As yet another example, the first frequency point can also be referred to as: the anchor layer, the anchor layer frequency band, the anchor layer frequency range, the anchor layer sub-band, the anchor layer carrier group, the anchor layer carrier, the anchor layer cell, the anchor layer sector, or the anchor layer region.

[0153] In another example, the second frequency point can be referred to as: second layer, second frequency band, second frequency range, second sub-band, second carrier group, second carrier, second cell, second sector, or second region. For example, the second frequency point can also be referred to as: capacity layer, capacity layer frequency band, capacity layer frequency range, capacity layer sub-band, capacity layer carrier group, capacity layer carrier, capacity layer cell, capacity layer sector, or capacity layer region.

[0154] In this application, the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device. This dwell function includes one or more of the following functions: random access channel, radio resource management, wake-up, low-power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission. This dwell function can also be replaced by: dwell service, anchor service, or anchor function. The second frequency point is then used to provide a data transmission function to the terminal device. Since the data transmission function corresponds to the dwell function, this data transmission function can be understood as not including one or more of the following functions: random access channel, radio resource management, paging, or small data transmission.

[0155] Optionally, the data transmission function provided by the second frequency point to the terminal device can be further subdivided into: a data transmission function in the first direction, a data transmission function in the second direction, or a data transmission function in both the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the direction from the terminal device to the network device is defined as the first direction or the uplink direction, and the direction from the network device to the terminal device is defined as the second direction or the downlink direction. For example, the direction from the first device to the second device is the second direction or the downlink direction, and the direction from the second device to the first device is the first direction or the uplink direction.

[0156] In one example, the first device determines one or more second frequency points: second frequency point 1, second frequency point 2, or second frequency point 3, wherein second frequency point 1 supports uplink data transmission to the terminal device, second frequency point 2 supports downlink data transmission, and second frequency point 3 supports both uplink and downlink data transmission. For example, if the first device determines second frequency point 1, then the first device supports providing uplink data transmission to the terminal device via second frequency point 1. As another example, if the first device determines second frequency point 2, then the first device supports providing downlink data transmission to the terminal device via second frequency point 2. As yet another example, if the first device determines second frequency point 3, then the first device supports providing both uplink and downlink data transmission to the terminal device via second frequency point 3. As yet another example, if the first device determines both second frequency point 1 and second frequency point 2, then the first device supports providing uplink data transmission to the terminal device via second frequency point 1, and the first device also supports providing downlink data transmission to the terminal device via second frequency point 2. For example, if the first device determines a second frequency point 1 and a second frequency point 3, then the first device supports providing uplink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 1, and the first device supports providing both uplink and downlink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 3. For example, if the first device determines a second frequency point 2 and a second frequency point 3, then the first device supports providing downlink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 2, and the first device supports providing both uplink and downlink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 3. For example, if the first device determines a second frequency point 1, a second frequency point 2, and a second frequency point 3, then the first device supports providing uplink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 1, downlink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 2, and uplink and downlink data transmission functionality to the terminal device via the second frequency point 3.

[0157] Optionally, the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device in the first state, which includes at least one of the following states or modes: idle state, inactive state, power-saving state, default state, power-saving mode, or default mode.

[0158] Optionally, the second frequency point is used to provide data transmission function to the terminal device in the second state, which includes at least one of the following states: connected state, non-energy-saving state, enhanced mode, or non-energy-saving mode.

[0159] Optionally, the first information is further used to indicate whether a terminal device of the first type is allowed to reside on the first frequency point. Alternatively, it can be understood as: the first information is further used to indicate whether a terminal device of the first type is allowed to use the residency function provided by the first frequency point. For example, a first device provides a first frequency point 1 and a first frequency point 2 to multiple terminal devices. The first device sends first information to the multiple terminal devices, indicating that first frequency point 1 allows terminal devices supporting AI functions to reside on first frequency point 1, and does not allow terminal devices supporting sensing functions to reside on first frequency point 1; first frequency point 2 allows terminal devices supporting sensing functions to reside on first frequency point 2, and does not allow terminal devices supporting AI functions to reside on first frequency point 2. According to the first information, a terminal device among the multiple terminal devices that supports AI functions can reside on first frequency point 1, and the terminal device supporting AI functions uses first frequency point 1 to perform the residency function. According to the first information, a terminal device among the multiple terminal devices that supports sensing functions can reside on first frequency point 2, and the terminal device supporting sensing functions uses first frequency point 2 to perform the residency function.

[0160] Optionally, if the first device supports M first frequency points, the first device can enable H frequency points out of the M first frequency points, where H is an integer greater than or equal to 1, H is less than or equal to M, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, the first device can disable H frequency points out of the M first frequency points. Enabling a first frequency point in this embodiment can be understood as enabling the first frequency point to be in an available state, or allowing the first frequency point to provide a resident function to the terminal device. Disabling a first frequency point in this embodiment can be understood as enabling the first frequency point to be in an unavailable state, or the first device turning off the power amplifier of the first frequency point. Optionally, disabling the first frequency point can also be replaced by turning off the first frequency point or enabling the first frequency point to sleep.

[0161] In one possible scenario, the first device can also determine whether to enable some of the M first frequency points to hibernate based on various parameters or the scenario in which the first device is located, in order to further reduce power consumption. For example, when the first device is in an energy-saving scenario, energy-saving mode, or other scenario, the first device can turn off some of the M first frequency points. For example, when the data traffic of one or more second devices managed by the first device is less than a first threshold, the first device can turn off some of the M first frequency points.

[0162] Optionally, if the first device supports N second frequency points, the first device can activate L of the N second frequency points, where L is an integer greater than or equal to 0, L is less than or equal to N, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Alternatively, the first device can deactivate L of the N second frequency points. In this embodiment, activating a second frequency point can be understood as enabling the second frequency point to be available, or setting the second frequency point to a working state, or activating the power amplifier of the second frequency point. In this embodiment, deactivating a second frequency point can be understood as enabling the second frequency point to be unavailable, or setting the second frequency point to a non-working state, or deactivating the power amplifier of the second frequency point. Optionally, deactivating a second frequency point can also be replaced by disabling the second frequency point.

[0163] In one possible scenario, the first device may also determine whether to enable the second frequency point to sleep based on multiple parameters or the scenario in which the first device is located, or the first device may determine the state of the second frequency point based on multiple parameters or the scenario in which the first device is located. For example, if the data transmission volume of the first device is lower than a second threshold, one or more second frequency points may be enabled to sleep; or, if the first device is in an energy-saving scenario, one or more second frequency points may be enabled to sleep; or, if the number of second devices served by the first device is less than a third threshold, one or more second frequency points may be enabled to sleep; or, if the energy consumption requirement of the first device is energy saving, one or more second frequency points may be enabled to sleep.

[0164] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the execution order of steps S2 and S3.

[0165] S2. The first device sends first information to the second device, the first information indicating M first frequency points, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the first device sends M first messages, each indicating a first frequency point.

[0167] In one example, the first device sends M first messages, which indicate M first frequency points. The Kth first message among the M first messages indicates whether the Kth first frequency point among the M first frequency points allows the terminal device to camp, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is less than or equal to M.

[0168] Optionally, the correspondence between the M first information items and the M first frequency points can be indicated by carrying the identification information of the first frequency point in the first information item, or by carrying the first information item in the system information (SI) corresponding to the first frequency point. For example, first information 1 indicates whether the terminal device is allowed to camp on the first frequency point 1, and first information 1 is carried in the SI corresponding to the first frequency point 1. The S1 corresponding to the first frequency point 1 includes, but is not limited to: the main information block (MIB) corresponding to the first frequency point 1, or the system message block (SIB) corresponding to the first frequency point 1.

[0169] In another possible implementation, the first information indicates M first frequency points. For example, the first information includes a first field with a length of M bits, where each of the M bits corresponds to one of the M first frequency points. The first information, through this first field of length M bits, indicates whether the terminal device is allowed to camp on the M first frequency points. For example, the Kth bit in the first field indicates whether the Kth first frequency point among the M first frequency points is allowed to camp on the terminal device.

[0170] Optionally, the correspondence between each bit in the first field containing M bits and the M first frequency points can be pre-configured in the terminal device or configured by the first device to the second device. This application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the first information also includes indication information, which includes: "Bit 1: First frequency point 1, Bit 2: First frequency point 2, ... Bit M: First frequency point M".

[0171] In one possible implementation, the first information is specifically used to indicate whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information is specifically used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed or not allowed to camp on the first frequency point. For example, the first information includes a first field. When the value of the first field is a first value, the first information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to camp on the first frequency point; when the value of the first field is a second value, the first information indicates that the terminal device is not allowed to camp on the first frequency point, and the first value and the second value are different. In a further example, the first field is "bar indication". If the value of the first field "bar indication" is a first value, the first information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to camp on the first frequency point corresponding to the first information; if the value of the first field "bar indication" is a second value, the first information indicates that the terminal device is not allowed to camp on the first frequency point corresponding to the first information. In a further example, the first value can be "0" or "false", and the second value can be "1" or "true".

[0172] Optionally, the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point can be replaced with: the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed or not allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed or not allowed to camp on a first frequency point. The first information indicating that a terminal device is not allowed to camp on a first frequency point can also be replaced with: the first information indicating that a terminal device is not allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the first frequency point prohibits terminal devices from camping on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the terminal device is not allowed to use the camping function provided by the first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the terminal device is not allowed to camp on the first frequency point. The first information indicating that a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point can also be replaced with: the first information indicating that a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the first frequency point allows terminal devices to camp on a first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the terminal device is allowed to use the camping function provided by the first frequency point, or the first information indicating that the terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the information regarding whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to camp can be other than the first information. For example, an eighth piece of information can indicate whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to camp. This eighth piece of information is independent of the first information. The specific presentation of the eighth information can be referenced from the first information and will not be repeated here. For example, the first information is carried in the SIB, and the eighth information is carried in LP-WUS; for example, the first information is carried in the MIB, and the eighth information is carried in SIB1.

[0174] Furthermore, the terminal device residing on the first frequency point specifically refers to the terminal device using the residing function provided by the first frequency point.

[0175] For example, the first information may be carried in any of the following signals: Master Information Block (MIB), System Message Block (SIB), paging message, Wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power signal.

[0176] Optionally, the first device may also send a third message to the second device. The third message indicates the priority of the first frequency point. The priority of the frequency point can be understood as the order in which the second device uses the frequency points.

[0177] In one example, the first device sends M third messages to the second device, each third message indicating the priority of one of the M first frequency points.

[0178] For example, third information 1 indicates that the priority of the first frequency point 5.5 GHz is 0, third information 2 indicates that the priority of the first frequency point 5.6 GHz is 1, and third information 3 indicates that the priority of the first frequency point 5.7 GHz is 2. The second device preferentially resides at the first frequency point 5.5 GHz according to third information 1 to third information 3.

[0179] In another example, the first device sends a third message to the second device, which indicates the priority of each of the M first frequency points.

[0180] One example scenario is as follows: A first device determines the priority of a first frequency point in the following way. First, the first device indicates M first frequency points to a second device; in other words, the first device indicates to the second device which frequency points provide camping functionality. Second, the first and second devices perform a measurement process on the aforementioned M first frequency points to determine the measurement results of the M first frequency points. These measurement results may specifically include one or more of the following indicators: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), or received signal code power (RSCP), etc. Next, the first device determines the priority of the M first frequency points based on the measurement results. For example, the first frequency point with the best measurement result is given the highest priority, and the first frequency point with the worst measurement result is given the lowest priority. Alternatively, the priorities of the M first frequency points are set according to the measurement results, in descending order of quality. Finally, the first device indicates the priority of the M first frequency points to the second device through M third information.

[0181] Optionally, the first device may also send a fourth message to the second device, the fourth message being used to indicate whether the first type of terminal device is allowed to use the camping function, or the fourth message indicating the type of terminal device allowed to camp on the first frequency point.

[0182] In one example scenario, firstly, a first device sends first information to a second device, indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point. Secondly, the first device sends fourth information to the second device, indicating whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to camp on the first frequency point, or whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to use the first frequency point.

[0183] In another example, the fourth information indicates that AI-enabled terminal devices are permitted to reside on the first frequency. In yet another example, the fourth information indicates that ultra-reliable ultra-low latency communication (URLLC) terminal devices are not permitted to reside on the first frequency.

[0184] For example, the fourth information may be carried in any of the following signals: Master Information Block (MIB), System Message Block (SIB), paging message, Wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power signal.

[0185] For example, the first information is carried in the MIB, and the fourth information is carried in the SIB. Or, for another example, the first information is carried in either the MIB or the SIB, and the fourth information is carried in a paging message or WUS.

[0186] In one example scenario, a first device is in a URLLC factory environment. The first device sends first and fourth information. The first information indicates a Kth first frequency point, and the fourth information indicates that a terminal device supporting URLLC functionality is allowed to reside on the Kth first frequency point. Then, among the multiple second devices managed by the first device, the terminal device supporting URLLC functionality resides on the Kth first frequency point. The first device shuts down all first frequency points out of M except the Kth first frequency point to reduce power consumption. A URLLC factory environment refers to an application scenario that uses URLLC technology to improve factory production efficiency and product quality. Terminal devices supporting URLLC functionality in a URLLC factory environment include, for example, industrial robots.

[0187] S3. The first device sends second information to the second device, the second information indicating N second frequency points, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the first device sends N second messages, each indicating a second frequency point. In another possible implementation, the first device sends second messages indicating N second frequency points.

[0189] In one example, the second information is shown in Table 2.

[0190] Table 2

[0191]

[0192] Referring to Table 2, in one example, the identifier for the second information is 0, and the second information (identifier 0) indicates that the second frequency point includes: frequency point 3.5GHz. In another example, the identifier for the second information is 1, and the second information (identifier 1) indicates that the second frequency point includes: frequency point U6G, and frequency point U6G indicates the upper half of the frequency domain resources of 6GHz, namely 6425-7125 MHz.

[0193] In another example, the second piece of information is shown in Table 3.

[0194] Table 3

[0195] The identifier (serial number) of the second information. The second frequency point / gigahertz (GHz) 0 2.1、2.6 1 3.5、4.9

[0196] Referring to Table 3, in one example, the identifier for the second information is 0, and the second information (identifier 0) indicates that the second frequency points include: frequency point 2.1GHz and frequency point 2.6GHz. In another example, the identifier for the second information is 1, and the second information (identifier 1) indicates that the second frequency points include: frequency point 3.5GHz and frequency point 4.9GHz.

[0197] Optionally, the second information is also used to indicate the type of the second frequency point, or the second information indicates a specific type of second frequency point. The type of the second frequency point includes one or more of the following: a second type, a third type, or a fourth type, wherein the second type of second frequency point supports providing data transmission in a first direction, the first direction being from the terminal device to the network device, and the first direction can be an uplink direction; the third type of second frequency point supports providing data transmission in a second direction, the second direction being from the network device to the terminal device, and the second direction can be a downlink direction; and the fourth type of second frequency point supports providing data transmission in both the first and second directions.

[0198] Please refer to Table 4 for easier understanding.

[0199] Table 4

[0200]

[0201] Referring to Table 4, the second information is identified as 0, indicating that the second frequency points include 2.1GHz and 2.6GHz, and that both 2.1GHz and 2.6GHz support uplink data transmission. The second information is identified as 4, indicating that the second frequency points include 3.1GHz and 4.1GHz, where both 3.1GHz and 4.1GHz support uplink data transmission. The second information is identified as 5, indicating that both 2.6GHz and 2.1GHz support uplink and downlink data transmission, while 2.1GHz supports downlink data transmission. The second information is identified as 6, indicating that both 3.5GHz and 4.9GHz support uplink and downlink data transmission, while 4.9GHz supports downlink data transmission.

[0202] Optionally, the second information is also used to indicate a portion of the bandwidth (BWP) of the second frequency point, which is used to transmit reference signals and / or data. The reference signal may include one or more of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), tracking reference signal (TRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), cell reference signal (CRS), etc., without specific limitations here.

[0203] For example, the second information is carried in any of the following signals or messages: System Message Block (SIB), paging message, downlink control information (paging DCI) scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier, wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power signal.

[0204] Optionally, the first device may also send a fifth message to the second device, which indicates that the second frequency point is in an on state, or the fifth message indicates that the second frequency point is in a off state. In this embodiment, the second frequency point in the on state is available for a period of time, and the second frequency point in the off state is unavailable for a period of time. The off state can also be replaced by a closed state, an unavailable state, or a dormant state, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0205] Next, we will introduce the fifth piece of information:

[0206] First, we will introduce the indicative relationship between the fifth information and the second frequency point.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that one or more second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0208] In another possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that a second frequency point included in one or more frequency bands is in an on or off state. Any one of these frequency bands includes one or more second frequency points. The fifth information indicates that all second frequency points included in the one or more frequency bands are in an on or off state.

[0209] In another possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that the second frequency points included in one or more carriers are in an on or off state. Each of these one or more carriers includes one or more second frequency points. The fifth information indicates that all the second frequency points included in the one or more carriers are in an on or off state.

[0210] In another possible implementation, the fifth information indicates that the second frequency points included in one or more carrier groups are in an on or off state. Each of these carrier groups includes one or more second frequency points. The fifth information indicates that all second frequency points included in the one or more carrier groups are in an on or off state.

[0211] Secondly, some possible ways for the first device to send the fifth message will be introduced.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the first device sends a first signal carrying fifth information, which indicates that one or more second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0213] The first signal includes, but is not limited to, any of the following signals or messages: a paging message, downlink control information (paging DCI) scrambled by a paging radio network temporary identifier, a wake-up signal (WUS), or a low-power signal. The low-power signal is as described in step S2 above and will not be repeated here.

[0214] Optionally, the first signal may be a signal associated with the one or more second frequency points, wherein the association between the first signal and the second frequency points can be achieved in any of the following ways: Method A, the protocol predefines the association between the first signal and the one or more second frequency points; Method B, the first signal is preconfigured to be associated with the one or more second frequency points; Method C, the first signal carries the identification information of the one or more second frequency points.

[0215] In another possible implementation, the first device sends multiple first signals, each carrying one or more fifth information. These multiple first signals indicate whether multiple second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0216] In one example scenario, the first signal is a WUS (Wireless Message Signal). A first device transmits one or more WUS, each WUS carrying one or more fifth information. A second device determines the reception time of the one or more WUS based on the WUS occasion, and then receives the one or more WUS. Based on the one or more fifth information carried by the one or more WUS, the second device determines that one or more second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0217] Next, we will explain how the fifth information indicates whether one or more second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0218] Implementation method A: The fifth piece of information includes a bitmap field.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the bitmap field includes one or more bits, each bit corresponding to one or more second frequency points. For example, it can be predefined that one bit in the bitmap field corresponds to one frequency point, and one bit in the bitmap field indicates whether a second frequency point is in an on or off state. Alternatively, it can be predefined that one bit in the bitmap field corresponds to multiple frequency points, and one bit in the bitmap field indicates whether multiple second frequency points are in an on or off state.

[0220] In one example, taking a bit in the bitmap field as an example, a value of "0" for a bit indicates that the second frequency point corresponding to that bit is in the off state, and a value of "1" for a bit indicates that the second frequency point corresponding to that bit is in the on state.

[0221] In another example, taking a bit in the bitmap field as an example, a value of "1" for the bit indicates that the second frequency point corresponding to the bit is in the off state, and a value of "0" for the bit indicates that the second frequency point corresponding to the bit is in the on state.

[0222] Implementation method B: The fifth piece of information includes a codeword field.

[0223] In one possible implementation, different values ​​of the codeword field indicate whether different second frequency points are in an on or off state. For example, Table 5 shows an example where the fifth information includes a codeword field.

[0224] Table 5

[0225] Fifth piece of information (the value of the codeword field) meaning 00 Second frequency point 1 is in the off state, and second frequency point 2 is in the off state. 01 Frequency 1 is in the off state, and frequency 2 is in the on state. 10 Second frequency point 1 is in the enabled state, and second frequency point 2 is in the disabled state. 11 Second frequency point 1 is enabled, and second frequency point 2 is enabled.

[0226] For example, in Table 5, the fifth information includes a codeword field. If the value of the codeword field is 00, the fifth information indicates that the second frequency point 1 is in the off state and the second frequency point 2 is in the off state.

[0227] Another example of the fifth piece of information being carried in the codeword field is shown in Table 6.

[0228] Table 6

[0229]

[0230] For example, in Table 6, the fifth information includes a codeword field. If the value of the codeword field is 00, the fifth information indicates that the second frequency point 1 is in the off state and the other second frequency points are in the on state, such as the second frequency points 2 to 4 being in the on state.

[0231] It is understood that the value of the codeword field and its specific meaning can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the first device to the second device. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0232] Next, we will introduce some possible ways in which the fifth information is carried in the paging DCI.

[0233] In bearer mode A, the fifth piece of information is carried in a newly defined field of paging DCI.

[0234] In bearer mode B, the fifth message is carried in the short message field of paging DCI.

[0235] In bearer mode B, optionally, the paging DCI includes a short message indicator field to indicate whether the short message included in the paging DCI carries a fifth piece of information. The length of the short message indicator can be 3 bits, and the values ​​of the short message indicator and their corresponding meanings are shown in Table 7.

[0236] Table 7

[0237]

[0238]

[0239] Furthermore, the short message indicator is 2 bits long. The values ​​of the short message indicator and their corresponding meanings are shown in Table 8. For example, when the short message indicator indicates that the paging DCI's short message is a reserved field or that the short message is null, the short message can be used to carry the fifth piece of information.

[0240] Table 8

[0241]

[0242] In bearer mode C, the fifth information is carried in the reserved field of the short message field in paging DCI. Taking an 8-bit short message field as an example, bits 5 to 8 are reserved. For instance, a system message includes second information indicating second frequency point 1 and second frequency point 2. The 5th bit of the corresponding short message field indicates whether second frequency point 1 is on or off, and the 6th bit of the short message field indicates whether second frequency point 2 is on or off.

[0243] Optionally, the first device sends a sixth message to the second device, the sixth message indicating the priority of N second frequency points.

[0244] In one example, the first device sends N sixth messages to the second device, each sixth message indicating the priority of a second frequency point.

[0245] In another example, the first device sends a sixth message to the second device, which indicates the priority of N second frequency points.

[0246] S4. The second device resides on the first frequency point according to the first information and / or uses the second frequency point to transmit data according to the second information.

[0247] In step S4, the second device determines the first frequency point to which it will camp based on the first information, and then camps on the first frequency point and uses the camping function provided by the first frequency point. Alternatively, the second device determines the second frequency point based on the second information, and then uses the second frequency point for data transmission.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the second device resides on the first frequency point based on the first information, and performs one or more of the following operations: the second device performs SSB monitoring, paging monitoring, and RRM measurement. For example: "UE should perform SSB monitoring, paging monitoring, and RRM measurement".

[0249] Optionally, the second device may also determine a first frequency point on which the second device is allowed to camp, depending on the type of the second device.

[0250] Optionally, the second device determines, based on the first information, whether it is permitted to camp on the first frequency point indicated by the first information, or whether it is not permitted to camp on the first frequency point indicated by the first information.

[0251] Optionally, the second device receives first information and third information from the first device. Based on the first information and third information, the second device selects a first frequency point with higher priority from the M first frequency points indicated by the first information and camps on it.

[0252] Optionally, the second device receives first information and fourth information from the first device.

[0253] One example scenario is as follows: First, the second device receives first information from the first device, indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to camp on a first frequency point. Second, the second device receives fourth information from the first device, indicating whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to camp on the first frequency point, or whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to use the first frequency point.

[0254] If the second device is a first-type terminal device, then the second device (first-type) determines whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside based on the first information. If the first information indicates that the first frequency point does not allow the terminal device to reside, then the second device (first-type) does not allow the terminal device to reside on the first frequency point. If the first information indicates that the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside, then the second device (first-type) further determines whether the first frequency point allows the first-type terminal device to reside based on the fourth information. If the fourth information indicates that the first frequency point allows the first-type terminal device to reside, then the second device (first-type) resides on the first frequency point based on both the first and fourth information. If the fourth information indicates that the first frequency point does not allow the first-type terminal device to reside, then the second device (first-type) does not reside on the first frequency point based on both the first and fourth information. For non-first-type terminal devices, if the non-first-type terminal device receives the first and fourth information, and the first information indicates that the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside, then the non-first-type terminal device can ignore the fourth information and directly reside on the first frequency point.

[0255] Optionally, the second device determines the second frequency point to be used by the second device based on the second information.

[0256] Optionally, the second device receives the fifth information, determines one or more second frequency points that are in the on state based on the fifth information, and then selects the second frequency point to use from among them.

[0257] In the above technical solution, the first device indicates a first frequency point through first information, and the first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the second device. This allows the first device to provide the dwell function to the second device simply by activating the first frequency point, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first device. Alternatively, the first device can provide data transmission function to the second device simply by activating the second frequency point. The first and second devices do not need to perform the following actions: Random Access Channel (RACH), Radio Resource Management (RRM), wake-up, paging, and / or small data transmission, thereby reducing the power consumption of both the first and second devices. The second device only needs to periodically measure and monitor the paging signal on the first frequency point, thus effectively reducing the power consumption between the first and second devices. Furthermore, the first device can also disable a portion of the first frequency point and / or a portion of the second frequency point to further reduce the power consumption of the first device.

[0258] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the following will introduce some example scenarios of the first or second information in the embodiments of this application.

[0259] For an example, please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first information in an embodiment of this application. Frequency 1 and frequency 3 are first frequencies, while frequency 2 is not a first frequency. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 1 to the second device. The SIB1 of frequency 1 includes the first information, and the first information of frequency 1 indicates that the second device is allowed to camp on frequency 1. Since frequency 2 is not a first frequency, the first device does not send the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 2 to the second device. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 3 to the second device. The SIB1 of frequency 3 includes the first information, and the first information of frequency 3 indicates that the second device is not allowed to camp on frequency 3.

[0260] For another example, please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first information in an embodiment of this application. Frequency 1 and frequency 3 are first frequencies, while frequency 2 is not a first frequency. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 1 to the second device. The MIB included in the SSB of frequency 1 carries the first information, and the first information of frequency 1 indicates that the second device is allowed to reside on frequency 1. Since frequency 2 is not a first frequency, the first device does not send the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 2 to the second device. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 3 to the second device. The MIB of frequency 3 includes the first information, and the first information of frequency 3 indicates that the second device is not allowed to reside on frequency 3.

[0261] For another example, please see Figure 7 , Figure 7This is another schematic diagram of the first information in an embodiment of this application. Frequency 1 and frequency 3 are first frequency points, while frequency 2 is not a first frequency point. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 1 to the second device. The SIB1 of frequency 1 includes the first information, which indicates that the second device is allowed to camp on frequency 1 and frequency 3. Since frequency 2 is not a first frequency point, the first device does not send the SSB and SIB1 of frequency 2 to the second device.

[0262] For an example, please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second information in an embodiment of this application. Frequency points 3 and 4 are the second frequencies. The first device sends the SSB and SIB1 of frequency point 1 to the second device. The SIB1 of frequency point 1 includes the second information, and the second information of frequency point 1 instructs frequency points 3 and 4 to provide data transmission services.

[0263] Next, the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application will be described. This communication device can be used in the first device, the second device, and / or the core network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0264] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 9 The communication device 900 includes a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902.

[0265] The communication device 900 includes an access network device, which may be a first device. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include components (e.g., chips), modules, or units within a terminal device, in which case the access network device may be a second device.

[0266] Communication device 900 can be used to perform Figures 5-8 The steps performed by the first device in the illustrated embodiment may be described in detail in the foregoing. Figures 5-8 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments.

[0267] Communication device 900 can be used to perform Figures 5-8 The second device performs all or part of the steps in the illustrated embodiment, as detailed in the foregoing. Figures 5-8 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments.

[0268] The processing module 902 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 901 is used to implement the corresponding communication functions.

[0269] Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0270] It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 900 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0271] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 902 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 900 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0272] Communication device 900 can be used to perform Figures 5-8 The actions performed on the first device side in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 902 is used to execute... Figures 5-8 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the first device side. The transceiver module 901 is used to perform... Figures 5-8 The embodiments shown depict the receiving or transmitting operations on the first device side.

[0273] Communication device 900 can be used to perform Figures 5-8 The actions performed on the second device side in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 902 is used to execute... Figures 5-8 The illustrated embodiment shows the processing-related operations on the second device side. The transceiver module 901 is used to perform... Figures 5-8 The embodiments shown depict the receiving or transmitting operations on the second device side.

[0274] For example, the communication device 900 is used to execute the following scheme.

[0275] In one example, when the communication device 900 is applied to the first device, the communication device 900 includes:

[0276] Processing module 902 is used to determine a first frequency point and a second frequency point. The first frequency point is used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, and the second frequency point is used to provide a data transmission function to the terminal device. The dwell function includes one or more of the following functions: Random Access Channel (RACH), Radio Resource Management (RRM), wake-up, low-power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission (SDT).

[0277] The transceiver module 901 is used to send first information, which indicates M first frequency points, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0278] The transceiver module 901 is also used to send second information, which indicates N second frequency points, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0279] Possible implementation methods and descriptions regarding the first frequency point, the second frequency point, the first information, and the second information can be found in... Figures 5-8 The relevant content in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0280] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to send third information, which indicates the priority of the M first frequency points.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to send fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the type of terminal device that is allowed to use the dwell function, or the fourth information being used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to use the dwell function.

[0282] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to send a fifth message, which indicates that the second frequency point is in an on state, or the fifth message indicates that the second frequency point is in a off state.

[0283] In one possible implementation, the possible embodiments and descriptions of the third or fourth information can be... Figures 5-8 The relevant content in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0284] In another example, the communication device 900 is applied to the second device, the communication device 900 comprising:

[0285] The transceiver module 901 is used to receive first information, the first information indicating a first frequency point, the first frequency point being used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, the dwell function including one or more of the following functions: random access channel RACH, radio resource management RRM, wake-up, low power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission;

[0286] The transceiver module 901 is also used to receive second information, the second information indicating a second frequency point, and the second frequency point is used to provide data transmission function to the terminal device;

[0287] Processing module 902 is configured to reside at the first frequency point based on the first information;

[0288] Alternatively, the processing module 902 is used to transmit data using the second frequency point based on the second information.

[0289] In one possible implementation, the possible implementation methods and descriptions of the first information, the second information, the first frequency point, or the second frequency point can be... Figures 5-8 The relevant content in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to receive third information, the third information indicating the priority of the first frequency point.

[0291] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the type of terminal device that is allowed to use the dwell function, or the fourth information being used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to use the dwell function.

[0292] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to receive fifth information, which indicates that the second frequency point is in an on state, or the fifth information indicates that the second frequency point is in a off state.

[0293] In one possible implementation, the possible embodiments and descriptions of the third or fourth information can be... Figures 5-8 The relevant content in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0294] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figures 5-8 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0295] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0296] The processing module 902 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 901 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 901 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0297] This application also provides another communication device. Figure 10 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 10 The communication device 1000 includes a processor 1001.

[0298] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1002.

[0299] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a transceiver 1003.

[0300] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001, memory 1002, and transceiver 1003 are connected via a bus, and the memory 1002 stores computer instructions.

[0301] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1000 includes an access network device, or the access network device includes a CU or DU, or a component (e.g., a chip), module, or unit within the access network device, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the steps performed by the first device in the above method embodiments, as can be referred to in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0302] Optionally, the aforementioned Figure 9 The processing module 902 in the illustrated embodiment may be the processor 1001, as described above. Figure 9 The transceiver module 901 in the illustrated embodiment can be the transceiver 1002. Alternatively, as described above... Figure 9 The processing module 902 in the illustrated embodiment may be the processor 1001, as described above. Figure 9 The transceiver module 901 in the illustrated embodiment can be the transceiver 1002.

[0303] This application also provides a communication device. Figure 11 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 11 The communication device 1100 can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component (e.g., a chip), module, or unit of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1100 can be used to perform the steps performed by the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0304] Processors are mainly used to process data or signals, control communication devices, execute corresponding software programs, and process data from software programs.

[0305] It should be noted that this processor has weak signal processing capabilities and is unable to perform complex signal processing algorithms.

[0306] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and RF signals, as well as the processing of RF signals.

[0307] Antennas are primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0308] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include input / output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0309] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor then converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it.

[0310] For ease of explanation, Figure 11 Only one memory and processor are shown in the illustration. In actual communication devices, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory may be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application does not limit this.

[0311] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be considered as the transceiver unit of the communication device, and the processor with processing functions can be considered as the processing unit of the communication device. Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver, transceiver machine, transceiver device, etc. The processing unit can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, processing device, etc.

[0312] Optionally, the devices in transceiver unit 1110 used for receiving functions can be considered as receiving units, and the devices in transceiver unit 1110 used for transmitting functions can be considered as transmitting units. That is, transceiver unit 1110 includes both receiving and transmitting units. A transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc. A receiving unit can also be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitting unit can also be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0313] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1110 is used to perform the sending and receiving operations of the second device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform other operations on the second device in the above method embodiment besides the sending and receiving operations.

[0314] When the communication device is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit integrated on the chip. In the above method embodiment, the sending operation corresponds to the output of the input / output circuit, and the receiving operation corresponds to the input of the input / output circuit.

[0315] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is used to perform... Figures 5-8In the illustrated embodiment, the first device performs all or part of the steps, and the second device is used to perform... Figures 5-8 The second device performs all or part of the steps in the illustrated embodiment.

[0316] This application also provides a computer program product including computer instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figures 5-8 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0317] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figures 5-8 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0318] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory, so that the processor executes the above-described... Figures 5-8 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0319] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0320] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory in which computer programs or computer instructions are stored.

[0321] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figures 5-8 The illustrated embodiment is an integrated circuit for program execution of the method. The memory mentioned above may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0322] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0323] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0324] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0325] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part of the technical solution that makes an essential contribution, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0326] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device, and the method includes: Send a first message, which indicates M first frequency points, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The first frequency points are used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, and the dwell function includes one or more of the following functions: Random Access Channel (RACH), Radio Resource Management (RRM), Wake-up, Low Power Wake-up, Paging, or Small Data Transmission (SDT); Send a second message, which indicates N second frequency points, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the second frequency points are used to provide data transmission functions to the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information indicates the first frequency point, specifically, the first information indicates whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Sending the first information includes: Send M first messages, wherein the Kth first message among the M first messages indicates whether the Kth first frequency among the M first frequency points allows the terminal device to camp, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and K is less than or equal to M.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which indicates the priority of the first frequency point.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to reside on the M first frequency points.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which indicates whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to reside on the M first frequency points, or the fourth message indicates the type of terminal device allowed to reside on the M first frequency points.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the main information block (MIB), system message block (SIB), paging message, wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate a portion of the bandwidth (BWP) of the second frequency point, which is used to transmit reference signals and / or transmit data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message, the fifth message being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in an on state, and / or, the fifth message being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in a off state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The second information is carried in any of the following signals or messages: paging message, downlink control information pagingDCI scrambled by paging radio network temporary identifier, wake-up signal WUS, or low-power signal.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second device, and the method includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating M first frequency points, the first frequency points being used to provide a dwell function to the terminal device, the dwell function including one or more of the following functions: random access channel RACH, radio resource management RRM, wake-up, low power wake-up, paging, or small data transmission; Receive second information, the second information indicating N second frequency points, the second frequency points being used to provide data transmission function to the terminal device; Based on the first information, it resides at one or more of the M first frequency points; And / or, based on the second information, use one or more of the N second frequency points for data transmission.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Based on the first information, residing at the first frequency point includes: Based on the first information and residing at the first frequency, the second device performs one or more of the following operations: Monitor the Synchronous Broadcast Block (SSB), monitor paging messages, or perform RRM measurements.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information indicates the first frequency point, specifically, the first information indicates whether the first frequency point allows the terminal device to reside.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Receiving the first information includes: Receive M first information messages, wherein the Kth first information message among the M first frequency points indicates whether the Kth first frequency point among the M first frequency points allows the terminal device to camp, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and K is less than or equal to M.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates the priority of the M first frequency points.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The first information is further used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to reside on the M first frequency points, and the method further includes: Determine the type of the terminal device; If the type of the second device belongs to the type of terminal device that is allowed to reside on the M first frequency points as indicated by the first information, then reside on the M first frequency points according to the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate the type of terminal device allowed to reside on the M first frequency points, or the fourth information being used to indicate whether a first type of terminal device is allowed to reside on the M first frequency points; If the type of the second device belongs to the type of terminal device that is allowed to use the camping function as indicated by the fourth information, then camp on the M first frequency points according to the first information; Alternatively, if the second device is of the first type, then the first information resides at the M first frequency points.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the main information block (MIB), system message block (SIB), paging message, wake-up signal (WUS), or low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate a portion of the bandwidth (BWP) of the second frequency point, which is used to transmit reference signals and / or transmit data.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in an on state, or the fifth information being used to indicate that the second frequency point is in a off state.

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

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor coupled to a memory; the at least one processor is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

24. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

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